“Hi Alex” Liza grinned. It felt good to see Alex after so many years. “Hey” he said in a daze. Liza pulled out a chair and sat across him. “Well…. this is awkward” Liza said as she sat there looking at him in silence. Alex rubbed the back of his neck “never thought it will be awkward between us… huh Jigglypuff” Alex said with a slight chuckle. Liza’s heart warmed as he used her old nick-name. “Never Snorelax” she retorted back and just like that they busted out laughing. It was the first time in many months when Liza had let out a genuine laugh. The awkwardness between them melted away and they both regained their composure, ignoring the weird looks people around them were giving them.
Alex asked Liza “How are you Liz?” I am fine. I have been better but I am alright” Liza replied, not knowing how to answer her friend who hasn’t been in touch with her for nearly seven years and then had called her to meet up out of the blue. Liza couldn’t exactly breakdown in the cafe and spill down everything that had gone wrong in the past few months. “How have you been and where have you been?” Liza asked Alex. “I am good Liza better than I ever was, the only thing I miss is spending time with you. “Alex replied. “Aww… has Alex gone soft?” Liza teased him. “I can still beat your ass Liz” Alex replied. “We will see that later. What do you want to do? I am free for the whole day” Liza said. “Let’s catch up. I am dying to know about what you have been up to” “Ok. But first you go.” Liza said.
“Fine. First few years were a bit a difficult but eventually it got better. It was so lonely without you Liz. There were some bad days and some good days but thinking of you always brought a smile on my face. I have done my best to make you proud. You will see.” Alex said looking at Liza. “I am so happy for you Alex and I have always been proud of you even when you weren’t. “Liza said her eyes shining. “No really Liz. You have to see it. I have this huge house now. It is just like we dreamed of. There is this pool and a gaming room and a library. You will love it.” Alex said looking like an excited 9 year old showing off his new toy car. “Your head has also grown in size.” Liza said jokingly. “Yeah, yeah… come on now it’s your to turn me what have you been up to” Alex said. This was the moment Liza had been dreading. She wasn’t sure what to say or from where to begin so she started from the very beginning. “So you know how I got into NYU ….”
It took her a whole hour to tell Alex everything. Alex somehow still possessed the ability to detect whenever she omitted something or lied about something. Soon Liza and Alex fell back into their old routine and Liza spilled out everything from how she fell for Jonathan to Jonathans cheating. And her accident. By the time Liza was done Alex was shaking with fury. “‘You just wait till I get my hands on him. I am going to beat him to pulp.” Alex said with rage evident in his voice “No, he is not worth it. I am never going back to him ever.”
“I know that we just met after so many years but you can move into my house if you want.” Alex offered. “No, it’s too much to ask from you. And only few days are left till Alice comes back. After that I won’t have to see Jonathan again.” Liza said. “You have suffered so much. I don’t want you to suffer anymore. I can help you and it won’t be a problem. Just think about it okay.” Alex said his eyes pleading her. Liza nodded “Okay, I will come to you if I have any problem. I promise. “She said. “Fine, but I still want to kick that stupid guys butt. He doesn’t know the difference between a diamond and a stone. You are precious Liz, never doubt that. I am here for you now and I will stay by your side” Alex said with such sincerity that Liza found herself hugging him. “I am so glad you are back Alex”
Jonathan was going crazy. It was almost 11:00 pm and Liza hadn’t come back. She hadn’t even taken her cell phone with her. He was getting more worried with every passing second. There was a screeching sound of a car halting and he looked out of the window. A beautiful black Audi came to a halt and the passenger side door opened. Liza was about to step out of the car when a hand stopped her. She was laughing at something the person beside her said but she stayed seated in the car. A man got out of the car and offered her his hand, Liza took it and he helped her out of the car. He said something to Liza and she laughed again. Liza’s head went back and she closed her eyes as she laughed hard.
Jonathan hadn’t seen her laugh like that in months. He was instantly jealous of the blonde man who was making her laugh and then Liza leaned in to hug him, wrapping her arms around him and Jonathan’s jealousy sky rocketed. Jonathan closed the window and turned away from it trying to control his jealousy and rear its green head back.
Liza had a great time with Alex. They had talked a lot about their school days it was almost as if everything was fine once again and she had forgotten about Jonathan even if for a short time. But looking at Jonathan standing in the hallway brought everything back. She loved Jonathan, she truly did but what he did made it impossible for her to look at him in the same light. He was no longer the man whom she could trust, he was almost a stranger to her because the Jonathan she loved wouldn’t have cheated on her.
“Where were you Liza?” Jonathan asked. “Somewhere” was all she said. “It’s not an answer Liza. I saw that man you came with. Who is he?” Jonathan spat. Liza’s eyes grew cold and her face hardened “It is none of your business Jonathan. You have no right to ask me about anyone or anything.” Liza said “It is my business Liza, I am still your husband and I have every right to ask where my wife was” Jonathan stated, his eyes were blazing “You are no husband of mine. I have already signed the divorce papers and now you are just a stranger for me. I am going to my room, don’t bother calling me for anything because I won’t answer you.” Liza said and left.
Jonathan stood there controlling his urge to break something and holding himself back from going after Liza. He plopped down on the couch with his head between his hands. He asked himself again and again that why he couldn’t do anything right when it came to Liza. He had messed up once again and let his jealousy get better of him.