Unless I'm With You

Chapter 2: Like a Movie

Jackson POV

Yesterday was a tiring day for me. With all the training, and the tournament that coming up. I need a rest time. I thought after I change my roles from an athlete to coach, my life would be easier, but it seems like I must work harder for the team as I need to think the strategies, the routine for the teams.

As today is my off day, I decided to buy some groceries and clean the house. I walk in the garden which is the short cut for me to the grocery's stores. While walking, I get to see my favorite café, and was thinking I maybe can takeaway some pastries and coffee after do groceries. Whenever I went to the café, or just walk by, it will remind me of her. The one that have my heart, at the same time breaks my it. I don't know what went wrong. The relationship that has been built since high school, just disappear. I tried to have a new relationship, it just not the same. Even until now, I could not find the reason why we broke up. Whenever I miss her, I will go the café and order her favorite pastry, almond croissant. Now, I don't even know if she still like the pastry.

I walk into the café and place a takeaway order. I told the cashier that I will pick it up later. After I made the payment, I suddenly looking at the table that I always sit. I saw a woman, looking outside the window. I could not see her face clearly, but I feel like I know her. A waiter come to her table to serve her food, and suddenly my heart races as I saw her face. The face that I miss. The smile that I love. I can see her, looking sad. She's wiping her tears. I go near to her table just to confirm if it's her. My Anneliese.

"Annie." I called the name. The name that I always call her. She look surprised when she heard the name. She looks up at me, and again, the tear just drops from her eyes.

"Jackie." The name that only her called me. No one else. The voice that I miss. She didn't even smile. We both sort of can't believe that we get to meet each other again after 5 years.

"Jackie, what, what are you doing here?" She stuttered.

"I lived nearby the café, and ordered some takeaway, and then I saw you, here."

"I see." She paused.

"Annie, can, can we talk?"

"There is nothing that we can talk about Jackie." Looking down at her food.

"Just for 5 minutes, Annie. Just a simple conversation."  She sighed.

"Sure, have a seat."

I took the sit in front of her. At the table, I saw the almond croissant, her favorite. And of course, a slice of cake. She never changed. Suddenly, she asked:

"What are you smiling at?"

"Oh, your favorite, almond croissant and cake." I pointed at the food. She just hummed. No words come from her beautiful lips. I saw some bruises on her face, on her lips and a bit at the jaw. She must be have a competition last night.

"So, how are you?" I started the conversation.

"I am fine.", she answered while munching the pastries.

"How was your career?"

"It's good. Mari trained me well." She doesn't even look at me.

"I see, then that's good. You know, I'm a coach now for my team."

"Okay." One word.

"It's been 3 years that I'd coach. My team now will compete for the national."

"Okay." Again, one word. Silence.

"Annie, don't you have question for me?"

"What do you want me to ask?"

"How was I doing, how was my job, am I getting married?"

"You already giving me the answer Jackie."

"Are you sure? Did I tell you I'm getting married?"

"I think that is not my business, and I don't want to know." Her face expression didn't change.

"Why is it so hard Annie? Why is it so hard for us to have a normal conversation?"

"Jackson, our relationship has been over 5 years ago. 5 years, and for having a normal conversation. I don't know if we can do this. We both have our own life now, and we don't need to know about our current life." She speaks calmly.

"You know what, I have to go. I have to pack my bags as I have flight to catch tonight." She finishes up her cake and coffee, and stand-up walk through the cashier.

"But, Annie," I try to stop her.

She just left. Just like 5 years ago. No explanation. The heartache that I felt 5 years came back. I just don't know why she changed. What turns her to be this way. I left the café and went home. I don't have the mood to buy groceries or clean the house now. I just want to get some sleep. Trying to forget what just happen. I want her back, I really do.