Sweet Goodbye

Celeste woke up to the sun streaming through the blinds. She stretched before reaching over for her phone on the nightstand. It showed 7:43 AM and she rubbed her face, dropping the phone on the table, and rolled back over. She lay there half-awake when she felt the soft pit-patter of furry feet walking over her prone body. A cat meowed, and she felt insistent nudging which made her chuckle, so she rolled back over and patted her cat's head. "What are you doing stinker? are you hungry?" Marshal meowed as if in response and headbutted her hand again.

Celeste moved to get up and Marshal quickly hopped off the bed, he meowed more insistently again in front of his food bowl. Celeste laughed, “I’m getting it you impatient creature!” She moved to the cupboard and scooped a cup of cat food to dispense into the bowl. Marshal rubbed against her leg and began eating. She felt overwhelmingly fond of his antics and walked to her bathroom to go about her business. After washing her hands, she walked back into her room and changed into a tank and shorts. She tied her hair up in a ponytail and walked to the kitchen to start breakfast. The day was nice enough to go for a walk so she wanted a light breakfast before going out for a jog.

She spotted a note on the fridge left by her fiancée, Haley, telling her to have a great day and that she loved her, Celeste smiled fondly and grabbed a yogurt out of the fridge. She went through a mental list of errands that needed to be done for that day. It was only Saturday so if Celeste wanted, she could put it off until the next day. She finished her yogurt and put up the trash and silverware. She looked at the time and saw it was 8 AM which meant that the sun would be warming up quickly. Celeste put on her tennis shoes and grabbed her earbuds, keys, and water to go jogging around the block.

The weather felt heavenly on her skin and Celeste wished she could pause time, so the weather was never too hot or too cold. Sadly, the progression of time compelled the weather to get warmer. She rounded the corner back on her street and walked the rest of the way back to her front door. Upon closer inspection she spotted a letter taped to her front door. It was not there before unless she passed by without seeing it. She looked around and saw no one nearby and there was no name on the outside of the letter. Celeste unlocked the door and quickly walked into the foyer and locked the door.

Marshal greeted her at the door with a meow as if they had not seen each other just half an hour ago. Celeste petted him and left the keys on the table by the door before walking further into the house. She tossed the letter on the table and walked around pretending to keep herself busy. Marshal followed her around as if to supervise her. Celeste cooed at her companion and held him much to his annoyance.

She cradled him in one arm and grabbed the letter off the table with the other hand. Celeste sat on the couch and Marshal readjusted himself on her lap. Despite his earlier annoyance with being carried he still wanted to be next to her. Celeste petted behind his ears with one hand and held the letter up to study with the other. Marshal pawed at the letter as if to tell her to get a move on and she laughed, “you’re right, what am I waiting on.” She opened the envelope and pulled out the letter. Her eyes widened in alarm when she saw the name at the bottom of the letter. She skimmed over the contents of the letter.

Dear Celeste,

           I know you do not want to hear from me, especially after everything that happened, but I still think about you. Do you think about me ever? I heard from a couple of mutual friends that you recently got engaged and I just wanted to congratulate you on that. I was hoping we could meet for lunch and clear the air because I hate how things ended between us. Meet me at the coffee shop at 1 PM. I hope you decide to come and bring your fiancée if you want!

Love,

Alyx

Celeste heard the key in the front door being turned and dropped the letter on the table. Haley was preoccupied with grocery bags but when she saw Celeste she grinned wide and put them down quickly to greet her with a kiss. Celeste helped Haley bring the bags to the kitchen when Haley spoke, “I just got a couple things at the store to help with your list of errands.” Celeste chuckled, “Why thank you babe!” They put the groceries away in companiable silence when Haley spotted the letter. “What’s this?” She asked, Celeste grimaced, “It’s a letter from an ex…she wanted to meet up.”

Haley studied Celeste for a minute before responding, “and do you want to?” Celeste shook her head, “No it’s been three years I’ve moved on.” Haley walked around the table to pull her into a hug. “Aren’t you at least a little curious to see what she wanted after three years?” Celeste looked at her confused, “Why do you pushing this?” Haley backed up, “I’m sorry I just think both of y’all could use some closure.” Celeste thought about it, “Fine but I should go by myself it's kind of awkward introducing your fiancée to an ex who randomly showed up.” Haley nodded, “Can I spy?” Celeste laughed, “How about I bring you a snack on my way home?” Haley nodded, “I will hold you to it.”

Celeste watched the clock tick by while dusting and vacuuming the house. She heard cluttering in the kitchen and saw Haley making herself a sandwich. Haley looked up, “You better leave, or you will be late.” She laughed, “But you seem to be cooking a gourmet lunch!” Haley scoffed, “It’s literally a sandwich now leave since you decided to be annoying.” Celeste pecked her on the cheek and started walking to the door, “See you later!” Haley shouted, “Don’t forget to bring me a snack!” Celeste laughed and locked the door behind her.

~~~

Celeste parked in the parking lot and sat there for a minute. An unwanted thought broke forward, did she want to meet her ex? She shook her head; I already drove over here. She stepped out of her car and locked it then walked to the door. She steeled herself before she could panic and opened the door.

The bell dinged and the warm atmosphere enveloped her. Celeste scanned the store before walking up to the counter and placing an order. After the cashier took her payment, she made her way to a table in the corner by a window. Celeste was engrossed in her phone when she suddenly felt a presence and looked up startled. Alyx looked sheepish, “I tried to get your attention, but you seemed pretty distracted.” Celeste chuckled awkwardly and gestured to the other chair, “Please sit, I’m going to check on my order.” Alyx nodded and sat. Celeste stood and went to the counter where she saw her drink sitting there. She thanked the cashier and returned to the table where Alyx was drumming her fingers on the table.

Celeste took her seat and took a sip before placing it down. Alyx smiled, “I wasn’t sure if you would show up but I’m glad you did.” Celeste hummed, “It was definitely a surprise.” Alyx pinked, “I’m sorry I guess I just wanted to congratulate you in person.” Celeste was confused, “Thanks?” Alyx drummed her fingers again, a nervous habit. “I know we were both angry with how it ended but I truly am glad to see you are doing well.”

“For what it’s worth, I hope you are happy too Alyx, but I think we should leave things as they are.” Celeste was tired. She didn’t want to repeat the same conversation they had had three years ago. Alyx nodded, “I’m sorry for dredging up memories I just can’t help but look back sometimes.” Celeste grabbed her hand.

“Maybe it’s time for you to start making your own memories.”