Love Again

The next hour was spent just talking. Anthony wasn't too telling. No dead wife, no bankrupted at 29, nothing too deep. He felt a genuine friendship with Elena. The two of them were just happy not to be alone for once. Anthony learned the little things about Elena as they talked. He learned about how she lived a few states away for most of her life, but came to Chicago because she thought it would be way out, how she dreamed of writing her own book, but the opportunity hadn't come quite yet, and how she loved going to the movies. It didn't matter what she was seeing, just loved the atmosphere of a movie theater.

Anthony returned by telling her little things. How he loved collecting a billion random things, how he never learned to ride a bike, and a collection of other oddities. He was guarded with it, and Elena seemed to notice it. Yet, she never pried. She was too sweet and caring for that.

Eventually, the night had to end. Elena smiled, clutching her jacket and stood. "I'm sorry to cut the night short, but I have work tomorrow, so I should probably get myself going to bed."

"I understand. Thank you for having dinner with me," he said. There was something close to a smile, but it wasn't quite there. Maybe someday at this rate.

Before she could leave, Elena decided for the notebook, still on the table and wrote her number. "You can text me if you want to, so you don't have to leave thank you notes on my door anymore, but I'm sure you'll see me again," she offered softly.

Elena waved him off before heading back to apartment 307. Anthony locked the door and simply leaned back on the couch. He almost hated himself for having as much fun as he did. She made him feel something again.

For the first time in many nights, he actually slept too. His visions were haunted by Carolyn, but she continued to fade. Her face was disappearing from his memory and he hated himself for letting it happen. He considered putting one of the picture frames back up, but he was in no condition to handle that. However, a new face accompanied hers. He was seeing Elena. It was nothing all that deep, but it was still her face. It almost felt dirty that her face was next to Carolyn's. He chose to think nothing of it. For now.

Anthony woke up, actually having slept around seven hours for once. He felt refreshed, though that wouldn't rip him from his morning coffee and a cookie to boot. He pulled his laptop forward and scrolled through his emails. He expected nothing but was shocked the moment he saw one from a company. He read through it, discovering that he was being offered a job. Now, the company wasn't massive by any means, but it would pay. Best of all, he was getting to do marketing, something that he'd hoped for a long while.

He wrote a quick reply, letting them know that he'd be more than happy to join the company. He was happy to at least be on the way to getting back on his feet. Something in the back of his mind credited this to Elena. Since they met, things had just been... easier.

A good luck charm with the widest smile and a willingness to deal with the grumpiest asshole in the complex. He'd thank her later, though he didn't really know how he'd explain why she was a good luck charm.

Most of his day was bland, spending a lot of it trying his best to prepare for his new job. Occasionally, he'd find his mind wandering back toward Elena. Last night felt like something new to him. He was happy to call her a friend. She made him feel like there might still be good in his world.

It wasn't long before a soft knock came at the door. Anthony moved to welcome Elena in. He looked at her, noting how her eyes looked a bit more tired. "Hey neighbor," she said with a soft smile.

"Everything ok?" Anthony asked softly as he looked back at her.

She replied with a nod. "Busy time at work today," she smiled, "but it's nothing all that bad."

Anthony moved to the fridge, scrounging for a few beers and looked back to Elena at the table. "Are you hungry?" He asked softly.

"More than you know," she chuckled a bit.

Anthony offered her the beer before getting to work on dinner. He did his very best to cook a nice meal, though he wasn't totally sure what he was making. Between cooking, he and Elena had their little small talk and it felt just as natural as the day prior. Before he knew it, the meal was done and he brought both dishes back to the table.

Offhandedly, Anthony mentioned the job offer. Elena nearly spit her beer out and smiled ear to ear. "Anthony! That's great to hear!"

After, he explained the details to her, all of which she was far too happy to hear about. He worried he was boring her, but she seemed interested in everything he was saying. And honestly? He was happy to share it with her. The nights sharing dinner with her felt so wonderful. He had sort of come to be happy that she'd nearly trampled him. He couldn't lie, there was still guilt. He'd never had any woman in his home, except for Carolyn. Now Elena joined that company. Somehow, she didn't even feel out of place there.

The rest of the night was easy. Hours of talking and just being friends. It was comfortable, almost like there was a deep connection between the two of them. It was natural. Eventually though, the night did have to come to an end.

"Thank you again for dinner. And the beers," Elena smiled as she headed for the door.

"Thank you, for being my good luck charm. I don't think that it's a coincidence that I found a job after I met you," Anthony said. He felt something unfamiliar within himself. He couldn't identify the feeling, but it was nice.

Elena had a soft blush on her pale cheeks, looking back from the other side of the door. "I get off early tomorrow, maybe I can cook for you."

"I-I'd like that," he replied softly.

"Then I'll see you tomorrow," she said. Her hand gently reached to his and patted his arm. "Good night, Anthony."

His eyes widened. Something about that almost scared him, but it still felt nice. "Good night, Elena," he said in a whisper. She disappeared into his apartment, sporting her signature smile as always.

Anthony could feel his heart almost racing. Just the soft pat on his arm had felt familiar, yet so new. He could hardly focus by the time he laid down, returning to the bed for the first time in a very long time. He stared to the ceiling, finding the visions again. The physical being of Carolyn had faded. Her form was nearly gone and it scared him like he couldn't believe it. Yet, he could see Elena. Elena was intruding on his visions and his dreams and it was almost terrifying. He also couldn't deny there was comfort to it. Elena felt special.

He eventually fell asleep, though woke up to find the exact same mental exhaustion. He didn't know why, but his eyes were drawn back to the boxes of things from the old house that decorated the bedroom. He knew what was hiding there, but he felt them almost calling out to him. He hated the feeling. It was as if the past was trying to move him backwards. As he stood, gazing at the boxes that littered the floor, he considered opening it and simply looking at everything that had haunted him for years now, but he didn't. He had the control to do so. He didn't know how, but he did.

He scooted the boxes to their corner, not wanting to open them and face his past. The rest of his day was normal, though filled with less sadness and more job prep and thoughts of Elena. The magic the neighbor had worked on him almost needed to be studied at this point. She'd made him feel so much better in only a few days. He read his emails, the most important of which being his new company letting him know that he would start the next week. With it being Friday, he still had time to prepare and get excited for the new job.

He had texted Elena earlier in the day, just to make sure they were still on for dinner and she had confirmed. Not long after five o'clock, she texted back to let him know that she had just gotten home and he could come over whenever. He moved from his apartment and over to 307. His knocking was brief as Elena met him at the door. Her garb was a bit unusual, with her wearing a flowing black dress with long sleeves. She looked stunning as she greeted him. "Hi Elena," he said softly, chastising himself for checking her out.

"Hi Anthony," she returned with a grin, "dinner is just about done."

Anthony sat at the table, acutely aware of how undressed he was in black joggers and an old grubby Bulls t-shirt. Elena didn't seem to mind, especially as her bright smile announced her arrival to the table. She gently set down the food, a pasta dish with an Alfredo sauce and two wine glasses to boot. His eyes glanced at the food, but he was more concerned with her in all honesty. His heart was beating, but he could hear it now. Something about her.

"How was work?" He asked, not daring to take a bite as he looked forward to her.

"It was good. We finally got to push a book into full print phase, so the editors sort of got to celebrate," she smiled, "how was your day?"

"It was... good. Just a lot of preparation for work next week. I start on Monday," he added.

The two enjoyed their dinner, simply appreciating the company that one another provided. The atmosphere however, felt pointedly different for this dinner. He couldn't pinpoint it, but something was unique. He noted his eyes darting over Elena more often as they spoke.

It wasn't long before they'd finished their dinners and were working down multiple glasses of wine. The talks were kind and sweet, but Anthony felt himself giving up more about himself. He trusted Elena and he felt that she deserved to know more. Though he delved deeper, he still hadn't mentioned Carolyn. He didn't know how to broach the topic, especially considering the dreams and the way his thoughts felt like they were changing.

Elena was sympathetic and kind, offering condolences for everything he'd been through. She hadn't been through it, but she seemed to understand. "Do you want to watch some TV? I'm off tomorrow and I haven't gotten bored of talking to you quite yet," she teased.

The two of them moved to the couch, putting on something in the background, but it was nothing more. They were much more concerned with just talking. It was a simple night, but a wonderful one.

That was until it changed in an instant. As the night seemed to wrap, Elena leaned closer. Her hand touched on his wrist while she leaned in closer. Her soft lips were puckered, decorated with dark red lipstick.

In the moment, Anthony panicked and nearly jumped right off the couch. He looked back at Elena, where her face had changed from her usual smile, to a soft frown that nearly killed him.

Anthony stuttered as tears welled in his eyes. He didn't know that she'd felt this way, but he did know that he felt something. Yet, he wasn't prepared. Without warning, the tears began to fall. Anthony had curled into a ball on the furthest end of the couch.

Elena's expression had turned from a frown, to extreme sympathy and soft regret. "I'm sorry Anthony, I thought..." her eyes were filled with tears. She couldn't have known why he was crying.

Anthony choked out a few words. "Not... your... fault..." he whimpered, before burying his head into his knees and assuming the fetal position.

He could hardly breathe, as if five years of pain had washed over him all at once. He thought he'd gotten better, but it felt like he'd only gone backwards now. His breaths were shallow and short as he suffered through the moments of watching Carolyn fade in his arms. He could hear her voice, barely seeing her breathe. Every moment brought the same pain it always had. It felt like hours were going by as he sobbed for the first time in awhile.

Then, like a gift from God, he felt something special. A soft hand grazed across his back, doing all it could to comfort him while he sobbed like a baby. It was something he hadn't felt in so long. "I'm sorry," her voice whispered as Elena leaned close.

It took an hour between sobs and confessions of pain, but slowly Anthony came to his senses. He spoke softly with her as they shared a deep moment, one he hadn't experienced in so long. "I... lost my wife a few years ago," he offered softly, looking into her eyes.

Compassion seemed to ooze from her and her empathetic nature was the best comfort he'd felt in a long time. It was a deep conversation, but it was a kind one. Anthony talked about Carolyn, while Elena listened, never letting her hand leave his back for the simple comfort.

"I... it's not that I don't find you attractive, Elena. I just wasn't expecting this," he offered to her, while she leaned a touch closer.

The truth was that he found her gorgeous. She was sweet and compassionate and clearly they had a good bit of chemistry. He wasn't opposed to trying, but he feared that anything he did was an insult to Carolyn.

Her soft hands drifted to his chin and lifted it to face her. "Anthony, I like you and I feel lucky that you trusted me enough to talk about your wife. I don't blame you for not telling me, I never could," her kindness seemed to ooze from every word.

Anthony gazed back into her soft eyes. They beckoned to him with the utmost empathy. "It might take time for me to recover... but you're the first person since h-her to make me feel safe. I think I'd like to try," he replied, leaning a bit closer.

"Then we'll try. Together," Elena promised.

"Together."

Then for the first time in so long, Anthony mustered a smile. He leaned closer and pressed his forehead to hers. "I'm sorry for sobbing all over you and your couch," he said softly.

"Don't you dare apologize to me," she instructed.

He nodded to her, simply staying close to one another while their foreheads stayed pressed to one another. It was simple, but it all felt right. Maybe there was still a life to live.

The two spent a while in silence, before Anthony slowly broke away. "I'll make you dinner tomorrow and maybe I can take you to the movies," he offered.

"I'd like that," Elena replied.

The two shared a hug at the door. Simple. Short. Sweet. It was like Anthony's heart had finally started beating again after years.

They exchanged good nights before splitting for the night. Anthony found himself back in bed, staring at the ceiling once again. He saw Elena in his visions. He would never forget Carolyn and he would always love her. For the first time though, he found that maybe he had room left in his heart to love again.

He woke up the next day, still feeling a bit of pain. Mental exhaustion was truly there, but he felt comfort. For the first time, he moved to the boxes and fished a picture frame of him and Carolyn. He thought it was right to show Elena his past. She seemed to understand and he loved that she did.

Anthony spent his day as usual, but with an additional trip to the grocery store. He was dedicated to making sure that everything was perfect tonight, especially with the mess he'd made the day prior. He owed that much to Elena.

Elena had confessed her love of seafood the night prior, and he had figured there would be nothing better than cooking her a salmon dinner. He made sure to get a nice bottle of wine. He didn't have too much money after paying months rent, but he'd be working again soon. She was more than worth it too.

It wasn't long before he was back in the apartment, cooking and humming along to a playlist on his phone. He had found a lot of enjoyment in cooking, especially with someone who meant as much as she did to himself. Cooking salmon wasn't too easy, but he'd made sure to look up a few tutorials to make sure it was as perfect as possible.

He cooked up some potatoes and asparagus to pair with it, hoping to make the best apology that he could for her. Over the sound of the music, he heard a soft knock at the door. He made sure to dress a bit nicer, hoping not to look as much like a bore as he had the night before. He moved to open the door, greeted by Elena. She was dressed in a nice red shirt and black pants. She looked fantastic. "Hey Elena," he said softly, smiling again.

She wrapped his arms around her in a warm hug and smiled at him. "Hey Anthony," she replied.

"I just wanted to say sorr--"

She cut him off quickly. "No apologies. Like I said," she said. Anthony nodded back to her once again, happy that she was here.

"Is that salmon?" She asked with a smile, almost giddy at the sight. Anthony nodded and Elena looked like she might jump out of her shoes.

"It's the least I can do," he said gladly, reaching to touch her hand. He wasn't sure what he was and wasn't ready for yet, but he was willing to find out.

Her small delicate hand squeezed his for a moment before she moved away a bit. He glanced back at her. Usually, she was dressed in looser fitting clothes, but these pants seemed to hug her heart-shaped ass a bit more. He hated that he was checking her out, but he could hardly help himself. She was too damn cute.

Elena watched from behind the counter as Anthony finished the food. "You know Anthony, I never want to replace her in your heart. I just want to be there too," she stated.

"I know and I want to let you in too. I'm just still healing," he replied.

"And I'll help you heal," she promised.

It was so sweet to him. She wasn't angry that he hadn't said anything, not worried that she could never match up, just supportive and sweet.

Soon, dinner was done and Anthony moved to the table with wine glasses and two plates of salmon. The two of them shared conversations about everything they could. It was sweet and the chemistry was undeniable. Anthony was picking up on the little things, how she laughed at almost everything he said, how gently she drank her wine, how much she loved salmon, even how she'd gaze upon him when he spoke about something he enjoyed. He delved deeper into his hobbies, talking about how he loved professional wrestling for some reason.

She snickered at that, but cutely offered to watch it with him. He found such sweetness in that offer. He would never expect anyone to offer, but he promised to take her up on that.

Elena mockingly threw fake punches in the air in what she assumed to be wrestling style but quickly broke into laughter. Anthony couldn't help but smile. "It's nice to see you smile. When we met, I got scared you never would," she teased.

"I didn't know I could anymore until we started talking," he admitted.

Her smile was bright, happy to see that she'd made someone else happy, not to mention that she felt safe with him. He was happy because he'd found her.

Eventually dinner was over, but they weren't done talking. They simply sat on the couch, just talking about life. Elena leaned to his shoulder and Anthony comforted her. The night continued on, just talking. To his shock, Elena fell asleep on the couch. He couldn't bring himself to wake her up, so he chose to carry her to the bed. He was careful, being soft and kind before setting her down in the bed. He saw that she was tired, and didn't wish to disturb her. He moved back from the bedroom, closing the door and residing on the couch. The visions were clear tonight. No pain, no fear. There was Carolyn, her face returned and her features full. No anger in her eyes, there never had been. Just happiness. It wasn't long before Elena faded into the visions. Now, it was her. He could see it clearly. He'd never forget Carolyn and he'd always love her, but he'd love Elena too.

He slept soundly yet again, comforted knowing that Elena was safe in the room adjacent to where he slept. He didn't know how it'd been so easy but he felt like the passion for her was practically oozing from his body. He was happy and content, maybe for the first time since. He found that he wanted to be alive again.

The morning came as the sun rose into view of the window. Anthony's eyes squinted, trying to deflect the bright sunlight as he sat up. "Good morning sleepyhead," a voice cooed.