Time After Time

Chapter III

(Dakota's POV)

I knew this conversation was coming but I still wished I didn't have to tell him anything about what happened. – Look, I'll talk okay? Please don't be angry, if there's one thing I can assure you is that nothing happened and that it's you I love. – I pause for a second. Jamie's looking at me but I can't read his expression but I still decide to get up and sit next to him. He doesn't move or look at me, his eyes are still glued on the now empty sofa. I reach for his hand and to my surprise he doesn't stop me and holds it instead, staring at them. – So, Matt. He called me earlier that day you saw me with the jacket, he wanted to talk and meet up for lunch but I said no because I was with you and had things planned. Since then he's been keeping in touch, texting me but never did he push his luck. I wasn't expecting him to contact me at all. I'm not gonna lie, he meant a lot to me, I loved him but not like I love you. I didn't know that at the time because I didn't know you but then you came into my life and I never loved anyone like I love you. – I stop to look at him but nothing, he's still staring at our hands. – Jamie?

- Why now? Do people have a detector that tells them when we're finally happy? Do you miss him? Is that why you felt the need to wear the jacket again?

- Matt and I might've dated but above that we were friends, he still is friends with most of my group of friends, so if I missed him? Yeah, I missed him, as a friend but never as a boyfriend. – I stop talking in hopes he'll say something but nothing. – He called and I remembered the jacket and decided to wear it and it's just that, a jacket!

- You know what? Maybe you should reunite with him, have a friends gathering and spend time together, maybe then you'll make up your mind on what's important to you.

- Jamie, I ...

- No, you know what, I should get going, I need to pack and leave for the airport.

I see him get up and I feel my heart fall to my feet. – You're just leaving? That's it?

- I told you I had a golf tournament and my flight is in a few hours so I need to start getting ready.

- So that's it? When are you coming back?

- Soon, maybe. I want to see the girls while I'm there so I'm not sure. I'll be right back, I'm just gonna pack my bag.

10 minutes later he's coming back with his bag, ready to leave. I make my way towards him because I don't want him to just leave without holding him once. – So you're leaving? – I reach him and wrap my hands around his waist and lay my head on his chest. He stiffens for a second but puts his bag on the floor and holds me.

- I have to.

- You'll come back right?

- Always baby, I just need time.

He starts letting go of me but I hold him tighter. – No, not yet, just one more minute. – He laughs at that and we stay there, holding each other. – We'll get through this, you know I love you, it was stupid on my part for not telling you what happened, I'm sorry.

- We will and I love you but I still need time to think about all of this. Now, time's up, I really should get going.

- Alright, goodbye Jamie, please call me when you arrive. I love you.

- I will, love you too.

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It's been 5 days since Jamie left and I haven't heard from him since he arrived and told me he was home safe. I know he needs time and with the tournament coming he needs to focus but I still can't believe he just left without mentioning my bday, it's like he doesn't even care about missing it. It's almost 2pm so I decide to finally get out of bed , get some lunch and shower. It's 4pm when my mom calls me to tell me she's at my door and for the first time since Jamie left I feel a smile slowly appear on my face, I always miss her and I wish we would spend more time together. I always let the door open so she invites herself in.

- Hi baby girl, where are you?

- In the kitchen.

As soon as I see her I jump off my chair and hug her as tight as I can, letting the tears flow down my cheeks. – I missed you so much mama.

- It's okay, let them out, I've missed you too.

After I had no tears left in me, mom and I spent the rest of the afternoon talking about what happened, her giving me advice and me listening. One thing was still bothering me and I didn't know if I should bring it up, but I decide to.

- He did have to leave but tomorrow is my bday and he didn't even remember it, or at least he didn't mention it.

- I can't imagine Jamie forgetting your bday. He's hurt, maybe angry but I don't see him forgetting. He loves you, that's a fact and you love him, timing was terrible but you'll work through this, I'm sure. Have you texted him asking how he's doing? Wished him good luck?

- No, I didn't think it was a good idea.

- Do it, I'm sure he'll appreciate it.

- You're right, I will. Thank you for coming over, will you stay for dinner?

- I can't, I have some stuff to do but I'll see you tomorrow that's for sure.

- Alright, I love you mama.

- I love you too darling.