Another Attempt

“He’s just a friend! Why do we have to argue about it when he just offered me a ride home? It was raining and I didn’t have an umbrella. What was I supposed to do Pete, walk in the rain?” Tears fall slowly down the girl’s face as she braces herself for another heated argument with her boyfriend.

“I understand Jane, but you know how things are today, first you start off as officemates, then you start to hang out, and the next thing you know, you’re out the door without even as much as an explanation.” He is leaning against the wall, face rugged and unshaved, eyes sunken; an indication that last night’s attempt at sleep was unsuccessful.

“God, why are you so paranoid?” She’s shouting now, willing to pit her temper against his.

“Babe, I’m sorry. It’s just that, I can’t stand losing you. You know how I tell you that you’re the one person that understands me. I would have gone nuts a long time ago if it wasn’t for you.” Her plan worked, as always, for a little shout from her would always settle him down. She always used this trick every time they had an argument, and her friends would often tell her that it was her talent, being able to control men.

She walks slowly toward him, and then gently puts her palm on his face. He puts his hand to where hers are, and then with his other hand pulls her closer. He hugs her with all his love, silently wishing time would stop and freeze them like this.

“I’d never leave you babe, trust me on that. You’re my only one and I’ll never trade you for another, I promise that.” She whispers in his ear, a promise that was reckless and without sincerity. But he didn’t notice it, not a single hint.

Memories like this one come back to him night after night. Pictures of her face race through his mind as he recalls each moment they had together. He still remembers that last argument vividly, as if it happened only yesterday. The look on her face as she was trying to calm him down from being jealous at her officemate, the feel of her skin as they held each other tightly, her voice as she told him she’d never leave.

It’s been a year since the argument happened though; and almost a year since she walked out the door of the apartment they were sharing, trading what they had going for an illicit affair with her officemate/new boyfriend. He never really saw it coming, though most of their friends already did. They’d tell him to watch her closely because she was spending too much time with the guy, but he knew that if he’d question her about it, it would only lead to another argument, the last thing he’d want in the world.

She left on the day of their 3rd anniversary. He planned to surprise her by cleaning and setting up the apartment for a cozy, candlelit dinner. After which, he wanted to take her out and propose to her in the park where they’d met. He had everything set up out there, calling up most of his buddies for help as he was about to take a big step in their relationship.

Tough luck though, that it was during this day that she found out that she was 3 weeks pregnant, and he was not the father.