I Would Have Kept You Forever

Chapter One: Fashion of His Love

“What do you mean ‘He broke up with you’?” Jamie demanded later that very same day. “Are you sure you just didn’t hear him wrong?” I nodded miserably. 

“He said it. In that many words.” I said, grabbing another tissue. 

“Why don’t you go after him?” She asked. I sighed. 

“I tried to. I don’t know where he is now. He won’t answer his cell, won’t reply to my texts.” I sniffled. “I don’t know how to find him.” Jamie rolled her eyes and took my hands across the small table at the coffee shop we were in. 

“Just close your eyes and focus on him. Find him that way.” I raised an eyebrow at her and she withdrew her hands. “I’m just saying.” She muttered. 

“I’m not Charles Xavier.” I said. She snorted. 

“Of course you’re not. Patrick Stewart is amazing and bald.” She looked at me. “You’re amazing and not bald.” I rolled my eyes. 

“You’re whacked.” I said. She ignored this and moved on. 

“So if you can’t find him X-Men style and he won’t answer you-how do you find him?” She asked, her tone implying she was challenging me. I sat for a few minutes, thinking-and then it clicked. 

“I know how.” I said. She leaned back and smiled in satisfaction. 

“Go on, then.” She said, shooing me away in a Captain Jack Sparrow fashion. I smiled at her. 

“You’re the best, Jamie.” She grinned. 

“Tell me something I don’t know.” I went back to the hotel, packed all my things and loaded them into my car. I checked out, stopped at Walmart and got a few snacks for the trip. 
 
 
I pulled up in front of the apartment and admired it for a minute before climbing out of my car and heading for the door. I found the right apartment number and headed up. I knocked on the door and was surprised when a woman opened it. 

“Um-” I froze. I hadn’t been expecting this. What do I say? 

“Can I help you?” She asked, her voice carrying a slight attitude. 

“Um-” I stuttered again. 

“Maggie?” A voice said behind her. This was who I had been looking for. 

“Hi.” I said weakly, suddenly feeling like an idiot. 

“Maggie, Kellan’s not here right now.” Cam said, obviously trying to make the situation less awkward. 

“Oh-ok, thanks.” 

“Oh, you’re Maggie.” The woman said, recognition clear on her face. I nodded awkwardly, feeling the tears well up again. 

“Cam, can you tell Kellan I’ll just stop by later?” 

“Yeah. Of course.” His forehead was wrinkling as he looked at me, examining my face. I refused to blink because then the tears would really start flowing. 

“What about the amazing, handsome, drool worthy Kellan?” A voice said from behind me at the same time a hand landed on my shoulder, making me jump. Cam snorted. I remained silent, my gaze straight ahead on Cam. 

“Come on, Chels-let’s give them some privacy.” Cam said, pulling her away from the door. 

“Nice to meet you.” She said to me. I nodded, still unable to actually speak. Kellan guided me inside and set his bags on the counter. 

“Mags-what’s up? I thought you’d still be in New York with Jay.” I whimpered involuntarily at his name and Kellan turned to look at me. “Maggie?” I shook my head, trying to force my voice out. 

“He left me.” I said. Kellan froze. 

“Left?” He repeated. I nodded. 

“The day after the party.” I said, feeling the tears spill over, but I couldn’t muster the energy to wipe them away. I was so exhausted. Kellan took a step towards me and stopped. 

“Didn’t you go after him?” He asked. 

“I’m trying, Kellan. He won’t answer my calls. I don’t know where he is. He’s avoiding me.” I said, my voice cracking slightly. Kellan sighed. 

“Alright, babe. Have a seat. I’ll see what I can find out.” He said. I slid onto the bar stool at the counter and he got me a glass of water while he went through his phone. I sipped at it, more for something to do than actual thirst, while I waited. Cam walked his girlfriend out and came over to stand behind me. 

“What happened?” He asked softly. I leaned back against him and told him quietly what happened with Jackson. Kellan cleared his throat and glanced at me. I fell silent and Cam wrapped his arms around me. 

“Hey, Jack.” Kellan said, giving no indication that anything was wrong. There was a pause. “Having fun in New York? How’s Maggie?” My throat closed and I had to take another sip of water. “What do you mean you don’t know. Don’t you two talk anymore? Or are you just spending all day in bed now?” Despite my heartache, I felt my face flush. “Please tell me I didn’t interrupt you two.” Kellan continued. There was a long pause and in the silence, I could hear Jackson’s voice. I couldn’t make out what he was saying exactly, but I don’t think it was very good. He wouldn’t lie to Kellan. 

“I’m sorry, my phone my be going through a tunnel-you did what?” Kellan asked. “Jack-have you lost your mind?” He glanced at me and I closed my eyes. “Why would you do something like that?” I slid off the stool and started walking around the apartment, unable to listen anymore. 

“And you just left her there?” Kellan’s voice rose an octave. “Jackson-I never…never thought I’d ever say this, but you’re right. You don’t deserve her.”