Ch 4
Boxed emotions
Henrik spent the day looking at the box. On one hand he wanted to open it, but on the other hand... he didn't want to face it. He knew that whatever was in the box, Russell had put thought into it.
He turned the box over in his hands. He noted a few things, firstly it was sent special delivery. Whatever was in this box meant something to Russ. Secondly there was a return to sender address. Russ obviously wanted Henrik to know his address in Leeds, or was he reading too much into this.
Every time he contemplated opening the box he was interrupted, but after wise words from Ms Goddard, it was time to bite the bullet. He ripped open the packaging, which he had to admit was beautifully done. He opened the box and wept knowing that this was something only he and Russ would understand and that was big. Trying to explain this gift to anyone else, and its meaning, would sound so ridiculous... however he did know one person who may be able to help him decipher his feelings.
Henrik sat in the bar with 2 glasses of red wine set out and the box from Russ in front of him. He saw Serena arrive and stood to pull out her chair. She sat and smiled, " You know me well Henrik" she said as she took up the glass of Shiraz.
Henrik nodded sagely not quite sure how to explain why he had invited Serena here.
Serena smiled, "So, I assume this isn't just a casual catch up."
Henrik took a moment, he was drumming his fingers on the box, "Um, well yes, there is an ulterior motive."
"OK, so I assume the box involved."
Henrik gave a sad smile.
"Is it from Russell per chance?" Serena already knew the answer. There was a reason Henrik had called her. He had taken on her words of advice the other week... or so she hoped.
Again Henrik nodded without speaking.
"Care to explain?"
Henrik pushed the box across the table, "I'm not sure I can."
Serena opened the box. She saw the lunch box and the note. She also noticed that, although she didn't quite understand the lunchbox, this was heartfelt.
She picked up the card between her fingers, " Well this is obvious. But explain the gift."
"Ah, yes, um Russ and I had a lunch club, I suppose it sounds silly, but it was the best part of my day even if it wasn't his."
Serena put her hand on Henrik's, "Trust me, I bet it was the highlight of his day too."
"Maybe. But where do I go from here. I just do not know. I'm feeling emotions that I just don't know how to handle." At this he breaks down, "This isn't me."
"Look Henrik, trust me when I say I more than empathise with the situation you are in now. I see parallels. I have been in exactly the same position as you."
Henrik nods, "Hence why I knew I could confide in you. What do I do now though"?
They both sat in silence for a few moments and took a drink.
Serena broke the silence. " Well I am sure you recall my advice from our last conversation. I truly believe you need to look inside yourself, what would make you happy? That is all Russ wants for you, but if it's Russ that can make you happy, well, surely that's a win."
Henrik took a drink. "I'm not sure what I want if I am honest."
"So, may I ask, why would we be having this conversation if you didn't care about Russ?"
Henrik gave her a look acknowledging that she had hit the nail on the head.
"Now you see, I may have contributed somewhat to Russ moving to Leeds so promptly, and I do have regrets. My intentions were for him to put Billie first, but my words were very hurtful."
Henrik went on to explain to Serena the exchange between them and the consequences of his words.
"Well, I think you need to fix this. Whatever 'this' is. You do not need to define it. You need to sort it. This here..."
She points to the box, "Is Russ reaching out. But the ball is well and truly in your court. He isn't going to push the envelope. So you need to ..."
"Have some courage?"
"Yes, there is a lifeline here. You need to reach out for it."
Henrik took some deep sighs and removed his glasses. He pinched the top of his nose as he felt his emotion coming to the boil. "What to do next."
Selena looked at him, "Well you have an address for him, and you have a car. Just not tonight. Get your head in order."
Henrik took this advice on board. It was good advice. He just needed the courage to act on it.
