"Pride huh?" I murmured, drawing in the thick, yet smooth smoke. It slid down my throat, burning slightly as it filled my lungs.

A fleeting calm washed over me as I exhaled, watching the smoke curl and twist away into the abyss. There she was in my mind again, everything I had once dreamed of. Soft and gentle, basked in quiet maturity. Her humor is sharp, body mesmerizing.

Her smile, sweet and warm. Eyes hazel in color, beautiful and calm.

Oh, how I loved her, how I missed her.

I closed my eyes and smiled. Letting the memories flood back.

"I'm sorry"

"No, you're not." A voice answered. Melodic and entuned, I smiled, whilst I sat there alone and marooned.

There she was, sitting before me, elbows on the table, chin resting in her hands, that teasing smile playing on her lips. Her short golden hair caught in a breeze that I couldn't feel, those honey hued eyes shining brighter than ever before.

"I loved you," I whispered as the ash from my cigarette fell onto the table.

"No, you didn't." She replied, voice light yet sharp.

She leaned in, her golden gown rustling softly, slipping lower as it teased me with more of what I longed for. Yet, my eyes never left hers.

"You merely loved the idea of me," she said, smile still intact, cheerful and delightful. playful and bright.

"What I felt for you was true," I exhaled, releasing another storm of smoke, heavy yet softened by guilt.

Her smile sweetened; eyes sparkled. Slowly and gently, her fingers grazed her neckline, lowering it just enough to reveal more of her.

"Lust?" she asked.

I chuckled, taking one last drag before flicking the cigarette into the abyss.

I reached for her hand and smiled. "Love." I whispered, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

"Then why didn't you ever tell me?" she asked, her fingers tightening around mine.

I remained silent, tracing my thumb over the back of her hand. The truth sat heavy in my chest, though a knowing smile still lingered on my lips.

"Because I was afraid." I replied.

She stood; her hand still entwined with mine. Leaning in, she pressed a soft kiss to my forehead before her lips hovered over my ear.

"Coward." She purred.