The Journey Home

10 - He Makes His Presence Known

Eileen

For the past week I avoided Alex. I still remembered the hurt look on his face when I asked him to leave me alone and though the regret was present, I couldn’t ring myself to contact him.

It's for the best, I kept telling myself.

After all, he was a happy man. He was probably helping me out of pity anyways and I didn't want it. I carried too much baggage and I was reminded of it he moment that I'd flinched at his unexpected touch.

I knew he wouldn't have hurt me but it was too embarrassing to even consider keeping him around. It's not like he'd made much effort either as he steered away from the cafe for the past days.

Disappointment would creep its way to my heart everyday that he didn't show up. A part of me had actually believed him when he said he wanted to be my friend and part of my life. I couldn't hold it against him though, I was too much of a mess for anyone to handle.

“Eileen, dear, take a break. You haven’t eaten anything so at least grab one of those pastries you keep stealing,” Marty squeezed my shoulder gently before walking away.

I did as he told me, taking a seat in one of the more isolated booths. I took out my phone, frowning at the unknown number.

Hey.

I stared at the screen for a long time, not knowing whether or not to reply. Soon it chimed again, the same number once again on the screen.

It’s Lucas. I wan’t to talk to the girl that is the cause of my misery.

What are you talking about?

Alex is acting like something’s shoved up his ass and I think that something is you. So I will pick you up at three, so we can see how we can get you out of there.

What the hell? I laughed at his message. Lucas was much worse than Alex.

I don’t think so, I have to pick up Angela.

Ah, got it. I’ll be there at 2:30 then. See you.

-----

As I counted the money at the register before leaving, I found myself feeling uncomfortable. I couldn't quite place the reason. I didn't think it was because of Lucas, for some reason I felt relatively comfortable with him as well.

But I couldn't shake the feeling off. Though I lived in a state of constant paranoia I knew this was different. I looked around the cafe but didn't see anything strange so I went to the back to get my phone and purse.

My eyes settled on the form at the counter when I walked back to the front, my steps faltering when I recognized him.

It can't be.

His eyes met mine, emotions that I had never seen before flashing through them.

“Eileen...” He stopped himself as he stood, looking different than the last time I saw him.

“How'd you find me?” I asked, not moving.

“You thought I wasn't going to look for you?” Raymond Gutierrez, my father asked, his voice full of sorrow.

“How did you find me?” I repeated, this time taking a step back.

My father wouldn't leave my face, as if taking every aspect of me into consideration. I did the same. He looked older, worn out. His hair was peppered with grey, something that wasn't present before I left, reminding me how long I had been without him.