It was only a matter of time

5:30AM.

The cell phone beeped with a message.

Gary had already sent me my morning wake up text but every once in awhile he'll send an extra one. I was still in bed, knowing I should be motivating but not quite ready yet. I flipped open the phone, wondering what cute message my honey was sending me.

"Do U still think about me? R U horny?"

Earl.

I knew it by the number (and the message). I had deleted him from my contact list almost a year ago. It had been about 3 months since I had last heard from him. I was inclined to answer right away with a "it's over, don't call or text me anymore" but I decided to wait.

I grabbed a shower and contemplated. The truth of the matter was that I didn't think about him anymore. Every once in a while a fleeting thought or memory of all the times he hurt me would bubble up but seriously, I hadn't thought about him in weeks.

After I dried from the shower and got dressed I looked at the message again. All of a sudden it was even more clear than ever what his true character was. How crass can you be? R U horny?? And I was actually head over heels for that. FOR A LONG FRIGGING TIME. When I thought about my relationship with Gary and how he treats me I find it hard to believe that I could ever think I was in love with Earl.

Gone were all the raw emotions. Gone were all the words I wanted to say about how much he shredded me. Over and over again. Gone was the bargaining and wishful thinking. Gone were my feelings.

I simply replied:

"Yup, still horny, but now I have someone who takes care of that and so much more"

Within a minute he replied "Cool. Just wanted to say Hi"

I didn't reply again.