Night's in White Satin - SEQUEL

Chapter One

October 2012

It has been two years. Two years of heartache and healing. Ever since Johnny and I had decided to separate, I initially thought it wasn't going to work. Of course, we both had to make the effort to see our therapists, work on our communication as well as sticking to the assignments our mediator provided for us to do. It was many steps, but I think it has helped us tremendously. We had made a lot of progress. I was very hopeful. 

The work day had finished and I made my way home, which Malcom was willing to drive me there and back. Malcom has been absolutely incredible and helpful during the whole thing. Johnny insisted I still have security, which I am very thankful for. Malcom had pulled up the house and opened the door, holding out the umbrella and leading me into the house before saying goodbye and taking off. I made my way upstairs to my bedroom and tossed my stuff on a chair fixated in the corner and took off my heels, eventually making my way back downstairs to make myself dinner and a glass of wine. 

I decided on something simple like pasta. I got the pot filled and waited for the water to boil, taking sips of the wine. As I was scrolling through my phone, I heard a knock at the door. I set the glass and phone down and made my way to the door. 

"Did I forget something in the car, Malcom?" I shouted as I got closer. I began to undo the locks and as I opened the door, there stood my childhood best friend Audrey. Since the separation, her and I had kept in touch and she's helped me keep my mind off of things. 

"Well, hey! Figured I come by for bit. I brought food." I smiled and moved over, letting her inside.

"Well, aren't you thoughtful? Looks like I don't have to wait for this then." I turned off the stove and poured the water down the drain, drying the pot and putting it back down in the cabinet, eventually joining her at the counter and began to eat.

"I hadn't heard back from you in a couple days, so naturally I decided to show up. How are you?" I sighed heavily and leaned against the counter, putting my phone to the side. 

"I don't know, Auds. I just want him to come home. We've done so well with everything and it only makes sense for us to be done with this separation. I hate it. It's been two years and I feel like we can do this again."

"Hayley. Do you really miss him or do you just miss the feeling of having someone?"

"What? Of course I miss him. I mean, I really miss him. He's like my best friend and we've been together for 12 years. I'm still very much madly in love with him."

"Do you think he wants to be home too?"

"We talk about the idea of him coming home all the time- oh, speaking of." My phone started ringing and right on cue, it was Johnny. I grabbed my phone and hit accept. 

"Hey there." I answered. 

"Hey, doll. What are you doing?" He asked. 

"Just standing here talking with Audrey, what about you?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I can let you go so you can enjoy your time with her."

"No, it's okay." Audrey piped up and cleared her throat. I scoffed and rolled my eyes. 

"Actually, little miss needy disagrees, but I can call you later, okay?" I could hear him chuckle to himself. God, I miss that.

"No problem, sweetheart. Talk later. I love you." I felt my cheeks warm up. 

"I love you too." We both disconnected and I set my phone down, turning my attention back to her. 

"Look, I'm going to go ahead and go so you can call him." I rolled my eyes and grabbed her arm gently.