WestFiction- "Here's to the Night" by Lajla

- “But why can’t you tell me what did I do? Whatever it is, I’ll do my best to make it right again!” – Kian was getting desperate. He wanted to know why did his girlfriend Claire wanted to break up with him.

“I already told you, Kian. You didn’t do anything, I just need some more. . .space.” – she said, picking out

the words carefully.

“Space? Am I too possessive or something? I’m sorry if I am, but it’s just because I love you so much!”

“No, it’s not that. It’s just. . .” – Claire sighted, and said gently – “Listen, Kian. I was never the kind of girl

for a long-term relationships. I’m more of a have-fun-without-a-care-in-the-world kinda girl.” – she laughed slightly when she realized what she said. – “It’s not you, it’s just the way I am, that’s all.”

“But don’t you love me?” – he was on the verge of his tears.

“I do love you, Kian. I love you enough to say goodbye.”

“But I don’t wanna say goodbye!”

“Damn it, Kian!” – she was getting a bit pissed. It was hard on her too, so why did he have to make it even

harder for her? – “Look, we’re totally different. You’re more relaxed kinda guy, you have your singing, you made your dreams a reality. Why can’t you let me go so I can make my dreams come true?”

“But you can make them come true! And I would be right by your side all along the way!” – Kian wasn’t

ready to lose her. Not now. Not when she started to mean so much to him.

“It wouldn’t work, Kian. We’re too different. I want to have fun while I’m still young and I don’t wanna any

kind of bond right now. Maybe in the future, but not now. And you want someone with who you can spend the rest of your life with.” – she moved closer to him, and said quietly – “And I’m not that person.”

Here's to the nights we felt alive
Here's to the tears you knew you'd cry
Here's to goodbye
Tomorrow's gonna come too soon

Kian just looked at her. He knew there was nothing he could do or say to make her change her mind.

“Just remember I love you, baby.” – he said, his voice trembling.

“I know you do, sweetie. And I love you too.” – she smiled and kissed him on the cheek.

She went out of his hotel room, leaving Kian all alone with his thoughts. He lay down on the bed and soon drifted into sleep, remembering all those good times they had together. Cos that was all he had now. Memories. . .

Put your name on the line

Along with place and time
Wanna stay not to go

I wanna ditch the logical
Here's a toast to all those

Who hear me all too well

…… 2 years later ……

“This is the best party I’ve ever been to, man!” – Kian said to Shane, feeling a bit tipsy. Shane was

celebrating his 23^rd birthday, but he didn’t want anything big, so he decided he’d make a private party, with just his friends and family. All in all, around 100 people came. Not so much of a private party, as it turned out to be.

Shane just laughed at his remark. He heard a door bell, so he hurried to the front door to open them, still smiling at the sight of Kian.

“Claire, you made it!” – Shane said when he opened the door. They’ve become really good friends when she

was with Kian, and their friendship didn’t end, even though she and Kian broke up. He didn’t think it was such a good idea to invite her to the party, knowing that Kian would be there. But he couldn’t celebrate his 23^rd without one of his closest friends!

“Yeah, but I’m not so sure this is such a good idea, Shane.” – she said a bit worried.

“Ah, don’t you worry! Both of you are adults, I’m sure everything will work out just fine! Besides, I’m sure

Kian will be more than happy to see you again!”

“I hope so! Hey, happy birthday, Shane!” – she laughed realizing she didn’t even congratulate him.

“Thanx! Come in, have a drink, dance, whatever! And enjoy yourself!” – he said smiling, when he heard

something in the kitchen. – “Excuse me for a minute, I have to see what’s going on in there!” – he said, disappearing in the kitchen.

Claire was wandering around the house a bit, when she saw Kian. She was just standing there, looking at him. He sure didn’t change, he was still dead-gorgeous. At that moment she realized just how much she actually missed him.

Kian was laughing at something with Nicky, when he felt somebody’s eyes on him. He turned around and stared hypnotized. Could it be? Was that really her? But what was she doing here?

Claire smiled at him, realizing how stupid she must’ve looked staring at him. She started walking towards him, just as Kian said something to Nicky and went towards Claire.

“Kian, long time no see!” – she smiled nervously. She didn’t know why was she feeling like this, she never

felt like that before in front of a guy.

“Yeah, how are you?” – he said, feeling happy he saw her again after all this time. But his heart ached, cos

the memories of them together started coming back to him.

“I’m great. How are you?”

“I’m alright. So, what are you doing here? Not that I mind!” – he smiled.

“Shane invited me.”

“Oh, he did, did he?” – he started searching for Shane with his eyes. – “Well, he sure ain’t said anything

to me about it!” – he smiled.

Shane was just walking out of the kitchen when he saw Kian and Claire talking. Kian was looking at him, and Shane smiled and gave him a thumbs-up. Kian couldn’t help but laugh at Shane.

“What’s so funny?” – Claire asked.

“Shane. Look at him, he looks like such a dork!”

Claire turned around only to see Shane with a huge grin all over his face. She had to laugh.

‘God, she’s beautiful!’, Kian thought. She still had that gorgeous smile. And her eyes. . .they had that special sparkle, a twinkle which made Kian fall in love with her.

Here's to the nights we felt alive
Here's to the tears you knew you'd cry
Here's to goodbye
Tomorrow's gonna come too soon

“You’re beautiful.” – he said suddenly. The smile on Claire’s face was gone. Instead, she started to blush.

She could feel her cheeks going redder by the second. Why was she feeling this way? This wasn’t her. She wasn’t shy, she was always out-going, she was always the one who didn’t care what anybody else thinks of her. Why was she blushing? It wasn’t like she hadn’t got a compliment before.

“Thank you.” – she said shyly. Kian smiled slightly cos he never saw her blushing before.

“Listen, you wanna go somewhere quieter, I can’t hear a thing you’re saying!” – he said smiling, when the

DJ turned the volume up.

“Erm, Kian, I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”

“Ah, c’mon! I can control myself! I dunno if you can, though!” – he smiled cheekily.

“You cheeky thing! You haven’t changed one bit!” – she laughed.

“So, is that a yes?” – he said hopefully.

She thought about it for a second. ‘Ah, what the heck! What could happen!’, she thought to herself.

“Sure.” – she smiled.

He took her arm and led her out of the house to Shane’s back yard. They sat down on the bench and started talking. They were laughing, and Claire soon forgot about all that nervousness she felt just a few minutes ago, when Kian leaned in and kissed her. Claire was shocked at first, but when she realized what was going on, she pushed him away and got up.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing??” – she yelled.

“I thought you want it. Isn’t that why you’re here?” – he said confused.

“No, that’s not why I’m here, Kian! I came because Shane invited me to his party!”

“Oh, like you didn’t know I was gonna be here!” – Kian said ironically.

“Of course I knew, but I thought you changed! I thought you weren’t the same big kid you used to be! I

guess I was wrong!”

“I guess you were.” – Kian was starting to get mad. Who did she think she is? To come here and insult him

like that.

Claire could see the hurt in Kian’s eyes, and instantly regretted what she said.

“I’m sorry, Kian. I didn’t mean it like that.” – she began apologizing, lowering her voice.

“I think we both know you meant it exactly the way you said it.” – it was his turn to be upset.

Claire didn’t know what to say. At that moment, she knew exactly what Kian felt two years ago, when she left him.

As she looked at him, the reality hit her. She still loved him! She loved him more than ever! But she knew she couldn’t do a damn thing about it. It wouldn’t be fair on him. First she dumps him, then after 2 years she comes back, and when he kisses her, she insults him. She knew feelings are not something that you can play around with.

“I’m sorry, Kian. I really am. But why can’t we just leave the past where it belongs? Behind us.” – she lied.

She wanted nothing more than to be in his arms again, kissing him. But she knew that wouldn’t be right. At least not after tonight.

Kian looked at her. He loved her. He loved her more than anything and anybody on this world. But he had to face the truth. She didn’t feel the same. At least that’s what he thought.

“If you want it that way. . .” – he simply said.

“I do. We’ll just forget tonight ever happened, so we can get on with our lives. Let’s treasure what we had

and let’s not ruin it. We should remember all those nights we spent lying in each others arms, and all those tears we cried together. We’ll always have the memories, Kian.” – she said sadly, looking at him. She could feel tears building in the corners of her eyes, but she knew she couldn’t cry. She had to be strong. – “The good ones as well as the bad ones. We shouldn’t forget them. I know I’ll always treasure them in here.” – she said, taking his hand and putting it on the left side of her chest.

Kian looked at her. No words were needed to be spoken, everything was already said. He just hugged her tightly, knowing it would be the last time he would feel her close to him.

Claire didn’t want to let go of him. She knew once she let’s go of him, it would be forever. There would be no coming back. It would be the end.

Eventually, they drew apart, and Kian gave her one last kiss on the lips. She didn’t argue this time. She was enjoying the last second they had together.

All my time is froze in motion
Can't I stay an hour or two or more
Don't let me let you go
Here's a toast to all those
Who hear me all too well

Kian looked at her and she smiled, even though he felt like crying, right there and then.

“Let’s go inside.” – he said quietly. She just nodded and followed him.

When they got inside, they tried to enjoy the rest of the party. They failed. Even though both of them were smiling, like everything was perfect, their hearts were aching. Aching cos both of them knew they lost the love of their life. And both Kian and Claire were too stubborn to let their true feelings show. Or maybe it wasn’t stubbornness. Maybe it was generosity. Kian loved Claire, and she loved him back, but they were too afraid to show it. They were frightened they would hurt each other even more than they already have, if they admit each other the love they had burning inside of their hearts. . .

Here's to the nights we felt alive
Here's to the tears you knew you'd cry
Here's to goodbye
Tomorrow's gonna come too soon

Lyrics: Here’s To The Night by Eve 6

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