The next morning, the house was quiet, too quiet. My mom had left for work, still fuming, judging by the way she was banging doors like they were the cause of her problems. I just stayed in my room, curled up under the blanket, my mind replaying yesterday, the image of him kissing that woman burned in my memory.
I just layed there, hoping he'd knock again. I didn't want him to give up on me and stay away. I was angry, yes, but that didn't mean I didn't still love him. I waited… and waited. But he didn't come. So he had given up after all. Oh well.
My stomach growled, reminding me I needed food and also that I had to get ready for the soul-draining thing called school. I finally forced myself off the bed and headed for my door.
A soft knock made me jump.
"Bea… can we talk? Please," his voice was low, almost begging. I couldn't help the small, satisfied smile tugging at my lips. My heart raced, but I didn't answer.
He knocked again, more firmly. "I need you to hear me out."
I finally opened the door just a crack. "This better not be another excuse," I said, trying to sound cold.
He ran a hand through his hair, looking like he'd aged ten years overnight. "I swear… it's not what it looked like."
My eyes narrowed. "Not what it looked like? You were kissing her. My mom saw it. I saw it. That's exactly what it looked like."
He stepped closer, hesitating. "Bea… she's… she's my client. She came over to discuss work for the company. I… I didn't… it was a mistake. I leaned in to explain something, and it… it looked like that. But I wasn't, Bea, I would never hurt you."
I wanted to scream, to punch the wall, but instead my chest tightened and my heart wobbled. Could I trust him? Could I believe him?
"You expect me to just… believe that? Your lips were pressed together. How old do you think I am?" I whispered, my voice trembling.
He nodded, eyes dark and serious. "I know it's hard to believe. But trust me, it was nothing like that. And you have every right to be angry. I just… I couldn't stand the thought of losing you over a misunderstanding. Please… don't let this come between us."
Something twisted inside me. His words… his eyes… they weren't lying. My anger began to mix with the part of me that still… loved him. The part that had been waiting for him to notice me in ways that mattered, the part that still remembered his soft laughter, his teasing, the way he always made me feel.
I closed my eyes and let out a shaky breath. "I don't know if I can just… forgive this yet."
He stepped closer again, careful, patient. "I don't expect you to forgive me instantly. Just… let me prove it. Let me show you I care. That I've always cared."
Something inside me softened, but just a little. I didn't say anything. I let him stand there, silent, watching me, waiting.
After a long pause, I finally spoke. "You have one chance… one. And if I see anything like that ever again..."
"I know," he said softly. "I won't disappoint you."
For the first time since yesterday, my chest unclenched slightly. He hadn't lied, not about that. And deep down, a small, fluttering hope sparked.
"I prepared breakfast. Come, let's eat."
"Oh, thank God. I'm starving," I said, a little laugh escaping me.
He chuckled lightly and glanced at me. The energy shifted between us, something just felt different. We ate breakfast, not awkwardly, but I wasn't completely free with him yet. We just had small talks, and a little laughter here and there, but it was nothing like our old conversations.
After breakfast, I got ready for school, and he dropped me off. The rest of the day passed slowly. I kept replaying our conversation in my head, the mix of relief and lingering hurt. I couldn't focus on school, couldn't focus on homework. All I could think about was him. Him, and the way my heart skipped when he spoke, the way I wished we could just… be close, without secrets, without misunderstandings.
By evening, I found myself in the kitchen. He was there, quietly cooking something, humming under his breath. My heart skipped again.
"Hey," I said softly, almost shyly.
He looked up, surprised, then smiled, a small, careful smile that made my knees weak. "Hey."
There was a moment of silence. Then he added, "I've been thinking… your birthday's coming up."
I froze. My eyes widened. "Yeah…"
"I've… planned something," he said, scratching the back of his neck nervously. "I wanted it to be a surprise. Something… special."
A thrill rushed through me, a mix of excitement and anticipation. Despite everything, despite the anger and heartbreak, my heart couldn't help but race.
"Just… don't make it too embarrassing," I said, trying to sound casual, though my voice betrayed me.
He laughed softly. "I promise. But I want it to be… memorable. For you."
I nodded, smiling despite myself. My feelings for him… they were still there, stronger than ever. And maybe, just maybe, things would finally go the way I'd been dreaming.
Dinner was amazing. My mom didn't come home, she got like that when she was angry, so we were used to it. At least me and my stepdad had some quality time together. We were back to our normal selves. I chose to believe him and let things go. I didn't want a mere kiss to ruin what we had.
That night, as I lay in bed, I couldn't stop thinking about him. About my birthday. About finally being eighteen, finally being noticed in the way I wanted… by the one person I wanted more than anyone. I just couldn't wait.
I drifted off to sleep with a smile on my face, a mixture of hope and nervous excitement curling in my chest. Something told me… this year was going to be unforgettable.