The Florida Fiasco Part 2

Note: If you have not read The Florida Fiasco Part 1, you're gonna be real confused. Because I'm jumping right back in.

Rachel and I stayed up until 4 AM talking about everything and anything going on in our lives. We talked about exes, college, sports, music, just about anything so we could spend more time together. She was amazing. However, the matter of my ex-girlfriend Solange still weighed on my mind. Rachel said she understood, and gave me room to talk about how I was feeling without any criticism.

Mark and Amberly were doing God knows what. But, they came and found us at around 4:15 AM. "You guys ready to head back?" Mark asked. "Yeah we just gotta find Nina." I said. "She's not coming back with us." Amberly said. "Oh really? Tell me she's not shacking up with old glass jaw Chad?" I asked. Amberly didn't respond. We both knew the answer to that.

We all piled back into the Taurus, and headed back to the hotel. Rachel stays with me in my room and Mark stays with Amberly in her and Nina's room. The next thing I remember is Mark jumping on my bed between Rachel and I. For real, he was like a little kid on Christmas morning trying to wake his parents up.

"What time is it?" I ask. "It's 11 AM." Rachel says. "Ugh, go back to sleep Mark" I said. "I can't, and neither can you. Everyone is downstairs waiting on you to lovebirds to come to breakfast." Mark explained. I hopped out of bed only for the promise of a free breakfast. I threw on some pants, grabbed Rachel by the hand and followed Mark downstairs to the swanky restaurant.

Amberly, her mom and dad, Mark, Nina and Chad were in attendance. That's just what I wanted for breakfast, a side of Chad. I was so hungry I didn't care. I don't remember what we ate, but we sure did eat it. I remember it being greasy and delicious. Chad ate in silence, but he pulled Rachel and I aside and apologized for showing his ass. It turns out, sober Chad is a Chad I could get along with. Unlike the garbage fire that was drunk Chad.

After breakfast Rachel called her parents and they asked her to come back to Orlando. Surprisingly, Mama Stevenson asked if I wanted to go to Disney World with them. A free trip to the Magical Kingdom? Hell yeah. It turns out, knocking on their van's window was the best decision I had made all year.

Apparently, Tiffany - the middle Stevenson - decided to rest for the day because she wasn't feeling well. So, they had a free ticket. It was a win-win scenario in point of fact. Mark gave us his blessing and we went on our way. I decided to delay calling Solange, but I did text her and tell her I would call her later. That day was about having fun and forgetting all my teenage drama.

We met the Stevenson brood at the front gate. Papa Stevenson was both happy to see me and also pissed I kept his daughter out all night. Mama Stevenson was just happy to see her daughter happy. That's not conjecture, she told me as such later over some scrumptious churros.

Disney World as an adult is dope as fuck. I remember having fun as a kid, but its even better when you have the autonomy to do whatever the hell you want. We had a lot of fun. We rode rides, made fun of the outdated and borderline offensive stereotypes on display and we even made out on the It's a Small World ride.

All in all, it was a great day. We ate dinner in the park. I can't remember where, but I do remember that it was Disney-themed American fare. I tried to pay for my food when Mrs. Stevenson blocked my attempt. Seriously, I was pretty sure she would drop-kick me before she would let me pay.

After dinner, we all headed back to the Stevenson's hotel to decompress. Tiffany, the middle

Stevenson, was up and about. I guess she felt better, but nobody mentioned her being sick. I thought for a moment that maybe she was never sick to begin with. That, maybe, Rachel convinced her sister not to go so that I could. It was a flattering thought, but I quickly dismissed the idea.

After hanging out for about an hour, Rachel made a proposal. She was more than willing to drive me back to Daytona, but she'd rather I stay the night there. Her parents had already made the couch up for me. It appears that Ms. Rachel was just as smitten as I was and also knew I didn't want to leave. I decided to stay, but I really had to call Solange back. Even though it was the last thing I wanted to do.

I headed downstairs to the lobby and prepared myself for the call. I remember being hyper-anxious. It was the kind of anxiety that turns your stomach. Real visceral shit. Anyways, I dialed Solange and prayed to God she doesn't pick up. Not because I wanted to ignore her, I just knew our conversation was going to knock me on my ass. No such luck. She picked up on the second ring.

Solange: Hey, how was Disney World?

Me: It was magical. I guess Nina clued you in. Unless your psychic.

Solange: Nope, Nina told me everything.

Me: What does everything entail?

Solange: That Rachel spent the night in your hotel room.

Me: Before you make me feel guiltier than I already do, the same shit happened when we broke up the last time. Remember Thomas?

That was a low blow. I knew it, she knew it.

Two years prior, Solange and I were on a break and she made-out with a guy named Thomas. She felt horrible about it and told me immediately. I'm not the jealous type, so it bothered her more than it did me. Bringing it up was a dick move though. But I was young and stupid.

Solange: I didn't have sex with Thomas.

Me: Well, I didn't have sex with Thomas either.

Solange: No jokes Sean.

Me: Fine. Rachel and I did not have sex. Is that what you wanted to hear.

Solange: Well what did you do?

Me: I'm not talking about this with you. You are the one who wanted to break up, I was vehemently opposed to the idea.

Solange: (Silence)

Me: Now you're all butt-hurt because I'm spending time with another person. You can't have it both ways.

Solange: I want to get back together.

Me: When? Right now?

Solange: As soon as possible.

Me: Is this because you want to or is this just jealousy.

Solange: Its because I want to.

Me: (Silence)

Solange: Well? What do you want?

Me: Can we talk about this when I get back? I need time to think.

Solange: Or do you just want more time with Rachel?

She was right. As she was most of the time. I felt like a Stretch Armstrong being torn apart be two pit-bulls. This was the exact reason I didn't want to have this conversation in the first place.

Me: Not fair Solange. Not fair at all.

Solange: Fine. Whatever. Do what you want.

Then she hung up. She called back a few minutes later but I didn't pick up. I just couldn't. I sat down in the lobby for about ten minutes and composed myself. I know I haven't painted the best picture of Solange, but she was an amazing person. Smart, sweet, kind, caring and not to mention beautiful. She was too good for me. But, at the time I was kind of bitter because of the break-up, plus the addition of Rachel just made things that much more difficult.

I sulked back upstairs and I'm greeted with a hug from Rachel. She doesn't say anything. I don't say anything. We just stood there holding each other for a few minutes.

Rachel: So, how did it go?

Me: It was a trash fire.

Rachel: That bad?

Me: She wants to get back together.

Rachel: When? Like right now?

Me: That's what I said!

We both laughed. I told her everything. She just listened. Again, no judgement or criticism.

Rachel: Can I ask you what you want?

Me: Right now, I just want to be here with you. All that other stuff is a thousand miles away.

We kissed. Her dad walked in. I pulled back and she broke out laughing. "Well, I hope I never have to see that again." Papa Stevenson said. He was half-joking. He could also see the anguish on my face. He asked me if I was alright. I told him what had happened. He gave me a hug too. I would soon learn that the Stevenson family was big into hugs. It was comforting.

We all joined up in the living room and watched TV. I can't remember what we watched. I didn't really care. As long as I was with Rachel, I knew everything was going to be okay. At least, for the time being. Until I had to go back to the real world. But I wasn't worried about that then. I knew our time was fleeting, so I wanted to make the most of it. The rest of the evening was uneventful. Rachel and I stayed up talking again until almost 4 AM. She went to bed and I made myself cozy on the couch.

I woke up to the sound of Mama Stevenson singing in the kitchen. I didn't know what song it was, but she sure could sing. It was like waking up to a choir of angels. We were the only two up at 7:30 AM, so I joined Mrs. Stevenson in the kitchen.

Mrs. Stevenson: Good morning Sean! Are you feeling better this morning?

Me: I guess your husband told you what happened.

Mrs. Stevenson: He sure did. Young love can be a real bitch.

Me: Don't I know it.

We talked for awhile and the rest of the family eventually joined us. Today was the family's first trip to Epcot, and Mr. Stevenson was far too excited. "So, are you coming with us today?" Mr. Stevenson asked me. I stood speechless for a few seconds before Rachel grabbed my hands. "Daddy was kind enough to buy you a ticket last night." She said.

These were the dopest people on the planet.

I graciously accepted the invitation and I stepped out into the living room to call Mark. I tell him what's going on, and he made a joke about the Stevensons adopting me. "I might marry into the family by the end of our trip. No Joke." I said. "Oh, it's like that?" He replied. "Oh yeah." I responded. We talked for a bit, I told him not to tell Nina or Amberly anything because I don't want to give Solange anything else to hold against me.

So, we headed to Epcot. Rachel wore a purple sundress that made her look stunning. She was a vision in flats. I picked my jaw up off the ground long enough to tell her as much. I am rewarded with a kiss and I feel like I'm on cloud nine the whole day. I made a note to thank Mark for dragging me down to Florida. Because, at this point, it is an absolute dream come true.

We do all the touristy stuff. Mr. Stevenson even buys us beer in the park. Which was awesome. Rachel and I are glued at the hip the whole time. A few older couples even told us how cute we are together. Along the way, I had a conversation with Mrs. Stevenson that made me feel like the luckiest guy in the world.

Mrs. Stevenson: You know that Rachel is really into you.

Me: I surmised as much.

Mrs. Stevenson: No, you don't understand. I've never seen her like this before.

Me: You're just trying to be nice.

Mrs. Stevenson: I just want you to be aware of how lucky you are.

Me: Oh?

Mrs. Stevenson: Yes. She's a remarkable young woman and you make her happy.

Me: She makes me happy too.

Mrs. Stevenson: Then don't fuck it up.

Her last words were startling, but I knew where she was coming from. I was a drama hurricane sweeping up their eldest daughter. They just wanted to make sure I didn't hurt her. And I had no intention to. I was 100% into Rachel. I was already thinking of ways we could stay together after vacation. Yup, I was dead serious.

The rest of the day is a blur of beer, fun and frivolity. Around 6 PM, however, I received a phone call. It's Mark and he's quite panicked.

Mark: Sean?

Me: Last time I checked.

Rachel: I'm here too!

Me: Yeah, Rachel is here too. You're on speaker phone.

Mark: Take me off. Now.

Me: Okay... There, its just me now. What's up?

Mark: Solange is here!

Me: You're fucking joking.

Mark: Nope. She just showed up and is looking for you.

Me: Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!

Mark: I haven't told her anything but you have to come deal with her.

Me: Nope. I refuse.

Mark: You can't do that.

Me: Remind me to kill Nina. This is all her fault. That little rat.

Mark: What are you going to do?

Me: Enjoy the rest of my day at Epcot Center. Solange can wait.

And I really meant it. This was a disaster, but it wasn't my problem. So what if she drove all the way down here? I didn't invite her. She's not my problem. I said that to myself over and again. She's not my problem. Except for that she was my problem. The words of Mama Stevenson rang through my head: "Don't fuck it up."

Rachel: What's wrong?

Me: Solange is at our hotel.

Rachel: No fucking way.

Me: She just showed up!

Rachel: (With a look of real concern on her face) What are you going to do?

Me: Stay here with you and enjoy the rest of our amazing day. She can't ruin our vacation.

Rachel smiled and kissed me. "You called it our vacation." She said sweetly. My plan was solid, but I only triaged the wound. Solange was a ticking tie bomb waiting to go off and ruin everything. At around 7 PM the calls and text messages came flooding in. "I'm here, I want to see you." was the first one I saw.

I continued to ignore her as the sun set. Rachel was even kind enough to turn my phone off for me. Despite the curveball thrown at us, we still had a great night. It was like we discovered the recipe for pure joy and only we could savor it. But, we were both acutely aware that our new found happiness was being threatened. I know it sounds melodramatic, but that's how I felt at the time.

We put off the inevitable as long as possible. Rachel clued her mom and dad in on what was going on. they both offered to let me stay another night. So, that's exactly what I did. As long as I was with the Stevenson's, I was safe from the emotional turmoil lurking around the corner like a pack a ravenous wolves.

I barely slept that night. Rachel stayed with me on the couch. We watched TV and talked. We soon broached the topic of what I was going to do about Solange. We both didn't want to hurt her, but that fact seemed inevitable. It was going to happen. It was then I realized that I had chosen Rachel over Solange. It happened so quickly that my brain could hardly keep up. I told Rachel what I planned to do. She smiled and kissed me on the cheek. "I'm sorry that you're in this situation." She said. I smiled back and told her that she was the best thing to happen to me in a long time.

We cuddled on the couch until daybreak. That's when I turned my phone on. A slew of messages and voicemails sent the phone vibrating in a frenzy. I deleted most of them without reading or listening to them. I had made up my mind. At around 8 AM I called Mark and told him what I was about to do. He was surprised, but he supported me. At 9 AM, Rachel and I headed back to Daytona.

We got to the hotel at around 10 AM. Mark had told us that everyone would be by the pool. So, we checked there first. Solange wasn't there. Mark had told me she stayed in my bed last night. That felt like some passive aggressive bullshit at the time, but in hindsight I wonder where else was she supposed to sleep?

Rachel and I get up to the room and decide to knock rather than just barge in. I knock and she answers almost immediately. The door swung open and she's standing there, her eyes puffy and red. Its clear she had been crying. Her eyes dart past me and lock eyes onto Rachel.

Me: Solange, this is Rachel.

Solange: Great, she's pretty too.

Me: We came here to talk, may we come in.

She lets us in and we all sit down. The tension in the room was palpable, but we knew what we had to do.

Me: Why did you come all the way down here?

Solange: You know why.

Me: Let me rephrase, what were you hoping to achieve?

Solange: Does she have to be here?

Me: She's here to support me. And we both need to tell you some things.

Rachel: I know its awkward, but it's best to get everything out into the open. Believe it or not, I'm not your enemy. Neither is Sean. We're not here to beat up on you emotionally. If anything, I empathize with this situation.

Solange: And what exactly is the situation.

Me: Rachel and I spoke at length last night and decided... well, we decided that we care about each other a lot and we both want an exclusive relationship.

Solange: You've known each other for 2 days! I've known you since we were 13 years old!

Me: It doesn't change the way we feel about each other.

Rachel: I asked Sean to bring me along because I feel the same way he does. This isn't a fling or a rebound, its the real deal.

Solange: 2 days! And where do you even live?

Rachel: I live in New York.

Solange: So you're going to do the long distance thing?

Both of us: Yup.

Me: We're not here to explain the logistics of our relationship. We're just here to tell you that we're together.

Solange: I don't even know what to say.

Rachel: Hopefully you understand.

Solange: I understand but I don't like it.

Rachel: Naturally.

Solange: So what? Now I just drive back to Virginia?

Me: You can stay here and chill with Nina. But, if you do stay, Rachel and I are going to be together.

Solange: Fine. I'll get some rest and drive back.

The conversation went better than I expected. Our logical and rational approach to an emotional problem worked. Against all odds. All three of us walked to the door and opened it. Nina, Mark and Amberly were standing on the other side. No doubt they tried to listen in on the whole thing.

"Oh hey, we were just making sure everything was all right." Mark said. "Bullshit you were." I said with a smile. "Is everything all right?" Nina asked. "Everything sucks" Solange retorted. "Just for the record, I blame Nina for everything that has happened." I said. Everyone except for Nina laughed.

We all headed down to the pool, chilled for about 30 minutes, then Rachel and I drove back to Orlando. My nerves were still shot from the confrontation, but it did go better then I could have hoped. It wasn't the shit show of tears and yelling it could have been. With a major crisis averted, we looked forward to the rest of the week.

To Be Continued...