Chapter 5 – When the grass isn't much greener on the other side
"Tom!" she yelled as her eyes fluttered open, bringing her back to reality. She took a few deep breaths to cool herself down and then sat up in her bed, only to find herself crying. Anne wiped away all her tears and reached for her glasses kept on the side table next to her bed. She muttered under her breath, "I thought I was over it by now."
Anne Black lived alone. She was a high school teacher, but didn't have to worry about rushing to bathroom to get ready today as she was on leave. She had been sick for the past few days but was sure that she would be able to make it to her school tomorrow, being thankful that it wasn't today. So she decided to sit in her bed for sometime. She put her arms around her knees, holding her left hand with the right one, and started to think. Anne had a dream last night. Well you can even call it a nightmare if you liked. In her dream, she saw herself in the arms of the man she loved and saw her high school years come to life. But then she closed her eyes when she started thinking about what happens next. He had left her. He had broken his promise to be there for her always and take care of her. She took a deep breath and admitted to herself that she could never forget him. It was Tom Hanson who she still loved. She never blamed Tom for whatever that happened because she knew his heart was set on joining the Police Academy… She was sure nothing could make him stop, so she didn't even bother trying hard enough to do so. She could still feel that last kiss on her lips, from years ago.
Anne removed her sheets and knew what she needed. She went into her bathroom for a hot shower. Careful to not bring anything else into her mind, she increased the temperature of the water, enjoying the warmth as the drops of water made contact with her skin. She took her own time in there, and then finally stepped out of the bathroom, putting on her robe. She made her way to the kitchen and started to look for things to make herself some coffee. Once she had her cup of coffee ready, she sat down on the stool, placing her cup on the island. And that's when she started thinking again. For about a year after Tom had left, Anne had this dream, well her nightmare, every night. She always found herself waking up screaming his name to find tears running down her cheeks. She never wondered during high school that Tom would have such an effect on her, but he did. Since he had gone to the academy, she has longed to see him, even if it were once. But she knows if she sees him, she would not be able to handle him leaving again. But why was she having this dream again? She had gotten over it after a year, though she had never stopped loving him. She just preferred to keep the thought in the back of her mind, somewhere where it wouldn't make her start breaking down again. She was scared, thinking what would she do if she started having this dream everyday. She didn't want to wake up to tears every morning. She hoped that wouldn't happen.
She spent the rest of the day watching television and reading books. She particularly avoided anything romantic. She did everything possible to keep Tom out of her mind. She always thought that she would die if she saw Tom again. That's if one, he is with another woman or two, if he plans on keeping his visit short and leaves again. And both options were very likely.