After Love

II

Vern and Theo stared at one another for what felt like hours after they hugged and sat down, opposite of each other. She smiled and looked down quietly at her lukewarm hot coco. Theo kept his eyes on her while holding his coffee... small sips. That's what he taught her all those years ago in order to keep the energy.

"You look amazing." He finally spoke, taking a small sip of his coffee.

"I feel the same way. You look so handsome... as always." Vern spoke softly, keeping her head down.

"Thank you, sweet Vern. What have you been up to after all these years?"

"Well... I uh... I've been pretty busy. I just got my master's degree in psychology. And now I work at a clinic for children... I still work at the school as well."

"You always have had such a knack when it comes to kids. And the patience as well."

"Well... yeah. You know how much I love kids and taking care of them... making sure they have the support and not feel alone in this world."

"Yeah, you've done such a great job so far."

Vernetta smiled and looked up to meet his eyes, "You still have that problem of looking me in the eyes."

"You make me shy..." Vern giggled.

"I still do, huh?"

Vernetta nodded, "Uhm, so how are you? How's everything? What have you been up to?"

"Oh, the usual. I have a small company for cyber security."

"Oh! You own your own business?"

He nods, "I do! I saved up as much as I can. It can get difficult but... I enjoy it."

"Wow... you're so inspiring."

"So are you, sweet Vern."

"I haven't done much."

"You always say that... very rare L on your part."

She giggles, "You still say that?"

He nods, "Of course."

Silence fills the air between them and Theo couldn't help but smile. He lets go of his cup and gently places his hand onto Vern's hand that was still holding her cup.

"I... I'm sorry... for everything. For the pain I've caused you all those years ago. Your love for me was so fruitful and rejuvenating. My only hope is that the right man is with you now."

Vern couldn't help but stare at him, wide eyed, "Theo..."

"And I really hope he is treating you way better than anyone has... showing you the love that you deserve."

"Theo... I-"

"Vern... there's just so much I want to say... but I don't have the words to put them together."

"I want to have a baby."

His eyes furrowed and he tilted his head, "What...?"

"I-... I..." Vernetta's eyes began to water, and she quickly looked down, "I forgive you. I think I've always had. Months after the cut off, I forgave you. I don't hate you... I don't think I've ever had. In fact, I still hold so much love for you. Even when I came home from the hospital and never heard from you... I... I still love you."