Five Years, Without Meaning

I looked at Damien sitting across from me, savoring this rare moment. A dinner for two, with no distractions, work, or secrets. Just the two of us.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" asked Damien, smiling slightly as he placed his wine glass on the table.

I smiled back and replied, "Am I not allowed to look at my lover's face?"

"I know that I'm handsome, but I'm not going anywhere. You don't have to stare at me like I'm going to disappear," he said with a chuckle.

My smile grew wider, even though in my heart I knew I was afraid he would disappear, leaving me behind.

"When was the last time we ate together like this?" I asked, playing with the tip of my fork.

Damien raised his eyebrows, seemingly in thought. "Two weeks ago?" he replied with a face that seemed to show confusion.

I chuckled and shook my head. "Two months ago."

He sighed softly, seemingly realizing his mistake. "I'm sorry, Althea. Work has been piling up, so I've been neglecting you lately," he replied as he reached for my hand and grasped it.

The classic answer. I've heard it too many times. However, tonight, I didn't want to argue about it.

"I understand," I said as I continued to look into his eyes, trying to convince myself that this was enough. That the time with him, although short, was still precious.

Suddenly, his cell phone lying on the table vibrated.

Quickly, Damien glanced at the screen and pulled his hand away. His expression immediately changed. His eyes widened slightly and then immediately grabbed the cell phone.

"One second," he said as he stood up, walking slightly away, but I could still hear his voice.

"Hello? What's wrong?" His tone was full of worry.

I sighed, stabbing at the piece of steak on my plate, with no intention of eating it.

"Hungry? Why not just order some food?" he asked. Then, after a few seconds of silence, he continued, "Are you sick?"

I stopped chewing. His tone of voice sounded worried.

'Sick? Who is he talking about?'

I furrowed my brows, trying to ask myself.

"Alright, I'll be right there."

His words made my stomach tighten. I already knew the answer, even before he returned to the table.

Damien grabbed his jacket, preparing to leave.

"Damien?" I called out to him, even though I already knew I wouldn't like his answer.

He glanced at me as if just realizing that I was still here.

"I have to go. It's important," he said simply.

I put down my fork and knife. "Who called?" I asked, not taking my eyes off his face.

Damien seemed to hesitate for a moment, as his eyes kept moving, silently looking at me. However, he finally boldly answered, "Selene."

Her name simply fell from his lips, hitting my chest like a boulder.

I smiled a little, though it was far from happy. "Selene?" I repeated, making sure I hadn't misheard.

"She's sick, Althea."

I stared at him, waiting for him to realize how absurd this was. "So?"

Damien frowned. "She's also starving."

I could hardly believe what I had just heard. "She can order food, Damien. You don't have to go there."

"She said she couldn't leave the house, Althea," Damien replied, continuing to defend Selene.

"Order food delivered straight to the house, Damien. She doesn't need to go out," I said in an annoyed tone.

"Why can't you understand, Thea? Selene is sick. She's home alone," Damien said, raising his tone slightly.

I was silent for a moment then, smiling wryly. What did he just say? I don't understand, it's so funny.

"So, you're going to leave your girlfriend at the restaurant, in the middle of dinner, just to deliver food to your ex-girlfriend?" I asked with a sharp look.

Damien sighed, looking impatient. "She needs help, Thea," he replied.

"But I'm also here." My voice was almost a whisper.

He was silent for a moment then, rubbing his face. "I promise I'll be back as soon as I can."

I laughed bitterly. "If I was sick and starving, would you also leave someone for me?" I asked while shaking my head faintly.

He didn't answer.

And, that's when I knew the answer.

I looked down at my untouched plate and then back up at him. "Go away."

Damien looked at me, probably thinking I was testing his patience. However, I wasn't joking.

I wondered if he would leave.

Damn it. He did leave. Without apologizing, without looking back.

I remained sitting there, in a restaurant full of laughing people, feeling like the only fool in the room.