I'M HIS AND HIS MINE

ally after our conversation earlier today. He's acting differently than how he was back when we broke up about three years ago. That time we broke up because we sort of drifted a

t this way at all. He was more compliant. He had given up. I can tell he's not giving up easily this time. I

is definitely up high in the list of things not to do. It's so hard to believe that eight years have passed since then. It feels like it was months ago, weeks even. That makes me nervous. Josh p

Josh and now I'm on my way to his parent's house to see him again. I look forward to seeing him again. I considered him my best friend at one point in high school. I knew him before I met Brad. There's no log

to back out no

n the darkness of the car for a moment. Neither of us say anything. The lights are on inside

ld y

engagement ring. I was so happy the day he proposed. It really felt like nothing could go w

?" He finally fini

nk that's a good idea, Brad." We're already deceiving hi

expected that answer. "You were the o

that. That'

"They've always wondered how it is that

ide the window, my

oks at me sadly. "The one good thin

his old lay back self. I love Brad. I've loved him since high school. I think part of me alway

am, Brad." I tell him. Then I reach out for the ring and put it back on my finger. "I'll do this for you. Whatever you need t

front door. He joins me and rings the doorbell. He reaches f

play along with Brad. Now I understand why he didn't want to tell his parents about our break up today or why he didn't want to have to explain why I didn't show up. This night wa

d she leans in for a hug. "Yo

It was the first thing I thought to put on

re just getting

all tall and look even taller when all three of them are together. Sitting at the dinner table is also Crystal. She is a firefighter at Clint's station. I am not surprised to see her here for one reason: Louisa has been going on about how much she was looking forward

. I stand there awkwardly but with a small smile on my

say at the same t

rother. You look good.

ike he means it. "Same to you." And then he puts an arm

cashmere sweater he's wearing. His hair is a bit longer than how he usually kept it. He looks more matu

he face. I suddenly feel embarrassed for being here. He doesn't loo

s going to deny it. I just nod with a

he way), Louisa is already calling everyone to the table. Brad walks away and I stay there for a second, unable

tal

ulling out a chair for me. "Oh, thank you," I say as

Louisa says as she places a p

so. How are you, Crystal?" I pretend not to be distracted as

are you? I heard about the e

ght it was going to be. What the hell was I thinking? I could be in the safe four wa

n. I would think that Brad told him when he proposed

udly and I turn to look at

cked. The whole reason I'm here is because he didn't want to tell his parents and he

s the silence. "What

cheated on her." He looks at me when he says that and I look

ta in front of me. What a shame. It looks really good. Now all t

Louisa's voice is as clear as da

o get out of here." He murmurs then turns around. We all stay silen

e to look up at Clint an

talie." Clint assures me. "If anythin

d on Brad." I tell them. "He really cares about your opinion and did

hat I don't have a ride to go home. I should have brought my car. I would have if I would have known tha

So many things have happened. I'm tired. I want to sleep. I decide an Uber is my best option to get home. I'm searching through my

tands next to me with hi

ock my phone. "I forg

I'll take

I'll just

and waits for me to look up at

. I wait outside and try to calm my nerves. I don't know why he makes me so nervous. I don't remember it being li

cared of being alone with Josh. He makes me feel things. Maybe it's just because of what happened the last time

need a frien