Chapter 11

Harold....

She looked different. Good different but different none the less. Seeing Bella sitting across from me made me feel like I fallen into another universe. I had absolutely no clue she was going to be my double date tonight. When Ryan said his girlfriend was bringing her friend he never once mentioned her name or anything about her.

I wasn't prepared to turn around and see her standing there. Standing there in what had to be one of the sexiest dresses I've ever seen in my life. I could do nothing but stand there and take her in. Everything from the way her bright red hair stood out against the white dress, to the way the said dress hugged her curves.

Bella looked different than when I last saw her five years ago. The obvious was that her hair was longer but it was still that same bright red that caught my attention five years ago. The same red hair I imagined in my sleep.

She also seemed to have grown into her body more. I wasn't exactly sure what it was but she seemed to hold herself higher, like she loved her body more and wasn't afraid to show it. I remember when I first met her and how shy and unsure she was about herself. The girl....no the woman standing in front of me wasn't the same one.

I had absolutely no words. I was still trying to come to terms that Bella was standing in front of me. Bella Gibson the girl who I was madly in love with five years ago.

I knew I was acting weird as I sat across from her still not having said a word. What do you say when the love of your life suddenly shows up after so long? I had no clue what was going on in her head either. I wanted to know if seeing me was bringing back memories of our time together, or was she not even affected.

For some reason the main feeling that I felt was relief. Relief in knowing she was single. If she wasn't she wouldn't have come on this double date. I shouldn't have felt relieved at that fact, I had no right to but I did. Even after all this time the idea of her being with someone else didn't sit well with me.

The tension between us was so palpable and I knew for certain Ryan and Hannah felt it. The only reason I agreed to go on this double date was to stop the constant whining of Ryan. The last few days has been Hannah this, Hannah that. When Hannah suggested to bring her friend Ryan was quick to agree and sign me up for this. At the time I wasn't happy about it but now I was happy I agreed.

"So Hannah told me you are a physical therapist?" Bella spoke, her soft voice the exact same.

"It's easier to say physical therapist but I'm the team doctor." Ryan answered.

"Team doctor?" Her eyes darted towards me for a second before going back to Ryan

"For the Patriots." He clarified. Realization bloomed in her beautiful green eyes. "Have to make sure this one doesn't hurt himself." He punched the side of my arm.

For the first time since we sat down Bella turned her gaze fully on me, not quickly looking away like she has been.

"Congratulations for playing with the Patriots." It was the first thing she's said to me all night. I swallowed thickly before replying.

"Thank you."

We stared at each other for another second before looking away. We both clearly had no clue what to say to each other. There was so much to say but I had no clue where to start. A thousand and one questions were racing through my head.

One thing I did know for sure was I wasn't going to let Bella go without getting some answers.