Chapter Three/ Part Two

Lines of Love; chapter three part two

Dan-

It's hard to see him struggling and I never bothered to press for answers. But in some small way, I hope I was helpful to ease the burden he carries. I guess I'm only thinking of this because of the stranger he knew a little too well that just appeared. I'm sure it's nothing of concern but I feel a sense of worry since then, perhaps I can talk about it over diner. Since I already made reservations I just needed to be patient for tonight. I didn't have a lot to do today but luckily Joy called asking to meet me, she doesn't often ask such things of me. But I'm happy she considers me someone she can come to.

The meeting place was a coffee shop not far out, I think Cassie got her hooked on the house special tea made here. I arrived a few minutes late but luckily Joy had not been waiting too long either. After I took a seat we got the ordering out of the way of what we wanted, I could tell she had something bothering her. But I didn't wanna rush her so I started with a greeting and common questions till she asked.

" So Dan... Is Astra doing okay?. I mean like better."

"She's doing better, haven't you been to see her.?"

" No I been working and spending time with Cassie... That is what I wanna say but I have been worrying about her and it's been difficult. It was hard to see her like that I just don't want her to lose herself again."

" You should go see her then I'm sure she's gonna pick herself up better than ever."

We sat in silence mostly I could see she was still worried and that she was trying to be okay with this answer. After some time we parted ways I just hope she's alright with everything going on, it's hard to hold so tightly to something. Since it was almost time for the reservations so I called Jean to make sure he's got no last-minute things to do. He sounded tired but at least he wasn't hiding it anymore hopefully this diner takes care of everything.

I wasn't much for fancy dressing up but I did my best to look properly dressed. I even apologized to Jean for how poorly I dressed but he wasn't put off at all. After sitting we found something to start us off for the date at hand. Jean was looking better but he had a look on his face of worry like he had something important to say. I was curious but know I shouldn't pressure him into talking so I waited patiently for him to speak. Eventually, the food arrived and he started speaking softly, I just wasn't ready.

" To save the company I have to go out of state..."

" Why did something happen, I can help you if you let me."

" What we have is great Dan but it's not something we spoke about or figured out. I can't ask you to leave everything for something I let happen."

The words were heavy and true it hurt but he was right, nothing about us was ever figured out. So what could I say to that I didn't want this to end so soon.

" Everyone has grown a lot, I have my daughter back as well. So maybe this could work for us to figure it out, leave the world behind that we know. I don't want to let this go if you don't Jean."

His smile was weighted but he was happy to hear this, we are far too old to be stuck like this. It's time we find out just who we are and what we both want. This should have been done long ago but some things take a lot of time I guess. After diner, we headed home to make the plans and pack our things up for tomorrow. We left everyone a message saying we will be back around next year or so, but Cassie responded fastest. She was happy for us even though I know she's sad at the same time. Leaving everything behind to get my life on track feels weird but this needs to be done for sure and I can't wait to do that.