The Brokenhearted [Ongoing]

Chapter 14

The brief escape had come to an end and I had arrived back to reality. Everything I had left behind still remained the same except for the fact that I had more bills to pay. Nonetheless, I felt as though I had bought something back with me. A second wind of you . I felt stronger, focused and determined. Although I still had a soft spot for Sophia, it was only a matter of time before that too would disappear.

On the drive back home, I realized how much I had changed. I am able to block her out more and the weight in my chest had become lighter. I had obtained a certain level of peace, or perhaps it was control. Sure at times I walked with my head down, wallowing in self pity, but I knew even then, I didn't want to hear from her let alone talk to her. I knew that it would all end soon enough. I had faced the storm of recovery before, and even though it wasn't easy, knowing how it would unfold provided some peace

Dropping my bags, I hopped over the pile of bills on the hardwood floor and desperately ran to the bathroom to relieve myself. Urination is perhaps one of the most under appreciated sensations.

After enduring your bladder reaching its bursting limits, and doing anything and everything including crossing your legs in order not to wet yourself, we don't truly appreciate the liberation that comes from releasing oneself. The sigh of relief and joy that escapes from our lungs while our body relaxes, followed by our amazement at the length of time we relieve ourselves. We then begin to wonder if we are breaking some record and if the Guinness Book has a category for the 'Longest time a person has urinated constantly'. Do women think this way?.. pffttt

Washing my hands in the basin, I raised my head and stared at the image in the mirror. The once rabid reflection was now healthier. The combination of time, a vacation, lola and Roxanne had done the soul some good. The former miserable reflection managed to crack a smile when it realized it was now on the path to contentment.

After sifting through my mail and throwing the junk in the bin, I placed all the bills on the cherry wood, hand-carved cocktail table which adorned the middle of the seating area. Switching on the 40' LCD television, I lay back on the cream futon and let ESPN update me with the world of sports.

Looking through my personal mail, I reflected on the value of a handwritten letter. In this day and age, letters had reached new highs, thanks to advancements in the world of Communication. With emails, texts, messenger, and etc. everything was instant. Most of the communication was electronic and cold. To write with one's own hand, put the letter in an envelope, stick a stamp on it and mail it carried with it such significance and worth.

The pensive silence f the apartment was interrupted by a sudden ring.

"Hello?"

📲: "What time did you get in? Didn't I tell you to call me when you get home?" Bellowed Roxanne.

"Damn it woman, I JUST got in!"

📲: "Do NOT bullshit me, Chad! It's not right, I've been waiting for your call," she continued.

"Listen, let me call you back, I have a call waiting," I pleaded.

📲: "Hump, BYE! Make sure you call, I want to talk to you about something."

I clicked over to the other call.

"Hello?"

📲: "Chad, when did you get back? I've been calling you."

"Hey Raul! How you doing? Sorry man, I just got back this very minute. I haven't even checked my messages."

📲: "Alright, no problem, listen we got a game going on in an hour, you up for it?" He inquired.

I paused for a second, "Sure, why not? Count me in, I'll see you there."

📲: "Wait! Hello? Chad?"

"Yep?"

Raul paused for a moment before softly saying, 📲: "Dude, I just wanted you to know that Drew is probably going to be there too."

We shared an awkward silence until Raul snapped us out of it.

📲: "Chad, you there, bro?"

I tried to sound as composed as possible but I knew my voice didn't convey the desired tone.

"It's all good, thanks man. I'll see you there." I said hurriedly.

Replacing the handset on the receiver, I sat back and shut my eyes. Raul had caught me off guard and although he was just looking out for me, it all came rushing back. I was, once again, thrust into the world of anxiety and confusion. I rubbed my temples as thoughts raced through my mind a mile a minute. I had to go, I couldn't back out. This was something I had to face.

I knew from experience that I couldn't stay at home and allow myself to be consumed by my emotions. I jumped in to the shower and began my ritual before the game. I'd have to call Roxanne back later, she'd understand once I explained.

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TO BE CONTINUED...

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Thank you for reading my story hope you enjoy..
l o v e l o t s

SWETTCHEEKS14