Formula Short Stories And Stuff

CL I think you should

My eyes rise meeting Charles from across the table. I can't seem to read what's on his mind but I know what's on my own.
"Charles I think its time to end this. I think we both know it" I tell him trying to read a reaction from his face.
"But what if I don't want to Madi? What if I'm not ready to let you go just yet?" His voice is soft. Almost a whisper as air seeps out of his lungs.
"I think you were ready the minute you looked at her the same way you looked at me. I think you were ready the moment you fell in love with her first. They say if you fall for someone else you no longer love the first person. I've accepted that Charles. We are just staying because it's comfortable and you're nervous to hurt me but I was hurting from the first moment you smiled in her direction" tears threatening to fall out of my eyes as I let them drop down to the half eaten salad on my plate. I take a sip of water and try to calm down a little.
"But I'm scared, Madi. And I'm sorry. I swear I love you I do. I always will. You were there for everything and you're right. I'm not ready to let you go. I am comfortable. Please I promise I won't cheat, I never have. I just can't let it go yet."
I see his eyes start to water as well. My heart twist and tugs inside of my chest but I know this is right. I know this is right for us.
"Charles I'm sorry. I spent too many nights wondering why I wasn't enough. Why I couldn't be your only one. I know you would never cheat on me but I'm sure you have in your head. I just want you to be happy okay? That's all I've ever wanted. For you to be happy with me or someone else? That's all I want."
I look back up into his eyes for just a moment. Catching a glimpse at the man I once thought I would spend the rest of my life with. I knew it was time though. I knew I had to let him go.
"I'm so sorry Madi. I'll always love you, you know that. But I can't hurt you. I care too much about you and I won't lie and say I haven't thought about being with her either. That's not fair to you."
A single tear falls down his cheek. Slowly followed by another. They meet in the middle and drip down to his chin. He's slow to wipe it away, letting it linger a little longer before taking the back of his hand to his face.
"It's okay Charles. I'll be okay. I'm a big girl. Tougher than I look, you know that. I think you need to give Charlotte a chance. But promise me you will treat her right. Promise you will give everything to her. Give her everything you couldn't give to me. Love her like she's the last breath of air in your lungs. Love her like she's the last flower to bloom in the garden. Love her like you could never let her go. Love her the way you once loved me and more. That would be enough. Be happy. Let me go. Don't think about me. Think about the way her hair frames her face in the sun. Think about the way you one day hope to love her forever. She deserves that."
"I will"