His question elicited a guttural laugh from me.
“Really? You wanna know what I want you to do?”
“Yes, I do.” He replied, innocently.
“It’s simple. Leave me alone!” I said between gritted teeth, stressing the last syllable.
“I doubt that’s the best way out.”
“And who do you think you are to tell me what’s best?” Was he really being serious?
“Licia…” He tried to come closer.
“In fact, I am out of here.” I stated emphatically and turned to leave.
“Licia… Licia… wait…” He called after me, but I was gone.
Chapter Eight
Kevin
Watching Licia storm out was devastating. I stood transfixed in the hallway for minutes after she left, still trying to figure out what my next move was going to be. Why was she proving so difficult to get through to?
I wasn’t trying to invalidate her anger and emotions, but she should at least hear me out and then decide whether she would still be mad at me or understand how helpless I was at the time.
There you go again, Kevin. Making it all about you.A voice in my head chided me.
“Am I really being selfish? Argghhh… I am tired,” I exclaimed exasperatedly, barging into my room and slamming the door shut.
I had to find a way to get through to her, and fast. I couldn’t deal with the negative energy any longer. It was exhausting.
As I lay on the bed, I kept staring thoughtfully at the ceiling, allowing my mind to be hypnotized by its bright lightingand design. “I need to cool off,” I soliloquized, sitting up immediately.
I would have gone for some tequila shots, but then it would mess with my meds, so I scratched the thought. The beach would be a better alternative.
Nature has a way of absorbing one's agony and replacing it with a light feeling. I was pining for that feeling right now.
I changed into something more comfortable for the beach and made my way downstairs. “Mom, I am stepping out,” I announced as I walked into the living room.
“Again?” She sounded worried, lifting her gaze to meet mine. It wasn’t like I needed her permission to go out, but I always preferred informing her of my whereabouts, basically for accountability purposes.
“Yeah, Mom. I need some air. And, I will be out late, so I won’t be back in time for dinner.”
I saw sadness creep into her eyes as she came closer to me, adjusting the collar of my shirt.
“I saw Licia leave in a hurry. Did you two have another fight?”
“You already know the answer to that, Mom. She is proving impossible and bent on frustrating my every move.” I was dying from the weight of guilt I felt already. She didn’t need to make it worse than it already was.
“Shhh…” Mom hushed me. “Don’t give up yet. Women love men who are both persistent and resilient. If that means going to the ends of the earth to win them back, then so be it.
On that note, if there is any iota of doubt on her end, leave no stone unturned till you earn her trust. Then the rest will be history.”
I took a deep breath. “Fine, Mom. I will try.”
She tapped my chest lightly. “That's more like it, Kev. Do you have a minute?”
I shrugged. “I think I do.”
