So Far Away, a Romance fanfic

She stared at the menu blindly, wondering the purpose behind the meeting. They had not been talking for months, after the incident. She thought it was the end of it. But when he called, she agreed to the meeting, which was closely followed with anguish and regret.

“May I have your orders?”

“Two cups of coffee please.”

“One cup of tea and coffee please.” She corrected immediately, closing the menu as she spoke. She resented the thought of him ordering on her behalf without consulting her.

The waiter, sensing her agitation nodded politely and retreated from the scene, leaving her alone with the man seated opposite her.

“I thought you liked coffee.”

“I never liked coffee James.” She coolly replied. “You just assumed that I love it.”

She watched him shrugged absent-mindedly. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“There wasn’t the need to. I don’t usually mind coffee. However I have no tolerance to gulp down coffee today.”

“I see.”

She nodded, allowing silence to lapse between them. Since he called her out, he would just have to keep the conversation flowing. She thought bitterly.

They were half way through their drinks and she did not mutter a single word. Usually it was fine with him. However, her body was tensed and her manner did nothing to convince him that she was alright.

On other occasions, he would be contented to just wait until she regains her chatty mood to engage the both of them in a conversation. But right now, he needed her to talk and it was grating his nerve.

“Had a bad day?” He asked.

She took her cup. “Not really.” She answered before sipping.

Silence.

He placed his cup on the table and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “Then what’s wrong with you?”

She mirrored his action. “What’s wrong with you?”

He sighed. “You seemed too quiet. What happened to the joyous Hope that I usually meet?”

“Maybe she isn’t here anymore.”

He frowned as he searched her face for signs that she was joking. “You must have kidnapped her.”

She leaned back against her chair. “Why did you call me out?”

He shrugged. “We haven’t seen each other for months. Each time I initiated a meeting over sms, you always said that you are not free. What exactly is keeping you so busy?”

“This and that.”

He took in a deep breath, making effort not to snarl at her short crypt answers. “So you are free now?”

She tilted her head. “If I’m not, would I be even here?”

He shook his head and took a gulp of his coffee. She was getting unreasonable.

She watched as his eyes flashed in annoyance as he drank his coffee. It was good that he was getting angry. After all, she was experiencing the same emotion. Who did he think she was? The smiley, sweet tempered, joyful Hope that could be summoned at his whim and fancy?

Perhaps. She thought as he looked to his right. Perhaps he was beginning to regret calling her out for a drink.

She let out a breath as her eyes took in the messy bedroom hair that defined him. His eyes were dark brown that was the window to his soul. She could see what he thought and felt through those two soulful eyes. His nose was a bit croaked, thanks to the football that slammed into his face when they were in high school. But it was his mouth that always caught her attention. It was expressive, usually showering the people around him with a friendly smile, occasionally twisting it into a grin that kept her breathless when they were classmates.

Strangely, his features failed to make him handsome or boyish that would make heads turn. But his character and his sunshine attitude won him legions of admirers and crushes.

One of them was his best friend.

They were different in many ways. He was outgoing and popular among the student body. She was shy and awkward among groups of strangers. Yet, opposites attract. Even though it was a one-sided affair, she was contented. After all, she was his best friend.

She sighed, willing to do anything to go back to the past. “I had some free time and you personally called my cell to ask me out for a drink. How could I say no to you?”

He looked at her, noting a small wistful smile on her face. “I guess you couldn’t.” He winked at her.

She snorted. “You are getting a bit arrogant James.”

“You are getting too moody Hope.” He answered back.

There it was. A wistful smile, that became more evident. “Once in a while, we grow tired trying to be happy all the time.”

He frowned at her. He suddenly noticed the strain on her smooth pale face, and the sadness in her dark chocolate eyes. “Is there anything wrong?”

She sighed as she brushed her fringe back, trying to regain control of her messy hair. “Nothing much.”

It was his turn to sigh. “Do you want to talk about it?”

He completely missed the shock and hesitation that flirted across her face.

Talk? He wanted to talk about it? Was he insane?

She felt his eyes fixed on her as she looked away, wondering was it possible to talk to him. They had been friends for years. And she had no qualms talking to him. However, it was inappropriate to voice the anxiety she was feeling for the past few months to him.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” His soft, soothing voice probed into her dilemma.

Everything! She wanted to scream. “Nothing.”

She heard his snort. “Hope, you are extremely bad in lying. And knowing you, you need to voice it out, if not it would just keep eating you.”

She knew that. She knew that it would just gnaw her till the point she would either break down and cry or go crazy in agony. But she was not known to be selfish. And she would not start now.

He sensed that she was going to tell and he was glad. He hated the idea that she was keeping it all inside and not letting them out. He knew that his job as a friend was to let her voice out her concerns, anxiety and fears. All he had to do is to listen and be her support when she needs a shoulder to cry on.

“I’m going to miss home.” She said.

He frowned, wondering how it caused her to be so worked up. “Why?”

He watched her flipping her fringe back again. “I am going to be transferred.”

Finally he understood why she was so tensed up. “You have gotten your promotion?”

She gave him a shaky smile. “I agreed to the transfer.”

“Why?” He asked. If she hated to transfer and if it was optional, why did she agree to it?

“I realized that the whole world is out there waiting for me. If I continue to stay here, I might never have the chance to spread my wings.”

He just smiled. He knew she was a restless person, wanting to explore the world and live life to the fullest. He found it strange that she never thought of going overseas to expand her horizon after graduation. But he was glad that she didn’t. After all, he did not want to lose his best friend.

“Then spread your wings.” He said, reaffirming her decision. “You are too restless to stay in this small little red dot.”

She saw the acceptance in his eyes and knew that this was it. It was the end.

“So will you be around for my wedding?” He asked.

She shook her head. “I’m sorry James. My company insisted that I go to the Paris by the end of this week.”

Sadness filled his eyes and her heart broke. She knew it upset him. But she had no choice. She could not possibly stay for the wedding.

“But it is only two months away. You could take leave and come back to attend it.”

“I will try. But I cannot promise you.” She said.

He reached out and took her hands into his. “I’m going to miss you.”

“I’ll miss you too.” She replied.

After all, she could not bear watching the man she loved getting married to another woman. It hurt that she had to separate herself from him. But it was better than dying with a broken heart.

A/N:

It was meant to be therapeutic. But I am not very sure whether it served the purpose. I know Valentine's Day is around the corner. But I thought there would be an overdose of sweet, mushy stories around. Hence I posted a story that does not have a happily ever after theme.

Hope you enjoyed it.

Until then, take care
Joyful-x