Changing Seasons

Four

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A pang of guilt struck Krist right in the chest. Although he didn't date another girl for almost a year-he still fucked around in the time between Atira and his next girlfriend though. He had always assumed Atira would find a boyfriend once she settled where she'd been sent. He also found himself furious with her parents (again) for sending her away like some unwanted pet. He fucking hated them for that.

"I know it's been forever," he said softly, fumbling for words, "but I never thought you were easy. I never wanted you just for sex. I know we were practically kids then, but I loved you."

Atira's face was sad, longing, "I know you did. I never doubted that. I loved you, too. When I started seeing other people, I had difficulty not comparing them to you. I'd go on one or two dates, and they'd do these things that would bug me, that I knew you wouldn't do, and I would just...I guess ghost them?" She half laughed, "That sounds awful right?"

"Eh, a date or two. You don't really owe them anything," he said earnestly, "I hope you found someone you cared about."

"I did," she said softly, "For a few years, or at least I thought I did at some point."

"So what happened?" Krist wanted to know.

Atira yawned, covering her mouth with her hand, and told him how she'd come to meet her now ex.

It was fall. When she met him, she was a freshman at Washington State University, studying business. Kevin. He was handsome. He reminded her of Jared Leto in the face but with soulful brown eyes and shaggy brown hair that hung in his face. He was a year older and pursued her hard. Atira, however, still hung up on Krist and was struggling to let herself move past their relationship.

Her girlfriends had pressured her a bit into giving him a chance. He was so sweet to her and seriously cute. "Stop being so stuck on some high school boy. I'm sure he's probably way over you," is what they'd tell her each time Kevin asked her out. The words hurt but Atira knew that they were most likely right and decided to give him a chance.

She had agreed to get coffee with him one night, stressing it was just a friendly thing to her girlfriends, who smirked at each other. Uh-huh! They helped her get ready, picking out her clothes. A basic black top with blue jeans and a burgundy cardigan. Something casual enough to look like she wasn't trying too hard but dressy enough to look like she cared.

They met at a local Starbucks that was open until midnight. He'd handed her a single rose as she exited her car, "I'm glad you came," he said with a flashy grin.

"I am, too. I mean, I'm glad you did," Atira fumbled, her ivory cheeks flushing pink.

Laughing, he took her gently by the elbow and escorted her inside. To her surprise, they spent hours talking. They liked the same music and books and had similar views on the world. Atira found herself at ease with him, enjoying their conversation. Before they knew it, it was nearly twelve, and Starbucks was closing for the night.

"I'll walk you to your car," Kevin said, flashing her a dreamy smile.

Atira smiled back, "You're such a gentleman," she had teased.

"Hey, chivalry is not dead." He walked her to her Subaru, watching her unlock the door. They stood facing one another for a moment, Atira's heart racing with nerves. "Can I have a hug?" Kevin asked.

Atira nodded, leaning into his embrace and breathing in his cologne. This was nice, she thought but pulled back before he could try to kiss her. "I had a nice time," she admitted, stepping backward towards her car.

"I'd love to see you again, maybe dinner?" Kevin asked, a hopeful look shone in his eyes.

"I'd love that too."