I’m having coffee with Pete and it’s been a while since.
When Sean and I broke up we never really told people our reasons, it’s between us and they respected it. They were all shocked when we did because they thought it would last longer than any relationship they know. I thought so too.
But people either have to grow apart or together but they have to grow either way, otherwise it will be a painful slow death if they don’t.
It’s been almost three years since I last saw him or talked to him and Pete just brought the topic up. I never mention Sean whenever we hang out, it seems like a taboo, even with our other friends.
My parents, brother and other people who knew him from our family never mentioned him either, thinking that it would hurt me if he’s mentioned.
“How is he?”
“Wow, you're braving to ask how he is.” Pete teased.
“It’s fine Pete, you can stop dodging that topic, it’s been almost three years.” I assured him.
“I should really release an obituary for the life of the love story that was cut short even though we know it deserves to live longer. The ones involved decided to kill it off for reasons my smart brain cannot honestly comprehend.” Pete said with annoyance.
“It was bound to happen my friend. Otherwise he would waste that opportunity. Please don’t start with the what if’s because that’s just playing with regret and I don’t like to regret things.”
“You, not regretting after you decide, that I am sure is true. To answer, he’s fine there. Happy even. I’ll stop there.”
“That’s nice to hear that he is fine and especially happy. That’s what I want for him.”
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I remember how we parted ways that night when we agreed to end it. It was difficult but necessary. It made me smile knowing that we both made the right decision. At least, from my perspective.
“So how does it feel that you're finally certified? Took you long enough, I was surprised really that you slowed down with taking in the hours a year ago. That was like a twist of fate for you.”
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“Sometimes we have to slow down, I felt like I was running after a life that I wanted because I put a timeline for myself only to realize that I can slow it down by managing my life properly and not putting a lot of pressure on myself. I don’t allow others to so why would I pressure myself too much. It should just be enough pressure to keep me moving forward to my goal.”
“That is true. Hey I gotta go pee. I hate to break that realization of yours and believe me I want to keep listening because you are a genius but I really have to pee so badly.”
“Oh okay. Go go, I don’t want you having a bladder bag when you reach 35.” I laughed at his state.
“Shut up, Jamie.”
I was writing down a few notes on my notebook when I heard that voice I know so well.
“Is this seat taken?”
I looked up and saw the very person that I always wish good things for every single day in front of me. I nodded and he took a seat.
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A few seconds passed and I’m still in shock and I don’t know what or how to react. Not when he’s looking at me like that. That look. I decided to break the silence.
“How have you been?”
“Upgraded, newer, better version of that old version, you know.”
I sipped my tea because I don’t have anything better to say or do after that answer.
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“Would you like some tea?” I asked him.
“I’m sorry I don’t really drink tea.” This sounds all too familiar.
“Does not really drink tea, noted. Coffee?”
“Don’t really want to overdose on coffee, I just had a cup…”
“Hmmm. Makes sense. How about books? I have one here and that could interest you.”
“Not keen on reading anything today.” He answered while shaking his head.
“Okay, chocolates then?”
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He just laughed at my other option. I know he knows what I meant by that.
“I don’t think you’d like to share that.”
“I don’t have other options to offer, that's the last.”
“Yes you do, one last.”
“Uh there’s nothing left. None that I can think of?”
“My most favorite, one that I’d always want to come back to even if it might be harder to get.”
