Jobs, kids and her

10

Later that day. I had invited Regina and Aubrey over for dinner. Her wife was unpacking and sleeping so she didn't come. I want to talk to Regina about everything I heard yesterday. While I'm putting the food in the oven I got a text. I looked to see an u known number. I opened the text and read it.

Unknown: hi it's Fredrick. I got your number from your work. Em we really need to talk please. I have so much I need to tell you. I'm by your house now. Can I come over please? Xx

Me: I'm expecting company x

Unknown: I'll be quick. Please Emma xx

Me: Fine. Your not coming in though. We can talk outside the house. I don't want my son meeting you like this xx

Unknown: I'm cool with that. Be there in a sec xx

I sighed as I slipped my phone into my pocket. I put the rest of the ingredients in the fridge as I waited for Fredrick. Soon the front door knocked. I went quickly to answer it before Freddie could. I opened the door and saw him. My ex fiancé. He was in an army uniform and stood like a soldier. I looked confused why.

"What are you doing wearing that" I asked stepping outside the house and closing the door almost shut.

"This is my work uniform. Emma I left all those years ago to be a soldier in the army. I was there 13 years and now they retired me. That's the reason I'm back. I'm moving home" Fredrick says as he stepped closer to me.

"Wait what? You left me for the army? To be a soldier? Is that what your saying" I asked softly as I tried taking in what he said.

"Yes Emma. I never told you because I wasn't allowed. I had to keep it a secret. I left because this was my dream but I never forgave myself for leaving you alone with our kid" he says placing a hand on my shoulder and stepping even closer to me.

"Fred you left me alone at 18 with a baby. I struggled so much to survive. Why did you sign up for it if you knew we were trying" I asked confused at the man in front of me.

"I signed up when I was 17 and didn't think I'd have a place to live. We then became a serious relationship and started trying. A week before I left was when I found out I was accept into the army" he says moving even more closer to me.

"I loved you Fred. You should have told me" I say not sure how to react.

"I know. I couldn't though. Believe me. I loved you so much and I would have done anything to get my dream and you" Fred says now holding one hand on my hip and the other on my shoulder.

I was close to him. My old feelings came back a little. I then remembered Regina and they instantly disappeared. I knew I didn't love him at that moment but I also knew Regina didn't love me. Well thought but I'm pretty sure. I looked up at Fred and thought. Do I keep pining for a girl who's married and happy or do I take back the man who broke my heart for his dream? I made the stupid decision.

"I forgive you" I say looking into his eyes.

He smiled softly at me and leaned down to kiss me. I went onto my top toes and kissed him back. We held each other close as we kissed. I felt nothing in this kiss. No feelings. Just nothing. We slowly pulled away and he was smiling at me. I then heard a cough from behind him. I looked over to see Regina.

"Sorry to interrupt" she says looking between me and him.

I saw she didn't look happy. She looked upset at me and him kissing. I can't imagine why though. She then smiled in a fake smile and walked over to me. I saw Aubrey following behind her.

"Hey. Fred was just leaving. I'll call you later ok" I say looking up at the man I was just kissing.

"Yeah sounds good. Madam mayor" he replied nodding to Regina before leaving.

"What was going on" Regina asked as he was out of ear shot.

"He left to fight in the army. He thought for our country. It was his dream" I say trying to convince both me and her.

"As long as your happy. I guess that's all that matters" she says struggling to hold a fake smile.

"Tell me if you think this is crazy" I asked while moving out the way for her to come in.

"Yep. It's totally crazy" Regina agreed as she walked passed me into the house.

Aubrey came over to me and hugged me tight. I squeezed her before pulling away. I kissed her head softly and she smiled at me.

"Emma who was that man you were hugging" Rey asked looking at me curiously.

"My ex boyfriend" I replied awkwardly as I stood up straight.

"So why did you kiss him" she asked giving me the same look still.

"Because he might be my boyfriend again" I say bf sure how to explain to a 7 year old my situation. I held my hand out to her which she took. "Come on . Lets go in" I quickly say walking into the house.

I closed the front door and face towards the stairs. Regina was stood talking to Freddie. She looked concerned and he looked confused. Please say she didn't just tell him I kissed Fredrick. I walked over and they looked at me.

"Mum are we moving again" he asked looking confused.

"What? No. Why would you think that" I ask looking at both of them confused.

"I bumped into Lola. She said your work was moving you again. I was just asking Freddie if he was looking forward to it. Em is it not true" Regina asked now looking very confused at me.

"No I'm not moving. I'll talk to detective jones tomorrow about it. I'm not moving again. My course out there finished 3 years ago" I say looking between both of them to reassure I'm not leaving.

"Wait it finished 3 years ago? I thought you were coming back when the course finished" Regina questioned now looking at me confused.

"I don't know. I stayed out there for a few more years. Got use to the place" I say blatantly lying.

I stayed out there because I wasn't ready. I wasn't able to admit my feelings yet. I couldn't see Lola yet and I definitely couldn't see Regina. I needed my time. Its just a shame I waited too long. I lost her. Not that I ever had her.