The past is not forgotten

CHAPTER 39

Ashley POV

I woke up the next morning, but David had a class, so he had left early. I opened his closet and put on one of his old robes. It smelled just like him. I was filled with the deep and meaningful beauty of last night. The intimacy between us was unreal. He was very gentle, and he told me that he loved me again. I passed his desk on the way to his kitchen, and saw a piece of paper that caught my eye.

Cartier:

555-7692

Was David going to propose? This soon? I had to admit the idea filled me with excitement. Mrs. Ashley Jacobs. I looked at my reflection in a mirror. I would look great in a wedding dress. I quickly got dressed and ran downstairs. I had missed David's class, but I was sure he would tell me what happened tonight at his place. I approached the door, and his doorman opened it.

"Mrs. Jacobs." He said politely.

I opened my mouth to correct him, but stopped. That would probably be true in a few months.

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Emma POV

After three years of dancing around, Sean and I were finally together. We were great together, and I couldn't remember when I was so happy. There was one catch to our relationship. Ellie, his wife. Whenever I thought about her, I felt sick to my stomach. What I was doing was wrong, I knew that. But Ellie was making Sean unhappy, and I made him happy. Maybe one day they would get divorced, and Sean could truly be with me. In math, he kept passing me notes.

You look beautiful today.

I smiled and added below it:

Sounds like you're trying to get into my pants, Sean.

Maybe…

On a desk maybe, Mr. Cameron?

Sean chuckled and glanced at me. I blew him a kiss. That was when I caught Manny's glare. She knew, I could see it on her face. Sean coughed and returned to his work, but Manny would not stop the icy stare.

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Kate POV

The funeral was over, I received the box that Zoe's mom gave me, and was ready to go back to Canada. I was about to head for the hotel when Ben stopped me.

"Did you read the letter?" he asked.

"What are you talking about?" I asked.

"Did you open the box?" he asked.

I slowly set the box down and opened it. There was a white envelope inside. I looked at Ben, who nodded.

Dear Kate,

If you're reading this, then it means you are officially 18. I love both you and Ben so much. I want the two of you to be together for the rest of your lives. I've seen so many romance movies, and plays, and operas, but in each one, the love never comes close to you and Ben's. Remember that I know you two are destined. Happy Birthday!

Love,

Zoe

I sobbed over the letter.

"She was so selfless." I said softly.

I peered over into the box. Ben delicately took out a beautiful wedding veil and I looked at him.

"It seems like she wants us to get married." I said jokingly, tears falling slowly.

Ben leaned forward into me, but I gently pushed him away.

"I can't." I said.

I wiped my tears and turned away.

"Kate, don't! I can't stand to be alone. Just go somewhere with me. No romance." He said.

I turned around and sighed. I didn't need a lot of convincing. I had to test my emotions, see who my heart belonged to.

"Okay." I whispered.

Ben and I turned the other way and walked together.

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Ashley POV

I was walking to David's office when my cell rang. It was Craig.

"Craig, what is it?" I asked.

"It's Kate. She should have been home by now. Has she called you?" he asked, panicked.

"No, she hasn't," I said.

Craig sighed angrily and hung up. I shook my head, wondering what trouble Kate was in.

"Ashley!" David called.

I ran towards him.

"I missed you in class today." He said seriously.

"I guess I overslept." I said jokingly.

David grinned and motioned towards his office. We ran inside and shut the door. I hopped on his desk and he kissed me. We were making out like this for a while when David broke apart from me.

"I can't believe this is happening. I never thought this would happen. I'm in love! I thought it was too late for me." He said.

I laughed.

"Of course not!" I said.

He kissed me softly. As he moved down to my neck, I got a view of the clock on his wall.

"I have to go! My class!" I cried.

I gave David a quick parting kiss and tore out of his office. I ran up to my dorm, to slam directly into JT and fall to the floor.

"What are you doing here?" I asked breathlessly.

"I've been trying to find you. I came to change your mind." He said.

JT held out his hand and helped me up.

"JT, I just can't do this anymore! You need to find some other girl." I said.

"I can see you've already found some other guy." He said coldly.

My hair was mussed, my lip gloss was probably smeared, and my bra strap was showing.

"JT, wait!" I called.

But JT had already run out. I chased after him.

"JT, you cannot tell anyone about Professor Jacobs and me." I blurted.

"What? He's a professor?" JT exclaimed.

I smacked myself on the forehead. How would JT have found out who he was?

"How could you do this to me? I'll get you back, Ashley!" he cried.

He turned and left.

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Ben POV

It was amazing. After five years of being in love with Kate, she still took my breath away. I had lost her twice. That wouldn't happen again. I wasn't going to leave unless Kate was leaving with me. Somehow, by magic, Kate and I were sitting together on a park bench.

"Ben, I'm sorry about us. It was cruel what I put you through." Kate said.

"I was deeply hurt, Kate, but I've recovered." I said.

Kate smiled and looked down.

"So, how's NYU?" she asked.

"NYU is great." I said.

"Oh. Well, I'm glad you like NYU." Kate said awkwardly.

Kate shivered from the cold. I took off my long black coat and arranged it on her shoulders. Kate smiled in thanks and leaned a bit against me. I turned her chin towards me and our eyes locked. I leaned forward and pressed my lips against hers. I think it was the most tender kiss we had ever shared together. It was as if the world had stopped: no Craig, no pain, just us. It was as if we had landed straight into a romantic movie. Kate broke away for breath.

"We shouldn't have done that." She said.

Kate got up and ran away, leaving my coat on the bench.

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