Like Before

Michell busied herself with random things as she waited. Nick was coming over to talk and she was anxious for his arrival. It had been years since they had hung out and things had changed, big things. She started pacing, waiting for the phone to ring and the minuets seemed to drag on forever.1

Nick had left five years ago when he moved to New York to live with his father. When he left, he decided that it would be better that they broke up and went their own way. That was right before Michell's senior year in high school. They went through so much and he let it all go when it was almost done.2

As Michell decided to sit down, her phone went off. She dived for it and looked at the call screen. "Nick" was what it said. She breathed in a sigh of relief and calmly answered her phone. "Hello?"3

"Hey Michell, it's Nick," Nicks voice came from the other end. "I'm almost there."4

"Okay. I'll meet you outside," she replied, excitement running through her.5

"See you in a few then," Nick answered and hung up.6

Michell stepped out and waited. When Nick pulled up she had to contain herself not to jump on him. Nick got out and it was like old times. 7

He looked the same for the most part; his beautiful dark brown hair was long and kept in a braid, his pretty green eyes were still hidden behind glasses and his beautiful, sculpted body was not visible through the baggy clothing he wore. Just like old times.8

Michell stood and waited and when Nick looked at her, he paused. Things may not have changed with him but, a lot had changed with her. She had dropped a lot of weight when she started swimming all the time. And with the weight loss and swimming, she gained muscle that replaced the loose skin and flab she once had. Her once short messy blond hair was now waist length and at that moment, down for all to see. Her bright blue eyes were no longer hidden with brown contacts.9

"Michell? Is that really you?" Nick asked once he stopped gawking at her.10

She grinned and nodded, "Yep, the one and only." 11

"Wow, you look great. What happened?"12

"I started swimming senior year and it actually took me through my three years of collage. Now, I teach kids how to swim at the Y during the summer," she leaned over and gave him a hug. "But I see you haven't changed. You look exactly the same as the day you left."13

Nick hugged her back. They stood there for a moment and the only thought that ran through Michells mind was 'Just like old times.'14

After their embrace ended, Nick smiled at her. "So, do I get to see the place or do I only get to see the outside?"15

Michell smiled and grabbed his hand and lead him into her home. Once inside, she gave a quick tour, purposely skipping the bedroom. Then they sat down in the living room and started chatting.16

Nick talked about New York and all that had happened while he was there. Michell talked about her job and what she had done besides the swimming since he was gone. Their conversation bounced back and forth for several hours. 17

"So, is there anyone in your life?" Michell asked.18

"Not for about a month now. I almost got married but, she left me at the alter. Classic bride leaves groom for another man type deal. What about you?"19

Michell shook her head, "Nope. Haven't really wanted to do the whole dating thing after my last boyfriend. He was a real jackass. After I left him, I decided that I wanted to be alone for a while."20

Nothing was said for a moment until Nick spoke very quietly, "I don't wanna hurt you, again."21

Michell looked up, "What do you mean?"22

"I mean that, I want there to be something between us again but, right now, I'm afraid I'd hurt you again."23

Michell just stared at him. This was confusing her and she had clue as to where this was going.24

Nick continued after Michell didn't say anything, "I still love you. I want us back, like we were years ago, before I ran off. I just don't wanna hurt you."25

"Nick, where is this coming from?" Michell asked when he was done.26

He sighed, "It's just sitting here, with you, talking about everything, has reminded me of when we were together. What we were like with each other."27

"Nick, nothing has happened. What brought this about?"28

"This," he stood and paced, "Being around you. Your smile and laugh. Talking with you. It reminded me of all that I lost when I said that I didn't want to be with you anymore. I ran because I was scared and I haven't had a single relationship come close to what we had. I just realized that I want to be with you but, right now, if we were, I would hurt you again and I don't want to do that. It's taking all my self control not to grab you and kiss you." He stopped right in front of her.29

Michell stood, "Nick, I too have been fighting that want, that need but," she took a deep breath, "But, my life doesn't work like this. I don't get my dreams and this, having you back, has been a dream of mine for the last five years."30

She hugged him and buried her face into his shoulder, "I'll wait till you're ready and I'll be your friend but, I don't expect things to go the way I want or even the way you say." She started to turn and Nick grabbed her back and hugged her from behind.31

"I don't think it's a good idea that we see each other just one on one right now. We can still hang out with the group. I hear you still show up to the get togethers. We'll see each other there but, that's it. I don't want to hurt you and I think I will if we see each other one on one again."32

Michell leaned back and rested her head on his shoulder. "I understand."33

Nick and Michell gave one last hug and he left. Michell only smiled and said to herself, "Just like old times."