Kitten

Chapter 36: Dark times, old friends

For those of you who haven't read the first book of the series or have forgotten them, I'll give you a recap. Tom was Isabella's friend and when Isabella was kidnapped by James, Tom was too. James thought Tom was romantically involved with Isabella and so he unleashed his anger on Tom in his basement. James almost killed Tom. Isabella then goes back to James after she gets her memories back and Tom is raging because she loves him after everything he did. Tom basically cut Isabella from his life after that and hasn't seen her in years.

Hope this helps.

Isabella

What a day this was turning into. Going to the doctors and finding out there's a possibility it could be cancer and then bumping into a friend I hadn't seen in years. He cut himself from my life because of my choices. My head was a complete wreck, I just hoped our encounter would be more civilised unlike the last time.

After bumping in the car park and both being stunned over the suddenness over our encounter, I suggested that we go to a nearby cafe to chat as the winter weather was bitter.

"One Latte and one Flat White".

"Thank you" we both said simultaneously as the waitress placed down our drinks on the little mahogany table.

"I thought you hated coffee?" I questioned whilst emptying a sachet of sugar into my latte.

"It's grown on me. Besides, since having kids, coffee is my source of energy".

It made my heart swell as a smile came on his face. The exact same smile I remember seeing when we were young. I was so nervous that my hands began to shake the cup as I brought it to my lips.

"Isabella. Stop".

My eyes flew up to Tom who was staring at me with concern. He sighed heavily and shook his head from side to side.

"I know what you're thinking. You're too easy to read Izzy".

Izzy. I've missed him calling me that.

"I know I left you abruptly and ghosted you since I found out you went back to, James. But I want my best friend back. We're getting older and I don't want to die not having talked things over".

I felt a heavy weight lift off my shoulder as he lent back and took a sip of his coffee. All the fears and anxieties flew away in the split of a second. This wasn't going to be a confrontation, no. This was two old friends reuniting. Friends reuniting during a hard time.

"Oh Tom. You have no idea how much this means to me. I, I have so many questions as to how you found me or what but I just want to say, hello".

Tom and I let out a breathy laugh and relaxed into our chairs. All the fears of possibly having breast cancer dissipated as we shuffled our chairs closer and began to have a catch up.

"Hello to you too. Honestly though, I had no idea you were going to the doctors. I just happened to be walking by. But, I wanted to find you because I have seen the news and wanted to comfort you. Seems like you've been through a hell of a lot".

"Yeah. It's been a rough few months for all of us. Fingers crossed the future will be better".

Tom nodded reassuringly and reached out his hand and grabbed mine.

"When I saw that James almost died in a hit and run, I knew you'd be devastated. Even after all the shit he did to me all those years ago, I knew if he died, then you'd be a complete wreck. I know you love him and I couldn't stand the idea of you in pain from losing him. And then to hear about your daughter's ex husband's suicide/murder. How is she doing?".