Here And Now

33. Reunion

JACKSON

**Night of the break up**

I sit alone in my office. My eyes still looking at my cellphone in disbelief.
I have called her 7 times since she tried breaking up with me. I can't shake the feeling of emptiness that has settled in my heart since she left. I replay our last conversation over and over in my mind, trying to make sense of it all.

I know April's children are her priority, and I respect her decision to focus on them. But that doesn't make the pain any less intense. I had grown to love them as if they were my own, yes we only had a handful of interactions but they were a part of her.

And like everything about her, I had loved him simply because of her.

It hurts knowing that her daughter will only ever see me as the man who tore her family apart.

The thought of not being a part of their lives anymore is crushing.

**Day 1 After the Breakup:**

I wake up alone in my bed, the reality of April's absence hits me like a ton of bricks. I reache for my phone, tempted to text her, but I knows it's pointless. Instead, I bury my face in the pillow and inhale. If I concentrate hard enough I can almost smell her fruity fragrance on the pillows.

Fuck it. I'm going to text her.

Jackson: I just woke up and am trying to convince myself that I can still smell you on my sheets. Maybe that's my delusion. Perhaps desperation. What I know for sure is that we're going through a rough patch right now, but I believe we can work through this together. Please give us another chance

**Day 7 After the Breakup:**

I glance down at the muddy spots on my black slacks.

Some motherfucker just splashed mud all over my clothes at 8.45 in the morning, fifteen minutes before work starts and I don't even have the energy to cuss them out.

Not that I have a chance, the car is already out of sight.

I enter the office and notice how everyone stirs clear of me. I am a firm believer in keeping your work and personal life separated so no matter how angry and frustrated I get I don't take it out on my colleagues.

But I suppose not being my usual charming self and instead having a sour look stuck on my face is something they have noted.

Oh, and the fact that there's a person who's an exception to the office rule.

Speak of the devil and he comes running around the entrance.

"You are late." I snap at him.

He stops in his tracks and heaves.

"By 3 minutes."

"There's a reason work hours start at 9, Bisley. If they start at 9, I expect you to be here at 9. Tardiness will definitely get you terminated."

His face reddens.

"Well I've only got 3 months left."

"Do you not want those?"

"No, sir."

"Then don't waste my time and get to work."

This bastard is the only one who seems to know the reason for my brooding. He's practically glowing in my misery. I know Weston will do whatever it takes to drive a wedge between us.

A week has passed since she broke up with me. I try to distract himself with work, but my mind keeps wandering back to memories of happier times.

I sigh. Not even two hours into a new day and I'm already thinking of her.