I read this at Essence Magazine. I just want to share this story with you. All credits go to Essence Magazine. If you wanna make a copy of this, be sure to give the credits to Essence Magazine. [align=center][hr][/align] For The Last Time.. I saw you as you entered the restaurant. You went directly to a table with a reserved sign. I was waiting for a friend who was supposed to have a dinner with me. Obviously, she wasn’t in the establishment yet so there was no distraction (positive or negative) in watching you. You are still as you were –introspective. I can see that you are lost in your thoughts. I can read your expression – you are anxious. “Why?” I asked myself. You were obviously uneasy and a little tense. You keep looking at your watch, you are still not used in waiting. Your eyes are almost always on the door. I wonder who you were waiting for. Then she came in. The girl with bright eyes and a contagious smile. Your lips suddenly displayed a smile. Your eyes twinkled. Ah, you still have those qualities that I loved. You stood up and pulled her seat for her. Who said chivalry is dead? My gaze suddenly shifted to her. I saw that she equaled the excitement you exhibited. You said something that made her smile. In came your orders – you still love the same food. I looked at her again – she was chatting happily. You guys are really having a good time. God, where’s my friend? What’s taking her so long? I took out my phone and dialed her number. She wasn’t picking up. Maybe she’s driving. I continued watching you. Why do I feel a bit of sadness, a bit of jealousy and a lot of pain? I told myself that I’ll be ready for this, didn’t I? It’s been almost a year since we partied and I should be ready to see you. Now, why all these emotions? Suddenly, I saw her wiping her eyes. What did you just do? I looked at you. You were smiling. Your eyes are fixed on her. My gaze moved down and then I saw it – the little box you hold in your hands. She was crying tears of joy after all. She leaned over to give you a kiss, you gave her a hug. What a scene – what a sweet scene. I’m not too ready for this. I feel warm liquid on my cheeks. I can’t stand this. How can you find a replacement so easily? I have yet to get over you and here you are getting engaged! I can’t stop the tears. Where the hell is my friend? I need her here, now – ASAP! I didn’t want to look at you again, but I did. Stupid me! I saw her smiling this time – she is really beautiful. Despite my blurry vision, I can see that you look good together. You look very happy. I guess you have finally found the one who truly fills you. How did you put it? “The one that makes me feel whole.” It’s just sad it wasn’t me. I am simply not “the one”. I need to leave this place. It’s suffocating me. I want to burst. I just can’t handle this – at least not yet. The man I thought I’d spend the rest of my life with is getting married to someone else. I’m such a fool holding on to the glimmer of hope that there’s still a chance for us. I picked up my bag and went straight out of the door. As I walk out, I know I’m just not leaving the restaurant. I am also saying goodbye to you and all the sweet, sad memories. Our chapter has permanently ended. I want to tell myself I’m okay, but I know that’s a lie. I will be, though, in time. “Carla, I’m so sorry I have to call off our plans. I am not feeling well,” I said as I settled in a taxi. Then, I buried my face in my handkerchief, I needed to cry one last time.