REGAN RAY UNBOWED

Chapter Two

Regan’s hand reached out, clutching at her arm, “You know I told you, I'm saving for an important project, so if you keep spending carelessly, then I may never raise enough savings."

“So, now I spend carelessly, are you serious Regan? I am your girlfriend, so I should be the most important project in your life," Stacy’s voice was sharp and high, drawing more gazes in their direction. "Please, try to understand me, Stacy"

“You know what, Regan? I’m tired of all your excuses," she cut him off, gathering her things with an abruptness that made her bag’s chain jingle sharply. "I made a huge mistake coming to a local place. What was I thinking?"

Regan reached out for her hand, wanting to ground her, “Don’t be unreasonable Stacy, have a seat let’s talk about-”

But she pulled her hand away with a sharp tug. “I’m leaving, Regan, so don’t bother calling me unless you are ready to give me the life I deserve.”

He stood up, desperation clawing at his throat. "You don't have to do this, Stacy, you know I-," But her voice rose above his, cutting him off.

"Bye, Regan," she said loudly, her heels clicking against the floor as she turned and walked out of the cafe, ignoring his outstretched hand. Her car engine roared to life, drowning out any chance of further conversation.

Regan sank back onto his seat, his body feeling numb, the sound of the engine fading like a dying breath. The old couple at the next table looked at him with pity, their murmuring voices, "I feel so sorry for him, he’s such a handsome guy," and, “If he was my son, I’d never let him date such a mean girl,” filling the sudden silence.

Regan bowed his head, feeling like he was being crushed by the weight of his failure. He buried his face in his hands, elbows on his thighs. Jeff and Anny quickly joined him at the table, a mix of concern and exasperation etched on their faces.

"I told you, Regan. Stacy doesn't deserve you, but you keep letting her treat you like shit. Just look at you.” Jeff’s tone was harsh, but Regan could sense the concern behind the words.

"Thanks a lot, Jeff. You just made Regan feel so much better,” Anny responded with a sarcastic tone, bending down to hold his hand. "I hate seeing you like this, Regan, and today really proved how much you love Stacy."

Regan finally looked up at Anny, his eyes filled with pain. “I’ve done all I can, but it looks like nothing I do will ever satisfy her." His voice shook with emotion.

“Do you love Stacy?” Anny asked softly, her eyes searching his.

“Of course, I do. I love and care about her so much,” Regan replied, his voice filled with a mix of desperation and sincerity.

"Oh, not again," Jeff groaned, rolling his eyes. "Common Regan, you'll only end up hurting yourself. You need to move on."

"Must you always say what's on your mind?" Anny retorted, her voice sharp.

“Of course I have to,” Jeff shot back, his hands going up in frustration.

"You know what, Jeff? I don’t blame you for speaking the way you do because you’ve never fallen in love, so you have no right to tell me what to do. You hear me?” Regan's voice was sharp, laced with a sudden anger.

“Oh, so now I’m the bad guy, but you know what? I'm out of here. And I have just one word for you, Regan, when Stacy is done shattering your heart to pieces, don’t come looking for me, 'cause I warned you but you didn’t listen.” Jeff got up and stormed away, back towards the counter.

“Can't you guys be mature for once?" Anny sighed, looking from Jeff’s retreating figure to Regan.

“But he started it,” Regan muttered defensively.

“If you love Stacy as you claim, then go to her,” Anny said, giving his hand a squeeze. “Try talking with her to see if you guys can come to an agreement, but if this doesn’t work out, then I’m sorry, Regan, but you’ll have to move on.” With a gentle smile, she too walked away.

Regan pondered her words. Perhaps he was clinging to an illusion. But a flicker of hope remained, and he decided to give it one last shot. He stood up, a newfound resolve hardening his features. “I’m going after her,” he announced, his voice carrying a newfound strength. "Wish me luck, guys.”

Anny turned to him and offered a bright smile, “You know we’ll always have your back.”

Regan turned towards Jeff, but he was pointedly ignoring him, his back to the cafe floor, his face down claiming he was writing some important info. “See you guys later,” Regan said as he walked towards the door. He hailed a taxi, his thoughts racing. He wasn't going to plead; he was going to understand.

Arriving at the hotel, a wave of apprehension washed over him, the luxury of the place a harsh contrast to his simple life. He texted Stacy - “I'm at the hotel. If you want to talk, you know where to find me” - before entering, but decided to turn off his phone after sending the text. He paced anxiously in the lobby for what felt like hours, his mind a whirlwind of confusion, anger, and a desperate longing for understanding.

When Stacy didn’t appear, he decided to give up and just go home. He was tired and all he needed was sleep. He decided to stop by his childhood home – the one he had shared with his mother before she passed away – to pick up some new clothes. He couldn’t bear going back to his own apartment just yet, the place was too infused with memories of Stacy. It felt like she was in every corner, every shadow, every breath he took.

As he stepped out of the hotel, a young girl, no more than seven or eight years old, approached him, her small hands clutching a bouquet of red roses. “Mister, buy some beautiful roses?” she asked, her voice as sweet as the scent of the flowers.

Regan’s heart ached at the sight of the roses, the deep red hue a reminder of the love he had once felt. Without a word, he took out his wallet and purchased the whole bouquet, a gesture born from a sudden, bittersweet impulse. He couldn’t explain why, but something told him to buy the flowers. As he walked towards the taxi, he could feel the stares from people around. He wasn’t sure what they were thinking, but he felt the roses gave him some sort of strength. He imagined he was giving them to Stacy. The taxi driver watched as Regan entered the taxi with his roses and silently smiled, wishing him well.