Chapter 48 When The Past Says Your Name
"Amanda!" Wilson said.
Amanda's eyes widened in surprise. "It's really you"
Wilson nodded. His smile seemed out of place, considering their past. The awkwardness hung in the air as the cashier processed the payment and Amanda couldn't hide her shock.
Once the transaction was completed, Amanda murmured a soft "Thank you," barely meeting Wilson's eyes. She didn't know what to make of this encounter or how to react to his sudden appearance.
Wilson smiled warmly and nodded. "You're welcome, Amanda. It's been a while."
"Yeah, a long while." Amanda let out a fake chuckle. "How have you been?"
Wilson scoffed, "still hurting"
Amanda sighed. "Don't do that Wilson. It is…" she was interrupted.
"You left," Wilson yelled softly. He didn't want people in the mall to hear them.
"I left you a note," Amanda whispered.
"Does that make sense to you? Who breaks up with a note that says do not look for me?" Wilson yelled.
Wilson looked around. There were few eyes on them and he realized they were already getting people's attention. "Come with me" he said, carefully pulling Amanda with him.
When they got outside, silence took over and they both stared at each other, waiting for who to speak first.
"See Wilson, I am sorry for how things ended with us. I had no choice but to let go" Amanda broke the silence.
"Why?" Wilson asked. "Because I cheated? It was just a kiss, Amanda"
"Just a kiss?" Amanda snapped.
"I apologized." Wilson exclaimed.
"And you think that was going to put things back in place? Amanda yelled.
"No! I didn't think that and you know it. I was remorseful, I was ready to do anything for you to forgive me." Wilson lamented.
"You were distant." Amanda continued. "It felt like we were done.
"You asked for it. You said you needed time to get over it." Wilson retorted.
"I asked for time, not space. You kissed my colleague." Amanda snapped.
"It was a mistake," Wills yelled. He sighed in frustration before he continued. "Amanda, you know how much you meant to me. I would never have hurt you intentionally. I was drunk and I swear, the girl forced herself on me. It was really difficult fighting her off considering the fact that I was drunk."
He placed his hand on Amanda's shoulder. "I hurt you, yes I know that. But I was sorry and I am still sorry that happened."
"Wilson, listen. I have forgiven you a long time ago. I just needed time to trust you again." Amanda explained.
"But you broke up with me." Wilson exclaimed. "You couldn't even say it to my face. You dropped a note that said I should never look for you and you disappeared. I looked for you everywhere but you were nowhere to be found, so was Mabel."
"I see," Amanda said softly. "That was not why I left though. I had to do the right thing."
"Why did you leave then? Wilson asked
"Something came up," Amanda responded.
"Something you couldn't tell me but required that you break up with me? He questioned.
Amanda sighed. " It's complicated."
"Complicated? Amanda, was it because I was broke?" Wilson asked.
"Come on, you can't say that. You have been broke since I met you and we dated for 3 years. If I wanted to leave because you had no money, I would have done that at the beginning while I was still in school. I needed money and a rich boyfriend would have done it for me."
"But you love me," Wilson said.
"Yes, I did. I loved you" Amanda smiled. She knew Wilson set a trap for her. He wanted her to say she still loves him. "I saw what you did there," Amanda said softly.
Wilson smiled. "Smart ass." Amanda chuckled. "So how has life been treating you?" He asked.
"I've survived till this moment." She responded. "And you?"
"Life has had its ups and downs, like usual," Wilson replied, his gaze softening. As you can see I made it."
"Yeah, you did. And you saved my life back in there" Amanda said, smiling.
Wilson rolled his eyes. "Well, I saw you struggling with your card, and I thought I should help. We may not be a couple anymore but that doesn't mean we can't be civil."
"Shut up, man. You are not getting a medal for doing that" Amanda teased.
"But I can get your number," Wilson responded, grinning.
Amanda paused for a moment. "You haven't changed a bit, have you? She asked.
"Neither have you. Except you got hotter. Where is the 18 year old girl I dated? Where did all these curves come from?" Wilson teased?
His words cracked Amanda up and she had a good time laughing hard. "Wilson, stop it." She said, still smiling.
"You don't look married so you should have my number so we can talk better" Wilson said, giving his phone to Amanda so she could add her number.
Amanda hesitated before she added the number. Wilson called immediately and her phone rang. "Here we go," Amanda said, showing him her phone.
"Good." Wilson glanced at the bag of gifts. "Visiting someone special, I see?"
Amanda hesitated, not wanting to disclose her connection with Rowan. "Just some friends," she answered vaguely. "And you?"
"What?" Wilson asked.
"That!" Amanda pointed to the flowers in his hand.
"Oh, yeah, it's for my mom." He replied.
"I see you have settled." Amanda said, expecting him to prove her right.
"The prodigal son has gone back home." Wilson said.
"Cool" Amanda nodded.
As the silence settled between them again, Amanda realized that the encounter with her ex-boyfriend had been a surprising turn of events. The thoughts of their time together rushed through her mind and she considered the thought of them being together again.
"That's not possible. I'm in love with Rowan now" she thought.
"But what if he doesn't ask me out and does not want to date me?" She questioned her thought.
"Then you can always go back to Wilson. He has your number now. He wants to talk." Her subconscious spoke to her.
"No way that is happening. He is now my past" she argued with her thoughts"
After a moment, Amanda decided it was best to keep the conversation short and sweet. "Well, thank you again for your help. It's good to see you, Wilson."
Wilson nodded, his smile still warm. "You too, Amanda. He said "Do you need me to give you a ride?"
"No, my drive will be here in a minute" She responded.
Wilson smiled. "Take care then and enjoy your visit with your friends."
"Sure," she responded.
"And please, pick up when I call." He added before walking away.
As he was walking to his car, a young man called out to him from the driveway. "Mr. Xi!"
Amanda was shocked. "Xi?"