Again

1

Patton's POV:

After sliding on my boots and locking the front door, I began to walk down the path that leads towards Posca Park with my bull terrier, Rag. I wanted to get ahead to Barren's Coffee Bar before morning hustle came through. As seasons began to change, the day was already bright and sunny, but had a pleasant breeze to it.

I continued towards my destination as I started thinking of what all I needed to do today, eventually zoning out as I watched other people making their ways to work or walking for exercise. I looked down to zip up my jacket to keep warm when an object collided into my side all of a sudden.

The force caused me to stumble back on my heels and pull Rag's leash. I looked in the direction of who it was and noticed that they were on the ground. It was a girl, but all I could see was the top of her head and a chunky, yellow sweater. The strawberry blonde hair blocked my view of the mystery girl's face despite the short length.

"Oh shit. No, no, no.", she said to herself while searching the ground.

I wasn't able to help find what she was looking for since I didn't know what the girl could have possibly dropped. So I awkwardly mumbled an apology and stepped back as she reached her hands out to locate whatever it was. She stood up in a frustrated manner while dusting her jeans off.

"I'm sorry for knocking into you. I was looking around for a couple of locations to take pictures of the park and..", she rambled on while still looking frantically at the ground.

I finally knew who exactly was in front of me, but my brain was not wanting to process it. The mystery girl just so happened to be Madi. Madison Colvin, my high school girlfriend was right in front of me after so many years.

We broke things off on decent terms because we were going to separate universities, and a long distance relationship was not what either of us needed. Though the split wasn't because of any ill intentions, it was extremely hard and not the answer to her prayers. She took it the worst and it tore me apart because all I could do was witness.

She looked up finally, and her words stopped but her eyes grew like a deer's in headlights.

"Patton?", she stuttered. She seemed so star-struck that a full sentence couldn't come from her lips. Then after a few seconds, a big smile that made the corners of her eyes crinkle in a childlike manner broke out.

"Hey Madison.", I breathed out, also with wide eyes.

"Oh my gosh! I can't believe that it's you.", she exclaimed as we stared at each other.

The sleeves of her sweater were longer than her arms so it covered her small hands and flapped around when she moved forcefully. Her face hasn't seem to change much after all this time, but I knew all together she's become a stranger.

"What a coincide-," I began to say, when suddenly she went down on her knees and reached towards Rag.

"You have my lens cover! Give it back!", she panicked as she went to retrieve it from my dogs mouth.

I bent down and got ahold of Rag before he could pull away. Madi's fingers grabbed her cover and examined it.

"There are bite marks now, and a lot of slobber, but not much damage.", she mumbled to herself as she starts wiping it dry.

Well that's a great new first impression. It's not everyday you run into your old lover just to have your dog add more to your not so perfect character.

"I'm really sorry. I can give you money to buy a new one if need be.", I rushed out. I expected her to accept the money but she just simply shook her head and gave a toothless smile.

"Like I said, not much damage. It still fits and protects so that's what matters.", she said.

"So what are you doing out here in Maine?", I finally asked.

"I just got done with my interior design degree and transferred here to help preserve some of the historic buildings that have construction projects starting near them soon. Also trying to add more to my photography portfolio, hence the camera.", she motioned to her chest where the equipment rested.

I remember the day she got accepted to her university and the day she left for her new life. I was happy for her. I had gone to North Carolina on a cycling and running scholarship. We were figuring out our lives, and watching each other pursue our dreams started by letting one another go first.

"I would absolutely love to stay and catch up but I need to find more areas to take pictures of. You were right on how beautiful the views are here.", she said as a blush crept on her cheeks.

Her comment immediately made me recall the times I had visited Maine while we were dating. That felt like a lifetime ago.

A little piece of me felt a sting when realizing seeing her would come to an end again.

"Yea, I need to get going anyways.", I shrugged, trying to cover my emotions.

"Hopefully I'll see you around. We sure could catch up for old-times sake."

It was a hopeful feeling to hear that she wanted to see me again. I grabbed her arm and gave a firm squeeze.

"I hope to see you too.", I said slowly.

As we parted ways, I began to notice just how cold the air felt now and how lonely the morning streets of Maine can be.

The feelings simmered down as I continued my walk with Rag. I wonder how amazing it'd be as a dog and not deal with such overwhelming emotions.

I shook my head and gave a slight smile at the thought just as we approached Barren's.

This coffee shop is one of the few here that allow dogs inside. I go in and order an espresso, but I head back outside today because after that encounter, I'm starting to feel a little claustrophobic.

I began to drink the strong liquid while watching Rag roll in some leave, until I hear her voice behind me.

"Hi again, stranger."