They Met by the Love Bench in the Park
So it's been a year since Hot Priest told me never to come to the church again at a bus stop. A year since my heart was trampled. A year since I took that one step to loving myself.
It hasn't been easy and I wish I had gone on this path to self discovery a lot sooner. But I don't regret my time with him. I do regret sending that fox after him. But I can't live in the past; I can only look forward to the future.
With Claire in Finland living her best life, we make a point of catching up once a week. It's nice having someone to talk to. We've actually become really good friends and I know Claire will tell me when I'm doing something stupid without being worried about hurting my feelings. Not that she ever was, but now we are both more open to listening to each other than warring with each other. A large part of that is due to the absence of Martin.
Some things haven't changed. Godmother and I still can't stand each other. She is still creating monstrosities and calling them art. Worse still, she is gifting them. The café is still going strong which is my anchor. My piece of normality.
It's become a sort of ritual to sit on the love bench in the park and reflect on my week. My moment of peace.
"Hello." Well there goes my moment of peace. It's been a year and we haven't run into each other.
"Hi." What do I say? Thanks for invading my happy place. Why are you are? Are you still with the church? Seriously, what?
"How have you been?" He takes a seat beside me. He still makes my heart skips a beat just by sitting beside me.
"Good. Really good." I am actually quite proud of myself. It's been nice to be able to look in the mirror and like the person I see looking back at me.
"You look good. Happier." I had forgotten how intensively he looks at me, as if he can see into the very depth of my soul. He had been the first person to make me feel noticed. Especially after my mother had died.
"Thanks. I am happier. How have you been?" It seems polite to ask. I almost ask if he is still having issues with foxes."
"Good. I do seem to have a fox that won't stop following me." It can't be. "What was that?"
"Just the one fox? Are you sure it's not several foxes?" Although it seems strange that even one fox would deliberately follow him.
His confused look is still adorable. "No, it's the same one. Why does that matter?"
"I'm sure this has nothing to do with you, but I may have sent a fox your way when we last saw each other." If it's the same fox. I don't believe it actually listened to me.
He's chuckling. Is that good or bad. "Well, that explains the timing. I suppose I deserve that." Really?
"If it helps, I didn't think it would take up stalking you." I really didn't.
"You have been the subject of many of my sermons. I have missed you." I can only imagine what those sermons were like.
"That doesn't change anything. You chose God." No woman can compete with God. I lost round one. I have worked too hard on myself to go for another round.
"What if I can have both?" I am not going to get my hopes up. Not again.
"You can't be a priest and have a relationship with me." I know we can't do the friend thing and I can't rebuild myself again.
"I'm no longer a priest." Wait! What! "I still work within the church, just not as a priest."
"Did you get fired for the sermons I inspired?" The petty part of me hopes the answer is yes.
"No." Well, I suppose that is a relief. "I resigned and became a councillor. That way I can still serve God and be in a relationship with you. If you will have me."
Well, that is a loaded question. "Did you come looking for me?" Although how would he know I came here?
"I saw you heading this way when I was heading to your flat." There's that cute shy smile of his. "Is that a no? Leave me alone?"
"It's a I've got my life together and I'm not sure I want to mess that up if you change your mind again." Best to be upfront and honest.
"That's fair enough." He's studying me. I'm not sure if I should be flattered or freaked. "I moved. Here's the address if you decide to give me a second chance." He hands me a piece of paper. "It is good to see you." He stands and casually walks off.
"Oh God."