My Savage Love for You

When One Door Closes, Another Opens

Penn

After leaving Jason's house, I felt much better about what had happened that day at the park. Jason's optimism rubbed off on me and made me feel empowered. So much so that I went straight to Sierra's to break things off with her.

When I arrived at Sierra's apartment, I took a deep breath and knocked on her door. I was kind of nervous because I didn't want to break her heart. When I first left the park earlier today, I felt no empathy for Sierra, but when I remembered Jason's words about how there's always a reason why, I started to pity Sierra's position.

I heard Sierra begin to unlock her front door, and I remembered what I went there to do. I decided that, despite my anger, I would break up with her graciously.

The door swung open and Sierra held it in place.

"Hey, Penn," Sierra said quietly. Her lack of makeup, teary eyes, and comfy attire made it look like I interrupted her YouTuber apology video.

"Hi, Sierra. Do you mind if I come in?" I asked.

"Sure," Sierra replied flatly. She let me in and sat on the sofa.

I took a seat next to her and said, "Sierra-"

"I already know what you're going to say," she interrupted. "But before you say it, I just wanted to let you know how incredibly sorry I am," Sierra continued as she began to cry. She wiped a tear and said, "I feel like such a monster, and I am so ashamed of myself. I'll admit that my intentions were pure, but that doesn't justify what I did to you and Jason, and I-" she started to sob.

I felt even more awkward than I already did. I didn't know what to say. I was sympathetic, but I knew I had to look out for myself. I reminded myself that the goal was to leave her apartment as a single man.

"Look, Sierra," I said, not knowing where I was heading. Nonetheless, I continued, "We have such a great history together and I will be forever grateful for the memories that we share. However, I think that it would be best if we put our relationship behind us."

Sierra raised her hands to her face and sobbed harder into her long sleeves. My heart broke for her, but I knew that I was doing the right thing for both of us.

I gently went on, "I don't think we're meant for each other, Sierra. I'm sorry, but I want us to break up."

Sierra continued to cry into her palms and nodded her head. "I understand, Penn. I'm really sorry," she said with tears streaming down her face.

I kept my anger aside and let my maturity forgive Sierra. I hugged her goodbye and walked myself out.

I drove home feeling upset about my day. I was disappointed that I had tried to surprise Sierra with a romantic date just to realize she had stabbed me in the back. Part of me wished that I didn't let her down so easily and had gotten revenge instead. Doing the right thing felt annoying, but when I thought of Jason, it seemed worth it. I wasn't sure why he made me feel this way, but I was sure that talking to Jason was the highlight of my day.

He made me feel as though everything was going to be okay. His smile always reminded me of the hope for tomorrow and the gratitude for yesterday. He was like my breath of fresh air in my musty life. I wished that things went differently that other night when I was standing in front of Jason on his front porch.

I finally realized how I felt about him and said to myself, "I have feelings for Jason!?"