The tape from the dispenser screeched as I tapped another box closed. I didn't realize exactly how much stuff I had until I tried packing it all into boxes. I had just moved into this apartment with Julia after we graduated college in May, I wasn't expecting to move out so quickly. We had made so many great memories here and leaving it now was making me unexpectedly emotional. I didn't know it was going to be this difficult.
"What about New York Ella?" Julia whispered from my doorway.
Julia was not excited about my new venture, about my relationship with Eric. She hadn't said much to me in the following days since Thanksgiving but her disappointment was obvious. I knew she loved Charlie and was sad that our relationship had ended so abruptly and so hurtfully. I hoped this distance between us was only temporary, I couldn't stand her being upset with me for long.
"I haven't decided yet." I said quietly, I didn't want this conversation to turn into an argument.
Julia nodded though I knew she was holding her tongue. "It's such a great opportunity. Surely he,"
"Eric." I interjected.
"Surely Eric, wouldn't want you to pass this up?"
"It's complicated Julia. He has a family to think about, so do I, I suppose."
Julia nodded again and left my doorway without another word. I knew we wouldn't be speaking again for a while. My heart still hurt when I thought of Charlie, I didn't think that pain would ever go away completely and I deserved that. I didn't deserve to be so happy with Eric after my relationship with Charlie had ended so terribly, but here I was packing up my room so I could move into Eric's new home.
I jumped when I heard a soft knocking at my bedroom doorway, I looked up from the boxes to see Maggie standing at my door. She hadn't left town since Thanksgiving and I knew it was partly because she wanted a front row seat to my situation with Eric. She had grown used to being the one who made the mistakes when it came to relationships, I knew she was relieved to have the attention off her for once.
"There is a freakishly tall, gorgeous man here with a big truck." Maggie teased.
"Thanks Mags." I said quietly.
Maggie's face softened as she entered my room and hugged me tightly. "You alright sis?"
"I think so."
"Oh sure, that's the attitude you should have when making a big, life altering decision like this one."
"How can I be happy when Mom is walking around her house like a zombie and I have barely spoken to Julia in days? Not to mention how Charlie must be feeling right now."
"I'm sure I am the last one you want relationship advice from. God knows Benny's dad is the scum of the earth. But one thing I know for certain is that you have to make the decisions that are best for you, even if others, even our own mother, don't understand them. You have to live with everything you choose, not anyone else, so why not choose happiness? If this guy is going to make you happy then just go for it. Who cares what anyone else thinks?"
I smiled gratefully and hugged my sister again, she was the only one who had been a semblance of positive for me. While I wanted to take her sensible advice and do what was solely best for myself, it was hard to do that without thinking about how everyone else involved would be affected.
My eyes lit up and my heart leapt into my throat when Eric appeared at my doorway. How could a man look so perfect in torn khaki shorts, worn t-shirt and faded baseball hat? I couldn't believe how lucky I was to call him mine now, only mine.
"You ready to start loading boxes Ella? I have the cable guy coming in an hour."
"Sure thing. I'm basically done. I didn't realize I could pack so much in such a short amount of time."
