Change My Ways

“Please stop apologizing.” Jackson laughs at me, as I drive him to the airport.

It’s been a week since Thanksgiving. I told Jackson what happened between me and Zach. I would feel worse right now, if I hadn’t. I already feel bad enough, as it is. I feel like I let Jackson down, although I knew somewhere deep down that it wouldn’t work out between us. I feel like I’ve been leading him on this whole time. He says he understands, he didn’t expect me to stick around forever. He knew he would be going back to Orange Beach, and it wouldn’t last, even if we had started dating. This feels like high school all over again…

“It’s almost like we’re breaking up for the second time.”

“We’d have to be dating, in order to be breaking up right now. Please… stop beating yourself up over this. There are plenty of women in this world, and you know, as well as anyone, how charming I can be.”

“You are pretty charming… and very handsome. Any girl would be lucky to have you.” I smile at him.

“You’re damn right.”

“Why do you have to ruin a good moment with your ego?” I laugh.

“I just can’t help myself.” He laughs with me. We arrive at the airport, and I help him get his things out of my car.

“So I guess this is goodbye…”

“It doesn’t have to be goodbye forever. Just goodbye for now. We can still keep in touch, but only if you want to. It’s nice to have you back in my life, even just as a friend.”

“Of course I’ll keep in touch.” I wrap him in a hug. As we pull away, he kisses my forehead.

“I’m proud of you Elody. You’ve always been so strong. You have always known what you want, and have never been afraid to go after it. Zach is going to be lucky to have you back in his life.” He smiles. “Thanks for letting me stay with you, while I was here. I had a great time. I’ll let you know as soon as I get home.”

“Please do. I’ll be waiting for a call or a text.” I smile.

“I’ll see you again sometime.” He starts to walk away, and I wave him goodbye.

“Bye, Jackson.”

--

On my way home, I can’t stop thinking about Zach. We haven’t really talked much in this past week, he knew that Jackson was still in town, and was trying to give me my space. He told me to let him know when I’d made a decision, but if he didn’t hear from me, he’d understand that I’d made my choice. As hard as it was for me to let Jackson go, again, I loved Zach more.

Instead of going home, I decide to go by Zach’s instead. I really can’t wait to tell him my decision. Hopefully he isn’t having second thoughts by now. I pull up in the drive way, only to realize, that his car is not home. He must be out somewhere. I dial his number, but get no answer. I decide to dial Val, and see if she knows where he is.

“Hey, Elody!” She answers the phone. “What’s up, girl?”

“I just dropped Jackson off at the airport. I was going to talk to Zach, but he isn’t home. Do you know where he might be?”

“Of course! The band went to rehearse for a few hours. He’ll be by here after, though. I told them that I’d have them all over for lunch afterward. You’re more than welcome to come.”

“That would explain why he didn’t answer the phone, then. I’d love to, but I don’t want to impose.”

“Impose? Are you kidding? I love having you over, especially since it means I’m not the only girl at the party.” She laughs. “Come on over right now, if you want!”

“Sounds great. I’ll see you soon.” I hang up, and drive to her house. She already has the door open, before I’m out of my car. “Are you psychic or something?” I laugh at her.

“No.” She laughs. “I was watching for you.”

“What a creep.” I tease.

“Oh hush.” She laughs again. “So what are you gonna talk to Zach about?” She asks. Before I can answer, she’s speaking again. “Oh. I’m sorry! I’m being nosey!”

“Val, c’mon, you know I was going to tell you.” I laugh. “He told me I had to decide between him or Jackson, and I’ve made my decision.” I smile, proudly.

“Wait, when did you guys talk?”

“Oh. I forgot, you don’t know about Thanksgiving…”

“What about Thanksgiving? What happened? Tell me everything.” She says, as we take a seat in the living room.

“When I went outside for some air, he followed me. He said he was sorry for everything, for being awful. He wanted me to give him another chance.”

“Oooh. That’s good, right?”

“Of course, otherwise I wouldn’t be here right now, silly.”

“Right. That’s true.”

“I told him I’d forgive him. He knew I’d been sleeping with Jackson. He was going to just walk away, but I didn’t let him. Next thing I know we’re having sex…”

“What?! You had sex with him?! Please tell me you guys didn’t do it on my patio table…” She says, causing me to laugh.

“We didn’t. He had me up against the back of the house.”

“You guys must’ve been quiet, in order for none of to know what was going on.”

“We were.” I smirk.

“You’re terrible.” She laughs.

“I know… Anyway… After we had sex, he told me that he would leave me to make a choice, either him or Jackson.”

“And you chose Zach. Awwww…”

“I liked Jackson, but it would never have worked, anyway. My heart was still set on Zach, still is. I think I may have fallen for him, as hard as that might be to believe.”

“Love works in mysterious ways.” She smiles.

“You make me feel like I’m talking to a therapist, saying things like that.” I laugh.

“That’s me. Therapist Valerie, at your service.” We laugh. “I’m so glad you chose to be with Zach. You’re so cute together. Brian never really was right for you. You’re so sweet, and innocent, he’s more of a bad boy. But Zach, he’s really got a sweet spot for you, I can tell. He’s a much better match. And he deserves someone like you in his life, after what he has been put through.”

“I’m glad you think so highly of me, but I don’t know about innocent…” I laugh. We continue to talk, until the guys arrive back home.

“Hey, baby.” Matt greets Val with a kiss, as they all come into the living room.

“Hey, honey. How was rehearsal?”

“Wonderful, as usual. Hey, Elody.” He smiles at me.

“Hey.” I say to him. Of course, Jimmy comes over, and greets me with a hug. He’s such a big teddy bear. Brian smiles and says hi, along with Johnny. But the one person I want to see, I don’t see in the room. “Where’s Zach?” I ask.

“Umm… He was right…”

“I’m right here.” He says, entering the room. As he spots me, he softly smiles at me. I get up, and walk over to him. Without hesitation, I grab him, and kiss him deeply. Of course, this earns cat calls from the group. I flip them off, as I continue to the kiss. I pull away, my hands still on either side of his face.

“I made my choice.” I smile at him. “I want to be with you, Zach. It’s been you this whole time. I don’t want anyone else.” A smile creeps across his face, lighting up those beautiful green eyes.

“I love you.” He says, simply.

“I love you, too.” I say. He picks me up, and kisses me again. The group cheers us on, as my life finally falls into place.

Notes