Save Me Sir

For Hope

"She was beautiful in the quiet way that lonely, unnoticed people are beautiful to those who notice them."
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I texted Hope to meet me at an nearby cafe.

I was taking Zack up on his idea hopefully it worked. She walked in and smiled when she saw me. I stood up and embraced her in my arms.

She was surprised by my sudden action but nevertheless she hugged back.

"How are you ?" I folded my hands in front of me. I took in her appearance.

Tanned skin, beautiful brown eyes, model body.

She was beautiful.

But she wasn't Payton.

I realized what the eighteen year old me saw in her something that the twenty four year old me didn't.

"Miserable without you." She answered looking me in my eyes.

They weren't like Payton's. They didn't shine the same. They weren't the perfect brown shade like Payton's are.

"Why did you not want the baby, Hope?"

She grabbed my hand.

"I was young and scared. I didn't know what else to do. I had no one.

"Hope. You had me. You'll always have me. As a friend. I don't love you Hope. I never did. I care about you and I'm sorry for letting you go through that by yourself. "

She let go of my hand.

"It's Payton isn't it." I simply nodded .

"I'm sorry Ashton. I realize your in love and I tried to ruin it."

I stood. I grabbed her face and pressed my lips to her forehead.

"Bye Hope."

She slowly let go of my hand.

"Bye Ash."

I walked out the door. I felt a weight being lifted off my shoulder.

I drove home an stopped at Dan's and Nacy pizza shop.

I walked inside to see they were full of customers today.

Dan noticed me and walked over.

"Where's your lady?" I  rubbed the back of my neck.

"I'm not sure. I was just stopping by to ask you two a favor." Nacy approached and I gave her a hug.

"Anything." She smiled.

"I'm going to be going out of town for a few days and I wanted you guys to check on my house while I'm away."

Dan patted my back. "Sure son. Where you off too?"

A place I never thought I'd go back too.

"Jersey."