We broke up for good after the big fight that ended in a train wreck. We stayed in touch occasionally to wish each other happy birthday and happy new year, but not much more. We had both moved on and it was for the best, because somehow we brought out the worst in each other. When it was good it was beyond great, but when it was bad it was down right explosive. I told her she reminded me so much of my college girlfriend, but who needs all that drama in a sugar relationship?
Fast forward a year and a half later, or about two years after we first met. I was back in her town for business and on a whim I thought I'd look her up. She was happy to hear from me and agreed to meet and catch up. I asked her where she'd like to meet, and instead of picking some fancy place she wanted to meet at a hole in the wall ice cream stand. Then I remembered that's where she took me to during one of our first dates when things couldn't be better between us and we couldn't get enough of each other!!
I was a bit apprehensive going into the meeting as if I was meeting her for the first time all over again. I wondered which Laine will show up. The manipulative conniving drama queen, or the easy going pretty girl next door? She showed up as planned and greeted me with a big smile and a big hug. She was just as I remembered when I first met her, very pretty in a girl next door kind of way, dressed casually with a tube top, jeans, and flip flops, witty and funny. And she knew exactly how to keep me on my toes and made fun of me every chance she got.
It was a beautiful afternoon and we spent about an hour talking nicely and enjoying the ice cream in the sun. She said after we broke up, her mom somehow found out about her escort activities and demanded that she go home and stay with her to keep her out of trouble (thank god for mom!). Then she returned to help out with decorating and managing her family's rental properties in the area. Sounds like she had put her wild days behind her and was back to "normal" again.
I can't help but wonder if I met her for the first time then, what would have happened? But there was too much water under the bridge and that ship had sailed. I knew behind that sweet face a darker past just lurks around the corner and who knows what else lies beneath the surface. But on that day, with the sun shining and a light breeze, we were able to enjoy the simple pleasure of eating ice cream and having an interesting conversation like two normal people.
We have seen each other at our worst, but it was nice to know that she can still be the girl I remembered when we first met. We hugged each other goodbye as the heart in the sand flashed before my eyes and "Goodbye My Lover" echoed in my head. That was the last time I saw her.
About a year ago she wrote on her Facebook that she was getting married.
The end. (really!!)
No comments:
Post a Comment