Chapter Seventeen

                                    

                                          
Romy stares at Cal for a few seconds before trying to leave again. That's her ex, her first love. Her biggest heartbreak. Her biggest mistake. When they started to date, Romy thought everything was sorted. She had the boy she had always loved, even before realising it, so no need to worry about love anymore. They were meant to be together...but they weren't. And finding that out was too painful. So painful, she almost threw away what she had with Micky because of the trauma Cal put her through. 
"I told you I have nothing to say to you".
"But I want to talk to you".
"I know you're used to your wants being prioritised, Cal. But it doesn't work like that anymore".
"Romy...", sighs Callum. "Please hear me out. You don't know how much I regret what I did to you".
"Oh, I can imagine. Keeps you awake at night, I'm sure".
Callum doesn't appreciate the sarcasm but before he can say more, the door opens and Micky steps out. He was wondering what took Romy so long and now he knows.
"Stay away from her".
"We're just talking. I was actually telling her how I've regretted what I did to her every day since it happened. I just want to apologize, Micky".
Romy looks away and Micky feels fear. What if she still has feelings for Callum and decides to get back with him? No, he won't allow him to take her from him just so he can hurt her again. 
"I'm actually glad you dumped me", she says. "It showed me who you really were. I was so blinded by how much I loved you, I needed the slap on the face to really get it".
"Romy...".
"We've seen each other before and you never approached me, Cal. But now you do. I wonder why...".
Micky keeps looking at both of them trying to understand what is going on. Romy's tone is cold and he has never heard her speak like that to anyone. She sounds...mean. That's not his Romy but it is the Romy she has to become to prevent being hurt by Callum again. 
"I was afraid of your reaction...".
"No, you weren't. But now I'm dating Micky and so you have to get in the middle of it. It makes you jealous that I found someone who's what you always wanted to be. What you try so hard to be. And that someone like that, like him, didn't make me change and just loved me for who I was".
"You're being dramatic and making it all about yourself. Like always. I forgot how annoying and whiny you could be".
"Watch out how you speak to her", warns Micky, slowly getting closer to them.
Cal looks at both of them and shakes his head before leaving. 
"You're perfect for each other. I didn't know you were such a loser, Micky. But you found your perfect match. I have no time to deal with this drama. I never did".
Micky ignores Cal's insults and just focuses on Romy. How she's feeling or if she needs him after that altercation.
"Are you ok?"
"Yeah. It's just weird to realise how pathetic he always was. I hated him for what he did to me but now...I kind of feel sad for him".
"He always gave me the impression that he tried too hard...", agrees Micky. There was always something off about Cal but he didn't care enough to find out what it was. "But I meet guys like him all the time. I didn't think much of it".
"You're right about that because I've now realised he's a lot like Matt. Trying to use people to hurt others. So insecure they always call you a loser. You! A loser? You're dating me so you're the opposite of a loser".
"I like that confidence", says Micky, smiling widely at Romy.
"You're rubbing off on me, I guess", she tells him, shrugging and laughing.
"My mum isn't that far, Romy. She could hear you. Don't talk about rubbing me, please".
"I actually mentioned you rubbing me, not the other way around".
"I like both options and you know it", he winks and Romy rolls her eyes, accepting a kiss from her boyfriend.
"Let's go back inside...I need some chocolate after that".
When they are back inside the house, Micky puts his arms around Romy and leans down to put his head on her shoulder.
"Are you really ok? You know you can tell me if you aren't".
"Yes, I'm fine. But a hug won't hurt".
After kissing her cheek, Micky turns Romy around to hug her. She holds onto him for a minute, just needing the comfort of being in his arms. She didn't lie. It was cathartic to see Cal and see the real him again now so much time has passed since his betrayal. She feels more ready for that interaction than she was when everything had just happened. Her emotions were too raw. 
But it is a little painful too. He still is Romy's first love and every reminder that she fell in love with a lie is hard to accept. 
"Better?"
"Maybe I could get a kiss too...".
"You can have a kiss and as many as you need, my love".
This feeling of love and safety...she had never felt it with Cal. But now she has Micky with her, who not only won't hurt her, but will look after her every day. Yeah, she is lucky Cal left her so she could be free to fall in love with Micky when they met. Micky is who she was meant to be with. 
For both of them, the journey has been the same. They had to meet the wrong people and realise it wasn't them they wanted before meeting each other. Before finding their right person.
"Where were you guys? Everything ok?"
They turn to see Micky's mum looking at them while they hug. She seems a bit worried but their smiles relax her. 
"Yes", says Romy. "All perfect. Should we look at the sketches while we eat dessert? There are a few of Micky you might like to see".
"Ooohh", says his mum, taking her hand to lead her to the living room. "You should make one of him we can put somewhere in the house".
"Sure. That could be fun".
"Romy loves drawing me, mum. I'm her muse".