I Moved On, Right?

A Risk Worth Taking

I was sitting on the couch quietly for hours tears rolling down my face, when Pearl walked in, flicking the lights on, pulling me from my spiraling thoughts. "Vera, are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost, did Stan came here? I saw him outside our building." she said, concern etched on her face.

"I'm fine," I muttered, trying to wipe the tears away. "Just a small talk."

"small talk? Doesn't seems like it. You just had an emotional breakdown with Stan? That's not 'fine'," she insisted, sitting down beside me. "Talk to me. What happened?"

I hesitated, the weight of my emotions nearly suffocating me. "He was just here, Pearl. He won't let go. I told him I hate him, but I don't know if I really do. I'm just so confused."

"Vera, you can't pretend like you don't have feelings for him. Have you seen how he was when he left. I might not know very detail about your relationship. I don't know if I should say this but He's not just your ex; he's the one who knew you the best. You still have something for him, and you can't keep running away," she said, her voice firm but gentle.

"But he hurt me. He hurt me so badly, and I don't know if I can go through that again," I confessed, my voice breaking. "What if I give him another chance, and it turns out he's still the same guy? I can't bear that pain again."

"Sometimes, love means taking risks. You can't be afraid of the past when you have a chance at a new beginning. You both have changed; you just have to be honest with each other," she said, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"I need time to think," I replied, pushing my hair back. "I can't just let him back in after everything."

Pearl nodded, giving me space, but I could feel her worry lingering in the air.

STAN'S POV

As I stepped out of Vera's apartment, I felt a mix of anguish and frustration. I didn't want to give up on her. I wanted to fight for us, but each time I tried to reach her, she pushed me away further. I leaned against the wall outside her door, my heart racing, wishing I could turn back time and rewrite the mistakes I'd made.

I knew I had hurt her, but I hoped with time she might forgive me. I stood there for a moment, my mind racing with memories of our past, the laughter we shared, and the moments I took for granted. I pulled out my phone and stared at her name on my contacts list, my thumb hovering over the call button. I wanted to text her, to tell her how much I cared, but I didn't want to push her further away. I left after waiting outside her apartment for 30 min...still lost in my thoughts. I was a dumbass back then....I regret it, but I really loved her and I still do....

NEXT DAY

I truly love Vera, and to get her back I'm ready to do anything even if I had to beg anyone. I decided to meet Tia and ask for her help. After all, she was one of the few who understood the complexities of Vera's feelings.
As I entered the cafe, I spotted Tia at a corner table. "Hey Tia" I said, sitting on the seat across her.

She looked up, her expression shifting from surprise to concern. "Stan! Hey! You don't look good. what happened?"

"Thanks for meeting me on short note..well actually it's.." I took a deep breath, trying to steady my thoughts. "It's about Vera. I need your help. I need to make things right."

Tia raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "What do you mean? Weren't you two were over eachother for good, especially you."

"I wasn't over her, I just didn't show it. Maybe I don't deserve this but I can't shake off this feeling that there's still something between us. I just need to show her how much I care. I want to make a grand gesture, something that proves I'm serious about this." I confessed.

Tia tilted her head, considering my words. "What do you have in mind? Because I think Vera is still hurting. You need to think this carefully."

"I was thinking of organizing a small gathering-maybe a one day trip at some villa where we can spend more time together. I could invite some of our friends to lighten the mood, but the main focus would be on her. I want to tell her how I really feel, how sorry I am for everything," I explained.

"That could work," Tia said, nodding slowly. "But you need to consider how to get her there without her suspecting anything. She might resist if she thinks it's about you."

I pondered for a moment. "What if you invite her under the pretense of catching up? You know how she loves spending time with you. If you can get her there, I'll handle the rest."

"Okay, I can do that. But you have to promise me to be honest with her. No more hiding your feelings," Tia said firmly.

"Absolutely," I replied, my determination solidifying. "I won't hold back this time. I'll be open about everything."

Tia glanced at me, a hint of a smile forming. "So, let's make it a relaxing day-something she'll enjoy without feeling pressured. Maybe some games, a bonfire, music... all her favorite things."

I nodded, visualizing the day. "Exactly. I'll make sure everything feels effortless and natural. The last thing I want is for her to feel overwhelmed."

Tia patted my shoulder. "Just remember, this isn't about a grand gesture or fixing everything in one night. It's about showing her you're still there for her."

I smiled, grateful. "I know, Tia. I just want her to see I'm serious, that I've changed, and that I'll wait as long as it takes for her to trust me again."

After finalizing the plans, I felt a sense of calm. I didn't know if Vera would forgive me, but I knew I had to try.