Monday, June 14, 2021

that old feeling




Valentina felt out of sorts lately. She knew she should have ended it with Matty way before graduation, but she didn't. Now that it was June, it was too late. Of course, it didn't help matters that Dan was with Ivy now. She kept wondering what the world was coming to.

The last straw was finding out Rosie and Chance were moving in together. How could that have happened? Naturally, Rosie wanted her and Matty to see their new place. Of course, it was cozy and fresh. Still Val couldn't help but be a little angst. Everyone seemed to be having a blast. 

She knew she should be breaking up with Matty. After all, he was still in high school(two more years of high school).  But she couldn't. Honestly, he was the only thing that felt like home anymore. It was as if he was the only one she could talk to...which sometimes did lead to other things, but then again he was her boyfriend.

Valentina did her best not to be indifferent to Rosie's happiness. Although, her enthusiasm made Val a little hesitant to ask her anything. "Is that bed even big enough for the both of you?" She winced looking at the crawl space in the tiny house.

"Sure, it's great," Rosie smiled as if she'd sleep with Chance anywhere. They could have made their home in a dumpster, and she looked as if she'd still have that stupid grin on her face.

Val wanted to roll her eyes at that, but she smiled back as if she was just as good at faking as Rosie. No way did Val believe Rosie could be that happy.

"Oh, come on," Matty chuckled later as they were leaving. "She's thrilled to have her own place..with Chance."

Of course, Matty spent a good portion of the visit with Chance who was grilling burgers for their lunch.

"Yeah, I know." But she kept her lip straight and her arms crossed as if she would have none of it.

"You didn't bring them anything like you did Lizzy," Matty reminded her.

"Well, it's a tiny house you know," she looked at him wondering what he was expecting. Matty only nodded.

"Are you mad at me?" He asked on the way back.

"Oh, I'm just mad at myself," she winced as she was driving back.

"We don't have to break up, you know," he sighed. "We both have our studies to worry about."

She nodded. 

"Let's go on a road trip," Matty said.

Valentina only smiled. Well, if he wanted one. She would give him one. She was ready to leave this old railroad town, anyway. She took the exit to Sioux City.

16 comments:

  1. Life is ... sometimes complicated :-)

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  2. Oh, I actually hope that Val and Matty stay together. Who cares about age? Although...I guess when she's going off for her studies....sigh....And wow! I completely forgot how heavy Ste's background story is. So tragic:(
    PS So awesome you've been crocheting a few hats lately, Ellie:) And yeah....yarn management is a hassle sometimes.

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  3. Ellie, thanks for your comentary in my blog. The writter is you.

    The life isn't easy, but I think that Val and Matty stay together. Love is love.

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  4. Hola, una entrada muy interesante.
    Besos desde Promesas de Amor, nos leemos.

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  5. Hope this story of Val and Matty will ends good for them :)

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  6. Val is looking for change and something exciting in her life.

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  7. the age should be an obstacle in a relationship!

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  8. Uy ella si es decidida ojala le vaya bien. Te mando un beso

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  9. we have intricated in life sometimes

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  10. Hola! esta genial el capítulo bde hoy. Besos

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  11. The too-small bed strikes again! '"Is that bed even big enough for the both of you?" She winced looking at the crawl space in the tiny house." I love that this quirky thread keeps coming up with different couples. Speaking of couples, it's interesting that both Val and Matty know that they should break up but don't. Usually, both people aren't on the same page, even if it's just because one's in denial. Maybe that's why I found the ending so uplifting. Even if they're not destined to be together forever, that doesn't mean they can't enjoy an adventure! Also, thanks for your comment on my post about Anxious People. It's the first Backman book I read, so I appreciated hearing that he's one of your favorite writers but that you don't always enjoy him. That kind of contradiction makes me want to try another one, maybe a Man Called Ove.

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  12. I really liked A MAN CALLED OVE.

    About Matty and Val..um, this is the first relationship where she's in charge. Her other boyfriends were always in the lead. Although, generally they would bend to her rules. Still, she has few other things going on with this transition, too.

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  13. Hmm, that's very interesting. It definitely explains Val's pull toward a younger man. You create such rich emotional lives for your characters.

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