“I didn’t realize I was such a burden to you.” I spit at him, jerking my arms from his grasp.
I hear him calling after me as I flee towards the house. Rushing up the staircase, I storm into his bedroom and grab my suitcase. In a fury, I start throwing my clothes in, not even bothering to fold them. Once everything is packed, I pull out my phone to search for a taxi service. I can’t handle another minute here and asking him to take me back to the Dublin Airport is out of the question. The drive alone would be torture. After securing my taxi, I search for the cheapest flight I can find back to the States and purchase it. Quickly and quietly, I trudge down the stairs and out of the front door to wait on the curb. Being inside the house is suffocating. The fact that he hasn’t come inside looking for me is both a relief and heart-shattering.
Five minutes later, I’m in the cab, instructing the driver to take me to the nearest train station. It will be faster and cheaper than taking a taxi the entire way. I consider it a blessing that the driver isn’t chatty. The last thing I want to do is to make idle chit-chat when I’m dying inside. I do send a text to Charlie though.
Norah:I’m coming back. My flight lands in Raleigh tomorrow a little after 8:00 am. Could you please pick me up?
Charlie:What? Why?
Norah:It’s a long story, but I’m coming back alone.
Charlie:Norie, what happened?
Norah:He broke up with me.
Charlie:HE DID WHAT?! OMG! Tell me what’s going on.
Norah:I’ll call you when I get to the airport, okay? I’m in a cab right now headed for the train station.
Charlie:Okay babe. I’ll keep my phone right beside me so I won’t miss you. Love you!
Norah:Love you.
It takes every ounce of self-control I have to keep from sobbing in the back of the taxi. The driver only looks in the rear-view mirror once, butquickly averts his gaze when he sees the tears falling over my cheeks. On the way to the station, I look up the train schedule and purchase a ticket to Dublin. Once we arrive, I pay the driver, tipping him a little extra for leaving me to my thoughts. Making my way inside the station, I find a quiet corner and wait for my departure. A text message alert sounds on my phone.
Charlie:Don’t be mad, but I told the girls. You’re going to need us when you get back and we’re here for you.
Amelia:Yeah, Norie. We love you and are here to be whatever you need.
Layla:Love you!
Myra:I’ll supply the booze! Of course, I can’t drink it, but more for you!
I sniff back a fresh wave of tears. My friends really are the best. I think about the prospect of staying in Ireland and leaving them behind. My heart throbs painfully. Would I have given it up for Eamon? It would have been difficult, but yes. I would have. But now? I need my friends. I need the love and support they always offer, even when we’re bickering.
Once I’m settled on the train and it pulls away from the station, I pull out my phone to send a text to Eamon, letting him know that I’m headed home. Just as a courtesy. He beat me to it. I have two missed calls and a text message from him.
Eamon:Norah, where are you?
Norah:I’m on my way to Dublin. I’m flying back home, just like you asked. Please tell your Mom I’m sorry I didn’t say goodbye.
Eamon:Stop wherever you are. I’m coming to get you. You don’t need to travel by yourself.
Norah:No, Eamon. I’m on a train. And I’m quite capable of taking care of myself. This isn’t the first time I’ve traveled through Ireland alone. Stay with your Mom. She needs you more than I do.
Eamon:Don’t do that. How could you leave without telling me?
Norah:Goodbye, Eamon. Please don’t contact me again. I can’t bear it.
I shut my phone off and stuff it in my purse. Tilting my head back to rest on the seat, I close my eyes and take a shuddering breath. The small bandage I put over the crack in my heart is in danger of falling off and I refuse tohave a breakdown on the train. I just need to make it home and into the safety of my house, then I can fall apart. The steady hum and movement of the train begins lulling me to sleep and all I can think is that I really wish my Mom was still here.
Eamon
“Fuck!” I yell, throwing my phone across the room.
I can’t believe Norah just up and left without saying anything. I would have taken her to the airport if she was so set on going. I don’t even know where she’s at right now, but I’m sure she’s headed for Dublin. Sitting on the edge of my bed, I pull at my hair and swear again. I was an absolute arsehole to her. It killed me to be so cruel, but it had to be done. I’m not going to let her waste her life here. She has so much waiting for her back home. Sticking by my side while I take care of my mother and sister is not what I want for her. She deserves so much better.
My phone lights up on the floor and I lunge for it. “Norah? Norah, where are you?”
