Zoe hung up and turned the corner for her car. The drive to the park didn’t take long, and she made herself comfortable on a bench. Birds chirped while squirrels leaped from tree to tree. The wind sighed through the trees, and Zoe took out her camera.
Her right hand gripped the side while the other held her camera secured underneath the bottom. Clicks followed as she captured moments of small children playing with parents, while bikers rode along the trails.
Zoe sighed as she clicked away, not caring if the shots were perfect or not. She wanted to forget, but she couldn’t forget Jayden. Her first love. He had moved on with another woman. Jayden married?
She meant what she said to Roslyn. She wanted him happy. The pain in the back of her throat increased, but she clicked away. She’d delete the random photos later, but she needed a diversion. Yet, it didn’t blot out Jayden’s voice.
“They don’t know what we have, Z,” he had said. “Don’t let them break us up.”
She had touched a hand to his cheek. Though her parents didn’t approve of their relationship, she wouldn’t lose Jayden. “I won’t. I love you.”
Zoe rested her camera on her lap. She should’ve listened. Her parents were only protecting her. She squeezed her eyes shut. Jayden wasn’t a terrible guy, but they weren’t good together.
Grabbing her cell, she found Dr. Burns’ name. She didn’t hesitate to call.
“How are you, Zoe? Have you settled in yet?” Dr. Burns asked.
Zoe tugged at her necklace. “I have a few more boxes left.” She blew out her cheeks.
“Thinking about Jayden again?”
Zoe brushed her fingertips across her lips. “Yeah. It’s not as bad, but...”
“Can you tell me what triggered your memories this time?”
“A friend of mine told me... he’s married.”
“Good for him. Right?”
“It is. I’m happy for him. At least... I want to be,” Zoe said.
“What hurts the most? He’s married or that he didn’t choose you?” Dr. Burns asked.
Zoe shook her head. “It’s not that.”
“What is it then?”
“His life will never be the same... because of me.” Zoe’s chin dipped to her chest.
***
?Alex tapped his drum sticks above his head, leading Infinity Signs in their last song. Who knew an amusement park performance would draw a crowd, but he swung his fist in the air when their manager, Liam, booked their latest gig.
He bobbed his head, sweat trickling down the sides of his face. Performing outside was new too, but with the sun setting twenty minutes before, the temperature cooled even more.
Thank goodness for the plugs inside his ears. Between him beating the drums and the crowd’s cheers and whistles, he would have blown out his eardrums.
“Come on,” Jackson said from the keyboard as he pumped the crowd. Bailey waved her hand in the air, and the crowd followed as they rocked with her from side to side.
Adrenaline rushed through Alex’s veins. This was his zone. His muse. Getting lost in the beats of a song. Alex felt free. The lyrics of their latest single enveloped him.
I know... you’ll never let me go
Your love… speaks to my soul
Stay with me forever
The music took over Alex’s body to the point where Tommy had to signal him. They were ending the song. Alex nodded, giving everything he had in the last beat. The audience cheered louder, mostly women who had gathered at the edge of the stage. Some had their hands up as they screamed, while others applauded.