Except Time

Chapter 5: Transitions and Reversal

She smiled and sat at the edge of my bed. Ever since she'd gone to college, she seemed like a different person. A lot more mature, more sure of herself. I desperately hoped that I would even remotely end up like her.

"You seemed distracted at dinner tonight. Just wanted to check in on my little bro."

I started to smile, but then it faltered, "Yeah... I don't know, I'm not sure what to do."

She leaned in closer, "What's up?"

I sighed, "I think I need to break up with my girlfriend."

"Why?"

I thought for a moment, "It doesn't feel like it's supposed to be."

"What do yo think it's supposed to feel like?"

I really didn't know what to say. "Like...like that connection. It should be easy. I don't know. All I know is that things are starting to change, and I don't know if I'm at the point I want to be right now."

She thought about for a second, "Is there someone else?"

I paused, thinking at once about long blonde hair and a sharp laugh but then shook my head, "No it's not about that. I'm just not satisfied with the person I am in that relationship."

Posy gave e a bemused look, 'And you reckon that breaking up with Pari will make you into the person you want to be?"

I struggled, at a loss for words. "I-I want a clean slate. To be in a position where I can grow. " I have Posy a deep look, "Like you."

She smiled and ruffled my head, "Everyone grows in a different way Willie. It's up to you find it for yourself. " She paused, 'But if you really think that breaking up with Pari is how you will do it, then you should do it. Dating someone shouldn't be something where you second guess the relationship. Where you are unsure if it's the right thing. It's something that you should feel sure about."

I nodded, then hung my head, "I just don't know how to do it."

Just then I heard the door open. I turned and saw Holly waltz in, a few leaves braided into her hair to make her seem like a nymph. Or a forest creature.

"What's going on", she said, upon seeing our expressions.

"I think I'm going to break up with Pari", I told her.

She widened her eyes, "Oh. Why?"

"I'm missing that...that uh-"

"That spark?", she offered.

"Exactly."

"Same reason why I broke up with Alex." She came and sat next to me. "You have to just do it man. Be honest and specific. You owe her that much."

I nodded. I did owe it to her.

"I can do that..."

"There's no good way to do it", Posy offered, giving me a soft smile as if she knew exactly what I was thinking.

I looked at both of my sisters, both infinitely smarter than me. They were amazing.