Goodbye Isn't Forever

An impulsive suggestion leaves a relationship in the balance

Emotions ran high ~On that cloudy afternoon

she wished she never had to leave so soon

She dreaded the moment of saying goodbye

tears spilling out from her soft blue eyes

She headed for the train without a minute to spare

running her hands through her long dark hair

A fast goodbye was always the best

even though thoughts of leaving made her depressed

*

He watched her leave... he hated to see her go

he had wanted her to stay ~ at least another week or so.

Their love had grown so much this past half year

that much he knew ~ that much was clear...

Pain seared his heart ~ as away pulled the train

not a moment to soon it had started to rain

*

Steel on steel, the train wheels squealed

Mandy looked unseeing, her thoughts all reeled

The countryside flashed by in a colorful swim

she was leaving it behind, the small town … and him

A sob reached her throat, she let the salty tears flow

not a hint of embarrassment … none would show

*

Matt reached the car park to find his face soaking~

he switched on the ignition then sat alone ... choking

Two hard swallows, one pain, one selfish pride

he wiped his face with hands ... but he couldn't just hide

The rain water removed, but the tears reappeared

he'd helped her make the decision to go quickly he feared

A sickly knot in his stomach ~ no doubt he too was upset.

how she'd looked he knew he would never forget ...

In his green eyes so innocently ~ making love the night before...

with the onset of rain his tears too would pour

He knew he'd never be the same man again

now she had gone, returning maybe ... when?

*

Mandy's eyes grew tired, it had been a long day.

she had so much to think about, still so much to say...

But she had held back. Maybe he did not feel the same...

maybe just some fling, she bore no ring and no claim

Yet she felt the intensity of his passionate kiss

while indulging in forbidden pleasures she'd miss.

She would treasure the memory of that last night

they'd been romantic and passionate before she took flight

*

When evening came it hit Matt hard …

'the ball is in your court, ' she had said, 'your trump card'

He'd remained stubborn and let the chance go …

and the girl went out of his life, just so ...

It was his chance to hold on and not to part

but now he was left with a breaking heart

He had suggested to her a lift to the station

and regret washed over him now, not elation

*

The train pulled in hundreds of miles away

into the destination where Mandy would stay

She dropped the magazine, stood and put on her coat

as she gathered her bags a lump came to her throat

Parting was unexpected and it felt such a crime

but she would get over him … eventually, in time

When the tune played she dropped her bags and groped

frantically searching and deep down she hoped

It took almost a minute reaching her phone …

just for a second she wasn't alone ...

The message said, 'FORGIVE ME MANDY. I LOVE YOU, THAT'S THAT

I WILL BE ON THE FIRST TRAIN TOMORROW. PLEASE MEET ME. MATT XXX'

Not sure what to think of his message, or what to do next...

she hailed a cab ~And sent him a text.

*

'DON'T OVERREACT MATT I THINK THIS IS FOR THE BEST

JUST THINK OF THIS AS A LONG DISTANCE TEST

IN TIME WE WILL KNOW JUST HOW WE BOTH FEEL

WHETHER THIS IS REAL LOVE OR WHAT IS THE DEAL

LUST NEVER LASTS WE BOTH KNOW TO BE TRUE

IF IT'S REAL LOVE WE WILL KNOW WHAT TO DO

SO MY FRIEND FOR NOW ... I'M AFRAID IT'S GOODBYE

I REALLY MUST GO BECAUSE I'M STARTING TO CRY

ALWAYS MANDY' and that was the end

Matt's heart sank as he read, he couldn't pretend

*

It had taken so long to find this great girl

and he'd blown his chance, gone in a whirl

Now he was left with decisions to make

could he hold on, which route should he take ?

Would he go back to his old selfish ways?

his phone rang, 'It's her... I'll see what she says ...'

'Hi Matt ... it's Susie. I'm in town for a spell,

wondered if you'd like to meet ... we get on so well

You know ... for old times' sake or other reasons instead'

Matt stared at the photo of Mandy by his bed,

He looked at the phone in his hand once again

and thought of that Susie ... a real ten out of ten

*

What do I really have to lose Matt thought

it's not as if I'm bound to get caught

Susie was just a party girl ~ he could buy her a drink

his for the night. All naked and pink

But Mandy, his true love would he betray?

after all she didn't want him to go out her way ...

He could replace Mandy easily, enough

but did he want to so soon ... call his own bluff?

*

He thought before speaking, whilst he still had some choice

'Oh Hi Susie great to hear your sweet voice.'

She said 'I am in town staying at the Royal Oak

there's a pool there if you'd care for a soak ...

I'm here for a few days' came her voice on the phone,

and you know how I hate being left all alone ...

I thought you might like to come on by

we could get it on ... or at least give it a try ...

I'll be in room 228. Bring wine if you don't mind.

I will be anxiously waiting Tiger... you know what you'll find'

With that she hung up, there could be no mistake

leaving Matt with some big decisions to make

*

Bedding Susie would be just that ... sex for fun.

a lustful occasion for nights ... just the one

The same circumstances with Mandy brought passion ...

it was love-making then and wasn't on ration

Did he need sexual release so badly that he'd betray love?

it was Mandy he needed, but were her feelings enough?

He looked out of the window as rain struck the glass.

'Time to go for a walk, hope my confusion will pass

*

He passed a bus shelter where two young ladies stood

in mini-skirts and high boots which made them look good

Something inside warmed and Matt started to smile

his first thought, the two girls were great and his style

Whilst the thought was still in his head

he considered his dilemma and Susie's warm bed

His lips started smiling though both his eyes cried

all wasn't lost as long as he'd tried ...

Good sense cut through all Matt's frustration

he booked a long morning ride ... from the local bus station

* * *

Author's Note

A collaboration written with Velvet Mist, a good friend of mine from across the pond.