I ran into my ex-boyfriend at the deli
-- the high school prom date first puppy love ex-boyfriend.
I was on my lunch break
and probably looked like hell.
I never expected to see him there,
in our old hometown.
I stuttered, "H-hi."

What I wanted to say was,
"How have you been?
I heard you were engaged and working in the city,
what are you doing here?
How's your mom? I'm sorry about your dad.
I saw your brother in Starbucks not long ago;
how are your sisters?
It's been forever, hasn't it?
I always meant to thank you
for everything you taught me
about love and friendship and standing up for myself."

I wanted him to say,
"Wow, you look great.
I didn't remember your eyes being so green.
The family is doing well,
we're all moving on.
I got married last summer,
and we're expecting a little girl.
We might even buy a house in town.
Work is good; I finally learned to focus, you know?
Thank you, also,
for being there, getting me through those rough, awkward years.
We were young, and we made mistakes,
but you were good for me, and I'm sorry if I hurt you.
I've learned a lot since then.
I still look back on those old photos sometimes.
I'm glad to see you're doing well.
You look stronger than I ever knew you."

Instead,
he blushed and sighed.
"Welcome to Deli Central. How can I help you?"

11/23/2015

Posted on 12/04/2015
Copyright © 2024 Meredith C Hartwell