Water Signs: A Story of Love and Renewal

* * *

Maddy slipped into a casual sundress and a comfortable pair of

sandals as she mentally prepared herself for the evening ahead. For better

or for worse, she'd made the decision to confront reality and at least try to

forge a friendship with Ken and his fiancée. While the few people who

were aware of the situation advised against taking such an action,

Madeline determined that meeting Erin would afford her the opportunity

to put any fantasies of marrying Ken to rest once and for all. Of course, it

didn't help that poor Scott had a death in the family, necessitating a flight

to California; but perhaps it was best for her to deal with things on her

own, anyway. How bad could it be?Several hours later, she would live to regret her decision after making

the acquaintance of a woman who appeared to have nothing in common

with the man Maddy still loved. From the moment she entered their twobedroom

condo on the fifth-floor, she felt a distinctive yet subtle hostility

in the air, similar to the one that had greeted her at Kenny's real estate

office awhile back. And though physically attractive with a willowy figure,

blue eyes and silky blonde hair, Erin definitely exuded a hard, urban vibe,

notwithstanding her impressive career and level of education.

Yet it wasn't her tough Philly accent and rough-around-the-edges

veneer that most impacted Madeline; it was her pervasive coldness and

attitude of indifference. She barely engaged Maddy in conversation

though Ken's former flame conducted herself with as much dignity as she

could possibly muster under the circumstances. And while Kenny did his

best to facilitate the flow of conversation, it wasn't long before Maddy

wished she'd never accepted his invitation in the first place. When Erin

abruptly excused herself to go to bed- claiming a migraine headache-

Madeline resolved to banish all thoughts of Ken and Erin from her mind

forever.

"Ken, it's getting late, I think I should get going," she informed him,

gathering her purse and walking toward the door.

"Madeline, you don't have to leave," he stated, filled with regret for

Erin's inhospitable behavior.

"Kenny, don't you get it? You've made your choice. Now let me make

mine." She neglected to reveal that this would be the absolute last time

he'd see her; it was just too painful to watch him acquiesce to the whims

of such a disagreeable, insecure woman. And yet, Maddy silently

acknowledged Erin's point of view. After all, how would she feel if the shoe was

on the other foot?She might vehemently reject the idea of hosting her

fiancée's old girlfriend for dinner too, no matter how well-intentioned the

motivation.

"I just thought maybe we could hang out on the porch for awhile and

talk," he went on.

"Kenny, that's just not a good idea," she stated plainly. "You and I

both know that. Look, I wish you well, I really do, but it's no longer

appropriate for us to sit and talk the way we used to; we've both forfeited

that privilege. So let's just be thankful for the time we had and move on.

I'll find my way and you'll find yours. You and Erin will get married, have

kids and build a life together-but you'll have to do it in my absence. No

hard feelings, but that's just the way it has to be."

In spite of her best efforts, a determined tear slid down her face; she

quickly brushed it away. Ken just stood there in solemn resignation, until

she reached up to give him a peck on the cheek.

"Take care of yourself, Kenny," she whispered. Then she quickly

turned away and strode to her car, leaving him alone with his conflicted

emotions and second thoughts.