The End

Chapter 10: Second Chances

As Patrick walked into the kitchen he could smell the possibilities in the air. Or it could have been the coffee brewing in his kitchen. His heart raced with a new zest for life. He didn't allow himself to fully surrender to the dangers of what this day could bring. But he also couldn't stop the burst of energy inside of him. There are some people you could spend a decade parted from only to find yourself exactly where they left you. Sometimes the body, the mind, the soul is so deeply in sync that reconnection happens without choice. It happens without intention or desire. An endless sea of second chances.

Today he was filled with those familiar flutters, and he hadn't even seen her face. "You're in a good mood today," Jillian said softly.

"Hmm," he hummed a response and then he did something that took even him by surprise, "I am actually. Ellen asked me to meet her for a social distanced hike."

"Oh," Jillian's reaction was lighter than he expected it to be.

"It's been a long time," he paused knowing he needed to choose his words carefully. Jillian still didn't know that the other woman had been Ellen. A fresh layer of guilt swarmed him as he found his words, "I didn't think she would get passed the way things ended."

"The end of the world has that effect on people," she said half-jokingly. "So are you going to go?"

"I think so," he answered, "If you think it's safe." Patrick's insides twisted. Deep down, he knew it wasn't safe. He knew it wasn't wise. Something long extinguished was about to be ignited in a big way.

"I think if you're outside and feet apart," Jill shrugged, "It's safe enough."

Her calm naïve response stayed with him as his car took the curves of the PCH. He knew the highway would have been faster but he didn't mind the side roads. Not when the side roads were Sunset Blvd. His mind wandered the way the boulevard did through the little communities along the way.

Patrick's broken heart led him back to his comfort zone. He stood at the door of a house that had been his only months before. With a light knock he walked back into a life he had been ready to leave. Jill answered the door without speaking. She wasn't even a little happy to see him.

"Can I come in," Patrick asked softly.

"I don't think that's a good idea."

"Please," he pleaded with her.

"I'll come out." She closed the door in his face and then reappeared a moment later.

Patrick settled to the brick stairs in front of the door. Jillian kept her distance but sat next to him on the stairs. "I know I fucked up," he said emotionally, "but I don't want to go through with this. I need you, I miss our family."

"You haven't been present in this family for a long time." She spit back.

"I know, I know that," he shook his head. "But everything is different now. You guys are my priority. I learned that the hard way. I don't want to be without you again. Please Jill." He paused looking deeply into her eyes, "Give me a second chance."

"It's not that simple..." Jill's voice quivered.

"Yes it is," he responded quickly.

"I don't trust you," Her sad eyes looked up at him.

"Then let me earn it back," he begged.

"I'll think about it," she said quietly.

"Ok," he nodded as she stood to go back in the house. Patrick began his slow walk down the sidewalk back to his car.