Always you (A Catching Feelings sequel)

Chapter 19

Tiana didn't know how she got to this point. She never thought she would end up becoming a workaholic. Even when she was reaching younger kids, she never became so obsessed with teaching. She finally found what she was meant to teach. English to High school students. It was a greater challenge to teach high school. A different challenge compared to young kids.

She never wanted to lose focus on Steve. He meant so much to her. They should have started with wedding planning. Her tight work schedule prevented that from happening. She hoped she could find a work/life balance. For the sake of saving her relationship and herself.

She knew it wasn't healthy to focus her time solely on teaching, knowing it would only result in burnout but she couldn't help it. She wanted to be the best teacher for her students. She also didn't want to lose focus on that. She hoped that one day she would be able to open up her English school. She didn't believe she was capable of doing something so big, which is why she just settled for teaching young kids.

Now that she began teaching a new demographic, she wanted to succeed even more than before. It was a good feeling, except for the fact that her ambitions were getting in the way of her relationship.

She needed to find a way to make it up to Steve. To show him, that he is important to her and that he will always come first.

Tiana wanted to do something romantic that will prove to Steve that he is just as important as teaching, even more important. There was something he wanted to do for a while, but they just never got around to doing it. Steve wanted to go to a drive-in, a unique cinematic experience that was dying out. There was only one place left that still did drive-ins. It was a half an hour's drive from home. She also thought staying over at a lodge would be romantic. Nice to get away from home life and just enjoy each other's company without work getting in the way for one weekend. She thought it was a great plan. Now, the only issue is to get Steve to agree to her romantic weekend getaway.

She called Nat and explained the whole situation. Thinking that she would be sympathetic to her situation, she surprised her with anger that she hurt Steve. Tiana was taken aback at first but knew she was right. Tiana messed up entirely and it was going to take more than a romantic getaway to smooth things over.

 "Listen, Tiana. Steve is hurt right now. He said he didn't want to talk to you anytime soon. I can't believe that you missed your anniversary dinner. Do you know how long Steve was planning that evening!" Nat reprimanded. *I know, Nat. I know I screwed up badly. I have an idea of how to make things better. I first need to come over "She said, biting her lip nervously. "You know he doesn't want to see you now," Nat said, cautiously. "I have no choice, Nat. I need to see him and apologise to him. We can't end things like this. I miss him already." Tiana sobbed. "Okay, fine. You can come over." Nat said, rolling her eyes. "Of course." "Thank you so much, Nat." Tiana rejoiced.

20 minutes later, Tiana arrived at Bucky and Nat's house. She stood at the door for a few minutes, debating whether it was a good idea to suddenly show up like this. She was nervous. Steve has never been so angry at her before, she was afraid she lost him for good. Taking a deep breath, she rang the doorbell. A few seconds later, she was greeted by Bucky, with a small smile on his lips. "I'm glad you came." He smiled, sadly, letting her inside. She looked around, she didn't see Steve around. "He is in the spare room," Bucky informed her. "Thanks" she replied, before heading to the room. She knocked softly. "Come in." She recognised Nat's voice. She walked in, to see Steve lying on his back, tears streaming down his face. Nat left the room, leaving Steve and Tiana alone.

He looked up to see Tiana, standing next to him. He turned away from her. "Steve, I'm so sorry for missing our anniversary dinner and neglecting you for the past few weeks. I didn't mean to. School just became so busy. I know that sounds like an excuse and I know I should have still made time for you, but I didn't. I didn't mean to hurt you. I love you so much. I promise I'll be better and make more time for you. You're more important to me than teaching." Tiana apologised, sobbing. Steve sat up, he could see how distraught Tiana was, he knew she loved him so much, it's just that she hadn't made time for the two of them.