My Teddy

36-

{Jordan}

The feeling I get when I see her is indescribable.

The minute her eyes connect with mine, it's as if we're right back in high school.

It's like a distant dream.

It all clicks.

The feelings I had for her never went away, I buried them.

But now, I...I just want to cry.

She looks tired.

Worn out.

There is no light in her eyes. The gleam is gone.

I now get what Gabby was saying.

It feels as if time has stopped completely as she slowly looks away, her gaze returning to the ceiling.

Nothing.

My heart drops.

She feels nothing, I know she does.

I watch, my mouth cotton dry, as she slowly rubs the baby's back.

Oh my God, I love babies.

Is that her baby?

I dismiss the thought immediately but my mind wanders.

I can't speak, I am unbearably nervous.

So I just stare.

I stare and I try not to cry.

I don't think it works though because Gabby nudges me.

I clear my throat.

"So..."
Jacob claps his hands together, the sound ringing around the awkwardly silent room.

My eyes snap back over to him.

God, he looks different. He looks like a bouncer at a club.

Who would have thought the string bean would get muscles?

"Why don't you sit down? Tell us about what you've been up to?"
He offers quietly.

I bite my lip, glancing at Brook again.

She's scowling.

I sigh, awkwardly sitting down in one of the chairs next to the couch.

She sits up immediately, her hair falling out of its ponytail.

My breath catches.

Oh man, her hair is as long as ever.

...She's as beautiful as ever.

Gabby grimaces, sending me a apologetic smile as she plops down on the couch.

I scratch my cheek.

"Well uh...I uh. I just graduated from college."
I say quietly, fidgeting with my fingers.

"Oh, that's cool. Where did you go?"
Jacob asks curiously, glancing at Brook nervously.

It isn't working.

None of this is working.

My throat closes up.

"Texas Christian University."
I respond, my eyes snapping over as the baby suddenly comes to life, his eyes popping open.

"Bee!"
He cries sleepily, squirming around.

Brooklyn wordlessly stands up and walks out.

As soon as she turns the corner, I crumble.