the way i loved you.

chapter twenty three - hapiness

"there'll be happiness after you, but there was happiness because of you."
- taylor swift

The mystery man returned to the library, determined.

He approaches me with a friendly smile. "Hey, I realized I don't even know your name. I'm Jackson."

i smile. "Astoria. Nice to officially meet you."

"So, Astoria, how about that coffee date? I promise it'll be worth your while." Jackson insisted.

i grinned at him, flattered he's trying so hard. "Jackson, I appreciate the persistence, but I'm still not interested in dating."

"Alright, alright. But you know, my mom always said I had the charm of a stubborn mule. Guess I'm living up to that." Jackson laughs and i laugh with him.

"Well, it's a unique approach, I'll give you that."

Jackson winks at me. "See, I knew I'd make you smile. Maybe one day you'll change your mind about that coffee."

"Maybe, Jackson. We'll see." i said playfully

As Jackson walks away, i couldn't help but appreciate his sense of humor. While i'm not ready to dive into the dating scene just yet, Jackson's lighthearted approach has certainly brightened my day.

I sat alone in the library, surrounded by the familiar scent of books and the soft murmur of pages turning. My mind, however, was caught in a whirlwind of thoughts, each one a reflection of my recent journey.

As I traced my fingers along the spines of the books on the shelf, a realization dawned on me. "If I could find happiness before Jason," I thought to herself, "then I can find it after him too."

The library, once a backdrop for shared moments with Jason, now became a space for introspection and self-discovery. I felt a subtle shift within, a recognition of my own resilience.

I pondered the books around me-stories of triumph, resilience, and personal growth. I understood that life was a series of chapters, and though the Jason chapter held its own significance, it was just one part of my story.

With newfound determination, I decided to turn the page, ready to embrace the unwritten chapters ahead. The library, with its silent wisdom, seemed to encourage me to explore the uncharted territories of my own happiness.

The next day, Jackson returns to the library with his trademark sense of humor.

"Astoria, did you hear about the library that burned down?" He begins.

"No, what happened?" i ask curiously.

"They lost their whole collection, but you know what the worst part was?" he looked at me like he was holding in his laugh.

I was waiting for the punchline. "What?"

"They had to book it!" Jackson says, laughing.

I laugh too. "Okay, you got me there. What's up?"

"Well, I was thinking maybe after your shift, we could grab a coffee. What do you say?" He asks me again.

"You're quite persistent, Jackson." I said smiling.

Jackson grinned. "What can I say? I'm a man of determination."

I actually considered it before deciding against it. "You're funny, Jackson, but I'm not quite ready for a date yet."

Jackson puts a hand over his heart in mock hurt. "Oh, come on! I promise, I won't tell any more library jokes."

"I appreciate the effort, but not today." i smile sadly at him.

"Alright, I'll keep trying. See you tomorrow, Astoria." He smiles at me.

As Jackson leaves, i couldn't help but smile at his resilience and humor. Despite declining, there's a part of me that finds his persistent charm intriguing.

I heard the library bell ding but i was too deep in my thoughts to look up.

"Hey, Astoria, what's going on? You seem a bit off." A voice said.

I looked up and saw that it was Tiana, I hesitating for a moment before deciding to confide in Tiana. "It's just... this guy, Jackson, has been asking me out, and he's a great guy, but a part of me still longs for Jason, a man i was, maybe still is, in love with. I'm not sure how to navigate this."

Tiana took a seat beside me, offering a supportive presence. "Love is complicated, Astoria. It's okay to feel conflicted, especially when someone new comes into your life. But remember, you deserve happiness. If Jason isn't part of that future, maybe exploring something with Jackson could be a step toward finding joy again."

I sighed, appreciating Tiana's perspective. "You're right. It's just hard to let go sometimes."

Tiana nodded, her eyes reflecting empathy. "Letting go doesn't mean forgetting. It means making space for new possibilities. Give yourself the chance to heal, and who knows what the future holds?"

I smiled gratefully, realizing the wisdom in Tiana's words. The library, witness to both heartache and solace, became a sanctuary where I found comfort in a friend's understanding.

Jackson entered the library with a hopeful smile, sensing a shift in the air. He approached me, who was immersed in my work, and cleared his throat to get my attention.

"Hey, Astoria," Jackson greeted, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I've been thinking, and I was wondering if you'd like to go out with me sometime. What do you say?"

I looked up, meeting his gaze with a soft smile. After a moment of contemplation, I decided to take a step forward. "Sure, Jackson. I'd like that."

Jackson's face lit up with joy as he extended his hand. "Great! How about dinner this weekend? I know a fantastic place in town."

I nodded, feeling a sense of optimism for the first time in a while. "Dinner sounds wonderful. I'm looking forward to it."

As we exchanged details for our upcoming date, the library, a backdrop to Astoria's journey of heartache and healing, witnessed a new chapter unfolding.

I stood in front of my mirror, taking a deep breath as I prepared for my date with Jackson. My room, once filled with memories of Jason, now held the promise of new beginnings. I chose a lovely dress, adorned myself with a touch of makeup, and contemplated the reflection before me.

"It's time," I whispered to myself, a determined glint in my eyes. The weight of the past seemed to lessen as I embraced the idea of moving on from Jason. The room, once a sanctuary of shared moments, now resonated with the potential of a fresh start.

I thought about the laughter I could share with Jackson, the untold stories awaiting discovery, and the possibility of a connection that could bring a new chapter into my life. With one last glance in the mirror, I smiled at the reflection looking back at me-a woman ready to step into the future with an open heart.

As I left her room, the anticipation of the evening ahead filled me with a sense of hope, and K closed the door, leaving behind the echoes of the past and embracing the chance to build something beautiful in the days to come.