Unsaid Love (JATP fanfiction)

• Chapter VI •

Juilliard University, NY, 2021

Fiona's POV:

Just before I close the door, I see Melanie's encouraging gaze.

"You got this...", she whispers.

I nod briefly, close the door and start off in the direction of the city centre with the evening lights from the houses and stores.

I would like to turn around after every step I take towards the Central Park. It scares me. I banish thoughts of my past as best I can - but they are still deep inside me.

I just met Alex for the first time a few days ago and yet it feels like an eternity. He didn't show up for several days and that because of my past. It isn't my intention to hurt others with my history. It's bad enough for myself, it doesn't have to burden other people around me.

Do I even want to know what he found out? Depending on it, I feel redeemed afterwards, on the other hand it could absolutely destroy me.

My head rattles with thousand thoughts, my breath quickens with every step and my body trembles.

The large entrance gate to Central Park rises in front of me. It is only here that I realise I don't even know exactly where I have to go. I look in all directions and decide to take the path to the left, where it is completely deserted.

I slow down my steps the deeper I get into the park. There is no one to be seen here anymore, because the evening temperatures have dropped and the cold breeze has increased.

I remain there for a moment and breathe in the cold air to calm myself down a little. I remember Melanie's words. You got this...

Just as the words leave my mouth, I get the feeling that I am no longer alone anymore.

"Hey..."

I turn around and see a nervous Alex behind me. He scratches the back of his neck and obviously doesn't know how to continue our little conversation.

"Hey, how are you feeling? I've been worried about you..."

"Yeah, I'm sorry, it took me a while."

"Well, then I'm responsible... I didn't mean to burden you with my problems."

"Don't. Please. We need to talk Fiona"

"That's why I'm here... Would it be best if we sit down?"

"Yeah, come on."

Alex takes a step closer to me and motions me to sit down in the soft grass. We lean against a tree and stare into the distance. It takes a few minutes for him to continue our conversation.

"Actually, I have no idea where to begin. I don't know your past, Fiona, but still, I know more now than you might think..."

"I understand..
Alex? Can I trust you?"

"To a hundred percent, always. That's a promise!"

"So... my family situation was not so simple all the time. I am not
an only child. I would actually have a big brother. Someone who could
protect me from danger and doubts in my childhood and also now in my
youth. But I never knew him. I don't know what he was like, what he liked
or what made him angry. I don't know anything about him."

At the thought of him, the water in my eyes immediately rises and without even noticing it, my cheeks were flooded with tears.

"It's a taboo subject at home. For 17 years, I have lived with the thought
that I have lost a confidant. And the only thing I have are my imaginary visions
of him."