Always You

Chapter 4

Ezra

"The one and only," I announced, the corners of my lips curving up to form a broad smile.

"It is you! I can't believe it!" her eyes glimmered in the moonlight, all traces of tears evaporated. Straightening up, she stammered, "I- I just... Wow. How have you been?"

"Oh you know, same old same old," I started, trying to douse the excitement I felt coursing through my body with each heartbeat.

"Still playing guitar?" She asked.

I chuckled.

"What?!" Her smile dropped, concern showing through her creased eyebrows.

"Oh, it's just that we haven't seen each other in 5 years and that's the first thing you think to ask?" I couldn't stop the amusement in my voice. "And yes, I'm still playing."

Her face softened. "Good! It would be a crime against humanity for you to waste your talent!"

"And what about you Miss Sierra? How have you been? And don't tell me you've been great, I ain't buying that considering you were bawling your eyes out 5 minutes ago." I looked at her intently.

Her smile faltered, "I was not bawling!" She protested.

I gave her a questioning look. "Okay fine, it hasn't been the best night. I may have just broken up with someone." She looked up at me, her hands swiping at the tears escaping her eyes. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't be unloading this on you."

"Don't be silly! I've seen you ugly cry to sappy romance movies, I think I can handle this," I winked. "Wanna talk about it?"

"There's not much to talk about really," she began. "Caught him about to get it on with another girl."

"Damn, I'm sorry."

"It's okay, we weren't together that long anyway. You know what, he probably cared more about his muscle mass than my feelings anyway. He spends more time at the gym than anything."

"Well, it sounds like he didn't deserve someone like you," I declared. "Let me guess, football player?"

"Ha, how did you know?" Her eyes widened.

"Gosh Sierra, do I need to list all the football jerks you dated in high school? Brett, Jake, To-"

"Okay okay!" She gave me a playful kick, "point taken! And hey, they weren't all jerks..."

"Mmm, I beg to differ." I dramatically cleared my throat, "Ahem, chapter 1: Brett and the 2am break up text. Chapter 2: Jake and the case of the mysterious blue panties found in his room. Chapter 3: Tom and the time he almost killed your dog. "

"Oh ha ha, whatever! Also, Tom wasn't really a jerk..."

"He just wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed," I completed her sentence.

"Exactly. At least he knows now that dogs can't eat chocolate."

"You'd better hope he does!" The sound of her soft laughter filled out the courtyard. I smiled, "it's good to see you again Sierra."

"It's good to see you too."

Our eyes met, and it took everything in me not to reach over and pull her in a hug. There are so many things I wanted to say to her, so many scenarios etched in my memories that I've replayed over and over again in my head, wishing I'd said and done something differently. If I had told her how I felt, maybe if I had been there that night, she would have stayed. If I'd known she'd disappear the next day, I would have done anything I could to make her stay...

My thoughts drifted to that morning some 5 years ago, walking into her empty house. The entire family, gone. There was no trace of Sierra. Vanished from social media, phone number disconnected, without even a good bye note.  All I had left of her was a box of Polaroids and a head full of memories. I'd come to accept that I had lost her forever. But here she was, 5 years later, sitting right there in front of me. My head was swimming with unspoken words and most of all, questions. So many questions. But now was not the time for them.

Her eyes indicated she was deep in thought also, and I tried to discern her expression. Doubt? A hint of regret?

A breeze swept through the courtyard, and the trees swayed to the gentle gust. The sound of ruffling leaves pulled me out of my train of thought. I noticed Sierra shivering as she drew her arms around her petite frame.

"Are you cold?" I asked gently.

"Just a little." The leaves around us danced as another gust of wind swept through. "Maybe a little freezing cold," she admitted. "I didn't think it'd get this cold."

I unbutton my flannel shirt and handed it to her. "Here, don't want you catching a cold before first week of classes."

"You really don't have to! What if you catch a cold?"

"I haven't been sick in 2 years, I think I'll be fine. Besides, we're at a college party. No one's going to take a second glance at a shirtless dude," I shrugged.

"Haha, I suppose so! Well, thanks," she said as she pulled on the shirt.

"I don't suppose you're planning on getting back to the party?"

"That'll be a big fat no from me!"

I chuckled. "How about I walk you back to your dorm? It's been a long while and we have a lot of catching up to do."

"Sounds like a grand plan!" A million things ran through my mind as I took in Sierra's glowing smile.