Just To Be With You

10

Nick died 10 years ago.

I had started dating someone a few years after his death. I loved this man, and we are still together to this day, but he doesn't give me butterflies. When he touches me, my heart doesn't warm up with love and adoration. I don't get excited at the thought of being with him.

"Malaki, love, where are you?" My boyfriend Derek calls out.

"I'm in the living room!" I was sitting on a small loveseat in the living room of our home, our cat perched on the armrest beside me. I scratch between his ears, smiling when Derek walks in.

"I have great news! I got that job in Pittsburgh!" Derek smiles brightly, pecking my lips quickly.

"Really? That's incredible!" I give him a fake smile. I didn't want to move away. I didn't want to forget all the memories I've made here. And as sad as it might sound, I didn't want to be far from where I fell in love with Nick. Derek know I still love him, and that I always will. But I have enough room in my heart for both of them.

"Yes! I know you've never lived anywhere but here, but I think it'll be an amazing opportunity." Derek reaches out and run a hand through my hair, his warm brown eyes boring into my own.

"I would love to, when do you start?"

"Next month."