Coincidental Couple

Chapter VI: Anew

Chapter VI: Anew

“I’m leaving.” I shut the car trunk door and dusted my hands. Sierra stood motionless by the car door.

“You what?” She stuttered.

“You heard me, I’m leaving. I think the best way to get away from all of this is leaving Orlando.” We climbed into the car and I pulled out of the parking lot.

“You can’t just choose to leave like this.” Sierra was having trouble processing my hasty decision. “Where to? Tampa? Tallahassee?”

“I have always loved Chicago.” I said slyly.

“Chicago? Are you out of your mind? You don’t know anyone there much less what it’s like to live there!” She hesitated.

“That’s exactly why I want to go. Start fresh from zero.” I grinned happily.

“It’s too far away.” She slumped in her seat.

“Come with me.” I looked over my shoulder and saw her starting to swell with sadness.

“I can’t just uproot that easily. I have a job and I’ve never lived out of state.” She paused. “Neither have you. And what about your job?”

“That’s the excitement of starting from scratch! If it doesn’t work out, I can come back. My parents live here and I’m really close with my boss, he knows whatever were to happen, I will always be welcomed back. Besides, your line of work always has vacant spots all over the country. Chicago would be no exception.” I knew it was going to be a bit difficult convincing her, but deep down I hoped she would give in and accept.

She didn’t respond to that and remained quiet. It looked like she was giving it some thought, so I let her think to herself and began to pan out in my head how the conversation with my parents could go. After coming to the conclusion that it was going to be complete chaos, no matter how subtle I tried making the situation sound, I gave up and hummed to the music on the radio.

As I pulled up at her driveway, I put the car in park and waited for her to give me some final reassuring words before getting out of the car. Instead, she stared blankly straight through the windshield.

“A three day weekend. We drive up to see what it’s like. If it’s nice, I’ll give it some more thought.” She grabbed the door handle and swung it open. “Remember, do what you think is best and will make you happy.” A tired smile swept across her face and she jumped out of the car.

Parking the car in the garage and sitting in the car made me feel numb. It had finally hit me, it was the moment of truth. I wasn’t sure how I was going to do it, but it had to be done, whether I liked it or not.

My father embraced me at the door. "Elle, so good to see you here." He helped me with my suitcase and closed the door behind me. My mother on the other hand, wasn't too happy to see me. She sat at the dining room table, her fingers intertwined.

"Hey mom." She remained quiet. I slid into one of the chairs in front of her. My father came and placed some iced water with lemon wedges and slowly sat down next to me. 

"We need to talk." I wasn't surprised at my mother's straightforwardness. She was always like that. 

"Talk to me." My mother narrowed her eyes in anger. 

"You want to tell us about your whole circus act at your wedding?" I glanced at my father. He swallowed hard and gave me a sympathetic look. Just by seeing his facial expression, it meant he knew, he didn’t have to say anything. That was all I needed to see.

I acted coy. “Circus act? I had food poisoning, mother. Sierra was with me at a clinic in Bradenton. I feel much better now.” I smiled innocently.