UNRAVELING AMAYA.

11

The next few days passed in a blur of wedding preparations, work, and quiet moments with Ryan. Each day, I found myself looking forward to our time together more and more. But just as I was beginning to find a sense of stability, the past came crashing back into my life.

It started with a message on my phone one evening after work. I was lounging on the couch, flipping through a magazine, when the screen lit up with a notification. Jared's name flashed across the screen, and I scoffed.

Jared:
Want to talk?

I stared at the message, feeling a surge of conflicting emotions. Anger, hurt, and a twinge of curiosity all battled for dominance. Jared had a way of resurfacing just when I thought I had moved on. I debated whether to respond, but before I could make a decision, my phone rang. It was him.

Taking a deep breath, I answered. "Hello?"

"Maya," Jared's voice was familiar, a mix of regret and desperation. "I know I'm the last person you want to hear from, but can we meet? I need to explain."

"Explain what?" I snapped, my patience already wearing thin. "How you ghosted me? How you decided to walk away without a word?"

He sighed heavily. "I know I messed up. I was going through a lot, and I handled things badly. But I need to see you, to make things right."

I hesitated. Part of me wanted to hang up, to tell him to leave me alone. But another part, the part that still remembered the good times, was curious. "Fine," I said finally. "We can meet, but this doesn't mean anything, Jared. I'm just giving you a chance to explain."

"Thank you," he said, relief evident in his voice. "We can meet at Darcy's in 20."

"Alright," I agreed reluctantly. Hanging up, I felt a knot of anxiety settle in my stomach. Just as I was beginning to find my footing, Jared had to reappear and throw everything into chaos.

I didn't bother to change or freshen my appearance before I headed to Darcy's, dressed in sweats styled with a frizzy low bun. My heart pounded as I walked through the door and spotted Jared at a corner table. He looked different, more haggard than I remembered, but his eyes still held that familiar spark.

"Maya," he greeted me, standing up as I approached.

I sat down, crossing my arms. "What do you want to explain, Jared?"

He took a deep breath. "I know I hurt you, and I'm sorry. I was dealing with a lot. Shit wasn't fair to you, and I regret it every day."

"Why now?" I asked, my voice trembling with anger. "Why are you reaching out now, after all this time?"

"Because I can't stop thinking about you," he admitted, his gaze earnest. "I realized how much I messed up and how much you mean to me. I want to make things right, if you'll let me."

I shook my head. "You can't just come back into my life and expect everything to be okay. You abandoned me, Jared; like you always do. You don't get to decide when you're ready to fix things."

He looked pained. "I know, and I'm not askin' for forgiveness. I just want a chance to prove that I'm different now."

"People don't change that easily," I said, my voice hard. "You hurt me, and I can't just forget that."

There was a long silence. Finally, Jared nodded, looking defeated. "I understand. I'll give you space. But you know I'll be waiting for you."

I stood up, feeling a mix of anger and sadness. "Bye, Jared."

"Wait," he interjected. "At least just sit and eat with me, My." He begged. "We're friends before anything." I stood still for a moment then pathetically, I took the bait.