Page 46 of Beyond the Blues
“Taxi!” I stick out my hand, and a yellow cab pulls up next to me. I get in the taxi and start scrolling through the next flights back to London. There is one in four hours and I know I can do that. My finger hovers over the book button. My mind is arguing whether to just stay, let yourself fall or to go home, make up with my parents and continue my dream of being an author. Could I do both? I hate to say it, but I don’t think I’m strong enough to see the hurt in Nora’s eyes again, leaving to get on that plane. If I do this now, it will be easier for Nora. If anything, she might resent me a little, which will make it easier for her to move on. My finger pushes down and I make my decision.
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Chapter 27
I get back to the hotel room and rush around, placing all my belongings in my suitcase. Within half an hour, I’m done, my stomach filled with guilt. I run to the bathroom and spew up the drink I had an hour ago. This is for me, this is for myself. Do things for yourself, Ophelia. I drag my over packed suitcase into the elevator and stand there, barely able to stand still, my feet constantly shifting. The elevator doors open and Nora is standing there, clearly panicking. Fuck.
“Ophelia? Where’d you go?”
“I’m, I’m going home Nora.”
“But you have a couple of days left?” The elevator door begins shutting and Nora places her hand on it, the door sliding open again. I step out so the elevator door doesn’t keep interrupting this moment.
“I have to go, because if I don’t go now, I don’t think I ever will.” I stutter. Nora pushes her hands throughher hair. I look down at my phone and realise the show shouldn’t even be done by now.
“Nora, the show is not even done?!”
“I couldn’t stop thinking about where you’d gone. I thought I wouldn’t see you again, and I guess I was right.” Nora gets emotional, tears filling her eyes.
“Fuck, I thought this would be easier. I knew we weren’t staying like this forever.” Nora adds, a tear finally escaping. As soon as that tear falls, mine follows. I stand there, unsure of what to say, the reality of it hitting me all.
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This truly is the last time we will see each other, at least for now.
“I’ve got to get my flight.” I walk past Nora, avoiding this situation as much as I can.
“Please Ophelia.” Nora’s voice breaks. I keep walking, trying to avoid seeing how heartbroken the love of my life is. As I reach outside and hail a taxi, Nora grabs my hand.
“Ophelia, please no, stay with me. I’ll come back to London with you.” A sob escapes Nora, and before I know it, she’s crumbling to the floor, into a puddle of hurt. I bend down to her level.
“Another time, another life, Nora, I promise.” I hold her face in my hands for a minute, the taxi driver clearly confused by what’s happening right now.
“Okay.” Nora whispers and stands up abruptly, taking a deep breath. “Goodbye Nora, I love you.” I go to pull her in for a hug, and Nora pulls
away, not even looking at me. Fuck, I’ve ruined it.
“Yep, Goodbye Ophelia.” I understand where she’s coming from, so I don’t argue it. I get in the taxi and drive away, my heart shattering even if it is my choice. Nora’s outside the hotel, hands in her hair, staring blankly at the pavement below her. A part of me wants to run back and hold her, make sure she’s okay, and change my mind and stay here forever and ever. But I know why I’m doing, sureit may not of been the best way to of done it, but we both needed this so we both could grow.
I can’t get the look in her eyes when she said goodbye to me out of my head. Her eyes went from filled with emotion and upset, to blank, as if she didn’t even recognise me. She didn’t even say she loved me back. Ouch.
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Chapter 28
The rain falls on the car windows, the sound of the windscreen wipers squeaking frantically filling my eyes. I open up my phone and scroll through my contacts, holding it up to my ear.
“Hello?!” My mum’s panicked voice echoes through the phone.
“I’m coming home Mama.” I cry.
“Okay baby, I’ll pick you up.” The sound of my mum’s voice is so soothing to me, not long till I can give her a hug.