The Way We Were

"Emmett, we have been together for six years. What happened now?" Donna's voice trembled as she spoke. Her eyes filled with leashed tears. She couldn't put her finger on what exactly went wrong. They were supposed to get married in three months – everything was going smoothing until Emmett decided to break it up with her. When he asked her to talk to her after dinner with her friends – she never thought it would be about breaking up. She believed it was about the venue or anything regarding the wedding but this.

When Emmett didn't answer her back and kept his head down – not even making an eye contact with her she sniffed, "Talk to me, honey. Why are you doing this? If – if the wedding planning is stressing you out – we can postpone it but please don't break it off." She pleaded. She was desperate – she thought they were in love.

Emmett sighed. He knew he will have to face all the questions but he has been preparing himself for a month – he feels like a jerk for break it off just three months prior to the wedding but it is better to be late than marrying the wrong person. Donna wasn't the wrong person for him but he is for her. How could he marry somebody he doesn't even love?

"It is not the wedding, " He spoke after a long pause. He blew his cheeks out and held her cold hands. He finally looked into her tears eyes before he spoke, "Donna, you have been there for me when I really needed you. These past five years have been very difficult for me and you helped me through the mental and physical pain I went through and I can never repay you for your love and care, but there is something missing between us." He said softly. Donna looked down for a second before she looked back at him and asked, "What is missing between us?" She asked almost desperately. "Love, " He replied.

"But, I love you with all my heart, Emmett – I really do, " She said as tears fell off her eyes. When Emmett didn't answer her back she gulped painfully, "But you don't, " she whispered. She let out a shaky breath when Emmett didn't oppose. She sighed and pulled her hand from his, "I was afraid that this day would come." She said. She mashed her lips, "I tried everything, Emmett. I asked you to move to New York with me because I didn't think you would be able to move on back in New Orleans." She said.

Emmett nodded, "I know you did, but maybe it was what didn't work for me. Donna, for the past five years I have been living like a coward hiding from my friends and family – pretending to be okay, but in reality, I miss it. I miss them." He replied. "I should have been with them in hard times but instead I ran away." He added.

Donna paused and intertwined her fingers, "Do you blame me for that?" She asked. Emmett shook his head immediately, "No, but I do blame myself." He replied. Donna sighed, "You know, it wasn't your fault, right? You were as affected as them." She expressed. Emmett chuckled drily, "Yet they stick together while I ran away, " He replied.

Donna was hurting – she has been dreaming to marry Emmett since they came to New York five years ago. She never thought she would have to see this day. She sniffed and wipe off her tears before he hunched forward, "Emmett, can you be completely honest with me?" She asked. He looked at her and slowly nodded his head, "Did you ever love me?" She asked me. Emmett pressed his lips together, "I still do, Donna but not as –" Donna interrupted him, "No, not that. Just tell me truthfully if you ever loved me or not? Not as a friend or as someone you deeply care about." She said.

Emmett sighed, "Honestly – I don't know." He replied after a pause. Donna nodded, "You never did." She said dejectedly. "Is it someone else? Is it that girl from New Orleans? Are you planning to go back for her?" She asked. Emmett immediately reckoned she was talking about Leah so, he shook his head, "I never had and I don't think I ever will." He replied. She sniggered and wiped off the fresh tears from her cheek, "It hurts, you know." She spoke softly.