It’s not much of a leap to say these are both happy and sad tears.
Happy because I had Noah again.
Sad because it was likely the final time.
“Dayton,” I yell through the shower curtain.
A few seconds later, I hear the door open. “Yeah?”
Pulling back the shower curtain, I stick my head out and take in Dayton’s uneasy expression. My sheets are balled in his hands, one of them spilling onto the floor. “Starting today, don’t ask me to get dinner out more than twice a month. No more daily latte’s, and I need to see if I can find a better rate on car insurance.”
“Are you saying that—”
“It’s time, Dayton.”
A satisfied grin parks itself on his lips. His face has the look of a proud mother. He backs out of the open door, and I put my head back under the spray. The water runs over me, taking with it Noah’s scent, his touch, the invisible trails of his intoxicating kisses.
In my mind I see a stack of textbooks, smell the woody scent of fresh pencils, hear thetap tap tapof computer keys.
I’ve been waiting so long I don’t even know what I’m waiting for anymore. My mother is happy and settled, no longer in need of financial help. Sky has her anxiety under control. My yoga teacher certification was finished a long time ago. I have enough credits from community college courses that it should only take me two years, maybe even eighteen months, to graduate with my bachelor’s degree.
Noah is out there, accomplishing his goals and going after more.
I’m long overdue.
24
Ember
To-Do List
Graduate college
Buy a yoga studio
Meet someone new
Start a YouTube yoga channel
25
Ember
Two yearslater
My body sagsonto the uncomfortable, plastic seat. I wish it were a bed. A big, soft bed, with even bigger pillows, and cool sheets.
“Do you want anything to eat?” Matt glances at the watch I gave him for his birthday last month. “We have almost an hour before boarding starts.” Bending down, he rummages through his carry-on.
“I’m fine,” I say, yawning. My body clock is so messed up, all I really want to do right now is pass out. I swear, I switched over to Greenwich Mean Time our first night in London. It’s nine o’clock in New York, where we now sit as we wait for our next plane.
“I’ll grab something for you anyway.” Matt stands, looking down at me. He smiles a little, but I see through the façade. Deep down, he’s questioning our relationship.
Just like I am.
How could I not? We’ve been dating eight months, and everything was going great. When Matt said he wanted to take me to London to celebrate my graduation, I said yes immediately. And then… Well, Dayton warned me this would happen.Traveling with someone is like a glimpse into the bare bones of your relationship.He wished me luck, but the look on his face made it clear he doubted it would go well.
As soon as I get home, I’m going to pinch him for letting me go in the first place. He obviously knew it was a bad idea for Matt and I to travel together. Sighing, I shift in the uncomfortable seat, bringing my knees into my chest so my feet dangle on the seat edge.
