| Chapter Twenty-two |
| I smiled at my mother. "You did it!" I laughed. She was standing in the parking lot of my school, holding Kayla in her arms. I had just walked across the stage and received my college degree. I graduated, with honors! "I know! And it feels so good!" My Mom smiled, "Good! I have a surprise for you then." I followed her eyes to the right, and was completely confused by the sight of what I saw. There he was, Justin Randall Timberlake. 'What is he doing here?' I looked back at my Mom. "It was Kayla's idea Michelle. Go talk to him." I nervously walked towards him as my mother gently pushed me. I stood in front of him, not exactly sure of what to say. I was fidgeting with my had when he touched my hand, making my eyes look up to meet his. "You did good up there. Ms. Honors." I smiled, "Thanks." I tried to find words, but nothing was coming to me. I was blank. He smiled, "Michelle, I've missed you. Please don't act like you haven't missed me." I looked at his eyes. 'How could I lie to him?' I sighed knowing I was in for big trouble. I grabbed onto his hand, in silence, and let him to a bench. As we sat down, I somehow found my voice. "Justin, thank you for coming. That means a lot to me. And you're right, I have missed you terribly. I think about you everyday. But, J, we are in two different places. I wish you could see that." He looked down at my hand, where it rested on his knee. "Michelle, I know all of this. Do you not understand that? But I also know that I love you. And I can't make these feelings go away, trust me, I've tried. Just give it a shot Chelle." He brought his hand up to my check. "Let it happen. I'm dead inside without you Michelle." I could see the tears swelling up in his eyes. 'Great, what am I supposed to say now? This is much easier over the phone!' I let a tear slip from my eye. "Justin, I can't do this here. Not now. But if you would like to sop by my apartment later, that would be okay. Kayla is staying with my Mom tonight. We'll sort all this out then." I stood up to walk away, but Lenny stopped me. "Ms. Michelle, Justin would kill me if I told you this. But, he really has been miserable without you." I just shook my head yes as I continued to walk away. 'What now Michelle! What are you gonna do now? You invited him over! Stupid!' |