Chapter Eight

******Incoming call********

“Nora i think that's your phone”,

Nora walked up to the table where she had placed her phone and picked it up.

“Hello, yes, this is Nora speaking”, she said.

She paused, like a held breath, before she exclaimed in surprise, I could hear the surprise in her voice , like she hadn’t seen it coming

“ Whaat, really, OMG”, Nora responded surprisingly, “Okay, thank you so much, i will be there”. She responded with such a smile as though she had received the best news in her life.

Nora turned her gaze and looked at me, her face lit up with excitement, her eyes shining brightly. Her gaze was intense, filled with eager anticipation.

“Emily……!, she called out my name as she jumped up and down out of excitement.

“Why are you so excited?”, I asked.

“Can you believe what just happened”, she said with a bright face and wide smile.

“No what's it”, I responded, a look of bewilderment crossed my face as I struggled to understand.

“I had applied for a job in the city, and i just received a call that i have been accepted”, she answered with a grin, totally amused.

All of a sudden, a look of displeasure clouded her face, her expression changed in an instant and she looked totally upset.

“What's it Nora, why have you turned really upset, don't you like it anymore”, I asked with a concerned tone.

“No Emily, this has always been my dream”, she responded with a hint of sadness.

“Then why are you not happy Nora”.

She walked up to me and held my hand, “ Emily, that means I have to leave you behind, and I don't want to, especially not now”. she responded, you could hear worry in her voice.

I fell silent, my response arrested by the weight of her words. As much as I wanted Nora to pursue her dreams, she is the only one I had left. Nora was the only person who understands me, therefore I needed her by my side, especially during this time that I was going through my breakup.

“I can't leave you alone right now, never”, She replied, her eyes locked onto mine.

“Nora, Stop being stupid, this has always been your dream, you shouldn't abandon it because of me”.

“I am serious Emily, I am not going anywhere, you're my best friend. What are friends for if I can't be there for you during your most difficult time.

“Nora…!, my tone changed from normal to serious, “you will have to go”.

She stared at me with this crazy intense stare, like she was trying to see right through me.

“You know Nora, unlike you, I didn't have big dreams. My only dream was a happy and complete family, unfortunately, i will never have that, so at least don't let your dreams die too”, my voice cracked with emotion as i talked.

“Look Emily, stop saying marriage was your only dream, there is life beyond marriage, try to look at life from a different angle, maybe you will be able to overcome your delusions”, she spoke in a totally serious tone.

I turned and walked away towards the bed, leaving the conversation behind.

Nora followed closely behind me.

“Emily, you have to accept the truth that your marriage has ended and it will never be the same again”, she said in a voice that was both calm and commanding.

“I already accepted that”, I replied as I avoided eye contact.

“No you haven't”, She said as she stared right into my eyes.

“Nora…!My voice rose.

“I know you better than anyone else Emily, you can lie to the whole world but you can't lie to me”, she spoke in a hushed tone, her voice barely above a whisper yet filled with intensity.

As our eyes met, a wave of emotions washed over me, the weight of my emotions crushed me, sending me into a sea of tears.

“It's okay dear, I am here”, Nora said as she reached out to hug me.

“You can cry all you want if it will help you feel better”, she continued.

“Yah, you're right Nora, I was still hoping we could fix it”, I whispered through my sobs, barely audible.

“Look Emily”, Nora’s tone turned to serious, “ it's time you get an identity for yourself, you need to become who you are. Mia needs a strong and independent mom, not a coward”

“You can do anything for Mia right?, she continued.

“Why kind of question is that”, I darted away , avoiding eye contact. “you know i can even lay my life for Mia”.

“Then let us go the city together”, she implored.

“What….?, my voice full of surprise.

“Yes”, her voice firm, she responded.

“No…. no… no…”, i stammered, “You know how the city is , i dont think i can survive such a big city Nora”.

“ I am going to be there with you, you shouldnt be scared”, Nora responded.

“You know i'm not even educated, what will i do there”, my gaze lingered.

“Emily…., don't be scared, you have to face the world”.

“Don't you trust me Emily”, she continued.

“I do trust you Nora”.

“ Then let's go together, please Emily”, she insisted.

I remained silent for a moment, collecting my thoughts. The silence was a mirror reflecting back at me, the depths of my own soul.

“Going with you couldnt be a bad idea, but what about Mia”, I broke my silence.

“This could be the best opportunity for you and Mia. You're unemployed and don't have any savings, How will you take care of Mia”, Nora stated.

“Mia is still young and i don't think Harrison will take up his responsibility as Mia’s father”, Nora continued.

As I reflected on her words, I came to realize the validity of her arguments. It dawned on me that her perspective was in fact well founded, the truth of her words settled in, like a stone dropping into a pond. Upon further consideration, I acknowledged the merit of her point, I had to admit she was right.

“It’s okay Nora, i think you have a point”, my words cracked with emotion as i said.

“Yeeee”, Nora jumped up and down out of excitement.

“Thank you so much Emily”, she said as she hugged me, I stood there just smiling.