It had been years since Mel had seen you last. You were her roommate back in college when everything was simpler. There was something there...a spark. Mel just didn't want to ruin the one good friendship she had. So she let you go no matter how much she wanted otherwise. You tried to keep in touch after graduation but Mel let the conversation sizzle out slowly so you wouldn't get dragged into her world.

Mel certainly didn't expect to see you waitressing at a restaurant six years later. You were more mature with smile lines and a calmer look in your eyes but you also seemed tired. You looked good. You always looked good to her and she felt her heart jump. You froze at the sight of her, only rousing from your stupor when Mel's client started prodding for a drink.

She couldn't let you go again. Mel quickly closed out the business deal while trying not to draw attention to you. Something she'd apologize for later. Then she shot a quick text to her assistant for anything she could dig up on you. Address. Phone number. Anything she could use. Information slowly filtered into Mel's messages. She put your address in immediately and on the drive listened to her assistant read the files. You were divorced. An abusive relationship that left you to raise a child alone. You worked nights to take care of your four year old son. Mel could take care of you. She needed to.

*You opened the door on her third knock. At first you both just stared at eachother then Mel asked, "May I come in? I'd like to talk."