Broken Heart

Anna 1/1

     Three years ago I made one of the hardest decisions of my life. I walked out on my boyfriend, Ben, of five years. I had found out that he had been cheating on me and I needed to get out of that relationship. I haven't talked to him since that day, he tried calling pretty much every night until I got a new number. That had to be awkward for him. Ever since I have heard nothing from him. Mia used to tell me when he would try and get information out of her but I didn't want to hear it. I needed a clean break. I only stayed at Mia and Luke's house for three days. I then started to rent a dinky apartment that was too far from work for my liking, but I love the place so it didn't matter. 

  I pull up to my parking stop outside of my apartment, yes I bought a car, and pull out my keys. Since I live so far away from work I don't go home for lunch anymore and I don't get home till later since I started hanging out with my girl friends after work. We hit up happy hour once a week and I absolutely love it. I unlock my door and my phone begins to ring. I don't have to look at the caller ID to know who it is. I answer,

"Hey Daniel!" I say. 

"Hey Ann, did you have fun at happy hour," Daniel, my fiance, asks. I met him a year and a half after walking out on Ben. I was still struggling with the loss of my relationship. We met when I was running late for a company meeting and I had run out of change for the bus. I looked like a complete mess my hair falling out of my bun and my shirt starting to untuck from my skirt. He swooped in like knight and payed for my bus fair and it turned out we were late for the same meeting. We didn't start dating until five months after that. He asked me to marry him a month ago and I couldn't be any happier. 

"Yes, I didn't drink as much this time," I smile happily into the phone. We both decided not to live together until 'we tied the knot'. I brought up the subject and he was more than happy to follow. He is so supportive. 

"I can tell. I just wanted to call to make sure you got home safe," He says. 

"Thanks I really miss your voice. We still on for coffee tomorrow," I ask. I am still damaged from Ben I don't think I'll ever completely heal. I still double even triple check on dates with Daniel even though I know he'll never miss a date. 

"Yes hunny," Daniel says with a laugh. I smile. 

"I love you," I say before hanging up. 

~*~*~*~

    I walk into the coffee shop and find our usual table. Not even a minute after I sit down Daniel comes and kisses me before sitting down. We both order our drinks and talk about our days and do a little wedding planning. I am not allowed to wear my engagement ring on set because the channel thinks they'll loose views with two taken women hosting the show. Apparently we only get some views because I am hot and to the viewers who are single. I sigh as I mess with it. Daniel knows about this arrangement and he wasn't happy about but we both know how this business is and we deal with it. He grabs my hand and is about to say something when from the corner of my eye I see someone walk into the coffee shop. Once I completely focus on the person I realize it is Ben. I always thought that the first time we saw each other it wouldn't be on accident in my favorite coffee shop. As his eyes roam over the place I go stiff hoping that will make me invisible. 

  "Ann what's wrong," Daniel asks noticing my sudden mood change. I direct my eyes to Ben who has now seen me and is staring at me with wide eyes. Daniel turns around and sees him too. Daniel knows what Ben looks like because I have told him everything about our relationship and he admitted to Facebook stalking me before he asked me out. He turns back around and tightens his grip on my hand, knowing that I need the support. I silently pray that Ben decides not to come over and talk to me, but it is cut short.

  "Anna," He says coming up to the table. He doesn't look any different in his nicely fitted suit and perfectly slicked back hair. 

"Ben," I say trying to act a little civil.

"I..." Ben starts then pauses, "I am so sorry." He rubs his face making his watch appear. He is wearing the watch I gave him on our anniversary that I spent a lot of money on. I can't believe he wears it after all this time. Not knowing what to say I look at Daniel for help. Daniel removes his hand from mine and hold it out shake Ben's hand.

"So your Ann's ex boyfriend that tore heart out of her chest and stomped on it," Daniel says. Then holds out his hand, to Ben, with an award winning smile on his face. Ben's eyes basically fall out of his head as I try to hold back a smile. Daniel has always been this straight forward with everyone, "I am Daniel her fiance," Daniel adds then finally drops his hand knowing Ben won't shake it now. 

"I-I didn't know. Congratulations," Ben says hurt spraying across his face as he takes his leave of us finally. I watch as he walks away from our table, out of the coffee shop, and hails a cab. I watch as my first love walks away, feeling very happy that I had the strength to leave him. If I wouldn't have let go I would still be living with him probably not engaged and miserable. I smile at Daniel as I say goodbye to Ben forever. 

Real El Fin