LOVE AFTER FLAMES

Caught within my weakness

Ava's point of view.

“I would love to go use the bathroom, don't go anywhere though” I teased him as I walked in the direction of the toilet. After using the bathroom, my phone suddenly started to ring and I wondered who could be calling me at such an ungodly hour. Fumbling through my purse to locate my phone, I wasn't looking at where I was walking and bumped into someone. “I'm so sorry” as I bent to pick up my phone that had fallen on the floor. As I stood up my eyes jammed with that of those mesmerizing dark eyes as I blushed.

What is Miles doing here? I questioned no one exactly but he looked different, slightly rugged and he looked tired, he had dark circles under his eyes and he didn't look silent. Maybe he knew that I was going to be here.

“Hi” I mumbled as he continued staring at me, it was getting weird so I decided to leave, I could not even try to forgive or get back with Miles if not I would regret it.

“Hi, fancy seeing you here. You never said you loved ar” Miles asked nervously as I laughed, there were a lot of things he didn't know, but he made no effort to even know them and I couldn't blame him.

“There's a lot you don't know about me Miles, but you wouldn't even get to know me anymore,” I said as I looked at him for the last time before walking away. I don't think talking or spending time with him was a nice idea, I checked my phone and it was Kenneth calling. I went to the hall where the arts were being showcased and Kenneth wasn't there, in fact, no one was there, it seemed as if the show had ended.

I immediately dialed Kenneth's line as I headed outside, I hope Kenneth hadn't left already, it wouldn't be fair that he waited for me and I ditched him at the last moment. I dialed his number for a while but he didn't pick up, I went to where his car was parked and he was seated on the boots as he stared at me with a smile.

“I was looking for you, you okay?” He said as he jumped down, I nodded. “Yeah am fine, we should head home. I'm starving”

He just smiled at me as we entered the car, I wasn't sure if we were going home or heading somewhere else but I was somewhat shocked when we pulled up in front of a restaurant.

Kenneth handed me an envelope as he looked away, “Miles handed me this before he left and don't worry I didn't open it” he said with a small smile as I nodded, tearing the envelope as I saw a letter inside.

Hi Ava, it's been a while don't you think? Three months after our divorce and I miss you more than you can ever imagine. I know you might have a boyfriend, which I am hoping you don't have yet, but I really want to see you, even though it is for old-time's sake. Meet me at the café not far from the art gallery we bumped into each other. Honor my invitation this once and it would make me a happy man.

Your Ex-husband, Miles.

I felt tears well up in my eyes but I didn't cry, I looked at Kenneth as he sighed in defeat. “Just go before he thinks I didn't give you this letter”.

Kenneth said as I kissed him on the cheek before jumping out of the car, the cafe was a few blocks away from here and I knew I had to pick up my pace before Miles would leave. I arrived at the cafe panting but I didn't care about that, composing myself I walked into the cafe, and Miles was waiting for me. I expected the cafe to the full of people but it was completely empty.

“Hey,” I said as I smiled at him before taking my seat, I rubbed my sweaty hand on my lap as I looked up at him.

“Do you want anything? You look a bit hyperventilated” Miles said as I shook my head, I didn't want to go too far in this discussion if he had something to say, he should say it before it was too late. “What's this meeting about?” I asked as he took a deep breath, he looked nervous and I wanted to reach over and comfort him but I didn't think he deserved it, at least not yet. “I love you, Ava. I know it's coming suddenly but I really do, the three months without you felt like hell and I was so bad to think that I couldn't fall in love with you. I was just confused at the fact of what you did, I had a fiancée and you made me lose her because of the stunt you pulled. But that's behind us, I just hope you can forgive me” Miles said as I felt my eyes tear up, after five years he had finally fallen in love with me.

“Y-you love me? After everything that I had done to make you fall in love with me, you didn't but after five years of marriage you've finally decided that you love me. I don't know whether I should be happy or not” I said and I was being truly honest, it was like a bittersweet emotion I was feeling. “ But despite everything Miles, I still love you and I always have Miles. Even though we're divorced I still had a bit of hope that our story wasn't over”

“Oh Ava,” he said sweetly, leaning over the table, his lips almost touched mine when the door swung open.

“Miles, I'm back” that familiar voice I knew who it was, Miles ex fiancee.