Crossroads (A Collection of Short Stories)

Unexpected Suprise

I got out of the chocolate shop after buying a box of white chocolates. They were Tamara's favorite. I went inside my car and started heading towards Tamara's apartment.

As I drove, I glanced at the passenger seat where a bouquet of red roses and box of chocolates are placed. I started to smile as I thought of how she would react when she sees my very advanced valentine's gift. First, her mesmerizing brown eyes would widen with surprise, then her lips would form the most beautiful smile I've ever seen, after that she would come to me and hug me tight.

I sighed happily as I parked my car in front of Tamara's house. My mind was filled with confusion when I saw a very expensive looking car also parked in front of her house. I shrugged thinking it was just one of her friends.

I knocked on her door five times but stopped when she still hadn't opened it. I tried to turn the knob and was surprised to find that it was unlocked. I didn't try calling her so that she will be even more shocked about my gift to her. I was about to start looking for Tamara in the kitchen when I heard the low mumble of her voice upstairs.

I tried to contain my excitement as I quietly ascended her stairs and tiptoed to her bedroom door. I quickly fixed my clothes and hair then decided it was time for my wonderful surprise. I excitedly opened the door and what I saw made my excitement and happiness disappear all at once.

Tamara was kissing a man seventeen or maybe eighteen years older than her. At the sound of my entry, Tamara quickly pushed the man away from her. The man looked quite familiar.

"Gio! What are you doing here?!" Tamara asked me her eyes filled with shock and regret.

I snickered, now I remember, the old pervert was her boss.

"I can't believe you would do this to me again..."

I dropped the flowers and chocolates then looked at the old fart menacingly.

"Get out of this house right now."

After the man left, I sat on the edge of Tamara's bed, my face covered with two hands. I sighed.

"Let's just end this." I immediately regret saying the words but I had to.

"I'm sorry, Gio. I swear, I'll never do it again!" She pleaded tears falling from her eyes.

The eyes that I've loved so much.

"Don't you remember, Tamara? That's what you said when I saw you kissing that same man in the park."

What I said left her speechless. I chuckled softly and continued talking.

"You know what's funny? I hate you right now but the truth is I still fucking love you. It's like I want to throw you off a cliff then rush to the bottom to catch you."

I looked at her face now filled with a little hope.

"Then that means we can still-"

I cut her off before she even got the chance to finish her statement.

"No, Tamara. I'm sorry but I just don't want to be hurt by you again."

After saying that I immediately went downstairs, got to my car and began driving far away.

I'll never be over Tamara. And from now on, every other girl I meet will be meticulously compared to her, and unfortunately none of them will be able to measure up to what Tamara and I had.