Chapter 9

Before married life, simple was all me, not that it's changed now that I'm married.

For me, the simplest moments hold importance, just like the times I used to come to the small cafe downtown, which wasn't far from my highschool. I used to hang out at the cafe after school, sometimes do my homework there or just be there to unwind.

I loved the homey vibe I always received whenever I was here, now being back here brings back so many memories and most good then bad. Thus bringing a smile upon my face, like right now when I enter the cafe.

Looking around I see that not much has changed which I love and appreciate.

" Kea?" I hear from behind me.

Turning around, my jaw drops to the floor at seeing my old friend, who I'd lost contact of, 2 years ago  looking so handsome.

" James!" I almost scream in excitement but hold back , remembering that we aren't alone.

James opens his long arms and I immediately rush to him, wrapping my arms around his waist.

A bear hug from a friend is what I needed right now, with what is going on lately, I'm thankful that he called me. " I can't believe this." He murmurs on top of my head.

Moving back and out of his arms, I give him a once over, totally appreciating how nice he has presented himself and that he's changed a bit. Though back then he might have been older then me and acted a bit childish, now he looks mature and good looking enough to have ladies turn their heads in his direction.

Tall with black eyes, pale skin, blond hair and simply cute.

" Come on." He says, leading me to a table at the back.

Once seated, all we can do is stare at each other. A smile breaks out on my face, realizing that he is really in front of me.

" Kea you look so beautiful. I just can't get over it." He compliments, making me blush.

" Thank you and you look so handsome, I'm pretty sure whoever she is , must be thanking the heavens right now."

" Oh no lady at all, and what about you?"

" Um well it's kinda complicated, a long story in fact. "

" Well I've got time." He says , looking interested.

" I'm married." I groan out, hands covering my face.

" W- what? " he splutters.

" Yeah but I'll be divorced soon." I quickly add.

" Okay I need something to drink." He says, raising up his hand for a waiter." You know what, let's get something to eat first." He says, while the waiter comes over.

The waiter comes over and right after we place our orders, James speaks up again.

" So how long have you been married for?"

" 2 years now." I respond, in which he nods.

"So you love him?" I'm taken a back by his question , that I have to take a minute before answering.

" I'm in love with him." I say, head down.

" But why the divorce ?" I sigh at his question, looking at him. I don't know what he sees on my face because his own reflects concern.

Before I can say anything, the waiter comes back and serves us our food.

Being left alone, I start to give him some form of idea on how my marriage came about and why we're on our way to a divorce. Even then I don't give too much detail." Wow....you weren't kidding, it's complicated..."

" Yeah." I trail off, digging into my food.

" Does your husband know that you love him?"

" I don't believe so, but I've done all I could to show him I care, without getting in his way."

James sighs, placing down his utensils. He gives my hand a squeeze of encouragement which I appreciate." I might not have been here for the past couple of years, but I'm here now and I'll support you throughout..."

"Thank you."We get back to eating and enjoying our breakfast, since I never had at the house.

" So tell me about you,what have you been up to?" I say.

" Well....." He starts, and that's what we dive right into as we enjoy breakfast.

I can't believe how long it has been since I've laughed or smiled so much, like how I am now, listening to James speak. He sure has been having a blast and just being his crazy and adventurous self. From travelling around the world and meeting new people, seeing the different cultures, even featuring in some runways.

I can't believe he got into a bit of commercial modelling, tried joining the natural geographic team but knew he couldn't survive, taught Chinese kids English, best of all, he has mended his relationship with his parents.

James is a son of two well known people, Charlene and Victor, Charlene a famous surgeon and Victor owns one of the largest firms in Milan, and it has branched around the world. Victor also comes from a long line of royalty in Greece. James also has a little sister, who is a sweetheart and is a little over my age.

So someone might be wondering why James, being so well off, he'd work in Burger king. Well James wanted to start small and be independent, his parents supported him in trying to find his feet, though not crazy about being limited to spoiling him. James's words, not mine. Anyway, James wanted to try fly his wings on his own before he let his parents give him that little push.

You'd think James would struggle, but no sir. He fit right in and we just clicked, he was my first real friend outside school and James never let me feel underprivileged or lonely. He was a great friend and I still believe he is now, I'm happy he is back.

" Do you have plans or could we still spend some more time together?" James asks, as we walk out of the cafe.

" Uh, well I have an appointment at 1: 30, so we still have time." I say.

" Okay good. What do you wanna do next?"

" Anything really." I shrug my shoulders.

" Well we'll just drive around town and see what we can do in the meantime." He suggests, holding up his arm for me.

I smile in agreement and hold on to his arm as he leads me to his car.

On the travel, I call Joe and inform him about travelling with a friend and that he doesn't have to worry, but I believe he does because ever since I got married, I haven't had much friendship, apart from him and the staff.

So this form of information might be surprising for him but exciting for me, who's experiencing a fantastic reunion with James, who takes me on a drive around town.

                             ******

" So what do you think?" The lady asks me, after showing us everything that the apartment has to offer.

By us, I mean James and I, since he offered to accompany me, for viewing the apartment. I have to say, it is just what I need, it's a two bedroom apartment with an open kitchen and space for a living room, a bathroom and of course, an amazing view from the balcony.

The minute I walked in I knew that this was just right for me. A start over and maybe the healing place for me once I get divorced. I can't imagine doing so, after two years of marriage, though it might have not been that long compared to others, but to me this marriage means something.

I love loving him, taking care of him and just his presence. All I ever wished for was for him to see me, not just notice me because I'm there or because of the fact I'm married to him.

I've been waiting for him for two years and a big part of me still is, even though the divorce, his new relationship and me being separated from my love stares right back at me. I guess I can't think of letting go, my heart refuses.

Before I was married, I was very much shy and didn't really think about dating, I'd always admire from a far and preferred it that way, I was always busy and found it easier to be single, though I had more love to give.

Of course when Keith approached me, I was tongue tied by his handsome looks but never was it love at first sight. Sympathy, understanding and admiration for how much he loved his mom and how far he was willing to go, to make his mother's wishes come true.

Marrying a complete stranger.

Well now he gets to start over and be free, my own heart may cry out for him but the love I have for him, will give me strength to watch him be happy with someone else.

" Could you give us a second?" James's voice pulls me out of my thoughts and looking up, I notice the lady move to another room, giving us privacy.

James turns to me." What's going on?...the excitement is totally drained from you."

I sigh." I was at the beginning but now that everything seems to fall into place, I just - ."

" Just what?"

" I can't help but feel that I'm abandoning Keith or our marriage."

" You will be divorced soon." He reminds me, leaning by the counter.

" Yes the reality stares me in the face but my heart, it tells me something different. This is my marriage we're talking about, not the dating stages.Gosh I don't know."

" You know what I think?" I shake my head no.

" Well your heart is still holding on to all possibilities. In a month, now things could change yet we don't know. But till there is, I think it would only be right and fair for you to have your own space, to think for yourself and not be influenced by his presence. Moving out might just be the start of your healing process to you know." He trails off, not wanting to finish though I hear him.

I take a minute in letting his words sink in." You know what, I know what to do."

" Can I call her back?"

" Yes please. " He nods and walks away , while my heart slams hard against my chest.