Past Came A Callin

Her hand reached for the ringing phone, still half-asleep, she answered with a groggy:“Hhh’Lo”.

Silence on the other end, then: “I am in town, stopover for two days”

Just that voice, had her wide-awake and sitting: “You are here! When did you fly in? When do you leave? When can I see you?”

He laughed: “Why don’t you get the car and come see me now”

She replied with a dejected sigh: “Can’t, how about tomorrow?”

They agreed to meet at their old haunt for the next day.

She snuggled back in, bittersweet memories flooding her mind. Six years. It had been six long years since she had seen him. He had been her best friend, her mentor, her motivator, the most significant part of her past. He knew her inside out. And he had ripped her heart out with his lies and betrayal. She had forgiven but sometimes the ache was unbearable.

He was her past; he could not be anything else. Nervous when she saw him, she didn’t know if she should shake hands, peck the air or just give in and hug him like she wanted to.

She did nothing, just looked at him and smiled: “You’re looking good, really good.”

And he did, better then she remembered.

Smiling that cocky grin of his he led the way to the table – their table.

The last time she had been here, had been with him. She had driven by on numerous occasions, but never stepped in. Too many memories.

They talked as if they had never separated. Laughed, teased, flirted, joked, and asked about other friends, caught up about the happenings in each other’s lives. Conversed as if they were not catching up on the past six years.

He commented: “I feel like I met you yesterday. Now I know what’s been missing from my life – good conversations.”

The ease, the comfort, the same wavelength and the chemistry, all there. Still stronger than ever. Just like old times. The changes were subtle, but there nevertheless.

She desperately wanted to reach out and touch his hand, just to tell her-self that this was real. That she was finally seeing him again after all these years. She never did.

Before he left, he picked up the coaster that said ‘Live A Little’ and scribbled: “Take care. Thanks for everything in life” and handed it to her. A handshake, a one-armed hug. This time she didnt watch him leave, she didnt cry, she smiled and knew that he was gone.

Back to someone else. The wedding band on his finger, proof of his commitment. Not to her. It could never be her.