The Parting: Reunion

People’s lives are busy and that is just a fact of life.  Nancy and Charlotte spoke over the phone a couple times in the month’s following Charlotte’s start of college classes.  More than anything, Charlotte wanted to spend a little time with Nancy.  When Charlotte mentioned this, Nancy blurted out, “Why don’t you come over for supper?”  

There was silence on the other end as Nancy realized that it could be difficult for Charlotte to visit since Jack was home again.  Their town was small but one could still go a considerable amount of time without seeing someone.  Charlotte hadn’t seen Jack since he ended the relationship.  Still, she had to see him some time and it may as well be sooner than later.  Charlotte then said, “I think that is a good idea.  A home cooked meal that I didn’t cook is always a good thing.”  A date was set and after a few more minutes of chit chat, they hung up.  

The night of the meal came quickly and in the morning of that date Nancy realized she had not advised Jack that Charlotte was coming for dinner.  Jack sat at the table silently as he absorbed what this meant to him.  Hearing her name made his heart jump.  He knew he stillhad feelings for her but also knew that the relationship changed.  He did not believe he still loved her the way he once did.  He believed they could marry and make it work but he didn’t want to marry her.  The feelings just weren’t there any more.  

When Charlotte arrived, Nancy was putting the finishing touches on her world famous spaghetti and garlic bread.  She yelled, “Someone get the door please.”  Without thinking, Jack yelled back, “I’ll get it.”

“There’s no turning back now.” Jack thought as he walked down the stairs.  His heart started pounding like when he was about to start playing a football game back in high school.  

Charlotte stood outside facing the door for a full 8 seconds before she could ring the doorbell.  After she did, she wanted to turn around a walk away.  Still, she wanted to see Nancy and truly hoped for some alone time with her.  She remembered the day when she only wanted alone time with Jack.  She heard movement on the other side of the door and thought to herself, “Please let it be John or Nancy.  Please let it be John or Nancy.”

The door opened and there stood Jack.  As he opened the door, Jack determined to be pleasant.  “Hi Charlotte.” He said as he bent down to hug her.  She hugged him backwarmly.  She looked into his eyes and was happy to see he was all there.  The last time she saw him, his eyes were dead.  “He looks good.” She thought to herself.  

Dinner was delicious and the conversation during the meal was open and inviting.  While slightly tense at the very beginning, there was no strain from anyone at the table.  Nancy was pleased that the food turned out well.

Charlotte told the boys to go upstairs after the meal so the two ladies could talk.  John yelled as he bounded up the steps, “Works for me.”  Jack just smiled and said he would at least take his plate to the sink “like my momma taught me.”  Charlotte talked about her classes and how she enjoyed writing in spite of how stressed she was doing each paper.  

During a small pause in the conversation, Nancy blurted out, “Would you think it was odd if I started dating again?”

“What?  Really?  I think that’s great.  Wait, have you asked Jack or John yet?”

“No.”

“Don’t you think you should ask them before you ask me?”

“Yes, I know but I wanted a feminine opinion first.”

“You have someone in mind, someone I know?”

“A man I dated from high school.  We met again at my class reunion and we’ve kept in touch since then.  It would be a long distance relationship at first but with John now graduated and soon to be out of the house, I’m starting to think I might get lonely.”

They bantered more on this subject when Nancy dropped another bomb.  “Do you think you and Jack will get back together?”