Cascading Dreams

Chapter 11: Confrontation

The Erika at the beginning of this day would not have the guts to go to Brian’s place. She would think of it since she already asked Gabe about it but she would never get to actually doing it. She was too scared of the consequences. The rejection would be too hurtful for her. However, the talk with Jane earlier made her consider another perspective. She will now do things in a forward manner. No bullshit. She does not want to regret anymore because of some lame excuse like pride and coward. After all, no use lingering to a past if your present is a mess.

Erika had been a mess since she left Brian. She had not gotten a relationship to last for more than a month. Something would eventually go wrong. But she knew she wanted it to get wrong. She was self-destructive that way. But there was a reason for her behavior. She was still hung up on Brian. And she had to confront it, one way or another. She knew that she had to clear things up with Brian so that she would finally escape this prison that she built towards herself. And now she’s finally here, in front of the condo unit. The place that will finally set her free no matter what.

Behind the door, Brian stood in the corridor in a daze. He was now wearing some casual attire. He thought earlier that wearing a suit would be too formal. His silence unnerved Erika. So, to cull it, Erika tried to call Brian again but it was met with no response. A few minute passed and Erika was beginning to think that Brian was still not home. She tried to call him again but it was still unattended.

While Erika was trying to call Brian, his phone which was charging on the outlet in the living room suddenly played the voicemail Erika left.

Brian, hearing the voicemail, finally snapped out of his daze. He now blamed his phone for missing the warning of Erika’s arrival. However, it was of no use trying to blame some inanimate object. He had to deal smartly with this situation. It wouldn’t be such a bad thing to pretend I am not home. He thought. However, he knew that this moment was long overdue. He also needed closure but she knew she needed it more.

Just as Erika was about to be convinced that Brian was not home and was about to leave. Brian’s voice echoed through the door. “I was not expecting a visit from you, Erika but please come in.”

Erika turned around to see Brian had already opened the door. He was smiling but she knew that he was just playing it nice. She did not like the premise of pretending because she came here for the truth. This thought made her frown but only for a split second before recovering back with her journalist persona.

They settled in the living room as Erika sat down on the sofa.

“Could I get you something to drink?” Brian acted like what any good host would.

“Sorry. Not thirsty and hungry but thanks.” Erika replied. She was looking around and thought that the place was nice. She stood up and wanted to look around.

“Ummm. Can I go take a look around?” Erika wanted to see Brian’s room to see if he had pictures of her or them when they were still in NYU.

“Sure.” Brian instinctively replied however his eyes largened when he remembered that maybe Jane’s stuff was still there. He did not want to deal with a situation of Erika finding out I had some woman last night. The thought would destroy her. In a panic, Brian who was about to get some beer from the fridge suddenly bolted towards his room. “Wait, Erika.” He shouted. However, it was too late. Erika was already in the room.

When Brian had arrived, he saw Erika’s back. She seemed to be holding something and she was silent. He had sweat trickle down his temple before blurting out, “I can explain.”

Hearing Brian, Erika turned around and Brian could see he was holding a picture frame. It was a picture frame of the three of them in NYU. Seeing that it was not of Jane’s possession made Brian sigh with relief. He looked around the room and found out that Jane did not leave any possession. In fact, the room was even clean.

Brian then understood Jane’s intention. Jane did not leave any of her things here and was probably just coming to thank him personally. He was slightly happy over the fact that Jane wanted to thank him personally. However, he had no time to think about Jane right now. He snapped out of it and looked at Erika.

Erika was still looking at the photo and her face was filled with melancholy, like she was in a journey of emotions in her mind. She looked like she was contemplating something.

Brian could understand what Erika felt. That surge of nostalgia always leaves one in a melancholic daze. So, with an empathic resolution, he said, “I do miss us though. I miss the late night talks we’d have on the nearest beach as we lit a bonfire. I miss the fights we have deciding on the best brunch place after a hangover.” Erika who was repressing sobs finally laughed.

“Then, we’d just decide to just have some coffee and some bread at Starbucks.” Erika added.

“We were still broke college kids back then. All we had were dreams.” Brian was walking slowly outside the room and Erika followed him. “Those dreams led us to places we chose. And slowly it changed us.”

“I still haven’t changed” Erika replied. Brian turned around to look at him and stared at her for a few seconds which made her gulp. “Oh, but you did. You seem lost. Gabe told me you have been travelling all over the world with journalism work. It seems to me that you’re looking for something.”

Brian walked closer to her still peering into her soul. “Tell me. Did you find it?” Erika’s eyes were firm as she retaliated. There was an undeniable tension between their eyes.

Erika also drew herself close to Brian. “I’m here to find out.” Her lips drew closer to his. She then grabbed his neck as she kissed her. Brian was shocked. However, he did not put a stop to it. He just surrendered himself. He was a sweet talker all his life but he knew there were moments when actions speak louder than words. This was one of those moments where they don’t need words. They just let the body do the talking.