Falling From It Again

Forty

CHERYL's POINT OF VIEW

A few days later;

Ma had the kids and Tony invited a few people over so that we could all celebrate my promotion at work. I was proud of myself and I was finally to a point where I felt better about where Shemar and I were at. We haven't spoken in a while and maybe it was for the best.

I told Tony not to invite him and he said okay. I just wanted to enjoy myself and celebrate.

I greeted everyone and laughed for a moment. Tony really knew how to throw a small gathering to celebrate special moments. Many of my good friends were here and honestly I could say that I am happy. Very happy...I guess.

"Cheryl, there's someone at the door for you." Tony said as he touched my shoulder.

"Excuse me." I said to my guest and went to go see whom it was. Once I reached the door, I saw Shemar there with some champagne in his hands. He didn't smile- he just looked at me.

"Hi..." I said as I looked at him. I then looked down at my hands and played with them. I kinda even blushed a little bit. One, he was looking fine as hell. Two, I was shocked that he actually came....why did he come?

"Hey, Ba-...I mean, Cheryl Ann." He said as he handed me the champagne bottle.

"You haven't called me Cheryl Ann like that since our high school years. Stop it." I said as I took it and went into the kitchen- he followed.

"Fine, I'll stop. Just Cheryl then." He said as he watched me put the champagne down on the countertop.

He looked at me and softly smiled. "I miss you." He said as he touched my hand that was resting on the countertop. I looked at our hands and then up at him.

I missed him too but I was gonna admit it.

"I love you and I know that you might not wanna say it back but...I do love you. I've been beating myself up these past few days." He said as he moved closer to me. He then reached up and moved some of my hair behind my ear. "Gosh, you're beautiful. Congratulations." He then said as he removed his hand from me.

"Thank you." I said as I looked down at my hands.

"There's another reason as to why I came over here." He said in a calm voice. I looked up at him and looked in his eyes.

He then moved behind me and hugged me from behind. I closed my eyes and felt him softly wrap his arms around me. "I canceled the wedding." He then said as he kissed my shoulder.

His kisses made me shiver sometimes. Too sweet to handle.

I then turned around to face him.

"You did?" I asked him.

"Yes, Cheryl."

"But you love her." I told him.

"You know that the only reason I asked her to marry me was to get an excuse to come back to New York. I had to get you again. Baby, I love you. That's all." He said as he grabbed my hands.

He pulled my chin up so that we could look into each others eyes.

"T-...Tony should be checking on me soon." I said as I looked away from him. I then started to walk away.

"Baby, come here." He said as he grabbed my hand and pulled me back in front of him. "I know that you still love me. Cheryl, I'm not perfect." He said as his voice started to crack. "I've been fucking crying about this every damn day. I can't be without you..." He said as he almost started to cry.