The Strength of Love

Chapter Two: Rejection

Chandler tried to rub off the feeling of rejection that Annette had just left him there. But he couldn't.... it was like a rainstorm on his party. Yes, he'd been happy that she'd come, but then that jerk, ahem.... Aidan.... had to go ruin it all. Chandler had briefly debated running after her and sweeping her into his arms. In the end, he'd realized, if they were going to work as a couple, he would have to let her have some space. Yet, all he wanted to do now was hold her close, and never let go. Annette, I love you so much. I hope you know that.

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Aidan scanned the computer screen. His eyes flicked down the long list of hits that appeared. "T....t....t..the...the... the strength of love! YES! it's here!" He tried to see everything from every angle, but he couldn't. All he could see right now was Annette and him together in the future, happy. He pressed the numbers slowly, feeling the weight of each one hit him like a wrecking ball. Was he doing the right thing? It was too late now, he was already getting the dial tone.

"Hello. Welcome to the.... da da dum! STRENGTH OF LOVE!" That part was recorded. Is it too late to back out? She is my best friend, so maybe I should just let her go. What’s that saying? Hmm… If you love something, set it free, if it comes back, it was meant to be. Aidan let himself debate the issue, but in his heart he had already decided. "Press one to speak to an attendent, press two to rate us, press three for questions, press four to report a problem with us, press five if you're trying to sue us, press six for a counselor, press seven to repeat." What am I supposed to press? Aidan quickly just pressed one. You usually couldn't go wrong with that...

"Hello. How may I help you?" A bored sounding attendent answered in a monotone voice. Aidan hesitated. Aren’t TV shows supposed to be more enthusiastic?

"Oh, um, well. I was wondering if I could call in a story?" Aidan's voice quavered. Even to himself he sounded small and unsure.

He was really going to do this.