All Fall Down: 2
A Heart Divided
The student union was bustling with students, almost fighting each other for their morning drug of choice- caffeine. Late night studying, preparing for finals and early classes all fed the need for this addiction. Angela stood in line, deciding to forgo her usual soy double latte, in favor of a soy quad mocha with vanilla. She had no concern over calories this morning.
She scanned the room, searching for Shawn. Her heart ached for his embrace, his comforting words, and his wise advice. How would he react to this news? Shawn was notorious for withdrawing, keeping his feelings hidden. Angela knew she would have to read between the lines to know what he really thought about the situation.
Shawn was nowhere to be seen as yet. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Cory and Topanga enter. Relief washed over her at the sight of familiar faces. Angela had to tell someone.
"Topanga, Cory!" She called. They saw her and smiled, making their way to her though the throng of students.
"Good morning, my dear," Cory said, giving Angela a light peck on the cheek. Topanga grinned, happy that her husband and her best friend had developed a close friendship.
"Sleep well?" Asked Topanga, giving her friend a hug.
Angela shook head. "No- no I didn't. Look, I need to talk to you guys." Angela took a deep breath. She hated to tell them before she told Shawn- but she had to get this out. "Let's grab our coffee and then find a seat. Cory, have you spoken to Shawn this morning?"
"No, why?" Cory's smile faded, and concern washed over his face. "Trouble in paradise?" He asked.
"Maybe." Angela stated simply, leaving her friends with indescribable worry, and turned to place her order.
The union cleared out quickly as the first wave of student's made their way to classes, leaving the seating area empty. The three piled onto the sofa, making themselves comfortable.
"So- spill." Topanga demanded, sipping her latte.
Angela took a deep breath. Nothing had been harder for her, at least, not since being away from Shawn during their break up last year. She pulled the crumpled letter from her pocket and handed it to Topanga. Angela sipped her drink slowly, savoring the flavor of the espresso. It was bitter like the heaviness of her spirit; the chocolate and vanilla were sweet- reminiscent of the great love she felt for the two men who divided her heart.
Topanga looked at Angela, with questions in her eyes, as she unfolded the paper and began to read. Cory read over her shoulder.
"No-no-," began Cory, "You can't Angela." Cory shook his head and looked into her face, sadness in his eyes.
"I haven't decided anything yet." Angela whispered. "I need to speak to Shawn. I need to decide with him. I could never leave without his blessing." Tears stung her eyes, and she fought them with everything in her.
"Angela, this is a wonderful opportunity- I don't see how you can pass this up." Topanga, who was always practical, stated with conviction.
Cory's eyes were diverted to the door, where two men dressed in Army uniform entered the building. They seemed to be searching for someone. Moving to a nearby student, the soldiers spoke quietly, and then the student pointed to Angela.
Angela's eyes followed Cory's gaze, and she froze at the sight that met them. Two uniformed men, Army like her father, walking towards her. 'No, No, No-,' she thought and shook her head. There could only be one reason for the men to be here, walking in her direction.
Angela's heart stood still.
