Mel

After what happened on the plane, I find myself wishing for that feeling of safety and comfort Liam gave me. I want him to wrap his arms around me and whisper sweet things in my ear. The feeling I got when he did that was so pure, so real; I don't think I can deny it anymore.

What I feel for Liam, whatever this thing is between us- it's growing. I smile at the thought as I stand in my room at the resort- still frozen in place, unable to move. I've been glued to this spot since I left Liam in the hallway, standing here, lost in a daydream.

When I look up, I'm staring at my reflection in a mirror. A couple of years ago, I wouldn't have recognized the woman peering back at me. She looks happy and light, almost as if the weight of the world isn't on her shoulders.

Her skin has this strange glow to it- you know, the one you see in romance movies when the girl discovers she's in love and her love interest loves her back. Yeah, that glow.

I study myself in the mirror, wondering how long I've looked like this. Have I looked this way for a while now? Is it new? Is it because of a certain green-eyed hockey player that seems to make my heart stir?

Has anyone else noticed?

Has he noticed?

I study my reflection more closely. That's when I see it- the tiniest hint of sadness behind my eyes. So minuscule that you'd hardly notice if you weren't paying very close attention.

It's that tiny detail that reminds me that I'm staring back at myself. That small reminder that the woman in front of me lived through a tragedy. The sadness in my eyes is still there. It's not as prominent as it used to be, but it's still there. It has been since that day- the day we lost Justin.

I feel the tears start to well up in my eyes. The memory of that day threatening to push to the surface, daring me to remember every vivid detail of the worst day of my life.

I close my eyes tightly, shaking my head, trying to shove the memory back down. Instead of letting it come to the surface, I try to think of a happier memory, one that won't turn me into an emotional disaster.

My tears are still nearly spilling when I finally think of a happier time- I remember a happier memory...

The first time I met Justin.

*Flashback:

It had been a long, grueling day. My coach had been working me incredibly hard, trying to work out the kinks in my routine for a local competition set to take place next week. She had me run through everything at least thirty times and then had me practice individual components of the routine until they were perfect.

I'd been spinning, jumping, and skating for hours now, starting to regret signing up for this competition when my coach was finally satisfied with my performance. She gave me a quick word of praise before leaving me with instructions for what to do over the next few days until my next session with her- eat this, do that exercise, practice these skills...

I was thoroughly exhausted by the time she finally released me from practice. Even so, I felt a need to wind down from the session. I wanted to feel calm. I wanted to remind myself why I was doing this- why I love skating.

Instead of packing up and leaving for the day, I stayed a while longer. I changed the music to something soothing, something I've always done when I need to refresh. I started skating, making random patterns on the ice, and inserting random jumps when the mood struck.

I skated without a routine, without an end goal. Out there, with my music and no one watching, I skated for myself. I did it for the fun of it, for the freedom I felt just letting the music in, and my feet feel the rhythm. In those moments, it was just me and the ice.

When I did that, I could let the world fade away, and I remembered why I loved to skate in the first place. I was so caught up in letting loose that I didn't even hear anyone else enter the arena.

My practice was the last one scheduled for the day, so I didn't anticipate anyone showing up during my free skate. That's why it came as such a shock when my music stopped, and I started to leave, only to find a tall, handsome stranger staring at me from the edge of the rink.

He was gorgeous with his dark brown hair, hazel eyes, and sweet smile that would melt hearts everywhere. He was leaning against one of the walls of the rink, watching me as if in a trance. The look on his face told me he was mesmerized by something.

The only thing- no one else was here. I was the only other person present. There was no way I was the one who caught his attention. Right?

I looked behind me to make sure no one else had entered the rink without me knowing. Alas, it was only me.

That's when I realized my things were over on his side of the arena. I would have to go right by him to get them. I had no choice. After a short debate and sending out a quick wish to the universe that this guy wasn't some kind of creep, I started to skate over to where my things were.

As I did so, I could see his smile grow visibly wider. And his eyes seemed to shine brighter at my action somehow. Goodness, he's attractive.

Please, please, please, please don't let him be a freak.

The entire time I skated his way, his eyes followed me, never once straying. He watched me in a way that didn't make me feel self-conscious. Under his gaze, I felt pretty, admired, and adored.

When I finally reached the rink's edge, my sexy stranger opened the wall for me, helping me off the ice with a strong hand. Without hesitation, I accepted his help. I don't know why, but something about him told me to trust him. I had the feeling that he was supposed to be there for me.

He made sure I was safely off the ice before letting go of my hand. "You looked amazing out there."

I gave him a shy smile as I took a seat on one of the benches. "Thanks. I didn't realize anyone else was in here."

I hear him chuckle softly. "Yeah, sorry for the intrusion. I had hockey practice earlier and left something in my locker. I just came back to grab it when I saw you out on the ice."

Taking off my skates, I chance a look at him. He's still watching me with a soft look in his eyes. I started to speak but lost my words when I looked deeper into his hazel orbs.

Hoping to stave off embarrassment, I looked away. When I didn't say anything, he continued, "I'm Justin, by the way."

I finished tying my shoes, peeking up at him briefly. "I'm-"

"Beautiful," he interjected.

I could feel the heat on my cheeks as I looked at him with wide eyes. "Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt."

At least he had the decency to look embarrassed. I thought I even saw a hint of pink creep onto his cheeks. "It's true, though, for the record."

Smiling down at my feet, I shook my head lightly. "I'm Mel."

"Mel," he repeated breathily. "It's so nice to meet you, Mel."

I stopped gathering my things and chanced another look at Justin. He was tall, tan, and muscular- likely from all the hours spent practicing and playing hockey. I studied his face. His eyes were big and kind. His lips were full and pink. And he was the most beautiful man I'd ever laid eyes on.

There was a soothing energy around him that made me feel comfortable right away. Nothing in my gut told me to be worried about him. In fact, every fiber of my being cried out, telling me to trust this guy, to let him in, to give him my attention.

It's not something I made a habit out of- trusting random strangers, but there was definitely something different about Justin from the beginning. Everything in me told me to trust him.

So, I did.

We stared at one another for a while- just looking curiously and smiling like fools. Finally, the cleaning crew arrived, breaking the trance we had fallen into.

I startled a bit as the arena doors slammed open, shocking me out of my daze. "Um, I should probably get going. It was nice to meet you, Justin."

As I started to walk away, he stopped me. "Wait. Can I give you my number? That way, if you decide you'd like to see me again or talk to me, you can get ahold of me."

He held up his hands in surrender, telling me he wouldn't push it if I said no. "Totally your call."

I smile at the gesture. He offered his number instead of asking for mine. I'd have the power to choose one way or the other if I wanted to see or speak to him again. And he wouldn't have my number if I chose not to.

Something about that was endearing. I couldn't keep the smile off my face. "Yeah. Yeah, I'd like that."

Justin smiled as he told me his number, letting me type it in on my phone. I couldn't help but smile back as we said goodbye afterward.

~

I was still dazed when I got back to my apartment, thinking about the handsome stranger I met at the rink- Justin. I replayed our encounter over and over in my head as I debated whether or not I would text or call him.

In the end, I decided I would take the leap and contact him. A few days later, I texted him. The rest is history.

*

I'm drawn back to reality when a knock sounds outside my door. "Hey, Mel, you ready to go to lunch?"

I shake my head as I settle back into reality. "Yeah, Tay. Be right there. Just need to change real quick!"

"Okay, we'll wait right here for you."

I hurry and change before meeting everyone outside. We have a lunch date with Chase and Lins; then, later, we have the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. And tomorrow is the big day.

When I step into the hallway, I'm greeted by three friendly faces. One of which is smiling at me with an all too familiar look- one that makes me flutter, just like another smiling face all those years ago. 

A/N:

These flashbacks are pulling right at my heartstrings. Let me know what you think of the chapter, and if you'd like to keep getting flashbacks of Justin from time to time.  ❤️❤️❤️