It was Tuesday. Bella and I used to meet every Tuesday evening at this coffeehouse close to campus. She always ordered a Chai latte with extra cinnamon, and we would find a couch in a dark corner and talk. I looked forward to those few hours we had together. I was in love with her, but she was dating someone, so I kept my feelings to myself. He seemed like an okay guy, but they fought a lot. We spent several evenings talking about their relationship. I hoped she would realize he wasn't right for her and end it.
We had had our coffee "date" for almost a year when I screwed everything up. She had broken up with Jacob several weeks before. I asked her that night how she was feeling. I knew it had been her decision, and she said she was happier without him. She was enjoying her freedom. We had to finish our coffee early that night. I had an eight am class, and she had a test she needed to study for. I walked her to her car. That's when it all went wrong.
"Bella," I called her name as she opened her car door. She turned to face me. I stepped closer to her, I reached out to take her hand, and I told her I was in love with her, that I had been in love with her for over a year, and our weekly coffee time had just solidified all my feelings. I never wanted to come between her and Jacob, but they were over, and I just needed her to know how I felt. Then I kissed her. For a brief moment, I felt lighter than I had in months. It was out in the open. She jerked away from me.
"How dare you, Edward." She turned and got in her car. She drove off without even looking at me.
That was nine weeks ago. I have been going to the coffee shop every Tuesday evening on the off chance she wants to talk. I am headed there now. This is it, though. Each week I promise myself this is the last time, but it needs to be. I can't keep hoping she will show up. It makes it too hard to move on. If she wanted to be with me, she would have called by now. She would have shown up. This is the last time I tell myself as I get out of my car and walk into the coffeehouse. She is there, on our couch. I stop as soon as I see her. She smiles at me and motions me over.
"Edward, I am so sorry." She says to me with tears rolling down her cheeks. I wipe her tears, and she leans in to kiss me. She whispers, "I love you," against my lips.