Page 11 of Journey to Love

“Thank you,” I say sincerely.

“Yup,” he replies simply.

“See you later, dad,”

“Yeah…uh…see you later,” my dad responds before hanging up. I sigh, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me. My life is a mess, I think to myself as I finish my third cigarette and head back inside. Nana is sitting on the couch reading a book, and Pop is at the computer. They both look up at me as I walk in.

“How’d it go?” Nana asks, setting her book aside.

“It went as well as to be expected,” I reply, trying to keep my voice steady.

They both nod in understanding. “So, what’s the plan?” Pop inquires.

“They’re allowing me to go by and get my car, so that’s a plus,” I answer, feeling a glimmer of relief.

“Well, that’s good. Now you don’t have to worry about finding someone to take you to work,” Nana replies, offering a comforting smile.

I exhale a mixture of relief and nervousness. It's a relief to have my car back, but I can't shake the nervous feeling that this decision is going to change everything. Sitting down on the edge of the couch, I run my fingers through my hair, trying to gather my thoughts.

Nana leans forward, her expression thoughtful. “Have you thought about what you're going to do next?” she asks gently.

I shake my head, feeling overwhelmed. “Not really. I just needed to get out of there, you know?”

She nods sympathetically. “It's okay to take things one step at a time. You've already taken a big step by leaving. Now, you can focus on figuring out what's best for you.”

I appreciate her words of wisdom, but the uncertainty still gnaws at me. “I just wish I knew what I wanted,” I admit, feeling a pang of frustration.

Pop looks up from his computer, his eyes filled with concern. “You'll figure it out, kiddo. Just give yourself some time.”

I offer a weak smile, grateful for their support. “Thanks, Pop. Thanks, Nana.”

They both smile back at me, their love and understanding comforting me in a way that words can't express.

Chapter Five

Anya

A couple days later, I come home from work and slump down on the couch. Joe listened and stayed on his side of the restaurant. On occasion, I would catch him glaring at me but I didn’t have time to baby a man’s ego. It’s not my problem if he can’t handle a little rejection, which is crazy since I didn’t fully reject him, I just wasn’t ready for it to go that far. I haven’t allowed a guy to touch me there since Paul, and when Joe put his hand there, I started to get flashbacks of that night in the motel and I panicked. Either way, I’m glad I saw the real him before it went anywhere.

Nana walks into the living room with her purse hung over her shoulder, “I’m going to the store, do you want to accompany me?” I politely smile and shake my head, “No thanks Nana, I’ve been on my feet since this morning, I think I’m just gonna rest for a while”. She pats my cheek “Okay sweetie, you rest up. Would you like me to grab anything while I’m gone?” she asks as she heads out the door. “No thanks Nana, I’m okay.” She smiles and then gives me a wave goodbye.

I pull out my phone and scroll through my social media apps. I noticed pictures from my mom’s page, she’s in Greece now. I do miss talking with her but since I moved out, she’s been distant. When we do talk it’s one-word answers or just small talk. I don’t regret standing my ground but I do regret how I did it. I keep scrolling until I come across an ad for a cruise vacation to the Bahamas. It’s a 5-night trip for only $500.You could use a vacation, Lord knows you need it, my inner voice nudges me. I immediately pick up my phone and text Lana.

ANYA: “Hey crazy idea!”

LANA: “Oh, I’m intrigued, do tell”

ANYA: “Lol your birthday is next month right?”

LANA: “Ouch! I’m hurt that you don’t know my birthday! ;-P”

ANYA: “Shut up brat, I’m just confirming lol”

LANA: “Yes, my birthday is next month. I’ll be the big 25!”

ANYA: “What are your thoughts about going on a cruise the week of your birthday?”

LANA: “OMG! YES!!!!”

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