The Secrets to New York

Sixteen | Holy Ground

I went to that park a lot, you know, especially in the autumn. It always brought me back to everything, and even though it all hurt, it was like I had become addicted to it. I was addicted to the memories; addicted to remembering us. It was where we met, and where I fell in love with you. And for three years, I refused to give that up.

I missed you a lot back then. I should have moved on sooner, I know that, it was hard though because all of the memories were still so fresh in my mind. It was like it was playing on a movie screen every day, just waiting for me to fall apart more than I already had.

I guess you moved on pretty quick, because you traveled for a lot of those three years. It had always been one of your dreams to travel.

I still remember the first time I saw you after we broke up; that was probably the worst time. I was at one of the old bookstores that we used to go to together, sipping on my cup of coffee (still disgusting--it was just a habit) when I heard the door chime and looked up. You were standing there in all of your rugged glory. Your messy brown hair was sticking up in all directions and you had on a pair of blue jeans and a light jacket. I couldn’t stop myself from staring--I was still mesmerized by you.

You looked over and caught me staring. I quickly looked down at my cup of coffee, hoping to avoid any more eye contact with you.

I glanced back up after a few moments, only to see you smile and wave at me awkwardly. I did the same in return.

I just craved for us to be the way we used to be; I craved for us to be normal. Forever.