I Just Want You

Chapter 22: Maybe This Time

Chapter 22: Maybe This Time

I woke up on Friday morning feeling absolutely drained. Travis and I hadn't spoken since our fight. I can't keep living like this. All I feel is sad and lonely. This is not what your first month of marriage is supposed to feel like. Travis had already left by the time I got up. I got ready for work and then headed into the office. 

"Hey Ethan."

"Hey Mel. How are you?"

"Honestly. I've been better." I tried to manage a small smile at him but it was no use.

"Wanna talk about it?"

"No thanks. I'm just gonna go ahead and start reading manuscripts."

"Alright, well holler if you need anything."

"Thanks."

I made my way to my office. I saw a pile of manuscripts on my desk. Usually I would be eager to dig in to the books; but today's genre is Romance. I didn't want to read about perfect guys all day; when I had the perfect guy but I lost him. 

I quickly read through a few books; but none of them are any good so I throw them in the out pile. Around ten o'clock I take a coffee break.

When I get back to my desk I go through the manuscripts and find one that peaks my interest. It's called 'Saying Goodbye to You'. I dig in to it and I immediately can't put it down. I relate to the main character. This love story sounds a lot like mine and Travis'. The main characters fall in love; but then the female love interest loses her parents in an accident and the main character tries to help her move on. But the ending is tragic and he ends up moving on from her. That is why it was entitled 'Saying Goodbye to You'. 

By the time I finish the book I am full on sobbing. I hope that is not how my love story ends. But something in my gut is saying 'That's what lies ahead'.

I'm interrupted from my sob fest by a knock on the door. I quickly wipe my eyes and try to pull myself together.

Ethan walks in. Concern spreads across his face; because he can tell I've been crying.

"What's wrong?"

"Oh I just read a really sad manuscript."

He understands and just nods in response. He then scratches his head something he only does when he's nervous. 

"So do you wanna grab lunch?" I hope he doesn't think it's a date. Nah we're just friends.

"Sure let me grab my purse."

We decide to go the small local cafe. I order soup and salad while he orders a sandwich and chips.

"So how's everything at home?" He questions me.

I sigh.

"I'd rather not talk about it."

"Mel you can tell me anything." 

I just shake my head.

"He's a completely different person. I don't know how much longer I can take it."

"Have you thought about separating?"

I look at him in horror.

"I'm not saying a divorce, just taking some time apart."

"I haven't thought about it. But it would be pretty hard to avoid each other in this small town."

"Yeah, I guess you're right. Have you thought about applying to work in the office in New York?"