9) Peace at Heart

The rest of the week, I was restless and uneasy.  Every which way I turned I could see Austin's pleading face of forgiveness.  I tried to shrug off my thoughts and feelings, but it wasn't as easy as I had hoped.  

Jordan helped me forget him by taking me places in her car while listening to music, and laughing together.

Ashton also helped.  He seemed to be constantly with me, bringing me roses from his work, or kissing me softly, asking me what I wished to do.  And even though we were already an inseparable pair, I felt that there was a huge difference between him and when I was dating Austin.  Austin was easygoing, and just enjoyable to be around.  I felt comfortable with him by my side, making me smile and laugh, and make my heart swell with joy.  He was like a close brother, but even more meaningful than that.  Ashton was hilarious as well, but I felt like he didn't make my heart leap inside, or really knew how I felt like Austin once did.  Austin used to always know how I was feeling, and knew just how to make me feel better.  Well, Ashton wasn't the old Austin, but he was my boyfriend, and I knew that he loved me.  That was all that mattered.

~*~

"You won't believe what great idea I came up with," Jordan squealed, bursting in the door.

"Can I guess?" I teased, wiping off the countertop from all the leftover crumbs at lunch.

"Well," she said, as though giving it serious thought, "I suppose."

"You have proposed a plan to prank call someone?" I suggested for that sounded just like a typical Jordan idea.

"Nope though that is a good plan."

"Then I give up," I laughed.  "So tell me this idea before I burst in curiosity."

She laughed along with me.  "I'm taking you on a vacation."

"Oh, Jordan, no need for that.  Besides, where's the money coming from?"

"Myself."

"Details?" I asked teasingly.

"Well, you need a break.  You've been roaming around restlessly, wanting to get your hands on anything and everything.  I thought we could just take a day trip up to the mountains.  I've been doing some research online, and I found just the place a few hours from here."

I sighed.  "I know you're trying to help, Jordan, and I appreciate it--"

"But?"

"Well, what about Ash?"

"Oh, Ashton," she said with a careless wave of her hand.  "He'll be perfectly fine.  I'm sure a few hours away from him won't cause him any pain."

"Well," I said, still hesitant, "I'll ask my parents."

"Good," she said in approval, giving me a best friend hug.  "I hope everything works out between you two."

I knew who she meant.  Austin.  Why did he have to be constantly in my life?  Why couldn't he just move back to where he had come?  I didn't want him here, ruining everything that I had worked to build up after he had left me.

"Oh, Jordan," I whispered, "thank you."

She nodded, knowing what I meant.  "Call me later, okay?"

I smiled.  "Sure thing."

~*~

My parents agreed to the short trip, knowing deep down that it would do me some good, and I was thankful for their concern and love that they showed me each day.

"Off we go," I shouted, and Jordan pulled out of the driveway.  We listened to music along the way, traveling listlessly along the highway.  I was excited to see the beautiful South Carolina mountains.  When I was only a child, my parents had taken me camping up in the mountains for my tenth birthday.  It had happened to be the best birthday of my life.  I loved having two worlds.  One close to the soft sand beaches, and the other up in the breathtaking mountains.

"Wow, this is amazing!" I shouted in unbelief, jumping out of the car.  The whole world seemed right before me, like I was looking down on earth from a cloud in the sky.  It reminded me of how God might look at us.

"Goodness, I haven't been up here in ages," Jordan whispered, catching up beside me.  "It is beautiful, isn't it?"

I nodded, smiling.  "Did I ever tell you about my trip here when I was ten?"

When she shook her head, we sat cross legged on the rocky ground, and I related the details.  Her eyes lit up as I smiled, thoughtfully remembering and explaining to her what it was like.  I think I was beginning to ease off all the stress of the past months, and Jordan knew it.

"You know," I said, looking out over the tree dotted earth, and cloudless blue sky, "I feel like when you're up in this beautiful, peaceful place you can think things through more easily.  You know what I mean?"

She nodded slowly.  "Just like at Myrtle Beach, right?"

I smiled slowly.  "Yep.  Just like that."

I enjoyed every minute up in the mountains with Jordan at my side.  Of course, I had other good friends, but it's Jordan that makes me laugh until my stomach hurts, and it's Jordan that knows how I'm feeling without asking, and it's Jordan who can make me back to my normal self in a heart beat.  I loved her for it.

~*~

It was ten o'clock at night once we finally got back.  A thousand stars twinkled above in a canopy of welcoming light.  I waved Jordan good-bye, thanking her, and ran inside.

I slept well that night, realizing for the first time that if Austin did love me, whatever, because we were finished.  Over and done.  He broke my heart, and if I'd ever take him back, he'd have to first prove that he was the same Austin I once fell in love with.  But, for now, I have Ashton, and no one else.  The whole ordeal was over, and it would never be mentioned again.

Author's Note

Sorry if this chapter was boring. I wanted to slow down the chapters some, but, hopefully, not too slow. :)

Reviews

[Short.Nerd]

I liked it:) It wasn't boring it was interesting. Nice job!

[~Lizzy♬]

Oh I love this! It was the best chapter yet! The chapter was right on pace. :) I loved the way you made each of the details not too much, but not too less. Great work girl! I love the storyline because it brings so much brilliance to your heart!!! :D

~Lizzard~

[Krystal Nicole]

Great chapter!! I really liike this storyline! Cant wait for more!

[Karli]

Can't wait to read more!!!:)