It was just a dream, Ava, I tell myself, but I know I won’t be able to sleep again. These dreams keep me up often at night. They’ve gotten worse since I moved back. I look at the time on my phone and see I have a message from an unknown number. Maybe it’s Elle Webber calling about the job. I fell asleep rather early last night and must have missed it. I press play and listen attentively.
“Ava, it’s me, Ethan. I’m sorry if I pushed you too far tonight. You should know, though, that I am going to fight for you, for us, like you did so bravely. I love you.”
I hang up the phone and sit on the edge of my bed. Seriously? No way will I get any sleep at all now. It’s already 5:30 AM. I’ll start packing up the stuff I have to move to the apartment. The sooner I get that done, the more settled I’ll feel. Katie and I had spoken about moving this weekend. It’s the perfect time to start. I need the distraction.
I begin packing my picture frames and my books in boxes. I move along my room, adding more of my belongings to different boxes. I label each box according to the contents it holds, and before I know it, most of my things are packed. Katie had begun packing when I went out with Matt, but I still had quite some stuff to put away. After an hour of packing my things, it’s time for coffee.
I make my way down the grand staircase that wraps around my parents’ house and feel the coolness of the wood railing under my hand. I stop halfway down the stairs to admire my home. It’s beautiful. My mother has kept it impeccable. She has changed the décor to match the different eras yet has kept it classy and clean.
My favorite piece has always been the chandelier that hangs just at the bottom of the steps, hanging over the entrance of the house. The light from the early morning sun that seeps in through the window above the door shines on the crystals, creating a kaleidoscope design on the walls and roof, adding magic to the space. I remember being little and wishing to have a piece just like that for my house, something that would transform my home into a fantasyland when lit. I was so naïve; it doesn’t matter how magical something seems, reality isn’t picture perfect like crystals and sunshine.
I continue my descent down the cold travertine steps, turning left and making my way into the kitchen through the formal sitting area. The smell of fresh coffee hits my nose before I make an entrance into the kitchen. As soon as I walk in, I see my mom sitting at the breakfast bar with a coffee cup in hand and a croissant on a small dish.
“Good morning, sweetheart. You’re up early,” she says looking at me through the top of her mug.
“Good morning, mom. Yeah, I couldn’t sleep. I started packing my stuff to take over to the apartment, but I got hungry,” I say grabbing a mug and filling it with coffee.
“What’s got you awake so early in the morning?” She pats the stool next to her for me to take a seat.
“I had a bad dream.” I look away from her.
“Do you want to talk about it? You know you can talk to me about anything,” she says worried.
“No, mom, it was just a dream. I’m okay now. Thanks,” I say, grateful to have her, but I don’t want to think about it again.
“Okay… So Ethan came by yesterday? The flowers are beautiful.”
“Yes, he did.” I sigh heavily thinking about his voicemail. So much for not thinking about my dream. “Don’t worry, mom. I think I was pretty clear about not being interested. He shouldn’t be back to bother us.”
“Oh, sweetheart, I’m not worried about Ethan coming around. I’m worried about you and how you’re dealing with seeing him. I saw him on Sunday at our dinner party. I saw how he reacted to the news of you going out with Matt. I also saw how you reacted to seeing him. You may think you have fooled everyone else, but you can’t fool me. I’m your mother. What’s going on?” She waits patiently for me to speak.
“I don’t know. I don’t know what’s going on. He showed up here yesterday saying that he wanted me back, that he was still in love with me, and that he’s sorry. What the hell? Sorry, I didn’t mean to curse. I’m just turned upside down by this. I figured I would see him one time once I was back, but that’s it. A simple hello and move on. To top it off, he left me a voicemail last night saying he’s sorry if he went too far, but he was going to fight for me and that he loves me. That’s twice in less than twenty-four hours,” I let out, and place my face in my hands. The marble countertop feels cold against my warm skin resting on it.
I don’t know what my mom will say or think. We never spoke about him after he left. I would refuse to; it hurt too much. I assume she blames him for pushing me so far away and my leaving to Europe. I assume she blames him for breaking my heart. Truth is, I don’t know what she truly thinks.
“Ava, darling, look at me.” Her brows are furrowed. I see her hazel eyes, just like mine, full of concern. Her short, light brown hair frames her face perfectly–you’d never guess she just woke up. My mom always looks immaculate. In the society we live in, I guess you always have to, but underneath the “perfection,” I see she is truly worried about my wellbeing.
“You’re strong. You had the courage to fight against a disease that kills many and follow your dreams. Your father and I are so proud of you. Remember, your name, Ava, means life, you are full of it. I know you had to struggle for your life at a young age, but you won that battle. I want you to live happily. Live the life you want for yourself. I understand your decision to leave for Europe and follow your life dream. We all missed you terribly. Even Ethan. Sophie would tell me how he lost sight of himself and his goals in life after you left.”
“You don’t hate him?” I interrupt her in disbelief. It seems like everyone keeps making excuses for his behavior.
“No, darling, I don’t. I don’t think he did right by you, but I don’t hate him. We all knew him before you got sick. He’s a good man who’s made poor decisions. I wouldn’t say I was very fond of him after he broke your heart. I was terrified of what would happen to you back then. You were still sick and fragile. Sometimes we just react to situations without thinking of the consequences. I know he’s not the only one who’s made mistakes like that.”
“What do I do?” I’m trying to hold back the tears. She makes it seem so normal, so okay that I would want to be with Ethan.
“I don’t know. That’s your telling, not mine. Follow your heart and continue living your amazing life, Ava.” She emphasizes my name to remind me of it’s meaning.
We continue to drink our coffees in silence. Sophie and John have been lifelong friends with my parents. I am happy that what happened between Ethan and I didn’t ruin that friendship.
After some time in silence, my mom asks, “When will you be moving back in with Katie?”
“I’m going to start taking things over today. I’m ready to begin this new chapter, and I want to start as quickly as possible. I still haven’t heard from Elle Webber about the job, but I feel confident she will call.”
“It’s only been a few days since the interview. I’m sure she will be calling you soon. I’ll miss you terribly when you move back with Katie. Don’t forget to come by a few times a week. I just got you back in what seems an eternity.” Her eyes darken slightly with sadness. I know she isn’t just talking about Europe. I wasn’t myself while I was sick. I was a ghost of what remained of me. When I finally got better, I left them to travel and escape reality. For my parents, they haven’t truly had me around for a long time.
“I promise I’ll come by, mom. I missed you guys, too.”
“Do you need help packing? I can have Martha finish packing your things so we can talk some more,” she says, hopeful to spend more time with me while our housekeeper does the work for me.
“No, I actually finished most of it before I came down.”
“Okay, sweetie, if you need help, let me know.”
“Thanks, mom, for the offer and for the advice,” I say, giving her a kiss on the cheek before heading back upstairs to finish packing. Knowing Katie, she’s still sleeping so I refrain from calling her. I type
out a quick text so she can get back to me when she’s up and ready and continue packing what’s left of my things.
My phone rings on my bedside table, and I jump over boxes to answer it thinking it is Katie. The number is unknown, and I’m hesitant to answer in case it’s Ethan again. I could let it go to voicemail.
It continues to ring in my hand, the volume seeming to get louder and louder, and my indecision of answering or ignoring him filling the air around me. Maybe I could tell him personally to leave me alone.
“Hello?” I answer with annoyance.
“Hi, is this Ava?” A woman says on the other line. Okay, definitely not Ethan, unless one of his hookers is calling me. I swear…
“Yes, this is she.”
“Hi! It’s Elle Webber from Webber Art Gallery.” My eyes widen, and I’m surprised to hear from her this early. I hope she didn’t take offense to my annoyed tone.
“Hi, Elle, it’s so nice to hear from you. How are you?”
“I’m great. It’s wonderful hearing from you as well. I’m calling to offer you the position of art curator for the gallery, if you’re still interested. I would love to have you working with me.”
I’m silenced. An array of emotions washes over me, happiness, surprise, nervousness, pride, and relief. After a few seconds, I compose myself. “Absolutely! It would be an honor working for you.”
“I’m happy to hear that. How about you begin Monday morning? I will give you the paperwork with your contract details, and I can show you around the gallery and talk about the latest pieces I have here for display and sale.”
“Monday is perfect. Thank you again, Elle. I look forward to seeing you,” I say giddy as hell. This is my dream job. A sign that things are getting better and better.
“See you then,” she says warmly and hangs up.
I run out of my room and down the steps almost tripping over myself. “Mom! Guess what-” I yell and stop in my tracks. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.” My parents are standing face to face in a loving embrace. I feel my cheeks redden with embarrassment for catching them in such an intimate moment. How embarrassing.
“It’s okay, Ava. You’re not interrupting. I was just saying good morning to your mother. She got out of bed before I woke up. What’s got you all excited?” My dad turns his body to me, leaving one arm draped over my mom’s shoulder, looking at her with adoration. She smiles back at him lovingly. I hope to one day find the kind of love they have for each other.
“I just got a call from Elle Webber. The job is mine if I want it. Of course I said yes. I begin on Monday!” I say breathlessly.
“That’s wonderful news! We must celebrate. How about we go to lunch today?” My dad says. “Do you want to go to Miss Annie’s?”
“Yes, sounds good. You don’t have to go into the office?” I ask my dad.
“I’m sure I can free myself for a couple of hours to celebrate my daughter’s success. Who will tell the boss no?” He smiles conspiratorially. That’s true. He is the owner of his company.
“Thanks, daddy. I’m really excited about this.”
“Congratulations,” they both say simultaneously.
“You deserve it,” my mother says, freeing herself from my dad to give me a hug. “I’m so very proud of you.”
“Thanks mom. I’m going to finish packing the few things I have left and take a shower. Hopefully I can move a few things to the apartment before lunch.” I beam at them before heading back the way I came.
Back in my room, I notice a text message from Katie. I can’t wait for you to move back here! Let me know when you want to bring your things.
Me either! Finishing packing... Will call you when I’m done.
Sounds good. If you need help I will go over. We should celebrate tonight! I can imagine the mischievous expression on her face about celebrating tonight. Lord only knows what she means, and I’m a little afraid of asking.
There’s much to celebrate. I got the job at Webber Art Gallery! I’m having lunch with my parents to celebrate. I will take my things over after, I think. I type, noting the time and looking around at what I have to finish packing. I know making a quick trip over to take my things before lunch is nonexistent.
I finish packing and jump in the shower. I am beyond happy with how things are working out. My mom is right, I just need to follow my heart and enjoy this second chance I got at life. I intend to do just that.
∞
I finish lunch with my parents. It was great being with them again, away from stress and preoccupations. Miss Annie’s is my all time favorite, so it’s appropriate for a celebratory lunch. Aiden wasn’t able to meet us, but promises to celebrate with me later tonight. Just like with Katie, I am nervous about the kind of celebration he has in mind.
I’m on my way to the apartment now with the few boxes that fit in my BMW. My mom has arranged for movers to take the rest of the boxes and my belongings. I thought it was ridiculous at first, seeing that my room in the apartment is still furnished, but after packing my car with the little that fit, movers was a good idea.
I get to the apartment and nostalgia washes over me. I remember how much fun I had living in this apartment. Life was just beginning. We were ready to conquer the world, until my world came crashing down. Deciding to move out of here was a difficult decision, but I knew it was the right one for my wellbeing.
I shiver at the memory of the day I told Katie I had cancer. She cried her eyes out, saying the doctor was wrong. Ethan had insisted in joining me to tell her, but I had to do it on my own. He was being supportive, but Katie is my best friend. If I couldn’t tell her, then I was damned.
I make my way up the few steps to the entrance and knock on the door. Katie answers the door immediately, throwing herself onto me in a huge hug. “I’m so excited!” She yells in my ear.
“Me too!” I say, smiling back at her. “I feel like we’re back in college.” She laughs, pleased, and helps me unpack my car.
“There’s barely anything here.” She looks at me confused.
“The rest is coming later. It didn’t fit in my car. My mom hired movers to bring the rest so I wouldn’t waste time going back and forth,” I explain.
“Good! More time for us to spend together. So, tell me about the job.”
I tell her all about what I will be doing at the gallery, explaining the sales part and how I will be organizing the displays, bringing in new artists, and helping clients find their ideal pieces of art.
“That sounds amazing! I’m happy for you. You see, things are starting to fall into place. Have you spoken to Matt again?”
“Yeah, they are. And no I haven’t. He’s sent me a few messages, but I’m not sure I’m really interested in dating him. He’s a great guy, but I didn’t feel the spark, you know?”
“Could it be because your mind was somewhere else after seeing Dan?” She raises a knowing eyebrow at me.
“Even before I saw Dan, I felt like something was missing. He was a perfect gentleman, truly interested in what I had to say, but I didn’t get the feels.” I let out a long exhale sighing deeply.
“That’s okay. Maybe we can get together with him in a more laidback setting. How about we go out tonight, and we invite him. We need to celebrate your new job!”
“Um…” She gives me the stink eye. “Okay, yeah, but just as friends. I’ll tell Aiden. He wasn’t able to make lunch, and he wanted to celebrate tonight with us.”
We spend the rest of the afternoon talking and organizing my room. The movers arrive about an hour and a half after me and dropped off the rest of my belongings. It feels surreal being back in this apartment. It holds so many memories, getting ready for weekend outings, having friends over, making love to Ethan for the first time.
Between Katie and I, we have my room almost completely unpacked by the time we need to get ready for our night out.
Katie suggested starting at Dave’s for a drink or two before heading out to a club. Aiden agreed to meet us there, as did
Matt. I’m a little nervous to see him by how our date ended on Wednesday night, but maybe Katie has a point about hanging out as friends first.
I haven’t been out in Chicago since I was 21 years old. It’ll be interesting to get out there again and return to some of my favorite places. I wonder what it will be like running into people I used to know.
I finish drying my hair and choose to curl the ends of my straight locks to add volume. I grab my curling iron and begin work when Katie peeks into my room. “Hey what are you going to wear? You’ve got to look hot!”
I point to the dress hanging on my closet door. “I was thinking of wearing that dress. Do I have your approval?” I ask sarcastically.
Katie smiles devilishly in approval. “Oh you’ve got my approval.” The dress is royal blue, form fitting and stops a few inches above my knees. The neckline plunges into a V down the middle of my breasts in a lower, and not so sweet, sweetheart shape. It has thicker straps that come over my shoulders and around my back, leaving a semicircle cutout on my upper back where the straps meet. I pair the dress with white strap heels and gold ankle cuff that hug my feet with finesse.
After ogling the dress a few more seconds, Katie leaves to finish getting ready herself. I continue with my hair, letting the waves fall down my back. When I’m done I sweep it all to one side, holding it in place with small pins, displaying the open back design of the dress. I add finishing touches to my makeup, put on a light pink lipstick, and take a last look in the mirror. I’m ready to celebrate.
Katie whistles as soon as she sees me walk into the living room of the apartment. She’s sitting on the gray couch, waiting patiently with a glass of champagne. “I’d offer you some champagne, but I’d be a horrible friend if I didn’t get you out into the world for everyone to admire your hotness.” I laugh at her and grab my purse and coat.
“Let’s head out, unless you want to keep me all to yourself tonight,” I wink at her jokingly.
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep, babe,” she says slapping my ass, causing me to yelp. “Keep that sassiness for Matt.” I roll my eyes at her, shaking my head. “Or any other guy you come across. The options are endless if you let them be.” She gives me her best smile and leads me out the door.
Restoring Us Page 9
