Comeback (Sequel to 'Before the Storm')

Chapter 8: Shattered Hearts

*time skip to a week later*

Ally's POV

I stood by the window, my fingers tracing the scar on my forearm, a constant reminder of how fragile life could be. I am finally back in my own home, recovered.

The doorbell's chime shattered the silence, making me flinch.

"It's open," I called out, my voice barely above a whisper.

His eyes, usually bright with confidence, now held a mix of hope and apprehension. In his hands, a bouquet of tulips—my favorites. Our eyes met, and for a moment, the world stood still.

"Hey," he said softly, offering me the flowers, "How are you feeling?"

I accepted the flowers, my eyes immediately welled with tears.

"Joe, we need to talk."

He nodded and we sat on the couch, the flowers forgotten on the coffee table. Joe reached for my hand, and this time, I didn't pull away.

His touch sent a familiar warmth through me, making what I was about to do even harder.

"Joe, I need you to tell me exactly what happened with Sophie," I began, my gaze steady on his face.

Joe let go of my hands, leaned forward, elbows on his knees.

"During the intermission, I was in my dressing room when Sophie knocked and came in. I didn't know she was coming. She said she wanted to let me know that the girls were safely dropped off at my parents house."

He paused, running a hand through his hair.

"She was acting weird and started reminiscing about our times together. Then, out of nowhere, she just lunged at me and kissed me."

My breath hitched, but I remained silent, urging him to continue with a nod.

"I was completely shocked. It took me a second to realize what was happening, but as soon as I did, I put my hands on her shoulders and tried to push her away."

Joe's voice was earnest, his eyes pleading for understanding.

"That's when I heard a noise and saw you standing in the doorway."

He reached for my hand again, his touch tentative.

"I swear to you, Ally, I never wanted that kiss. I love you, and only you. I've been kicking myself ever since, wishing I had reacted faster, pushed her away sooner. I never meant for any of this to happen. Please believe me!"

I closed my eyes for a moment, processing.

"I believe you," I whispered.

Joe's eyes widened in surprise and relief. "You do?"

I nodded, a tear escaping down my cheek.

"I do. I believe that Sophie kissed you, that you tried to push her away. I believe you love me, Joe."

Hope bloomed on Joe's face.

"Then we can work through this, right? We can—"

"No," I whispered, my heart breaking as I watched the hope in Joe's eyes shatter, "I don't think we can."

"But you said you believe me," Joe stammered, confusion and pain etched across his features, "If you know the truth, why?"

I took a shuddering breath.

"Because believing you isn't enough. Every time I close my eyes, I see you with her. Every time a car honks, I'm back on that street, with my world falling apart. I wake up everyday screaming, reliving the accident over and over."

Joe's grip on my hand tightened.

"I'll help you through this, Ally. We'll get through it together. Please, just give us another chance."

I gently extracted my hand from his, each inch of separation feeling like a mile.

"That's just it, Joe. I need to get through this on my own. I need to find myself again."

"Ally, please," Joe begged, tears now flowing freely down his face, "I love you. I can't lose you."

I stood up, wrapping my arms around myself.

"And I love you, Joe. So much. That's what makes this so hard."

Joe rose, reaching for me, but I stepped back, scared that I might collapse at his touch.

"Is this... is this really the end?" he asked, his voice barely audible.

I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in her throat. The pain in his eyes was almost unbearable to witness.

I watched as Joe's shoulders slumped in defeat, as if the weight of the world had just crashed down upon him.

He moved towards the door, each step slow and painful. His hand reached for the doorknob, but he paused, turning back to face me one last time. Our eyes met, filled with a whirlpool of love, pain, and unspoken regrets.

In that moment, something broke inside both of us. I rushed forward as Joe opened his arms. We collided in a desperate embrace, clinging to each other as if it could somehow undo the inevitability of our parting.

"I love you," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion, tears rushing down my face, "I love you so much, Joe. I always will."

Joe cupped my face in his hands, his thumbs gently wiping away my tears.

"And I love you, Ally. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. I swear."

Our lips met in a kiss that tasted of salt and sorrow. It was tender yet passionate, a bittersweet symphony of all we had shared and all we were losing. In that kiss was every laugh, every tender moment, every dream we had built together.

As we slowly pulled apart, our foreheads remained touching, neither wanting to be the first to let go.

"I'm so sorry," I breathed, my words barely audible.

He placed a gentle kiss on my forehead.

"Don't be. You need to heal, to find yourself again. I understand."

With a final, lingering look, Joe stepped back. His hand found the doorknob once more.

"Goodbye, Ally," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion.

"Goodbye, Joe," I replied, watching as he walked out of my apartment and out of my life.

As the door closed behind him, my knees gave way. I sank to the floor, sobs wracking my body. Through my tears, I caught sight of the tulips on the table—vibrant, beautiful, and utterly heartbreaking.