Disclaimer: same old same old
Chapter 11
Miranda's POV
"Miranda?" Kevin asked gently.
I froze as Larry's eyes met mine.
"Miranda!" Larry made his way to his table. "Miranda, you can't marry him!"
"Miranda, do you know him?" Kevin said confusedly.
I suddenly was aware of where I was again.
"Larry, what are you doing here?" I hissed. Larry was still trying to catch his breath. His hair was windswept and his cheeks red from the cold. It was amazing how cute he still looked. I mentally gave myself a shake.
"That's what I'd like to know," Kevin interjected.
"Miranda, I need to talk to you," Larry said in a hushed tone, in an attempt to withdraw attention from other tables that had turned to look.
"You need to talk?" I said heatedly. "You need to talk now. When I've almost forgotten about me? Can't you see that I'm in the middle of something?"
Kevin cleared his throat. We both looked at him.
"Um, Miranda, maybe this isn't the best time," he said, getting up. I could have slapped myself. What was I doing?
"Kevin," I said, standing up too and following him outside.
"Miranda," he said gently, shaking his head. "I don't know what's going on here. I don't understand. But we can talk later."
Tears came to my eyes. "Kevin, I'm so sorry."
"Sweetie, it's ok. I love you," he replied, kissing me on the cheek. "I'll talk to you soon." With that, he climbed into the car.
I shivered and my breath rose is clouds in front of me. I wiped my tears and turned around. There stood Larry. I bit back a scream of frustration and began to storm the other way.
"Miranda!"
I ignored him and kept walking.
"Miranda." He caught up to me and took hold of my arm. I whirled back around and wrenched my arm away.
"Larry, what the hell are you doing here?" I shouted. "You can't just barge in here while my boyfriend is proposing to me!"
"That's why I had to come here!" he shot back. "Miranda- you can't marry him."
"Oh, and why not?" I said angrily. "As I recall, you were the one who just walked out on me. Larry, it's been two years. And I have been doing pretty damn well on my own. I have finally been able to forget about you and move on! I'm- I'm going to be engaged to another man!" I was about to walk away when Larry grabbed my arms.
"Miranda, you can't marry him because… because I think I'm still in love with you." With that, he leaned in and kissed me. Surprised and angry as I was, I let him.
I went weak in the knees. Those lips I had been longing to kiss for so long were finally on my own lips. He pulled me closer and I ran my fingers through his hair. But I abruptly came back to my senses and pulled away quickly.
"Larry!" I exclaimed, trying to catch my breath. "I can't do this! You can't just suddenly come into my life again, when everything seemed to be perfect." Tears were forming in my eyes again. "I don't want to be hurt again," I said softly.
"I don't want to hurt you," he murmured, brushing back my hair. I shook my head and stepped back.
"I can't deal with this right now."
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Larry's POV
I felt like the biggest idiot in the world. I had just professed my love to the most amazing woman on the planet, only to be shot down and yelled at.
But, my conscience admonished me, you were the one who left her. She has every right to reject you.
Miranda was already halfway down the block.
"Miranda!" I called. She turned around reluctantly. "At least let me walk you home. It's already dark," I said resignedly.
"Larry, I'll be fine," she replied with a wan smile. "I'm going to that coffee shop, then I'm going to call a taxi. I need to be by myself for a while."
I decided to back off. "Then take my jacket. No, take it," I persisted when she opened her mouth to protest. "You must be freezing. I'm fine."
She nodded and I gave a small wave to her retreating back.
I turned the other way and gave a moan of despair. That was it. I'd seen her and there was no more hope.
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A/N: Sorry that this is shorter than usual, but I'm feeling a little braindead! I just wanted to get this chapter out before school started =( my wonderful break is over!!! Once I get out of my case of writer's block, I'll post the next chapter. Thanks for all the reviews!!!