HIS OTHER HALF

CHAPTER 37

Sylvia had been feeling down for days now, and she couldn't shake off the feeling of sadness that seemed to cling to her like a second skin. She couldn't even remember the last time she had been happy. The only thing that seemed to occupy her mind was Chase. Who was now incessantly trying to win her back. She couldn't escape him no matter where she went.

So, when she decided to visit Shay at work the next day, she didn't expect to find solace in her. But as soon as Shay saw her, she knew something was wrong.

"Hey, Sylvia, are you alright?" Shay asked, concern lacing her voice.

Sylvia shook her head and looked down at her feet. "I don't know, Shay. I just can't seem to shake off this weird feeling."

Shay pulled Sylvia into a tight hug, rubbing her back soothingly. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Sylvia hesitated, not sure if she wanted to burden Shay with her problems. But then, she sighed and nodded. "It's Chase. He won't leave me alone. He wants me back, but I don't know if I'm ready for that."

Shay listened patiently as Sylvia poured out her heart to her. She gave her some relationship advice, telling her to take her time and think things through. Shay asked her if she loved Chase, and Sylvia hesitated before saying yes.

"Then maybe you should give him a second chance," Shay said. "If it's what your heart wants, don't resist it."

Sylvia nodded, feeling a weight lifted off her shoulders. "Maybe you're right. I'll think about it."

Later in the evening, Sylvia went out for dinner with her mom. She tried to put on a brave face, but her mother noticed her depressed state and started asking her questions. Sylvia didn't want to talk about it at first, but then she found herself spilling everything out to her mom.

"He wants us to get back together, Mom. But I don't know what to do. It's not that easy you know," Sylvia said, tears streaming down her face.

Her mother took her hand and gave her a reassuring squeeze. "Sweetheart, everyone deserves a second chance. If you love him, give him that chance."

Sylvia took her mother's advice to heart and told herself that her mother was right. Everyone deserves a second chance, and she would forgive Chase. But right now, she needed some time alone to help her figure things out.

OoO

Sylvia had been keeping herself busy with work for the past two weeks, traveling and trying to clear her head at the same time. But now, she was back in the comfort of her bed, and as she lay down, she realized how much she missed it. It was soft and cozy, and familiar. It was everything she needed right now.

But then she looked at her phone, and everything changed. There was a message from Chase, and she couldn't resist opening it. It was a simple message, just asking how she was doing. But it was enough to make her heart race.

Sylvia had been struggling with her feelings for Chase for a long time now. They had been together for 6 months, and of course, there had been small fights, and tears, and misunderstandings. But even through all of that, she couldn't deny that she still loved him.

All day long, she had been thinking about what she should do next. She had talked to her friends, her family, and even a therapist. Everyone had their own opinions, their advice. Some said she should move on and find someone else. Others said she should try to work things out with Chase.

But no matter what anyone said, the only thing on her mind was him. She couldn't stop thinking about him. She missed his smile, his touch, his voice. She missed everything about him. And as she lay in bed, staring at his contact on her phone, she knew what she had to do.

She hesitated for a moment, her finger hovering over the call button. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and pressed it.

It rang once. And then he answered.

"Hey," he said, his voice soft and hesitant.

"Hey," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

There was a long pause, as they both searched for something to say.

"I'm sorry," he said finally. "I'm so sorry for everything. I know I messed up. I know I hurt you. But I love you, Sylvia. I do. And I want to make things right."

Sylvia felt a lump form in her throat. She had been waiting to hear those words for so long.

"I love you too, Chase," she said, her voice shaking. "I've missed you so much."

There was another long pause, as they both let the words sink in.

"I know I don't deserve your forgiveness," he said. "But I promise I'll do whatever it takes to make things right. I'll make it up to you, I swear."

Sylvia knew that it wouldn't be easy to forgive him. There were still so many unanswered questions and a  wound that needed to be healed. But as she lay there, listening to his voice, she couldn't help but feel hopeful.

"Okay," she said, finally. "Okay, let's try to work things out."

Chase let out a deep breath as if he had been holding it in for weeks.

"Thank you," he said. "Thank you so much, Sylvia. I'll do whatever it takes."

Sylvia smiled, despite herself. It wasn't going to be easy, but she was willing to try. She was willing to take a chance on love, on Chase.

As they said their goodbyes and hung up the phone, Sylvia felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She had finally made a decision, and she knew it was the right one.

She lay back down in bed, staring at the ceiling. She couldn't stop thinking about Chase, about their future together. She knew that there were going to be challenges ahead, but she was ready for them. She was ready to forgive him.