Trudeau

Secret Departures

Holocene - Bon Iver

---

I slip into the meeting I am assigned to take notes in and notice eyes on me. Something I'm not used to. Leaders and staff alike look at me and turn to each other. I begin to feel extremely self conscious about everything. I look at my dress to see if there if anything on the red fit and flare. What are they looking at? I try to cover my face with my hand as I look down at my phone. I get on to twitter and see Justin's interview from yesterday trending. I click on a link. 

Justin Trudeau and his "intern" at the G20 summit - Opinion Piece

Here I was in the summit, taking notes and then I spot a familiar face, Eliza Norwell. The disgrace of Canada. What was she doing here? I asked myself. Then I found out that the administration had secretly hired her full time. I was denied any interview with her. But these actions speak volumes on Mr. Trudeau's part. Why is he so desperate to have her on his team? Upon some digging, this girl hasn't even finished law school. She's barely qualified. 

Later in the summit, I got to interview Mr. Trudeau himself on  a gorgeous balcony. I couldn't help but notice it was just Mr. Trudeau and Miss Eliza on the balcony talking. When I approached Trudeau with the question of "Why must you rehire your intern?" I was met with an abrasive "I'm not interviewing for a gossip column." 

I'm not one to jump to conclusions. I originally believed what Trudeau said about the two being close friends and Trudeau being a personal mentor. I'm beginning to doubt myself. Perhaps I am wrong.  I don't know everything that happens in government. But things don't seem right. Trudeau in Italy without his wife? But they had to make sure some minor staff member got place on the plane? Trudeau-- you better act wisely the next couple weeks. The world is watching. 

My chest feels tight and my face is hot. I look up to see a path right the door. I bolt for it. As I escape the room, I spot Telford. Her face looks at me with a worried expression. 

"Telford, book me a plane ticket right now." I say in a panicked voice. 

"Eliza, you're being-" I keep Telford from finishing her sentence. 

"I'm not. I can't do this. I love him too much. Please. Let me do this with the dignity I have left. I need to do this. For me, for him. " I beg her. Without a word she nods. "I'll be at the hotel. Text me the details." I begin my walk back. 

--

Tears pour down my face as I pack the last of my things. I make sure I'm in my comfortable joggers and hoodie (in case media find me) for the ride home. Before zipping up the suitcase I find myself on the floor, with my knees pulled into my chest, sobbing. Everything that has happened, everything I've put myself through. Some stupid opinion piece ruined it. No, I ruined it by even thinking this was going to end happily. I grab the hotel pen and pad and write a note to Justin. After that, I zip up my suitcase and head out. 

--

"Would you like anything to drink?" A flight attendant asks as I look out the window at the night sky. 

"Just water please." I smile lightly. She hands me the small colorless cup. As she leaves a song I hadn't heard in sometime blares in my headphones and sends pain reeling through my entire body. My stomach feels sick and my chest and throat feel tight. "The Fault in Our Stars" by Troye Sivan rings in my ears. I recall Justin and I holding each other in my apartment. The first time I really knew I loved him. The time I decided it was all worth it. Instinctively, I yank the headphones out of my ears and grip my tray, trying to regain my breath. The two other people in my row look at me oddly. I just slip my headphones on. 

--

"Welcome to the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport!" A monotone voice buzzes over the intercom of the airport as I anxiously await my bags. The vibrating of my phone has become numb to me, as it's been happening since I landed and I know exactly who it is. I yank my black suitcase off the belt and hurry to hail a cab down. 

"Hi, yes take me to Rideau Cottage." I demand. 

"Miss, it's closed and you can't get in." The taxi driver says and looks at me through the review mirror. 

I sigh and brush some loose hair out of my face, "Yes, don't worry. I can." 

The taxi cab driver shakes his head, but still continues to drive. I patiently look out the window, taking in what Ottawa at night looks like. After about ten minutes of resisting looking at my phone, I give in. I turn it over to see all the texts and calls from Justin. Pain radiates through my body. A pain that is like no other. A pain that can't be numbed or stopped. Tears fill my eye. With shaking hands, I unlock my phone and reply to Telford. 

To: Telford

I'm back, don't worry. Everything is okay. Tell Justin to focus on his work.

Instantly, I get a response. 

From: Telford

Glad you made it safe. I will tell him. Sleep tight and call in the morning. 

I put my phone down and look back out the window.

"Miss, we're here." The taxi driver stops. I hand him some cash and get out. 

"Wait here, I'll just be a minute." I close the door. 

I show my badge to the secret service and they let me through. I knock gently on the door, knowing the kids are probably asleep. A minute later a tired looking Sophie opens the door. 

"No, I don't want to see yo-" Sophie begins to close the door, but I stop in. 

"Wait!" I beg. "I need to apologize. I have a lot to explain." 

Sophie looks at me for a moment and then nods, "Come in." Her voice abrasive, but open. 

The two of us sit at the kitchen table across from each other in silence as I gather my thoughts. Unsure how to start the discussion. "It's over." I mumble. "I left Italy. I can't let him do this to himself and I can't do it anymore. He's yours." 

I hear a scoff leave Sophie's mouth, "Eliza, you think it's that easy? You break up with I'm and he's suddenly mine again? Oh no sweetie, he's not mine anymore. He stopped being mine the day he met you. Nothing will change that." 

"I'm sorry." I feel tears begin to form, "I'm sorry for everything. I know that isn't enough, and I wish there was something I could do, but there isn't." 

Sophie gently nods. 

"I'm turning my badge in tomorrow before he gets back, then you'll never see me again."  I give her a weak smile. I get up and say goodbye before heading back to the cab, while tears stream down my face.

---

A/N: THIS IS NOT THE END OF THE STORY DON'T WORRY. ALSO update on my LIFE: BOYS ARE STUPID. Literally. I can't say that enough. That's why this chapter is so sad :/. It's funny how you can thin your depression and self harm are behind you but it takes one event to bring it all back. But I have a 3.75 GPA rn and tbh my chem professor is beautiful but it's fine.AND HE'S FROM VANCOUVER