To Be True To You
Emily Morelli can't believe her eyes.
Donovan Sanders. He's now somehow taller, bigger, and looks stronger. His hair is shorter. Almost like a military cut. He's dressed all in black. She loves the boots he wears. Where has he been all these years? Is he married? Does he have kids? God, his smile is the same. Something tries to burst in Emily's chest. Subconsciously she holds her breath. Has he learned to dance? He dropped out of college and his family suddenly moved away a week before her nineteenth birthday. There were plenty of rumours but she never knows what really happened. Her eyes fall to his hand. A lot of married men don't wear their wedding rings. And she's wearing her diamond ring. She's no longer Emily Hasting. She's Mrs. Joe Morelli. What was she thinking? What is she expecting? That Donovan is still looking and waiting for her? That true love never dies and time doesn't matter?
Things have changed. She has changed. She had waited, waited, and waited. But Donovan never once called, written a letter or sent her an e-mail. He simply disappeared without a trace. So she let go and moved on. She didn't really have a choice. She finished college and got her degree. She accepted a job offer and moved to the Garden State of New Jersey. And then she met and chose Joe. To love and to hold. In sickness and in health. To be her lawful husband. And they are going to have children. One boy. One girl. And maybe a cat or a new puppy rescued from a high-kill shelter. She has it all planned. And now here he is. The love of her love. The boy in her dreams. How could she forget those Irish blue eyes? How could she forget those gentle kisses? How could she forget that clear laughter? They liked the same books. They liked the same movies. They loved the same music. How could she forget the the glorious moment when he whispered her name in her ear and claimed her virginity?
It's not too late to walk away. All she has to do is turn around and put that smile back on her face. Joe is waiting for her. She has a life to live. She has a promise to keep. She was born and raised Catholic. The Hastings don't do divorce. Neither do the Morellis. She's just another shopper in the mall. They must go on their separate ways. Let bygones be bygones. Let love fade away. Heartbreak is oh so overrated. Emily Morelli stops dead as she hears the familiar voice: "Emily? Emily Hasting?" Slowly she turns around, and the universe ceases to exist. Donovan. Donovan Sanders. Tall. Strong. Smiling.
Love is what truly matters.