The flame roars as Alex adds more wood to the fireplace. Tonya sits back in the lounge chair with her tea in hand thinking of how good the crackles from the popping wood. Alex settles into the couch, draping the small blanket across his legs and a portion of it on her feet. The darkness of the night continues to soften the mood of these two prisoners of their own lives. Each sips from their warm cup of tea that sends steam up their faces. Tonya stares at the side of his face, wondering what he’s thinking as he stares into the fireplace. Alex slowly turns to look at Tonya, obviously wanting to say something, but unclear on how to say it. Tonya leans forward and places her cup down gently on the table. “It’s time we talked,” she says to him rather boldly. Alex places his cup down as well and waits for her to begin.

“So I take it I’m the one to start this discussion,” Tonya says.

“Okay, that would be best if you started because I really don’t know where to begin or what we need to talk about.” Alex makes reference to the death of his wife, and the uncertainty of his relationship with Tonya, whom he has loved since they were young.

“Veronica for starters. When are you going to start to live again? It’s been so long since you even…” Alex cuts her off immediately.

“Look Tonya, there’s no need for us to get into that. She’s dead, I understand that but that’s not my issue. My problem lies in trying to do that all over again and be with someone. I just don’t think I can go through that again, and it’s totally unfair if me to expect you to wait.”

“The one thing you forget is beyond our relationship failures, we are still good friends and family, so it’s not like I’m waiting around for you. You’re all I have.”

“Isn’t that sad?” Alex asks.

“What?”

“That we are all we got or that we are the only people that love us.”

“So what do we do now Alex? What can we do to get back to where we were? I’m not afraid to admit to you that I love you anymore. I’m not afraid to lay it all on the line and wait for that day to come because you waited for me all those years I was being stupid.”

“What if I never can get past all this mess in my head? What if I can’t make that commitment to you like you deserve?” Alex asks.

“Then we’ll still be family. No more no less. There’s no other person, I’d rather be with than you, so if I can’t have you I’d rather be alone here with you.”

Alex stares into her stern eyes, realizing this time she’s very serious.

Alex immediately figures out what is more important than anything. He finally realizes what was missing from him so long. What was missing had been there always, he just never paid attention. The idea of family, and how family is what you make of it. The love these two have for one another, and the love provided by those who taught these runaways to trust again continues to grow. As they sit upon the two sofas, Alex places his hand upon Tonya’s foot, giving her some sense that they will work this through together. However, as much as he does love Tonya, his love for his late wife Veronica, stills haunts him in the night. So much to the point no matter where he goes, he can feel her, smell her, and touch her, which is the one thing he hasn’t explained to Tonya.

To be continued…

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About The Expert

On our About the Expert page, you can learn more about the author, including contact information and other posts they've written. About Rajah Smart, M.A. ED.