After a few minutes, I said, “So you are hitting on me.”

“Did it work? Of course, if you happen to be seeing anyone–”

“I’m single. Verrry single. It worked.”

“I’d kiss you, but there are cameras everywhere these days. Not tryna get your name dragged through the mud.”

“What about yours, Mara?”

“Eh, with a scandal like that, I could blow it up so much they’d have to take me out of the running. But it’s you, so we’re not gonna do that.”

“Aw, that’s sweet of you.”

He smiled at me. “Let’s meet up somewhere else after tonight. When do you get off work?”

“Usually at seven, and I’m off most weekends.”

“Why don’t we…I don’t know, take a walk at one of the parks around here? One of the more private ones?”

“Sounds like fun,” I told him. “It’s a date.”

“It’s a date.” He sighed, long and weary. “I’d better get back in there, and I can’t steal you away from your job for too long. Catch ya later, Jiyuru.”

“Mhm. See ya.”

I waited a bit after he left, then headed inside.

“Nice break?” my boss asked, smirking.

I rolled my eyes. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

~.~

Lying in bed, I was contemplating texting Mara, but he texted first.

“Hey, we never set a date. Is two days from now ok?”

Yeah, perfect. See you then.

“See you. And good night! <3”

You too 

After a second of thinking about it, I sent a heart emoji. I still loved him, no doubt.

I was just worried how far he was willing to take it…if it went far at all.

~.~

The next day, I slept in for a bit, and when Kailee came back, I sat her down in the kitchen so we could talk.

“What’s up?” she asked, confused.

“You remember Marcus, right?”

“Yeah, of course I do. He was pretty cool, but then he was just gone. Why bring him up?”

“Well, he’s back, and…I’m going out with him tomorrow.”

She seemed shocked. “You’re…going out with him?”

“Yeah, that’s what I said.”

“Aren’t you worried he’s gonna break your heart again?” Tears sprung up in her eyes.

I took her hand. “Hey, I’m a lot stronger now than I was back then. And if he breaks my heart this time around, at least I have closure.”

~.~

<Jiyuru’s Journal>

A second chance…that’s what this feels like. Maybe I’m getting too hopeful, but it’s like we get a fresh start. He didn’t have control over his situation back then, but a lot of things are different now! Maybe….we might have a chance?