Always

"Are you okay?” Andrew asked.
“At first I didn’t get it. He claimed to love me and then suddenly he married her.”
“You don’t seem over it, Gemma.”
“He was my first crush.”
“Crush not love?”
“I don’t love him anymore.”
“Why?”
“He’s not worthy of my love. He only cares about money and power.”
“You do finally get it.”
“Are you still his friend, Andrew?”
“I was never his friend, only yours Gemma.”
“You were, weren’t you?”
“Always.” 
“I realized she’s perfect for him... cold, unfeeling and distant. He’s getting what he deserves.”
“And what do you deserve? Don’t you deserve happiness?”
“I guess so.”
“Then you only have to reach for it.”
“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” I asked.
“I love you Gemma, but I’m willing to wait until you’re ready. We’ve been here before in other lifetimes and what you have to know is my love is like a harbour a place of safety and retreat but you can leave any time you want and I’ll still be your friend and loyal companion for eternity.”
“I don’t get it why me? Why don’t you ever give up?”
“You are worth a thousand lifetimes of friendship. Some lifetime you’ll choose me.”
“I choose you.”
“Do you mean it Gemma?”
“I love you, only you, forever more.”
“Now we can get it right and our love can last this lifetime and hopefully beyond,” Andrew replied.

I just smiled and melted into his arms happy at last.
©Sheilagh Lee June 23, 2017