When Love Becomes Past Tense Chapter 10

"This is the wish card you gave me for my birthday last year. You said if I wrote anything I wanted, you would make it happen. I'm writing on it right now. Can I still use it?"

Caleb looked around for a pen, but I stopped him.

I asked him, "That wasn't from last year."

"It was from the year before."

"And back then, you thought it was tacky and threw it in the trash. Did you forget?"

"I have the real card. The one you're holding is a fake you just made."

Exposed, Caleb dropped his hand helplessly. Like a child caught misbehaving, he pressed his lips together, unable to say a word.

"Do you remember what you gave me for my birthday?"

Caleb looked up blankly, then quickly looked down again.

Obviously, he didn't remember.

"You don't remember because you didn't get me anything."

"You said you were busy, that birthday gifts were childish and unnecessary."

"When Sienna came back to the States this year, she added me on Facebook. Do you know what I found on her timeline? You were there for every single one of her birthdays."

"You’re really thoughtful, Caleb."

I spoke slowly and methodically, my emotions flat.

Months had passed. With someone by my side, even the most painful scars heal.

"Actually, sometimes I really want to ask you, what was I to you?"

Caleb’s head snapped up.

He looked like he wanted to say something, but didn't dare. He looked lost.

I shook my head.

"But it doesn't matter now."

"Because the old Hazel Vance, the Hazel with the broken brain, the Hazel who almost lost herself for you, died the day you ran away from the wedding."

"The me standing here now doesn't care about you at all."

"I have someone I truly want to cherish now. I don't want to waste another ounce of energy on you."

"I'm done talking. You can leave."

"Or don't, and I'll call security."

Caleb stood in silence, clenching and unclenching his hands. Finally, he said nothing and walked heavily toward the door.

He looked back at me deeply, but I didn't spare him a glance.

I wrapped my arms around Roman’s neck and affectionately asked him what we were having for breakfast.

Caleb hung his head and left.