The Dating Chronicles – The Reason

The Dating Chronicles

The Reason

Tony’s mind wandered as he stared out the window of the airplane.  He had waited a long time to settle an old score and he was looking forward to it.  He was on the way to his class reunion after learning Laura would be there.  

Twelve years ago, he stood in his college dorm on the eve of his graduation re-reading her letter for the tenth time that day.  They had been engaged, and he had given her a ring, which was attached to the envelope.  In the letter, she informed him she was leaving school to marry another man.

 He never spoke to her again and he had tried his best to forget her, but the pain took up residence in his heart.  Subconsciously, a wall was created that allowed no other woman in.  He had never married or even considered it, and now he was going back to the place of his youth, for a reason he couldn’t explain.

Perhaps, it was a desire to see her and to make her see through the evidence of his magnificent presence, the mistake she made in leaving him.  He was a prominent attorney in his field and no longer the shy thin boy with his head in a book, who asked permission to kiss a girl.  He was now a man of great accomplishment with the muscles of a prizefighter and a much sought-after bachelor.  As his thoughts bandied about, he realized he had been living and breathing for the day to flaunt his success and new persona to the never-forgotten Laura.

Suddenly, as his thoughts flooded with the pain of a bygone day, he felt foolish that he had allowed an old wound to master his existence all these years.  He realized that he had not forgiven her and he felt ashamed.  He thought of all the women who had passed through his life and how they had paid dearly for Laura’s act over and over again.  Tears fell from his eyes, as he realized how lonely he was and how much he’d lost from being bitter.  At last, the desire for revenge left him, as he stared out at the clouds.  He began to look forward to the reunion for a different reason now.  He would renew old acquaintances, and reflect on the good times.   He closed his eyes and for the first time in years, Laura’s face was gone.