Arlon and Liliana - Love in The Midst of Family Feud

Prologue 6 - Friendship Blooms to Romance

Arlon and Liliana, two inseparable friends since their first day of preschool, had always shared a unique and deep connection. Their bond was so close that Liliana couldn't go a day without hugging or cuddling Arlon tightly. Arlon, despite his shyness and autism, cherished every moment they spent together. He knew that Liliana's love for him extended beyond his challenges, and it meant the world to him. Their friendship was a source of comfort and understanding for both of them, as they navigated the ups and downs of life together. Arlon's autism never hindered their connection; instead, it only made their bond stronger and more resilient.

As they entered their puberty stage, their feelings for each other began to evolve. One evening, lying in their respective beds in their own homes, they couldn't help but reminisce about the special moments they had shared over the years. It was in these quiet moments of reflection that they both realised they were falling in love with each other. They were both overwhelmed by a mix of excitement and fear, unsure of how to navigate this new territory. They knew that taking their friendship to a romantic level would be a risk, but their deep connection and shared experiences made it impossible to ignore their growing feelings. They decided to have an open and honest conversation about their emotions, ready to face whatever challenges may come their way.

The next day, during their lunch break at Montessori school, Arlon mustered the courage to talk to Liliana. He nervously approached her, his heart racing. As they sat together, Arlon couldn't help but notice a newfound confidence in Liliana's eyes. He admired her bravery and was inspired by her ability to be true to herself. Taking a deep breath, he began to express his desires and hopes for their relationship, knowing that their shared authenticity would only strengthen their bond. Liliana listened intently, her smile growing wider with each word Arlon spoke. She too had been longing for this moment, and the connection they shared only deepened as they openly shared their dreams and aspirations.

He looked at her with a mix of nervousness and affection and said, "Liliana, there's something I want to tell you."

Liliana, always patient and understanding, replied, "What is it, Arlon? You can tell me anything."

Arlon hesitated, his shyness getting the best of him. He stammered, "I... I want to tell you something, but I'm really shy about it."

Liliana gently reassured him, "There's no need to be shy, Arlon. You can trust me with whatever you want to say."

Encouraged by her words, Arlon embarked on a long monologue, pouring out his feelings. He confessed how much he cherished the moments they spent together and how those moments had made him realise he had romantic feelings for her. His voice trembled as he spoke, and his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Liliana listened attentively, her eyes filled with understanding and compassion. She could see the vulnerability in Arlon's expression and knew how difficult it must have been for him to open up. As he finished speaking, she reached out and gently held his hand, assuring him that she valued their friendship above all else.

Arlon took a deep breath, his heart pounding with nervousness. He looked deep into Liliana's eyes, his voice trembling as he began to speak, "Liliana, you mean the world to me, and I want you to know just how much you've impacted my life."

Liliana, her gaze fixed on Arlon, encouraged him to continue, "Arlon, you can tell me anything. I'm here for you."

With her reassurance, Arlon continued, "Ever since we met in preschool, you've been my closest friend. I've always looked forward to spending time with you, whether it's playing games, studying together, or just talking about our day."

Arlon's voice quivered as he shared his feelings, "But lately, I've started to realise that what I feel for you goes beyond friendship. The moments we've shared, the laughter, the way you've always been there for me, they've made me understand that I have romantic feelings for you, Liliana."