Page 9 of Hate You Forever

Paul

Sorry about the last week. We’ve had a lot of storms, and the internet connection has been horrible. Forgive me?

I smile.

Jade

There’s nothing to forgive.

A few minutes later, he replies.

Paul

How havethings been?

Jade

Not great. My ex-boyfriend came back to town. I’ve been trying to avoid him like the plague, but he seems to go out of his way to find me.

Paul

I’m sure he’s just realizing his mistake of letting you go. Losing someone like you has some lasting effects.

Jade

You’re sweet, Paul. I wish you were here with me. Maybe you could be my arm candy for a moment.

Paul

Oh, we could make him jealous for sure, babe. I’d love to be on your arm right now.

Jade

I’d love it too.

Paul

So, how do you feel about this guy? Should I be worried?

I bite my bottom lip as I think about his question.

Jade

To be honest, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to convince myself that I hated him. But now that he’s back and I’ve seen him, it’s hard to make myself believe it. But I know one thing. I won’t ever let myself be with him again. I can’t trust him. He broke my heart once. That’s all you get with me. So, no, you shouldn’t be worried.

Paul

Good. I know we haven’t met yet, but I look forward to these talks every day. When we finally do meet, it’s not going to be like meeting a stranger. It’ll be like running into an old friend.

Jade

I hope you’re right. Have you figured out your schedule yet? I can’t wait to come visit you.

I wait, staring at the screen. It says,Message read, but then,Connection lostpops up under it. I slam the computer shut and push it onto the couch, annoyed. I wonder if he does this to me on purpose. Is he lying about who he says he is? Is he just putting off the inevitable?

Noodle senses my anger, and he comes to sit in my lap. I run my hand through his thick, black and whitefur and feel myself begin to calm down. I don’t know how I’m supposed to ignore him, or, I guess, be friends with him now. Doesn’t he see how hard that’s going to be? Maybe he’s not still in love with me. That would make being friends much easier. Deep down, I know I still love Memphis, but I also know that we can’t go back. We can only push forward. I wouldn’t ever be able to trust him again. I’d always be on edge, waiting for the day he decides to pack up and leave again.

The beer and wine begin to take over, and I feel myself grow tired. I shut off the TV and head for bed, Noodle trotting along behind me.

---