Marry Me

Chapter 6

     I checked out and shuffled to my car. I was starving, so my first stop was the nearest drive through. As I waited for my food, I pulled out my phone and texted the number that Alondra had left for me. 

     "Hey, It's Chris. I am sorry I fell asleep before you left. Thank you so much for everything." I hit send and drove forward to get my food from the window. I pulled into a parking spot and pulled out my burger when my phone chimed. 

     "No big deal. I'm sorry you are so sad. I assume you are headed home?" I sighed as I thought about it. I really should head home... I needed to talk to Chelsea. I picked up my phone and replied "Yea... I need to talk to Chelsea. I need to tell her that I support her decision. I can't move on if I keep running."

     I put my phone in the cup holder and turned on the radio. Listening to love song after love song wasn't helping, so I changed to a pop station. I went from "You never loved me like I loved you." to "I want you to be happier" and that was the final straw. I shut off the radio and sighed. Finishing my burger, I checked my phone and read the missed message I had from Alondra.

     "Yea, that makes sense. Good luck. If you need to talk about it, then I will be here for you." 

     She was good at that. Something about Alondra made me feel really comfortable. Something in my chest tightened as I thought about staying to spend more time with her. I reached for my phone but stopped. I had to go home and make things right with Chelsea... I had just really needed a break from it all. 

     I texted Alondra goodbye and that I would let her know how it went, and then I called Chelsea.

    She answered on the third ring, and instantly started yelling, like I knew she would,

     "What the hell Chris? You ran off and then ignore me all night? What the actual fuck? You should have known I was going to be worried about you!"

     "I know Chelsea, I wanted to tell you I'm alive, and that I'm sorry. I was just a bit thrown off by it is all. I'll be home inna few hours, do you want to get dinner and catch up?"

     The line was silent for a few moments. I could picture her face as she mulled over my invitation. Her brows would be pulled together, and her mouth pulled to the side. I heard a small sigh escape her lips and she said "I'd really like that. Where are you?"

     I thought about telling her everything, but knew she wouldn't be happy. Everything I did last night could be considered a bit reckless and I didn't need a second lecture.
 
      "I just needed to run some errands and such. I'll call you when I'm home."

      We said our goodbyes and I tossed my phone into the passenger seat. I found a gas station on my way out of town and stopped for water and snacks. Nothing fixes a long drive like snacks.

     Back in my car, I popped in a piece of gum into my mouth. I was a nervous chewer and this whole situation has ruined what was left of my nails, so I switched to gum.
  
     I let the radio play this time, but I was lost in thought. Alondra and Chelsea took turns occupying my mind as I thought about my current situation.

       Chelsea was my first and only love. Her smile made me weak and I would kill to have her eyes on me at all time. The gentle ring of her laugh could float around a room and infect everyone in it. She was tall, slim, and her natural red hair made her so different than the other girls I've dated.

     I could spend all day tracing the path that her freckles made across her cheeks and shoulders. She loved to curl up with a book and get lost for hours. I always had a picture of my future, with me working on paperwork, while Chelsea curled on a love seat in my office as she read.

     Alondra, on the other hand, was basically the opposite in every way. I could easily rest my chin on the top of her head, and she had curves for days. Her black hair reached the middle of her back and almost shimmered in the light. Even in the pony tail style she wore it in last night, it reflexted the low lighting of the bar and caught my attention every time it swished along behind her.

     Her smile was warm and welcoming, and made my heart stutter. She had wide, chocolate brown eyes with little flecks of amber around her pupil. I had never seen such eyes. She had an amazing talent for catching your eye and never breaking that eye contact.

     Just from the way she carried herself, I could tell that she was strong willed. The way she said Mario knew she could handle herself, made me pitty the son of a bitch who thought otherwise.

     Both women had me imagine what a future could be like... the only difference is Alondra is actually available. Chelsea was getting married. I had my chance a few years ago and I let it slip through my fingers. Now, it was time to let her go.

     For the rest of the trip, I wallowed in self pitty, while also making plans on how to get over Chelsea. As much as it hurt to know the picture of my future would never become reality... I had to come up with a new vision.

     Maybe that one would include Alondra. Ya know... if I didn't ruin my chances.

     "Fuuuuuck." I groaned.