I cant wrap my head around it. Once again, just like twenty years ago, Im twirling around the dance floor with you. Do you remember that last night we met? It was the school prom back in Manchester, and we had that same waltz. The whole place felt like it was floating on happiness. I was lost in the depth of your eyesdeep, deep blue That evening I wanted to tell you the big news: we were about to become parents. When I finally said it, you snapped at me, shouting, Its too early, we need to wait. It hit me like a wall. I knew I was being premature, but what could I do? Nothing could change it. We went our separate ways, yet the feeling for you lingered for years.
Youd hurt my heart then, and it felt shattered into pieces. I knew you wouldnt ever look back, wouldnt ever realise, wouldnt ever feel remorse. You were as stubborn as a stoneexactly what I oddly loved about you.
Our old classmates kept me posted on your life. I heard youre married now, with two grown lads, and youre divorced. You still drop by every reunion, always asking how Im doing, while none of them have any idea about me. I never turned up to those gatherings; I was terrifiedterrified that if I stared into your eyes again, Id drown and never surface. I was scared for about ten years.
Then someone else showed up. I rushed into marriage with a man I barely felt anything for, apart from gratitude. He sensed that and didnt push. He took my daughter as his own. By the way, we named the little girl Gracenothing else felt right. Her hair is a shade of blonde that reminds me of you.
My husband loves me. I can feel it in every cell. The way he acts, the things he says, even the look he gives, all shout one thing: tenderness. About five years into our marriage I realised Id fallen for him, truly. He somehow managed to wrap his words around me, become my anchor, quietly find the key to my soul. I walked through his door of kindness and understanding, and nobody could ever break into what we have.
Love saves everything, isnt it, Dave? You never really loved me; I was just a teenage pastime for you. Thats all there is to it.
Oops, Im rambling about myself again. How have you been, Dave?
Oh, Emily Im just getting by, nothing fancy. Kind of like a horse without a rider. The boys are on their own, dealing with their own stuff. Me? Im just here, thinking about you now and then
Well Dave, my husband and I have three kids nowGrace and a pair of sixyearold twins. Remember your best mate, Harry Hart?
Hart? Of course! He was not only my best mate but the only one I ever really had. After school, he cut off contactignored calls, avoided meetups. I havent heard a word from him since.
Dave, come over to the window. Look at the old schoolyard.
Dave peered out the open window and couldnt take his eyes off what he saw.
I get it, Emily. I get it Wow, life really twists in strange ways.
Across the schoolyard stood Harry Hart, holding two little kids by the hands. Next to him stood a young woman, about twenty, with those same deep blue eyes
Goodbye, Dave! Im off to my family now.
Emily, why did you decide to come to the reunion this year?
I stopped being scared, Dave. I look at you, and my heart finally quiets.
