(COMPLETED): Unsent Letters

echos of the past

Since the first time they've reconnected, Kat and Reid were inseparable. The two texted all hours of the day, calling each other after work and venting about their days. It felt wrong, but Kat felt butterflies in her stomach; Something that only Reid could provide her. She wasn't the kind of girl to get nervous because of any guy. Sure, she didn't think she was all that, but her whole life had always revolved around her art, and pursuing her passion. She didn't allow herself to think of men as anything more than a quick fun spin, something to entertain her for a moment of time. Of course, that doesn't mean that she didn't want to experience love. She just had yet to feel the kind of love Reid gave her. The kind that makes you want to stay up late and talk about endless nothings or doing everything you can do make just one person happy, even if it meant killing yourself in the process. Every moment of her life, she craved to find that same love. Yet, no man ever amounted to Reid. This feeling scared her, but she truly believed in her heart that their relationship now, was nothing more than platonic.  

Reid: Do you want to go to the park?  I'm off early. 

The walk with Kat had been an unexpected gift in Reid's life. Despite the bittersweet memories that resurfaced during their cafe encounter, there was a strange sense of comfort in reconnecting with someone who had once meant so much to him.

As they strolled through the city streets, Reid found himself lost in conversation with Kat. They spoke of art, shared stories of their recent endeavors, and laughed about the unexpected twists life had thrown their way. Even though their families were still the same- like Kat's mother wanting to change her daughter's risky ways and Reid's parents wanting him to finally settle into his life, the two felt that they were the same young, dumb, and in love pair that they were before even with all the years that had passed.

But amidst the laughter and easy banter, Reid couldn't ignore the subtle changes in Kat. There was a newfound glow in her eyes, a radiance that seemed to come from a place of contentment and happiness. He noticed the delicate wedding band that adorned her finger, a silent testament to a new chapter in her life.

Reid hesitated, unsure if he should bring up the subject that lingered between them, the unspoken truth of their past love. Yet, the words spilled out before he could stop them.

"Kat, it's been so great catching up. I can't help but notice how much things have changed," Reid said, gesturing toward her wedding ring.

Kat smiled warmly, a touch of melancholy in her eyes. "Yes, a lot has changed indeed. I met Luke, and he's brought so much joy into my life."

Reid nodded, a mixture of happiness for her and a pang of nostalgia for what once was. "Luke sounds like a wonderful person."

"He is," Kat replied softly. "We met in New York, and he's been incredibly supportive of my art and dreams. When I was pregnant with James, he took care of everything. He always just asked me to focus on my art and to make sure I take my prenatals."

They continued their walk, the city lights casting a gentle glow around them. Reid's heart felt heavy, grappling with the realization that the woman he had once loved so deeply was now happily married to another.

But amidst the twinge of longing, Reid couldn't help but admire the resilience and grace with which Kat had embraced her new life. She had found happiness, and he couldn't deny that seeing her content was a source of solace, even if it brought a tinge of pain.

As they reached a quiet park bench, Reid turned to Kat, his voice filled with sincerity. "Kat, I'm genuinely happy for you. You deserve all the happiness in the world."

Kat's eyes glistened with gratitude, and she reached out, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Thank you, Reid. You've always had a special place in my heart."

Their conversation faded into a comfortable silence as they sat side by side, the echoes of their shared past mingling with the newfound peace between them. It was a moment of closure, a silent acknowledgment of the beautiful chapter they had once shared and the separate paths they had chosen.

"Oh my gosh, Reid, look!" 

Kat stood from the bench, her finger frantically pointing to a flower stand across the street. She was jumping up and down by now, her hair bouncing with each leap of joy from the sudden notice. 

"That's Mr. Cole! He hasn't had his flower stand open in weeks. His poor Nessie has been sick with the flu." 

Mr. Cole was an old white guy who lived on the outskirts of the beach town. While most of the town targeted a more coastal look, his home resided on the countryside; A place many tourists refused to visit due to the lack luster views of the ocean. 

Kat ran across the street, and fear dawned in Reid's eyes. This was something he always worried about with Kat. She never thought about the dangers and risks in life. While he loved to live his life on the edge, he was nowhere near as reckless as Kat, who was now standing in the middle lane as cars passed by her. The headlights of cars passing by glowed on her skin and even with as beautiful her smile looked, Reid couldn't help but frantically breath at each long, held horn sound for the crazy lady standing in the middle of the road, for flowers. 

Reid began to chase after Kat, looking both ways and hoping traffic would die down. By the time the light finally turned red, Kat had already pulled out her wallet and paid for a bouquet of white tulips. 

"And make sure Nessie is taking her flu medicine! She may not want to but it'll help relieve so many of her systems. You remember how James looked when he got sick. My poor baby couldn't even sleep without coughing up a lung." 

Mr. Cole laughed as he turned to look at Reid. 

"This girl... you are one lucky guy. She is a catch." 

Reid watched as Kat's gaze drifted toward the starlit sky, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this unexpected reunion. Though their love story had taken a different turn, their connection remained a cherished part of his journey.