Chapter 242:
Miles’ Resolve
Megan’s Point of View:
The art studio became temporary refuge from the situation, an outlet for things unsaid and things unresolved. But the moment colors in the studio started turning dark and the last hues had dried up on the canvas, I knew the real test of Miles’ will had just begun. The man was sincere in his appreciation towards Miles’ reconciliation, but trust wouldn’t be rebuilt in one night.
I had returned from the studio session with a lot on my mind from the weight of conversations. The studio, in itself, just opened up a platform for dialogue and expression, but outside its walls were real-life challenges that awaited us.
I walked in my front door, and my phone buzzed with a text message from Chris. It was one of those really rare quiet moments, and I could use some grounding. Chris had been like a rock through this tumultuous time. His presence seemed to steady me.
“Hey, Megan. Just checking in. How was the studio session with Miles? Hope you’re doing okay.”
I smiled as I read his text. I felt overwhelmed with thankfulness from his encouragement. I hastily replied, “Hey Chris, it’s been intense but productive. Miles is really trying to make things right. It’s a process but we’re getting there. I appreciate your concern.”
I put down my phone and lay back on the bed to process what had happened today. Miles showed up at the studio with a mix of nerves and determination etched on his face. He wanted to atone for his sins, and words would not do enough in repairing the hurt caused.
Miles’ POV:
The studio had been some kind of breakthrough, but it was only the tip of the iceberg. Speaking earlier with Megan had been quite emotionally draining, not to mention the fact that I knew she was highly skeptical. At this point, I really did have to prove serious commitment to change-not just for her but also for me.
I thought back on my way home about how things went. That little argument with Megan had really pushed my patience, and to get her trust back, I needed to reassure her that I was ready to do the work.
My phone buzzed with a text from Chris. Now, that was a surprise. He and I hadn’t been speaking much for a while, and to be honest, I didn’t know any real feelings about where he and I stood with each other.
“Hey Miles, just checking in. How’s everything going with Megan? I hope she’s starting to settle things down.”
I took a moment to think before responding. “Hey Chris. It’s a work in progress. I’m trying to do better, but I know it’s going to take time. Thanks for reaching out.”
I felt like Chris had been behind Megan, and I valued his interest. It reminded me that, although this journey often felt like one that I was alone in, that wasn’t really the case.
The Next Day
I went to Megan’s gym. She had been avoiding my calls and texts; I needed to see her in person, to let her really know just how serious I was about getting back in her good books. I pushed through the doors of the gym; the sound of punching bags greeted me with a cadenced thud of gloves hitting targets.
“Miles?” Megan’s voice came, astonished. “What are you doing here?
“I needed to talk,” I said, trying to make my voice as firm as possible. “In person. I know words aren’t going to be enough, but I need you to see in my face that I’m serious about making things right.”
Megan swiped at the sweat on her forehead and jerked her chin toward the corner of the gym. “Alright. Let’s talk.”
We sat down at a bench, and in the background, the gym hummed away beeping out a steady rhythm. In Megan’s gaze, curiosity mixed warily.
“So, what’s your plan?” she asked, crossing her arms. “You are here, but what do you plan on doing to prove yourself?
I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. “I have been thinking hard about the whole incident. I know I made a mistake by disappearing, and I want to reassure you that I am here, for good.”
Megan raised an eyebrow. “Exactly how do you plan on doing that?”
“I am trying to be more open and honest,” I told her. “I started counseling. I want to work through my own garbage so that I might understand why I acted the way I did, so next time, I could do things differently.”
Megan’s expression softened a little. “That is a start. It is not about talking, though. It’s about actions.
“I know,” I said, looking at her with a really serious expression. “I will do whatever it takes to make things right again. I stand by you, no matter what happens. And if there is something specific that I might do in this business for you, you’ll let me know, okay?”
Slowly, Megan nodded. “It is going to take some time for me to learn to trust you once more, but if you are committed to this, then we will get through it.”
I heaved such a big sigh of relief when she replied, “Thanks, Megan. I appreciate the chance you’re giving me.”
Later That Day
Leaving the gym, I couldn’t help but feel this was just the tip of the iceberg of what was going to be a very, very long process. I met with Chris later. Maybe talking the situation over with him would shed some more light on things.
I came into Chris’s apartment, and he greeted me with a friendly smile. “Hey, Miles. How’s it going?”
“Hey, Chris,” I flopped down on the couch. “It’s really been a crap day. Just had a conversation with Megan at the gym.”
Chris nodded encouragingly. “How did it go?”
“It went well,” I answered, running my hand through my hair. “She is willing to work on things with me but at the same time still very cautious. I need to prove this time that I am serious about changing.”
Chris was forward, his eyes locked on mine. “Sounds like you’re on the right path. Good that you’re doing your own things. That’s the key.”
“I hope so,” I said, “I know it won’t be easy, but I am determined to set things right.”
Chris smiled reassuringly. “Keep working on it. It is easy to talk; what matters are the actions showing that you mean it. That counts for a lot.”
Evening Reflections
On my way home, thoughts of what happened today just kept playing. Refreshed will to make things right and build back lost trust couldn’t help but start popping out. Now it was more than glaringly obvious that Megan did have reason enough to be skeptical, and that I really did have to prove to her this time; the resolve was for real.
I was quick enough to fire off a text to her, just to keep the lines open. “Thanks for talking earlier. I am committed to make things right, and I’m here whenever you need me.”
I put my phone away and lay down, feeling hopeful but at the same time so uncertain. The road of redemption was going to be bumpy, but it was time to take what lay ahead.
Megan’s P. O. V.:
That night, when the text came from Miles, hope reared its first head. It wasn’t big, but it was something. I also knew rebuilding trust wasn’t going to happen in giant leaps. I felt deep inside that I had to give Miles the opportunity to redeem himself.