Restoring Us

by Fabiola Francisco

  “Exactly. That’s too long.” I have been living on my own since college. You would think my mom would stop badgering me about going over. I guess it’s a mom thing, though, and I am their only child.

  “Son.” My dad stands up and extends his hand formally for me to shake.

  “Hi, dad. Good to see you.” I’m trying to be polite, especially after our earlier conversation and his accusations. So what if I slept with someone as long as I made it to lunch on time. Right?

  “You, too. Take a seat. What would you like to drink?” It’s amazing how he can act so composed. Always putting on the country club façade when others are around. My dad’s not a bad guy and maybe I’m being harsh, but it pisses me off that he’s being so hard on me.

  “I’ll have a beer, and add a shot of whiskey to my order.” I tell my dad. I need something stronger than beer to shake off seeing Ava.

  “Alright. I’ll order it now.” He eyes me suspiciously and signals the waiter. “A Samuel Adams for my son, please. And a shot of whiskey.”

  “Ava is back!” My mom says way too excited and loud. I was hoping to avoid this conversation today. Of course they would know she was back. They also didn’t tell me.

  “Yeah, thanks for the heads up,” I say sarcastically.

  “You saw her?” She says, her big brown eyes wide and hopeful.

  “No, well yes. I didn’t talk to her. I was walking to my car when I saw her through the window at Miss Annie’s in downtown. She was there with Katie,” I explain.

  “You didn’t go in to say hi?” My dad asks in disbelief.

  “I don’t think she wants to see me. Let alone interrupt her brunch with Katie after not seeing her for so long,” I say in defeat and shoot back the shot as soon as the waiter places it in front of me.

  “Oh,” is all my mom says. They know it’s the truth. I don’t know why they are so insistent on me talking to her. Even while she was away, they continued to suggest I email her or call her. I couldn’t though. Not that I didn’t want to, but she wouldn’t take it well. I didn’t want to ruin her dream of living in Europe. It’s like I would have been calling her once she was healthy, ready to give us another shot, but would run if things got tough again. She would think I was superficial. Would I want to be with her again? Hell yeah! Can I muster the courage to do it? I’m not sure. She wouldn’t trust me, and I don’t blame her.

  “Can we just drop it?” I asked frustrated.

  “Sure, sweetie, but her parents are having a dinner Sunday evening to welcome her. I’m not sure if you would want to go, but the invitation stands,” my mom says more seriously now.

  “Are you inviting me or did Mr. and Mrs. Evans invite me?” I eye her suspiciously.

  “You know you are invited,” she says and drops it. “So what are you going to eat? I’m going to have the grilled salmon salad. It’s delicious here.” Just like that, we have changed topics of conversation.

  “I’m going to have the steak with green beans and a side salad,” my dad says, never lifting his eyes from the menu. I suspect he’s still embarrassed about my behavior with Ava, but that shit was over two years ago. Drop it already. I’m doing enough self-loathing for the both of us.

  “I think I’ll have the same as dad. Sounds good.”

  We continue our family lunch in peaceful conversation and enjoy our meals. As I’m getting into my car, I receive a text message. “Ava is back. You may have heard. Don’t mess with her mind. She needs to be able to settle back here. Don’t scare her away again.” It’s Katie. I should’ve known I’d hear from her soon. Maybe I shouldn’t go to dinner tomorrow, but then again, I want to see her. I need to see her.

  Without keeping any concrete promises, I write to her quickly. “I’ll be good, I promise.”

  “Good because she knows all about your man whoring.” Bitch! I’m sure she did that on purpose. Ava and I were each other’s first. I wouldn’t want to hear about her fucking other people. I’m sure she didn’t want to hear about how I went off the deep end. This should be interesting.

  Chapter 3

  Ava

  No matter how many times I told my parents not to plan a dinner, they went ahead and planned one. Events in the Evans’ household are never low key and simple. My mom has gone all out with the menu, décor, and guest list. I was hoping we’d keep it to family and Katie’s parents. Of course, she’s invited everyone, including Ethan’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Owens. I hope he wasn’t on that guest list.

  I am excited to see my brother, though. He has been traveling for work, so I haven’t had a chance to see him yet. I missed him like crazy! My brother, Aiden, and I are really close. He managed to go visit me twice while I was away but it was difficult for him to get time off from work. He is a successful CEO for a big advertisement firm.

  He’s two years older than me and protective, like any big brother. He tried to encourage me to move on after Ethan left and I had recovered. He was the first one on board with me going to Europe and living. I love him like crazy for his endless support and protection.

  I wear a plum dress with wide spaced straps circling the shoulders and a square neckline. It’s form-fitting shape hugs my body and falls right above the knee. I pair it with a chunky, silver and charcoal necklace that twists and knots chains which form an intricate design, with studs carefully placed throughout, my diamond earrings, and finish it off with nude pointed toe pumps with a thin, steel heel.

  It feels good to dress like this. Europe is definitely more casual and I didn’t wear anything similar to this while I was there. It was refreshing, though, to be myself and not worry about what I was supposed to say or do or wear, like back home. When you’re part of the higher society, everything matters. I’ve grown up in it so it’s what I know, but regardless, it was nice to just be without constant critics eyeing your every move so they have something to gossip about.

  I remember my first night out in Dublin. I had arrived that morning and met my hostel mate, Michelle, while I was staying there. She was American also, from Minnesota, but had been traveling through Europe for a while already so she knew her way around. She was the sweetest and we clicked instantly. She invited me to go out with her and some of her friends, and I eagerly agreed.

  “You’re NOT wearing that,” she had said shaking her head in disbelief. I had picked out a black flowy dress and a pair of low heels. I frowned, looking at myself in the mirror.

  “Why not? I like it,” I told her.

  “Yeah, it looks great, but try walking down the streets of Dublin with those heels on.” She tried to suppress her laughter. When I stopped to think about it, I realized she was right. Most streets are unevenly paved, and the back roads are paved with cobblestones.

  I was so used to presenting myself in a certain way, that I hadn’t stopped to think about comfort. In Chicago, comfort didn’t matter when you were out with the high society club. I was born into it, but I never really felt like a part of that society. Fortunately, my parents weren’t the stuck up assholes some of their friends were.

  “Keep the dress. Put on these flats,” she said handing me a pair of tan ballerinas I had near my bag. “And take this jacket. It will cool down later in the evening.” I thanked her continuously throughout the night. Once we began walking around the city, I realized what a bad idea it would’ve been to wear those shoes. Besides the fact that everyone dressed more casual, I would’ve fallen on my ass a thousand times throughout the night. As it is, I almost fell in my flats.

  Michelle ended up becoming a good friend. We still keep in touch. She was towards the end of her trip and I was beginning, but we made it a point to talk. I lived with her in the hostel for two weeks. She eventually got down to the truth as to my escape, and I opened up to her about it.

  I’m smiling to myself as I touch up my lipstick when Aiden walks in. “Well, well, well, what’s got you all smiles?” He surprises me.

  “Aiden!” I jump to hug him instantly. “I missed you so much!”


  “Missed you, too, sis. So what’s got you smiling like that?” he inquires.

  “Was just thinking about my trip and my first night in Dublin,” I say.

  “So not about some hot Italian who stole your heart or something?” He always tries to joke around about me meeting someone, but I think he also worries I’ve never fully moved on from Ethan. He’s right.

  “No, no European hunk stole my heart. Sorry to disappoint.” I smile, blushing slightly. I’m sure he thinks it’s ridiculous I didn’t meet anyone in the two years I was away.

  “You look good, Ava. How do you feel?” he asks, worried.

  I swallow hard. “I feel great. Honestly, I’m happy to be home.” I won’t tell him how hard it’s been to be back here. My health is great, and I’ll stick to that.

  “Good. Well, guests are starting to arrive. You better hurry up. They’re eager to see our guest of honor.” I roll my eyes at his last statement. I don’t want to be anyone’s guest of honor. He leaves me to finish getting ready with a peck on the cheek.

  I walk down the big staircase in my parents’ house that curves and leads to the entrance of the house holding on to the ornate railing, feeling the smooth wood under my hand and finding my stability to walk down the polished travertine steps gracefully. The glamorous chandelier hanging from the high ceiling lights the foyer. There are a few caterers walking by with trays of champagne for the guests who are arriving, but I can tell the main party is outside where I hear the faint sound of music and talking.

  There are a few people lingering around and drinking already. Most of whom I don’t care to see. I take a deep breath and put on my best smile. I spot my parents talking to Katie’s parents. I wonder where Katie is. She’s probably by the bar grabbing a champagne or two, or flirting with some rich bachelor, if I know her like I think I do.

  “Ava! Come over here and say hello to Mr. and Mrs. Watson.” My mom waves me over. I walk towards them to say hello.

  “Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Watson. How are you?”

  “Ava, you look fabulous.” Mrs. Watson greets me happily. Although I’ve known them my entire life, I’ve never been on a first name basis with them. They are definitely some of the more stuck up friends my parents have. It is no wonder Katie is such a rebel.

  “Thank you. You do, too. It’s so nice to see you.” I hate having to sound so prim and proper. “Mr. Watson, it’s a pleasure to see you as well.”

  “The same for you, Ava. You do look great. Europe obviously suits you,” he responds with a courteous smile, and I feel like I’m being dismissed.

  “Thank you. Do you know where Katie is?” I ask looking for an out. I’m not in the mood to people please today.

  “I think she’s out on the patio, sweetie,” my mom says. I smile at her and head out to find her.

  Just as predicted, she’s by the bar with a glass of champagne and flirting with someone new I don’t recognize. I smile content that some things haven’t changed. Katie has always been my constant, even when life threw me completely off my axis and shaken me to my core.

  I take a minute to look around the patio. My parents have gone all out for this dinner. They must be really happy I’m back home. They strung small lights all over the patio, stretching from one end of the roof to the other and over the pergola. The small pink flowers hanging from the pergola shine under the lights like crystal flowers lighting up magically.

  There are bar tables throughout with long white tablecloths that lightly caress the floor, small, square vases with white roses in the center and small tea light candles burning furiously. Tall heaters stand rigid in place, warming the area and the people dead set on socializing without letting the cold ruin their affairs. Waiters are passing around hor d'oeuvres and champagne. The bartender is mixing other cocktails for the more adventurous drinkers. Everyone is mingling and laughing, enjoying themselves.

  I walk up to Katie. “Hey! Don’t mean to interrupt just wanted to say hi.” I smile at her.

  “You’re here! It’s about damn time. How long does it take you to get ready anyway?” she says, trying to sound annoyed. “You remember Matt, right? From high school?”

  I look over at Matt and recognition dawns on me. I hadn’t recognized him from afar. “Of course. Matt Reilly?” I ask, smiling politely.

  “That’s the one. How are you, Ava? When I heard you were back from Europe, and Katie invited me, I had to come and hear all about your trip. She says you had an amazing time,” he smiles a megawatt smile. He’s tall with dirty blonde hair and caramel colored eyes. His body is extremely fit, all muscle. I remember him being on the football team in high school. I guess he keeps up with his physical activity just the same.

  “That’s very nice of you. Yes, I did have an amazing time. I hope you enjoy yourself,” I say ready to leave them alone to continue their flirting, but Matt stops me from walking away curious to hear more about my trip.

  “So, where in Europe did you go?”

  I turn back to him, smiling politely. I see a gleam in his eyes and he smiles. “I traveled all over. I started in England and made my way through Ireland and Scotland before heading to the main continent. I traveled mostly by train, stopping in the smaller cities and getting to know the locals. I mainly wanted to learn about art and the different art periods from the places where the artists lived. I studied Art History, so it was amazing to experience that first hand. But as I continued traveling through the cities and small towns, there was so much more to discover than art itself, like how their culture influenced the architecture and artist’s form of expression and how their lifestyle and food impacted the colors in the paintings and designs for buildings and streets. Mostly, meeting the charm the locals hold and understanding there’s more to the art I studied than genius creatives molding their imagination into reality.”

  “That’s amazing. I’m sure you learned a lot. Can I get you a glass of champagne or something else to drink?” he asks, giving me another picture perfect smile. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think he was flirting with me. I thought Katie and he were a thing.

  “Champagne would be perfect. Thank you.” He turns to the bar to order, and I look at Katie.

  “So you and Matt?” I ask suspiciously. She didn’t mention him at brunch.

  “Me with him? Are you crazy? You know I like my men just a little older. Besides, he is so into you. He wouldn’t stop talking about you when I ran into him the other day. He had heard you were back so I invited him tonight. He’s hot! Look at that ass. I can just imagine the body hiding under his clothes.” She gives me a devilish grin and winks. “I say you go for it. Wasn’t he the one that was going to ask you to prom before Ethan got in the way?” Katie says scrunching her nose at Ethan’s name.

  “That’s right. Yeah, that was him. I had forgotten about that. And you know it wasn’t like that. Ethan didn’t get in the way.” I don’t know why I’m defending him. Maybe because I know he isn’t a total asshole like he played out to be when he left me.

  “And you’re defending him,” she states accusingly.

  “Whatever. You’re the one who helped him plan that whole prom surprise. I’m not going to date Matt. He’s a nice guy, but I’m not ready.”

  “When will you be ready?” Katie throws in my face. I know what she thinks about my lack of dating since Ethan and I broke up. Even while I was in Europe, I barely dated guys. As Katie would tell me every time we spoke, “What happens in Europe, stays in Europe. Find yourself a hot piece of ass and you’ll quickly get over Ethan.” But I couldn’t erase him from my mind long enough to see someone else the way I saw him.

  “Here you go.” Matt returns, handing me a glass of champagne.

  “Thank you,” I say and chat with them a few more minutes before having to greet the other guests.

  After briefly catching up, I begin to wander, greeting other people I haven’t seen in two years or more. Everyone expresses how great I look. I’m sure they were curious as to how I had recuperated.

>   “Ava! Darling!” I hear a familiar soothing voice. I turn around and see Mrs. Owens, Ethan’s mom. I freeze momentarily. She comes up to me and gives me a hug, taking me by surprise. I was always close to her, to both his parents, but it surprises me that she would greet me so openly after all this time. “You look great. Europe definitely looks good on you, although we all missed you very much,” she says with a wink.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Owens. It was a great experience.” I look around nervously. I feel unsure of how to act. I was always very open with her and forthcoming. It’s harder than I thought to see them. I knew they’d be here tonight, but feeling the comfort I feel around her, so familiar, is resurfacing too many emotions.

  “Oh no you don’t! You know to call me Sophie. None of that formal pretense with me,” she says. Unlike Katie’s parents, with Ethan’s I’ve always been on a first name basis. They are more open and caring. They were always like second parents to me.

  Mr. Owens comes up behind her. “Ava, how are you? You look wonderful. It’s so nice to see you.” He gives me a kiss on the cheek.

  “It’s nice to see you, too. Thank you for coming,” I say trying to cut the conversation short. I need some time alone. This is too much for me to handle. I feel my heart rate pick up.

  “Tell us all about your trip!” Sophie says excitedly. I guess I can’t escape them just yet. I take a few deep breaths and share with them all my experiences as quickly as I can.

  “That sounds amazing, darling. I am so happy you had the opportunity to live that experience,” Sophie smiles lovingly.

  “You learned a lot, Ava. That’s experience and knowledge money can’t buy. You’ll be more than prepared once you find a job. It will be hard to compete against you,” John, Ethan’s dad, says. Their words of motivation are endearing.

  “Hello.” I hear someone say. I don’t need to look to know who it is. I notice Sophie and John glance quickly at each other. I can feel the blood drain from my face. My heart rate has picked up again but much faster than before. It’s going to jump out of my body at any second. And when I look up at him, I feel a sudden wave of nausea wash over me. Heat rises up my body, suffocating me.