ALL MY LIFE
PART EIGHTEEN
"Scott! Oh… sorry Charlie." Jody left the door open and sat back onto the bad to cry some more.
Charlie sat down next to her and pulled her into a gentle hug. "What's wrong? Did you and Scott have a fight?"
Jody calmed her self down and shook her head. "Not exactly."
"Then why did he leave?"
"He actually left?" Jody sighed. "We, uh, he… proposed. But he's moving up here and I just… I can't leave Cooper's company now. I couldn't bring myself to say yes. I love him Charlie, I really do… but I don't wanna get hurt again."
Charlie hugged her closer. "I'm sorry I ever hurt you Jody."
"I know… and I guess it's ok."
"So… he proposed, huh?"
"Uh huh. And he was so sweet. But… he's not… I love him…" Jody sighed again. "I'm just so confused."
Charlie nodded and raised his hand. He wiped the tears off her face and tilted her head to face him. "I'm sorry Jody… then I guess this won't make you feel any better."
"What?" Jody asked.
"Um… Kathy has a real problem with us being friends because of all we've been through. And she says… that she won't marry me unless I promise never to see you again."
Jody pulled away from him and started to cry again. "I've missed you Charlie… seeing you again… to loose you again… but if you love her… I can go back home. I dunno what's gonna happen with me and Scott, but when I visit- even if it's just Eva and Erik- I don't have to see you." Jody said softly.
Charlie shook his head. "I just don't know what to do, you know? I mean, I love Kathy. She's made me happier than I ever thought I could be without you. But then… you… you never really get over your first love."
Jody looked up and smiled. "Yeah, I know. But, Charlie, you love this woman. You're getting married in 3 days. It will be the same as when you lived here before… without seeing me. I… I should get back home anyway."
Charlie nodded. "Maybe. I have to think about it." He kissed the top of her head softly and then stood up. "I'll see you later Jody."
Jody sighed and watched him leave, wondering why she hadn't seized the chance to take him back. She fell back onto the bed and cried again.