unbreak the broken ✘ shawn hunter (BMW)

T W E N T Y T H R E E

"I'm really glad you agreed to come out with me, Angela," Shawn smiles though his words, "it means a lot."

Angela examines the boys face - something about his words not reaching his eyes made her know that this is what she needed to do. "What are you getting?" Angela responds, not responding to his gratitude.

Angela knows something that Shawn doesn't, but he will be finding out shortly that this is the last date they will share together.

"I was thinking a burger, but maybe dessert first to celebrate," Shawn jokes, waiting for Angela to crack a smile.

She smiles, but Shawn immediately knows it's not the kind of smile he was hoping for.

"Angela, please. I know you've given me so many chances throughout our relationship," Shawn begs his first love. "I promise you, if you let me have this last chance I won't let you regret it. Please don't give up-"

"Shawn," Angela interrupts. She reaches over the table and takes his hand in hers. "We both know that this dinner was to say goodbye."

"Angela-"

"Shawn, just listen to me?" Angela asks, knowing that her ex-boyfriend's head must be whirling through all of the emotions.

Shawn nods in response, not wanting to show his desperation in his voice.

"We cannot keep doing this - this back and forth thing we've had for years. I loved you, Shawn. You will always have that special place in my heart, and I know I will always have a special place in yours. But we're growing up, and it's okay that we're growing apart. That's what happens sometimes. But us trying to hold on to each other? That's not fair. It isn't fair to either of us. And it's not fair to Ophelia." Angela's voice takes on a soothing tone, but her words plead to be understood by the boy.

"What does Ophelia have to do with this?" Shawn speaks after a moment of trying to process what Angela just said to him.

"Everything." Angela smiles - it looks sad at first, but behind that smile is acceptance. Something she never thought would come so easily.

"But-"

For what feels like the hundredth time that night, Angela stops Shawn from finishing his sentence.

"I will always be here for you, Shawn. Whatever you need, I'm here. I love you," Angela squeezes Shawn's hand that she hasn't let go of, "But I'm smart enough to know when the end has come, and it came a long time ago."