After All These Years

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"Hey."

That voice is all too familiar. Why does it sound so familiar? Where have I heard that voice? I couldn't put a face to the voice. Well, not until I turned around. When I finally spun around to see who in the world this familiar voice was, I see a boy-well, man. I couldn't see his face because he was turned the opposite way, talking to some other guy, which I guessed was one of his friends. Even the back of his head was familiar though. I had this pit in my stomach. Deep down I knew who it was. But I really didn't want to admit it.

The man had broad shoulders, standing at least a foot taller than I. He had blonde hair that was a little bit curly. I knew exactly who this was.

Then something happened that I was not mentally prepared for. The guy that was talking with this familiar man, pointed behind him. Directly at me. I didn't have enough reaction time, as the man spun around and locked eyes with me.

"Brandon," I breathed. I kept eye contact with him, and he kept it with me. He had a sorrowful look in his eye and I'm sure I had a pained expression on my face. I never wanted to say that name again. But here I am. Breathlessly looking into his mesmerizing blue eyes and falling in love all over again. Just when I thought I was finally getting over him.

"Meghan," he croaked, his voice breaking. Hearing my name coming out of his mouth like that, it nearly broke me. There was a flash of guilt and heartbreak in his eyes, but just as quickly as it came, it was gone again.

We stood there for a second, just looking into each other's eyes. Then we both snapped out of it and I'm sure I looked flustered, not knowing what to do.

"You look great," he whispered. I felt my cheeks heating up.

"Thank you. You look good too," I said, even though he looked like hell. He had bags under his eyes and his gorgeous blue eyes were clouded with grey, raw, emotion. He was wearing a pair of sweats and a t-shirt. He looked like he just climbed out of bed.

"So what are you doing here?" I asked, looking around at the crowded concert hall. "I thought you didn't like broadway," I said, knowing what I said was true.

"I needed a reminder of you," he said quietly, scratching at the back of his neck. "How long has it been anyways?" he asked, knowing very well how long it's been.

"I don't know. A year. Two maybe," I said. I looked down at the ground, feeling even more awkward than before. "How are you?" I asked.

"I've been okay. Busy, mostly," he said. I could tell he was lying. I always could. "How about you?"

Awful. I'm terrible. I miss you. I love you. I want to come home.

"I've been great. Cheer is finally taking off for me. I've been invited to cheer for an NFL and NBA team," I said, not wanting to seem weak in front of him. His eyes brightened when I said that.

"That's anazing! I'm so happy for you!" he exclaimed, and took me into a huge hug. I smiled a little and hugged back, not wanting to let go. I missed him so much. I pulled back after a a few seconds.

"Do you want to go grab something to eat?" I asked. There was a gleam of hope in his eyes, and he nodded.

"I know the perfect place," he said.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I just, I don't understand what happened. I don't understand what I did wrong, or what I did to make you want to break up," I explained. I shook my head and looked down at my untouched plate of Chicken Alfredo.

"Honestly Meg, I don't know. I thought I was making the right decision for both of us. With you and your career kicking off and with me, and my singing career finally going somewhere. I thought it'd save us both some pain in the end. But it looks-and feels-like I've just caused more pain for the both of us. I still love you Meghan. I've never loved you more than I have right now. You have made my life like heaven and hell all mixed together. I've missed you so damn much over these agonizing years. I honestly thought that I'd never see you again, and I couldn't take that. I want to see you every single day for the rest of my life. I want to stand on the sidelines while you're cheering, and I want you to be standing backstage, waiting for me when I'm finished with my show. I want to miss you even if we've only been apart for a couple of minutes. I want to come home to OUR apartment or house and see you sitting in the kitchen, looking at recipes for dinner. I want to be able to kiss you at any point in time. I just want to hold you and never let go of you. I want you. And I want only you. All you have to do is say yes. I love you Meghan. All I need is a yes, or a no. But you can take all the time you need to think. Anything for you Meg. Anything."

I didn't know what to say, or how to react. There were tears streaming down my face. I've been waiting 21 months and 14 days to hear those words. To feel these emotions again, and to feel loved, and wanted like I used to be. Even though I couldn't get anything out of my moth, I nodded and eventually squeaked out a "yes."

Brandon smiled and took my hand from across the table.

"I love you Meghan Richardson. From April 6th, 2009, to the end of time."

"I love you too Brandon. Even after all these years."

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