2. Distant Strain #2
“Amelia,” she starts, her voice steady and soothing.
“Long-distance relationships are tough, sure. But remember, it’s not the physical distance that determines the strength of a relationship, it’s the emotional connection.
Distance can make things seem harder, but it also tests and strengthens the bond you two have.
Just keep communicating, don’t bottle up your feelings, and trust in your love for each other.
Relationships aren’t about always being together, they’re about being there for each other, no matter the distance.
” Her words echo in my mind, a beacon of hope amidst my swirling doubts.
The conversation with Destiny continues for a while longer, filled with more laughs and occasional serious moments. Finally, we say our goodbyes and hang up. I’m left in the quiet of my apartment, the echo of Destiny’s words of encouragement still buzzing in my ears.
Glancing around the room, I realize that, despite being my day off, there’s still work to be done. Piles of laundry sit in the hamper, waiting to be washed, and the living room could use a bit of tidying up. With a sigh, I push off the chair and get to my feet, ready to tackle the chores.
After all, even on a day off, life carries on. As I’m busy folding laundry, my phone vibrates on the coffee table. Glancing at the screen, I see Reid’s name. I pick up the phone, hoping for a message that would make me smile, but the words I read cause my heart to sink.
Reid: May not make it for winter break... need to study for spring term...
The text reads. A surge of anger courses through me. There’s a bitter taste in my mouth, and I toss the phone onto the couch, staring at it as if it’s betrayed me. I had been looking forward to spending time with Reid, but once again, his academic pursuits were taking precedence.
I understand the importance of studying, but I can’t help but feel that our relationship is being consistently pushed to the sidelines.
The frustration wells up inside me, and I sit down heavily on the couch, staring blankly at the half-folded laundry.
Reid’s absence, it seems, will become a constant in my life.
I snatch the phone from the couch, my fingers tapping at the screen with more force than necessary.
You always need to study Reid. It’s always about your studies. When do we become a priority?
I ask, my tone accusatory. I press send, not waiting for a reply before continuing,
We’re drifting apart and it feels like you’re okay with it.
His reply comes seconds later.
Reid: I’m not okay with it, Amelia. But I can’t ignore my studies either. I thought you understood that.
His words feel like a slap, my breath hitching at their harsh reality. I clench my fists, anger coursing through me.
I understand, Reid! But you need to understand something, too. A relationship isn’t just about understanding, it’s about making sacrifices, making time! But it feels like you’re not willing to do that.
I hit send, my chest heaving as tears prick at the corners of my eyes. A long pause follows my last message, and I stare at the screen, my heart pounding. When his reply finally arrives, it leaves me breathless.
Reid: Amelia, I think you’re over reacting.
The tears that had been threatening to fall now spill onto my cheeks, my heart pounding painfully in my chest. I stare at the screen with the words blurring in front of my eyes. But I’m not ready to give up, not yet.
I’m not over reacting. I feel as if you’ve stopped making a damn effort!
I reply, a sense of finality creeping into my words.
But I want you to remember one thing. Even though it’s a struggle, I still love you. And I’m willing to fight for us. The question is, are you?
Hazel’s sudden entrance, as always, is like a gust of wind sweeping through a quiet forest. My attention sways from the phone to her, and she stops when she sees the look on my face.
“Whoa, who pissed you off?” she asks, her voice the embodiment of light and warmth compared to the gloomy silence that had settled in my apartment.
“Hazel, you know you should knock before entering, right?” I mumble, trying to suppress the smile that always threatens to appear at her unapologetic audacity.
“Then you shouldn’t have given me a damn key. Where’s the little man?” she asks, scanning the room for Liam.
“He’s with Reid’s parents for the weekend,” I reply, watching as her eyebrows shoot up in surprise.
She places her things down and sits on the couch. “Well? What’s with the angry look on your face?” she asks.
“Reid just texted to say that he’s thinking of staying at school for winter break,” I tell her as I sit on the couch next to her. “He wants to study, but I’d think he’d want to see us by the way he was speaking on the phone earlier.”
Hazel pats my hand and sighs. “Give him the benefit of the doubt. I can say without a doubt that he misses you guys, and he wants to see you. He also wants to do well in school because he thinks that’s the best way to take care of you.
He’s torn between doing what he needs to do and what he wants to do. ”
“I know that,” I whine as I lean further back into the couch. “I just feel lonely.”