Member-only story
Out of This World
Careful what you wish for
Lauren bared her teeth and cracked a knuckle with one squeeze. She could taste the foulness of Mark’s words on her own tongue.
“Don’t you understand?” he yelled. “Either move up north with me, or it’s over.”
Fine with me she thought. It wasn’t as if she lived with him in the first place.
“I understand everything Mark. And I believe some distance will do us a whole lot of good.”
“The bullshit needs to stop. Whatever fantasy long-distance lifestyle you have in mind is never going to work.”
“Traveling is my passion Mark. Always has been. I’m leaving for Venice tomorrow whether you like it or not.”
Mark let out a heavy sigh. This was just like him, expecting her to uproot her unpredictable life just to settle down.
“I’m not arguing with you anymore.” Lauren answered. For good measure, she slammed the zebra printed phone back on the receiver. It was one of the pleasures of using a landline. You could let people know how you really felt by a harsh disconnection. The room was dimly lit by her lava lamp, bringing out the faint glow of her magenta painted walls. It was after midnight and a drowsiness overtook Lauren. She propped her feet up on her desk and pulled out her lighter, clicking it a few times, trying to distract herself from the unpleasant conversation.
“Never needed him anyway,” Lauren muttered, a cigarette now between her lips. She stared out her open window at the city. A silver beam shot over the bell tower in a perfect arch.
Really? A smile spread across her face. It was time to embrace the cliché. Lauren squeezed her eyes shut, breathing in the sensation of summer night air and smoke.
“I wish for someone out of this world for me.” She whispered, pausing a moment before adding, “someone who wants what I want.” She paused before adding. “Someone who makes me pancakes how I like them. . . And I also for a gorgeous villa in Italy.” It felt ridiculous, but it wasn’t as if anyone was listening. She nestled against the feather boa on her chair and drifted off. Tomorrow she would leave for Venice. That was just it. Screw Mark and his narrow ideals.
