“Italy?” My mother screeches, the sound grating even through the phone line. I wince, bracing myself. Her voice isn’t a welcome sound, even on a good day.
“Yes, Mom, Italy.” I sigh, impatience simmering.
“How long will you be gone?” The accusation in her tone is predictable.
“As long as I please.” I hiss, unable to explain why she’s making such a fuss. She has her own companion, her boy toy, to keep her company. I don’t understand why she needs *me* now.
She has never visited me, hasn't even bothered to contact me unless she needed something. It's baffling, this sudden performance of motherhood.
“What about your job?” She continues, relentless.
I rub my temples, exhaustion already setting in. “I discussed it with my boss.”
“Well, what about—"
“Mom, I’m twenty-four years old. I can handle myself.” I cut her off, the frustration boiling over. Why is she here, in my house, now? I can't comprehend it.
“But why Italy? Why not England, or France?” She pleads, her discomfort palpable.
“Why does it even matter?” I snap, the edge in my voice sharper than intended.
When she doesn’t reply, I stand and head to the kitchen, calling over my shoulder, “You can leave now.”
I retreat to the kitchen, waiting for the sound of the front door closing, then silence. Relief washes over me. I make my way upstairs to my room, finally alone.
It’s been two weeks since the…incident…with Derek. The entire town knows. I can’t leave the house without being swamped by a wave of pitying glances.
This is why I’m running. Running as far away as possible.
Venice has always been a dream, but its reputation as a haven for romance made me hesitate. Rome, on the other hand… Rome promises a different kind of escape. So many beautiful places to visit, so many distractions. I just hope I can actually enjoy myself.
The past few weeks have been agonizing. The reminders feel like weights on my chest, suffocating me. Maybe I’ll finally be able to breathe once I’m out of this state. No, not even the state. Only when I'm out of the country will I feel free.
I’ve seen Derek and her holding hands lately. They’re official, apparently. Idiots, both of them. Let them have each other.
I’ve been preparing for this trip for a week now, and I’m so ready to leave tomorrow. To finally escape this suffocating trap.
I double-check everything, making sure I’ve packed anything I might need. I’m not sure how long I’ll be staying, so I’m taking half my apartment with me.
Walking around my room, I study the vanity mirror. Pictures of Derek and me, still untouched, lined up neatly. He *was* my life. And now he’s gone.
A sad sigh escapes me. Then I remember what he’s done. It’s his fault I’m like this. He slept with another girl. He cheated. All of it is his fault.
Driven by a furious impulse, I rip every picture from the mirror and tear each one into shreds. Tears stream down my face as I do it. I stomp over to the trash can and throw the remains in with a guttural scream.
When it’s over, exhaustion overwhelms me.
I slump onto my bed, too drained to care about anything. It’s only five, but I can’t keep my eyes open any longer. I haven’t slept properly in weeks. I deserve some rest.
Tomorrow will be a long day.
°•°●°•°●°•°●°
The shrill ringing of my alarm pulls me awake. I groan, intending to hit snooze, when I remember what day it is.
The day I can finally escape.
For the first time in what feels like forever, I squeal with excitement and bolt upright.
I rush through getting ready, managing to look presentable within twenty minutes. Grabbing my luggage, I shoot out the door faster than I’ve moved in years. Three large suitcases and two duffel bags, barely manageable, are shoved towards my car. Some of it won’t even fit in the trunk, so it’s crammed into the backseat.
I happily dial Uncle Benny’s number, grinning as he picks up on the first ring.
“I’m off!” I exclaim, my voice bubbling with joy.
“I’m waiting at the airport.” He replies, his tone firm.
“Wait, what? Why?” My mood shifts from elated to confused.
“To send you off, of course. You thought I was going to let you leave without making a big deal of it? Ha! You thought wrong!” He babbles through the phone, and a warmth spreads through my chest.
At least someone cares.
“Oh.” I say, letting him know I understand. “In that case, I’ll see you there!” I smile, even though he can’t see me.
“Okay, Pumpkin, I’ll see you when you get here!” He says loudly through the phone.
He’s always been more of a father figure than anything. He’d always showed up to my school events because Mom wasn't willing, and I never had a father. Uncle Benny was always there for me when I needed him.
I sniffle, touched that he’s willing to play that role for me. He's the only person I'll miss while I'm away. I've never had any friends except Natasha, and we all know how that turned out.
Now that I think about it, I don't think I'd even call it a friendship anymore. She only used me to get closer to Derek. And it worked.
I shake my head, trying to banish the bitter thoughts. Today will be a happy day. No thoughts of him or her.
I sigh contentedly as I drive to the airport, my stomach fluttering with anxious butterflies.