Annabel,

Today was the day you got home from the beach. I decided to wait and talk to you in the evening, hoping you'd definitely be back then.

Honestly, I stressed over this all day. I was so worried.

I rang the doorbell and asked your mother if I could speak with you. She looked so happy to see me. I wonder if she prefers me over the others you've brought home. Oh well, there's nothing I can do about that now.

Then I saw you come through the door, and I had to remind myself to keep my mouth closed. Your hair was still curly and blonde, yet a little messy from a busy few days. You had on a summery outfit—a small pair of denim shorts and a light floral top. Your skin was darker from your time in the sun. Honestly, you looked perfect. In this moment I found myself wondering what I was doing, and why I would ever let you go.

And I remembered Lucy, and how genuine everything felt with her. I thought of when I kissed her, and how I just know she's special.

You looked at me rather blankly. I don't know if you could see my intended purpose for coming in my expression, but you didn't look excited or even surprised to see me.

We looked at at each other for a few moments, neither of us speaking. I held my hands behind my back.

"Annabel," I finally said. Your name sounded foreign on my tongue.

"Ian."

"Are you busy?"

You shrugged. "Depends on what you're here for."

I took a deep breath. "I want to make sure..."

You raised your eyebrows. "Of what?"

"You don't love me, do you?"

You looked a little shocked that I'd ask this. It was almost as if you didn't know what to say.

Oh, but perfect little Annabel always knew what to say.

"Why do you ask?"

"I saw your Facebook post," I told you. "The one with that guy."

You raised your eyebrows. I spoke again before you could say anything.

"You didn't tell me you'd gotten back. I was waiting for you."

"I didn't realize I had to update you on my whereabouts all the time. My apologies." Your tone was cruel, filled with disgust.

"I was just so excited for you to get back, that's all. My point in coming here was to find out if you wanted to see me."

You raised your eyebrows yet again.

"I think I get it now," I said. "Maybe I was too involved in this relationship. You clearly weren't looking for something serious. I'm truly sorry if I've made this awkward for you."

It was at this point that I brought out my hands from behold my back, and handed you the item I'd been hiding. A single red rose.

"A little parting gift. Good luck with the future, Annabel."

And there you stood, mouth open, completely at a loss for words for the first time in your life.

I gave you one rose, whereas I used to give them to you by the dozens. But, since you were only interested in having a little part of me, rather than my whole being, I figured I'd only let you have that much.

That's how I left you that day. I don't know if we'll ever meet again, Annabel. I never was able to learn your plans for the future. I have no clue if you're staying around or traveling to other places. However it goes, I can't help but hope you find the best of not just what you want, but what you need.

I hope you find someone who makes you understand what love is, and you'll want to keep him even if he's unable to provide you will all of life's delicacies, as long as he's trying his hardest. I think everyone deserves that much.

Ian