I was dating Simon Riley for 11 years. 10 of those years he was in the military. Him getting drafted was a normal. He was my high school sweetheart. He treated me with respect, love, and care. Around the 10th year we were dating, I met someone when he was drafted. Ed. He was handsome, made good money, and was around. He didn’t get drafted like Simon did.

As I got to know Ed, I grew to like him more than a friend. So, we got together behind Simon’s back. Eventually, Simon left the military. I noticed that he’d changed and I didn’t love him anymore. He was no longer the high schooler he once was. He was an ex soldier with PTSD and I couldn’t handle it. After a few weeks he was home, I decided I was done hiding Ed and my dislike for the way Simon changed. So I broke up with Simon.

“I don’t think I love you anymore. Your time in the military changed you. For worse.” Thats how I broke it off. I’ll admit it was cold. But it was the truth. So I moved out and got with Ed. We celebrated our one year anniversary, posting a few pictures to my story. Simon saw them. The cat was out of the bag.

During the year after I broke up with Simon, Ed became abusive. And after a while, I got sick of it and left. But in that year, I realized I still had love for Simon. It was just dim compared to the excitement of the affair.

Now I’m sulking in a bar. Then I notice him. He’s sitting at a table with his military friends. Drinking as they catch up. It sends a sharp pain right to my heart. I notice him zoning out and staring off. His attention is brought back by Soap nudging him and asking him something. And then you walk over, tapping Simon on the shoulder. I can see the look he gave them. It was the look he used to give me before he told me I was beautiful, stunning, gorgeous. My heart stings again along with the feeling of jealousy.

I hear you ask for his number and my self control snaps. I stand up and make my way over to you two.

“Simon, what a lovely surprise!” I say, forcing myself to be chipper.