Rekindled

I had just finished school. I was living with my parents since my divorce. I needed to end my current relationship with Jake but I did not know how. It was memorial weekend and my favorite band was playing at the pier; sounds like a perfect time for a girls night out.



While I was out that night, I ran into John. He and his wife are now divorced. We talked about what we were going to do with the next stages of our lives. Since we will always be friends, we decided that we would take one chance to give me the child I wanted before my thirtieth birthday. With that, we left the bar. For the next three weeks, I searched my soul for the right way to end my relationship with Jake.

Who knew a onetime thing could lead to my dreams come true?

It was Jake's birthday and he was due to pick me up around noon but I was sick as a dog. A quick check of the calendar revealed there was cause for suspicion. A walk to the drug store and a quick test confirmed the blessing that was about to be. I attended Jake's birthday celebration. Then I cleaned my belongings out of his house the next day while he was at work. I left him a note with my key in the mailbox. I know, I know cruel and heartless but I still do not know how I could have broken his heart face to face.



This summer was so busy, I hadn't had a chance to give my parents the good news until my psychic future landlord spilled the beans when I went with my mom to look at my first apartment on my own.



I moved into my apartment with help from family. Taking care of myself and my son-on-the-way. I have big plans for us, after everything I've been through I don't need a man to be happy. I can count on one hand the only men (and boys) I have trusted.

I was standing on the street corner, five months pregnant, leaning on the bus stop sign on my way to work.

That man honked his horn as he drove by.

Oh my God, he is stopping and turning around. Who could it be?

The car slowed down on the other side of the street.

“Where are you going?” Josh asked.

I haven’t seen Josh in about nine years. “I am going to work, at McDonald’s”

“Get in; I’ll give you a ride.”

I got in the car. “So how is the wife and kids?”

“I am getting divorced, Scarlett left in January. Now I am taking care of my six-year-old daughter on my own. How have you been doing?”

“I have also been divorced. I decided that I am done with men. I am six months pregnant. I think I am having a son but do not want to know for sure until he or she is born. I just moved into my own place and I am very happy on my own.”

“I am also done with relationships and marriage. I have to concentrate on my kids. Let’s exchange numbers so we can catch up.”



The next morning, I picked up the receiver on my phone and dialed the number of my high school sweetheart Josh.

“Hey Josh,” I started, “let’s meet somewhere for coffee so we can catch up.”

“Can I pick you up tonight about six and bring you to my place for coffee? I have a few appointments with my daughter this afternoon.”

“Sure, I will see you about six then.”

When I arrived at his place, I learned that he shared an apartment with his brother and future sister-in-law. Another of his brothers was there; it was a welcome reunion.

We had a great time that evening. I didn’t want it to end. When I told him it was time to take me home, he decided to steal a kiss.

Twelve years after our first relationship ends, he picks me up on the street corner and our love is renewed. Today we've been back together for almost twelve years. Tomorrow is our ninth year of marriage. Our oldest is almost eighteen and has run away once. Our youngest just turned six and has the strongest sense of independence I've seen in a long time. When she graduates high school, my soul mate and I will travel the United States in a deluxe camper and somewhere along the way, we will go on an Alaskan cruise in time to see the northern lights.