Chapter 228:
Miles’ Redemption
Chris’s Point of View
Chris pushed open the crowded cafe door, then adjusted his jacket collar. It was one of those trendy cafes with exposed brick and an array of potted plants-all about the ambiance, alongside the serious pursuit of coffee. He had agreed to meet Miles here, in that neutral ground for what he hoped was going to be an open conversation.
The cafeteria was abuzz with lunchtime activity, and Chris nodded at Miles sitting at a corner table, somewhat out of place with the hipster trimmings. Miles was sipping a cup of coffee. His face tightened up in anxiety and will. Chris inhaled deeply and strode over.
“Miles,” Chris greeted, trying to keep his voice low. “Thanks for meeting me.”.
Miles’s eyes rose, a mix of relief and apprehension crossing his face. “Chris. I wasn’t sure you’d come.”
“Stood to reason I should,” Chris said, slipping into the chair across from him. “What’s this about? You said you wanted to talk.
Miles took a deep breath, setting his coffee cup down. “I know I’ve been gone from Megan’s life, and yours, too much. Lately, though, I have been thinking about everything I did and how I handled everything.”
Chris turned to regard him, raising one eyebrow. “You disappeared without a word. Megan’s been left picking up the pieces.
“I know,” Miles rubbed the back of his neck. “And I’m sorry. I’m here to try and make amends. I know it won’t be easy, but I need to at least try.”
Chris studied him searching for sincerity. “So, what changed? Why now?”
Miles’s gaze fell at the tabletop. “Just had some time to think. I realized that running from problems only makes things get worse. I needed to face what I’d done and own up to it.”
Chris nodded very slowly. “Alright. If you’re serious about this, then tell me what you plan to do. Megan has been through a lot.”
“I know that, ” Miles said from the bottom of his heart. “I need to be a part of her life again, but this time, I’ll do things right. For once, I want to prove to her, for my sake too, that I’m serious.
Chris nodded, eyes locking on the floor reflectively as he shifted in his seat. “You’ve got a lot to make up for, and it’s not just a word, sorry. You have to prove it.”
“Y-yes,” stammered Miles. “That’s the reason why I’m here-to be able to do just that. I’d like to start talking with Megan; no hiding, no more excuses.”
“Good,” Chris said. “But remember, actions speak louder than words. If you’re serious, you need to be prepared to put in the effort.”
“I am,” Miles said, determination clear in his tone. “I’ve realized that I can’t just run away from my responsibilities; I want to face them head-on.”
The atmosphere of the cafe seemed to fade away as they spoke, leaving Chris and Miles in an extremely focused cocoon. The discussion was a long way from being over, but clarity for all this was starting to emerge.
Megan’s Point of View
The same afternoon, Megan strode into the cafe. Curiosity mixed with a bit of apprehension as to what kind of talk Miles wanted to have, and Megan had no clue what to expect. She caught sight of Chris and Miles seated at a corner table; their conversation was full-on.
Megan made her way over to them, her feet hesitant. “Hey, Chris. Miles.”
Chris looked up and nodded reassuringly at her. “Megan, glad you could make it.
“Thanks for coming,” Miles said, standing as she did. “I appreciate it.”
Megan sat down and turned from Chris to Miles. “So, what is this about?”
Miles coughed and seemed nervous again. “Megan, I know there is just so much I need to explain to you. I have been thinking a lot about my actions and how they affected you.”
Crossing her arms over her chest, Megan defensively positioned herself. “It’s been a while, Miles. What makes you think now is the right time to talk?”
Miles’s tender, credulous gaze never left hers. “All this time I have had to think, reflect. I know it was wrong to disappear and never face my responsibilities. I want to do things right, but I know that’s going to take time.”.
Megan’s expression did soften, but it still held that dose of skepticism. “Time doesn’t erase what happened. You left without a word. It wasn’t about the past months; it is about the broken trust.”.
“I know that,” Miles said sturdily. “I’m not here to make any excuses. Want to begin by just being upfront and honest with you. I’ve come to realize I need to take responsibility for my mistakes, and actually try to repair what I have let slip.”
Chris watched the exchange with a reflective expression. “Miles has been pretty upfront about making things right with me. That’s a start, but it’s totally in your hands, Megan, if you will let him do that.”
Megan took a deep breath; their eyes met Chris’s. “I appreciate your trying, Miles. But it’s actions that talk louder than words. What are you ready to do in order to show that you mean business in setting things right?
Miles nodded, his face set. “I’ll do anything. I just want to prove to you that I’m here to stay, that I’m serious about being present and making things right. I want to be a part of your life again, but I get it if you need some time to learn to trust me again.”.
Megan eyed him for a moment, contemplating fully. “It’s going to take a little more than just saying the right things. If being part of my life is what you really want, then you have to be consistent and actually prove that you really are committed.”
“I see,” responded Miles with all sincerity. “I’m in for the work. It’s not going to be easy, but I’m ready to try.”.
Megan still wore her guarded expression, but a glint of hope played in her eyes. “Okay, Miles, I’ll let you have another go at it, but remember, the ball is in your court now. I need to see that you mean business about this.”
Miles nodded, the look of relief etched on his face. “Thanks, Megan. I shall not disappoint you.”.
As the night went on, conversation lightened, and Miles began to open up about his thoughts and feelings. Megan listened with gradual relaxation of her body language at the flicker of sincerity that she saw in Miles’ words.
Chris’s Point of View
As the meeting summed up, Chris surveyed the interaction between Megan and Miles. He witnessed a certain amount of tension there but an undercurrent of budding understanding as well. On the positive side, Miles was really making a plethora of efforts to set things right; similarly, Megan’s willingness to listen boded well for their future.
“Thanks for being open to this, Megan,” Chris said as they left the cafe together. “It’s not going to be easy, but it’s a start.”
“I know,” Megan replied, her voice reflective as she walked along with Chris. “It’s hard to just forget everything that’s happened. But I’m willing to give it a shot.”
Chris nodded in agreement. “That’s all any of us can do. It’s up to Miles now to show that he really does intend to mend his ways.”
“Yeah,” Megan said, with an edge of determination in her voice. “And I’ll be keeping a close eye on that.”
They parted ways, Chris feeling somewhat hopeful but still very careful.