Long Time, No See

IIIIIII: IIII

Denver

The engine of my car cuts off abruptly as I park my car in my designated parking spot-- Courtesy of Mr. Manson. My shoulders sag as I realize how boring today is going to be not being as close as I usually am with Denise.

Thank God it's Friday, I just have to get through today, and then go home.

I look through my rearview mirror, peering warily at the backseat of my car where I have placed an 'I'm sorry, I'll try to give you the space you need but I also I think I've been in love with you for fourteen years' present perched on one of the seats.

Subtle, I know.

All last night I thought about how I would get Denise to see things from where I'm coming from and how I feel about her, but every idea that I came up with never felt like it was enough...

...Until I remembered our promise rings.

Or rather our fake promise rings from the time Denise made me swear I'd stay with her forever.

The present consisted of a medium-sized stuffed, black teddy bear wearing a bright blue hoodie with a funny pun related apology sewed on it in white. Hidden within its large front pocket enclosed in a black velveteen box, I had placed the blue plastic ring that I'd bought for myself years ago that matched with the red one I'd also purchased for Denise. Unlike hers, mine held no fake jewel in the center and was just a plain blue ring all around. After all these years I was sure I'd just misplaced it somewhere and it had gotten forgotten after the move.

Honestly, I hadn't even remembered it up until this point, and even then I had to call Cathy to ask where it might be. Thankfully she'd helped me place it into an old keepsake box of mine stashed in my luggage before I left.

Exhaling deeply, I turn in my seat to grab the bear from the back making sure the box is still hidden well, before stuffing it into the gift bag I brought to hold it.

The brief walk to the building entrance I'm just repeating the apology I practiced many times at home until I get closer to the front entrance, where I notice Ava typing away quickly at something on her computer screen.

I shake away my nerves and approach her silently before clearing my throat and wish her a good morning.

Ava looks up at me slowly, as if having to battle to pry her eyes away from the screen; but when she realizes it's me, her whole mood switches up and she smiles brightly.

"Good Morning Mr. Hendricks! What can I do for you today?" She asks with a sly grin knowing what I've probably approached her about.

"I- Uh- I wanted to ask if you had... You know... *Ahem* Talked to Denise yet?" I inquire looking at everything but her until I'm finished, wanting to know desperately.

She gives a cheeky close-lipped smile before looking back at her screen. After a beat, she finally answers.

"...I did."

...

I-Is that all?!

"And? What did you say? What did she say?" I coax stepping so close to the desk that one of my suede brown oxfords hits against it.

She rolls her chair back to turn the printer beside her on and it whirs to life immediately beginning to print something. Then she turns to me again, this time with a sympathetic expression across her visage.

"Denver... Y'know I can't tell you what she said right? It wouldn't sit right with me telling you that. Everything you guys have to say about each other, you should be saying to each other. I'm just here to talk you up to her and hopefully steer things in the right direction." She informs me and I sigh accepting her explanation -- Even if it will drive me crazy not knowing what she's said.