We both have a past; I remember Philip saying this morning.
I knew Philip wasn't wrong. I had never been married, but I had fallen in love. And that love changed who I was forever. Most people think at fifteen years old that you couldn't know.
Somehow, with Shane Walsh, I knew. I knew he was the one. He was two years younger than me, but I was in an advanced English class. So we ended up in the same class, and he asked me to tutor him.
He had those big brown eyes, tan skin, and wavy dark hair. I wouldn't even accept any money from him for the tutoring.
Because I just wanted to be near him.
He was a popular football player, and I was the nerdy freshman class president. I had a small frame, flat chested, and dark blonde hair. I wasn't exactly the type he usually went for.
Still spending time together, we started to form a special bond. I edited his papers for English, and he taught me how to play basketball. He even went fishing with me and my dad. He'd stay over for dinner with my family on Sunday nights.
He gave me my first kiss on the Ferris Wheel on a September night, and nothing ever felt more right. I was so in love with him that I got a fake driver's license in order to get his football number 22 tattooed on my shoulder.
I even started wearing more stylish clothes, wearing more makeup and somehow talked my mom into letting me get honey blonde highlights.
Shane and I spent more time together, and everyone warned me that once he left high school, things would be different.
I wouldn't be the cute girl at his football games anymore, my dad warned me.
I knew he was going to the police academy and I would still be in high school. I believe somehow it could work. We'd get married as soon as I graduated. Hell, I could probably graduate early so we wouldn't have to wait so long.
I ignored my mom's warning.
Shane finally asked me to prom after I dropped several hints that I wanted to go. I figured he would ask someone else but he asked me.
I remember the white sparkle dress I wore, the red rose corsage Shane put on my arm, and dancing together to "Stay" by Sam Smith.
Mostly I remember the motel room after prom, where he took off my dress and laid me on the bed.
I gave him my virginity and he told me he loved me that same night. That was the most magical night and I am glad I lost my virginity to someone who actually meant something to me. Not everyone can say their first time is with someone they really loved.
I thought we'd be together forever until I overheard him bragging to his teammates that he only took the nerdy girl to prom so he could take her virginity.
After that, I stopped returning his calls and had my mom tell him I wasn't home when he showed up at the house. He'd always have my virginity, and I would always have his jersey number tattooed on my shower.
I thought I'd never see him again, but there he was in front of me at my workplace.
"Shane, what are you doing here? " I asked, recognizing him on sight.
"Andrea, is that you? You look great, " he said, looking at her with those dark brown eyes.
"You too. Exactly the same as in high school, " I said, still in shock. I thought about the times I tried to find him on Facebook or Instagram with no luck. Now here he is, standing in front of me.
"Is Negan here? I have an appointment. I have a custody case coming up, and he said he could help me get more time with my daughter, " Shane said, looking frustrated.
"Negan definitely could. He never loses a case. At least not one that I've heard of. He is just really expensive. " I said honestly.
"I was hoping he might do it pro bono since I am a cop, " he says, looking away.
"Good luck with that, " I said doubtfully. Negan hardly ever does pro bono. I've seen it once in my four years.
"Maybe, I'll see you around, " he says before going inside the office.
I decided to go upstairs to get coffee, so I wouldn't see Shane again before he left. Seeing him reminded me of a whole another life that could have had.
We were just too young to make a relationship last. I hadn't seen him in twelve years but my heart still beat faster around him. Why was that?
I now have a billionaire doctor interested in me. He was the most eligible bachelor in Atlanta according to everyone at the office. No one could believe I had a date with him, and I knew I was lucky. He brought me dinner, cooked for me, watched Dirty Dancing, let me wear his shirt, and even shared strawberry ice cream with me.
Philip could give me everything, and I knew he was the perfect match. Still, before leaving to get in the limousine, I checked the parking lot hoping to see Shane one last time. I didn't though.