Twenty-One

Summer's POV

"S-Summer?" My body instantly stills. Someone couldn't have possibly recognized me, could they? I turn slowly to be faced one on one with my biggest fear.

Bryson.

I fiddle with my shoulder strap and shakily hold my phone as I come undone under his persistent stare. He was opening his mouth trying to formulate words but nothing got past his lips, most likely due to the shock of me before him.

I stare at his lips that I've missed so desperately, it kills me inside I can't kiss him right now. I knew that if I did, it would only make matters worse.

"Bry." I say softly lowering my gaze to the floor overcome with emotion and dread. He wasn't supposed to find out, ever. Now it's too late to repress this moment. "Bryson, I'm sorry." I take a loose step forward meeting his eyes finally but he steps away from me halting my step. Never had we'd been this way with one another, it breaks my heart as the realization of life as it is now rushing through me.

He was in deep thought most likely in a panic as I could see his hands fidgeting profusely.

"No." He suddenly shakes his head backing up, losing his footing over his bag sitting on the ground. "I can't do this right now."

My heart ached at the sight of him in pain and it made me wonder what was going on inside his head. The sight of him desperately holding his emotions in, makes me want to embrace him until he suffocated with my love. But surely he's gotten over me. I've seen pictures of him and some other girl on Reese's Instagram page. I couldn't not see how everyone was doing. It wasn't my choice to leave to begin with.

"I- I have to, I have to go." He stumbles over his words, backing off in a hurry to get away.

"Wait!" I yell after him but he's already far away from me my voice couldn't reach him anymore if I tried. He obviously is in shock at seeing me, but I hadn't expected him to break down like that. Maybe I deserved it. I had caused enough harm already and going after him would only make it worse. And I couldn't risk anyone else knowing I'm alive. A lot was at stake already.

I take a deep breath as I reluctantly head in the opposite direction. I wasn't even sure why I came here in the first place. I knew it wouldn't be a good idea and now this has happened.

I just hope he wouldn't go looking for me...

No. He has some other girl now. I'm sure he wouldn't dwell on me any longer than he already has. He'll just forget about me. . . Again.

// four years ago //

I was planning an anniversary surprise for Bryson for the majority of today. I had been purposely ignoring him out of love and in fear I'd give it away. I was terrible at keeping secrets and he was no exception.

I asked my mom to borrow the car so I could drive to get it and I'm glad that she agreed otherwise I had no clue what I would have done. Our anniversary was only a week away and I wanted to have my gift ready — I would've hated to get it last second.

I have been driving nonstop for the past hour and even though I was merely fifteen minutes away from home, I had to take a break. Pulling over, I roll the windows down and breathe in the air. The bird and music parlaying from the car stereo was a perfect mix and gave me a much-needed break.

I found a signed guitar a few towns over that was authenticated and on sale for a good amount of money. I knew that Bryson would be ecstatic to have it once he sees who had signed it. Ivan L. Moody.

I unbuckle the seat belt so I could get a better look into the backseat. Thankful that the guitar is still safe and sound, I return my gaze forward towards the river. It was so peaceful.

My phone lights up from the car's drink holder and I grab it to see Bryson has texted me yet again. The guilt catches up to me from ignoring him all day and I finally give in.

Someone knocks on the car window scaring the crap out of me, my phone falls from my hands to between the seat and floor. Playing it off cool, I turn to see a middle-aged man standing outside looking unsure of himself.

"Can I help you?" I ask politely forcing a smile on my lips.

"Yes." He grunts shifting to his other leg. "I'm trying to get somewhere and I don't know how to get there."

It was then that I noticed the crumpled map in his hands.

"Uhm, where are you trying to get to exactly?" I ask uncertainly. I wasn't big on talking to anyone I didn't know. It had always been an issue for making new friends because I could barely get a word out.

"I'm trying to get here." He points to the Central Park in town. I quickly tell him how to get there.

He thanks me and walks off slowly but it was only until I looked to my right I realized he wasn't alone or lost. Just a distraction.

♡