The Warning signs

15 | Sophia

The morning was calm and serene, the sun casting a golden hue over the kitchen as it streamed through the window.

Lucas was in his element, moving around the kitchen with a practiced ease that spoke of countless mornings spent preparing breakfast.

The aroma of coffee brewing and toast toasting filled the air, a comforting reminder of the simple pleasures of life.

As I sat at the kitchen table, watching Lucas, a question slipped from my lips

"Are you still happy?" The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications.

I watched as Lucas paused, his movements slowing as he processed my words.

"Yes, we are happy," I affirmed, my voice steady despite the rapid beating of my heart.

I knew it to be true. Despite the challenges and the doubts, despite the opinions and the judgments, we were happy.

Our love was strong, our bond unbreakable.

A smile tugged at the corners of Lucas' mouth as he turned to face me, "I'm happy to know that." His words were simple, yet they held a depth of sincerity that touched my heart.

I knew he meant it, knew he genuinely cared for my well-being.

"Thank you," I whispered, my heart overflowing with gratitude.

I was grateful for his understanding, for his support, for his unwavering faith in us.

"For what?" Lucas asked, his brows furrowing in confusion.

His question was genuine, a reflection of his humble nature.

"For understanding," I replied, my voice barely audible.

It was a simple acknowledgment, a heartfelt thank you for his empathy, his compassion.

Not everyone understood, not everyone was willing to see beyond the surface. But Lucas did, and for that, I was grateful.

"Why? Everyone does," Lucas countered, his tone dismissive. But I knew better.

Not everyone understood, not everyone was willing to accept our relationship.

Not everyone was willing to see beyond the rumors, beyond the judgments.

"Ava doesn't," I confessed, my voice laced with a hint of bitterness.

Ava, my best friend, the one person I thought would stand by me no matter what, didn't understand.

She had made her opinion clear, had voiced her doubts about Liam. And it hurt, more than I cared to admit.

"Why?" Lucas asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity.

He didn't know Ava as well as I did, didn't understand the complexities of our friendship.

"She tells me that Liam isn't it," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper.

Ava's words echoed in my mind, a constant reminder of her disapproval.

But I knew Liam, I knew his heart, and I knew he was the one for me.

"Liam is a good guy. Why would they think that?" Lucas questioned, his tone defensive.

He had always liked Liam, had always seen the good in him. And it hurt him to hear otherwise.

"I don't know," I admitted, my voice filled with frustration.

I wished I had the answers, wished I could make everyone see Liam the way I did. But I didn't, and it frustrated me.

"Here," Lucas said, interrupting my thoughts. He handed me a plate filled with breakfast, the aroma of freshly cooked food filling the room.

The sight of the simple breakfast brought a sense of normalcy, a reminder of the simple pleasures of life.

"Eat, refresh your mind," he advised, his tone gentle.

His words were a reminder, a gentle nudge to let go of the worries, to focus on the present.

"Thank you, again," I murmured, my heart filled with gratitude.

Despite everything, I knew I wasn't alone. I had Lucas, and I had Liam. And together, we would face whatever came our way.

As I sat there, eating my breakfast, my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. I knew I had a lot to think about, a lot to process.

But for now, I chose to focus on the present, on the simple pleasure of enjoying a meal prepared with love. And for now, that was enough.