~Kevin~

How long has it been? Tsk. I don't want to think like that. All I want is Hailey. I want her back no matter what, but how?

She's married now.

"Kevin, I don't like what you're planning. Ever since Hailey saw you and I two days ago you've been..off."

I ignore Vivian and typed a message to Hailey.

Hey.. -Kevin

Hi? -Hailey

Can we please talk? -Kevin

We already are -Hailey

No I mean meet up? -Kevin

Ok where? -Hailey

She agreed? She actually agreed? I'm still in disbelief as I nervously typed the details.

Okay, I'll see you there when I'm available. -Hailey

Okay -Kevin

I ran to my closet and grab a good collared shirt.

"Oh and Kevin?" Vivian called out before I rushed into the shower. "You better explain to Hailey that I'm not engaged to you. She saw the ring and I don't want to upset my fiancée if false rumor went around about you and I."

"I know, she's the reason you found true happiness and completely give up on any attraction to men," I recited like a memorized line. 

"Yes." She replied dumbfoundedly. Before she could say more, I closed the door and got ready.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

~Hailey~

I entered the coffeeshop that he had told me about. I immediately see him at the left side of the shop, seated in a comfy leather booth, sipping on his cup of coffee. I walked over to him and sat down.

He slides a coffee to me and smiles. His smile felt different now. It was unlike before that made me love him even more, no.. this one sent me chills, memories of regret. And on him, it felt like he was forcing it, like he was going to break down at any moment.

"I ordered ahead of time, but it isn't cold, don't worry."

"Thanks."

We stared at each other awkwardly. I didn't know where to start or if this was even right. In my mind, I'd rather be at peace and that means tying up loose ends or cutting ties with my past.

"4 years, huh?" He chuckles, reminiscing.

"I guess, " I shrugged. So much has happened over the years that it felt like a fever dream.

"So how is life treating you?"

"It's treating me pretty well, I've gone through therapy after everything that happened," I smiled, proud of myself.

"That's good, I'm proud of you," He says drinks his coffee.

"It feels unreal to see you again," I manage to say.

"Maybe it's a sign?"

"What sign? A stop sign?" I joked.

"For us-- for a new start," He catches himself.

"As friends? Yeah, that sounds good," I answered, contrary to my plan of cutting off ties.

He looks out the window. "I want more than that, Hailey. And I think you already knew that."

"Kevin, I'm married to a well-mannered man. What kind of new start do you want?"

He quickly turns back towards me, but his eyes had a glint of hope and mischief.

"Oh, you're married? The guys never told me about that. Congrats. How many kids?" He smiles, as much as I hate to say it, I still knew the difference between his real and fake smile.

"I'm not ready for that."

"I wish I approached you earlier, maybe then-"

"Kevin. Let's not talk about this," I cut him off.

"I'm just getting nostalgic, I'm not out to get you," he reasoned.

"You're nostalgia is making me uncomfortable. I'm in a happy and devoted marriage with someone who took me seriously."

"I took you seriously, Hailey!" He exclaimed, having a little outburst.

"Don't raise your voice at me and don't make a scene in public. I was going to cut ties with you, I'll consider a good new start but nothing more. Take it or leave it." I stood up, fixed my jacket and walked out of the shop. I thought we could end it there, but sadly we didn't.

"It's love remember? Love is confusion? Love is blind? Love is Life? Love is Acceptance? Love is trust," Kevin suddenly spat, holding my arm.

"Quit being delusional, love IS trust, and that's what my marriage has. Stop trying to destroy that."

He just looked down with guilt. Before he managed to utter something I continued.

"Love is respect so if you have any ounce of love that you claim to still have for me then please respect my decision."

I left him with my last words. "Let's just be friends, and if you can't accept that then let's be nothing, like we used to be."

~End~