When the Past Knocks Again
It had been two weeks since the kiss, and I had buried myself in work, in John's arms, in anything that would help her forget.
But forgetting wasn't the same as healing, and guilt didn't disappear just because I smiled through it.
One evening, just as I was about to shut my laptop, my phone buzzed. The name on the screen made my chest tighten.
Bryan.
Hey. Can we talk? Just once. I promise I won't cross a line.
My heart pounded in my chest as I stared at the message.
I didn't know whether to throw the phone across the room or type back immediately.
I hadn't spoken to him since that night.
Since the kiss. Since I made the silent decision to keep it all hidden from John.
I typed and deleted. Typed again.
Finally:
What is there left to talk about?
A moment later, the dots danced across the screen.
Bryan:That night… I can't stop thinking about it. About you.
I need to see you. Just to talk.
I closed my eyes. The sensible part of me knew I should block him. Erase him.
Focus on John, the man who loved me, who was trying even when things felt strained.
But another part, the one that still remembered the spark in Bryan's eyes, the way he always seemed to see me, whispered louder.
Just one conversation. That's all.
I replied:
One talk. That's it. Tomorrow. Public place.
The Meeting
The next day, I arrived early at the cozy little café we had agreed upon, my nerves prickling like electricity beneath my skin.
Bryan was already there, seated by the window, his gaze fixed outside, lost in thought.
When he saw me, his face softened, but his eyes held a mixture of hope and caution.
"Zoe," he said quietly as I sat down, "thank you for coming."
We talked, cautiously at first.
About our lives, the changes, the pain, and the dreams.
But always, lurking beneath the surface, was the memory of that kiss, our tangled emotions.
"I never wanted to hurt John," I confessed, my voice trembling.
"But I don't know how to make these feelings disappear."
Bryan nodded. "I never stopped caring, but I also know we had reasons to walk away.
It wasn't just about us, it was timing, circumstances... everything."
I looked down, tears threatening to spill.
"I'm trying to do right by John, but it's hard to ignore what happened between us.
I'm scared I'm breaking something good."
He reached across the table, brushing my hand gently. "You have to follow your heart, Zoe.
But also, be honest with yourself and with John."
Our eyes met, heavy with unsaid words, the air thick with tension.
John's Discovery
Just as I was gathering my things to leave, my phone buzzed again.
It was a message from John: Where are you?
Panic shot through me. I texted back: Out with a friend.
Won't be long.
I stepped outside to call him, but as I turned, I collided with a figure.
"John," I whispered, stunned.
He looked hurt and confused. "Zoe, I was worried. I saw you come in here… with him."
My heart lurched. "John, it's not what you think.
We were just talking."
John's eyes searched mine, but doubt lingered like a shadow.
"Why didn't you tell me he reached out again? Why keep this a secret?"
"I was scared," I admitted. "Scared it would hurt you.
But I know now that hiding things only makes it worse."
John's jaw tightened. "We need to figure this out. Together. No more secrets."
I nodded, relief mixing with the weight of what lay ahead.
Aftermath
That night, back at John's place, we talked for hours—raw, honest, vulnerable.
I shared everything: the kiss, the feelings, the meeting.
John listened, hurt and angry😡 You allowed him to kiss you.
"I love you, Zoe. I want to make this work. But trust has to be rebuilt. I'm sorry, I want to be alone now."
"I love you too, John," I said, tears slipping down my cheeks. "And I'm ready to fight for us."