Reminiscence (a short story)

“It never stops hurting, does it?” Dan asked.

“What?” she replied, holding back tears, back facing him.

“Giving someone the best of you and watching them choose someone else.” He turned Ember to face him and she let her tears flow.

“I thought I could do this, apparently not.” Ember moved away from her hiding place and started walking briskly to her car.

It was winter. No snow this year, but rain. Her face was cold, her vision blurred. Was that the rain or tears?

“Ember, wait up,” Dan jogged up, “let me drive you.”

Ember declined his offer politely and promised to call when she gets to her hotel.

“How do people handle situations like this? Why would an ex send a wedding invitation and not expect that person to feel hurt and broken hearted all over again?” Ember questioned herself. She was angry. Angry with herself for agreeing to attend the wedding. Angry that she came off weak, “For God’s sake, Ember, it’s been 2 years!” she yelled.

She dragged herself into the hotel and went straight to the bar. “Whisky, dry, please.” She thought about the day she met him.

It was 5 years ago on New Year’s Day morning. Ember was rushing from her apartment to meet her friends for brunch. She was late with a splitting hangover, when Jamie knocked into her, spilling coffee over her coat.

“Oh shit! I am so terribly sorry. I wasn’t watching where I was going,” Jamie quickly explained and offered his handkerchief.

“You… argh!” Ember threw her hands up in exasperation.

“I am sorry,” Jamie said once again, guilt-ridden, “please allow me to pay for the dry cleaning?”

“Do you always use this line on the ladies?” Ember squinted her eyes at him.

He laughed, shook his head. “I’m Jamie and I live down that block,” he gestured and extended his hand. “Ember. And I am rushing for time. Shit, I am very late. Here, take my card and I’m taking up the offer of dry cleaning.” She shoved her business card into his hand and started jogging away. “I’ll include coffee!” Jamie hollered. She turned around and smiled.

She smiled with tears on her face. When I wake up tomorrow, I’ll be fine, she told herself.