Altogether unusual

Eve

'Cry. Forgive. Learn. Move on. Let your tears water the seeds of your future happiness.'

Steve Maraboli

I spent the rest of the day doing nothing basically. Tim sent me home at a certain point because I was bringing down the entire staff. His words, not mine. Back at the hotel I did my best to occupy my time. I went to the gym, I rearranged my clothes, I took a long bath and still nothing worked. Time would not pass fast enough. I wanted to go see Eve, but was that the correct thing to do? For me? She had wounded me deeply. Nonetheless, I understood her. And I had wounded her first. I was not there for her when she had needed me. I had failed to see her struggle and that was not only because she never said a damn thing, but because I had been so focused on him. I am lying in bed thinking about what she said, how scared and alone she was. And don't even get me started on her father, leaving her alone like that. Some parents, man! What are they thinking? That their child will just be their copy, following their wishes and rules like some kind of good soldier boy? I cannot even imagine what Eve did for more than a year, all alone. I miss her, I miss my friend. I was such a coward not admitting to myself that I miss my best friend. Such double standards I have: I could tell myself I still love him, but not let myself miss her?

There was no better answer than that – I just had to man up and go to dinner with her and her girlfriend.

I didn't know what kind of hotel the Green Crown was, but I never really gave a damn about etiquette. Not to mention I didn't have a dress or 'something nice' packed with me. I put on a pair of leather pants with army boots, a Samael t-shirt and a leather jacket. This will have to do. I got on my rented bike and almost flew to meet the girls.

Once I got there, I relaxed a little. The hotel was simple and tastefully decorated inside and, even if I was the only one dressed like a biker, I was not out of place. Too much. Eve and Sandy were eating at a window table, all heart-eyes and smiles.

"Clarisse, you came!" Eve jumped off her chair and engulfed me in one of her embraces. I have missed that too.

"Yeah, I hope it is not too late." I said a little embarrassed, for no particular reason.

"Are you kidding me? No, we just got the first course. We can ask for another one."

"That would be nice, thank you."

"So, tell me, what have you been doing?" She enquired after I ordered.

"Uhm, mostly traveling. I've spent 5 months in Czech Republic, which is the most time I've stayed put. The rest was just jumping off planes, scarring people for life, like you used to say, and then jump on another plane." Eve started laughing, pleased with herself.

"So you remember."

"Of course I do. How about you?" I almost kicked myself for asking that question when I saw her eyes going sad.

"Well, you know... I've been a lot of stupid. I kissed my best friend, lost my best friend, lost my other friend too, told my father I was gay, have been kicked out of the house, stuff like that."

"Eve, I'm sorry, I..."

"No, no, it's fine. It turned out to be for the best. After being kicked out from my parents' house I asked for a transfer far away. It isn't that far, but Dublin is enough. I rented a room and started therapy. One day I was at work, organizing a big reception, and I met Sandy." With that, Eve leaned and kissed Sandy.