Just The Thought

Chapter 17: Moving On

Chapter 17: Moving On

Emily and Jackson's rift grew.

No words exchanged.

Tension lingered.

Emily spent more time with Maddie.

Laughter and inside jokes.

Emily's heart slowly healed.

Maddie's boyfriend, Alex, introduced his friend, Ryan.

Ryan's charming smile captivated Emily.

Emily's curiosity piqued.

Ryan and Emily bonded.

Shared interests and values.

Emily felt alive again.

On the otherside Jackson realized his mistake.

Longing for Emily's forgiveness.

Jackson's patience wore thin.

Whenever Emily and Jackson crossed paths.

There would be a Awkward silence.

Emily's resolve strengthened.

On day Emily grew tired of Jackson and confronted him.

"Move on, Jackson," Emily declared.

Jackson's eyes pleaded.

"I love you, Emily."

Emily stood firm.

"I deserve better."

Emily looked forward.

Ryan's smile beckoned.

A chance at happiness.

One day As Emily walked away, Ryan's voice whispered

"Want to grab coffee with me?"

"sure, why not" Emily told herself

She went to sleep that night wondering if she made the right decision about the date with Ryan, if she is truly ready to move on.

The following day Emily went on her date with ryan

Emily fidgeted with her napkin.

Ryan smiled warmly.

"Relax, I'm nervous too," Ryan said.

Emily laughed.

Conversation flowed easily.

Ryan shared stories of his family.

Emily's heart swelled.

"Your family sounds amazing," Emily said.

Ryan's eyes sparkled.

"They are," Ryan replied.

Emily's thoughts crept in.

Jackson's face haunted her.

Why was she still thinking of him?

Emily decided that it is better to tell Ryan the truth

"Ryan, I need to talk to you," Emily said.

Ryan's expression turned serious.

"What's wrong?" Ryan asked.

Emily took a deep breath.

"I'm still hurting from my past," Emily admitted.

Ryan's eyes softened.

"I understand," Ryan said.

The next day Emily went out of class to her surprise Jackson waited outside Emily's class.

"Emily, please talk to me," Jackson begged.

Emily ignored him.

Jackson sent texts, calls, and gifts.

Emily remained silent.

It was the 5th period of the day Emily was bored out of her mind in class although she was a top student everyone gets tired of school sometimes. All of a sudden everyone in class heard singing

The schools Acapella group harmonized.

Everyone in the room was confused

"Emily, our love will shine," they sang.

Jackson appeared, note in hand.

"Emily, forgive me," Jackson pleaded.

Emily stormed out.

Jackson followed.

"Why are you doing this?" Emily demanded.

Jackson's voice cracked.

"I love you, Emily! I made a mistake."

Emily's anger flared.

"You broke my trust!" Emily shouted as she stormed of

That night Emily pondered forgiveness.

Pros and cons weighed.

Heart versus head.

As Emily drifted to sleep, her mind whispered:

"Can I ever truly forgive?"