Packing

"Ellie," Kate said gently, "What are you doing?"

I looked up from where I stood at the foot of my bed, staring at a suitcase. Kate stood in the the doorway of my bedroom, her long hair pulled back into a casual ponytail, her body encased in jeans, a tunic and flip flops. I assumed her question was rhetoric.

"Are you and Brian going to the beach?" I asked absently, looking at the list in my hand.

"Later," she said, moving into the room, picking up a silky scarf that had fallen to the floor. "Henry called."

"Oh?" I looked up, focusing on her.

"He doesn't want you to go," she said, playing with the smooth length of fabric.

I sighed. "I know." I turned and sat on the edge of the bed.

"Why are you still going?"

"I always swore I'd never let a boyfriend stop me from pursuing my dreams. And I want this. I really want this."

"I know, but isn't -" Kat paused, searching for the words. "Isn't he someone worth staying for?"

"Right," I said wryly. "As if I'd tell his sister otherwise."

Kate laughed and sat next to me, pushing the suitcase away.

"Kate, I really don't know why this is such a big deal. I mean, I'm sad I'm not going to be able to see him for six weeks, but it's only six weeks and then I'll be back!"

"He's afraid."

"He's ridiculous."

"He's afraid of losing you."

I rolled my eyes. "I keep telling him. He's not going to lose me."

"He's already lost one woman he loved. He's afraid it's going to happen again."

I stared out the window at the palm trees waving in the courtyard against the crystal blue sky. I swallowed the lump in my throat. "I don't want to hurt him," I whispered. "I love him. A lot." I looked back at Kate, "But he has to trust me. I'm not going to leave him."

"That's what Georgie said." Kate handed me the scarf and stood to leave. "Ellie," she turned back to me, "be careful with my brother's heart."


This is a piece of fiction that's part of my groovy little break from reality. If you want to read more about Henry and Ellie, check out Fictional Mandyland. This bit takes place after Leaving on a Jet Plane.