Serenate

Chapter 2

Serena's POV

   I didn't even have to look up. I could use my peripheral vision to tell that it was Nate, by the way he was standing, and the fact that I had memorized the outline of his figure when we were together, because his body is truly mesmerizing. I was afraid to look up, afraid that I would crumble and break down right in the middle of a cafe. Afraid that I wouldn't be able to fight the urge to run over and kiss him. Afraid that I'd fall in love even more than I already hopelessly am.
   Yet I still looked up. How could I not? My green eyes met his piercing blue ones and I felt like the world stopped, and we were the only two people in it.
I was so shocked to see him I barely stuttered out a surprised, "H-Hi Nate, w-what are you doing here," I sounded like I didn't want him here, damnit, i don't want him to think that. I really am happy to see him. "I uh am here on a business trip but I came earlier so I could explore the city a little bit," He said. He seemed nervous.
   "Do you wanna sit down for a little bit? You can order a coffee and we can catch up," I asked, hesitantly.
   "Sure, that sounds great actually," He said, i felt so relieved. He ordered a coffee and came back to the table.
   "So how've you been?" I asked. damnit, that's so cliche, i can do better than that. He smiles and hesitantly says, "I've been pretty good. Busy with work." He seemed to be hiding something. "How are you? You have a baby now! That's great, I know you always wanted to be a mother." He asks. How did I forget my daughter is in a stroller right next to me?! "Oh umm ya this is my daughter Charlotte. She's two months now."
   "She's beautiful. She looks just like you." He responds, and it warms my heart. I don't know if he notices that she looks a lot like him too. There are too many thoughts flooding through my head right now. "Thank you. It's been tough adjusting to living with an infant, especially by myself. I'm so exhausted lately and my maternity leave ends in a few weeks. I'm not sure what I'm going to do." I say, realizing i've probably said too much.
   He stares at me with a look in his eyes, and I can't exactly decipher it. It almost looks like pity, which I definitely don't want from him, but it also looks like he feels sympathy for me, which makes me feel a little bit better. "I'm sorry Serena, I had no idea you even had a child. I didn't realize how tough you had it. If I had known, I would have come to help you." He says, he sounds honest and it seems like he feels sorry. It's not his fault. I was the one who decided not to tell him about Charlotte.
   I don't say anything. I just smile at him. He reaches across the table and grabs my hand and squeezes it. I instantly get chills sent through my body, in the best way possible. I can't believe he's here, I knew I missed him, but I didn't realize he would have this effect on me.
   Suddenly Charlotte starts to cry. It startles me, and I jump up to take her out of the stroller. I hold her in my arms and rock her but she continues to cry. "Can I try?" Nate asks, looking hopeful I say yes. I hand her over to him.
   I can't believe what happens. She stops crying almost instantly, as soon as she's in his arms. It  makes my heart ache, I have the urge to tell him that she's his daughter. But I ignore it, and just smile. Tears fill my eyes but I choke them back. She grabs his finger as he coos, my heart warms, as it's one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.
   He smiles at her. "She's amazing. How can something so incredible be so tiny?" He asks. He never fails to bring a smile to my face with the sweet things he says.
"It's really good to see you Serena. I missed you." He says, which I've been waiting to hear for so long. "I know. I missed you too. I should have called," I start, but he cuts me off. "Hey, I know, I should have called too. I was going to, so many times, but I didn't know if you wanted to hear from me." He replies, with a look of regret on his face. Why didn't I call? I can't even think of a reason now. I check the time. It's 12:30. I have to get her home to take a nap soon. I wish this didn't have to end.
   "Oh shoot, Nate I'm so sorry, it's been really great chatting with you, but I have to go, I need to put Charlotte down for her nap and afterwards I'm meeting some friends from work. He looks disappointed. "Hey it's okay, I know you're busy. I'm just happy I got to see you." He hands Charlotte back and I put her in her stroller. She protests a little bit, probably because she doesn't want to be away from Nate.
   "Hey, I'm in town for a few more days, would you want to have dinner some time? Maybe show me around the city?" He asks. I can't help but smile. "I would love to. How about tomorrow?" "Perfect. I can pick you up or," He starts, "Oh don't worry, everywhere important in this city is walkable," I say, truthfully. I really do love this city. "Great. I can't wait."
   Without thinking, I go over and hug him. It takes him by surprise, but he hugs back, tightly. I missed the feeling of being in his arms. It makes all of my worries go away.
   After about ten seconds we finally let go. "I'll see you tomorrow." I say smiling. "Can't wait." He says back. I walk away with the biggest smile on my face.