Love Deferred

chapter 2:dreams

Several days passed since Fides' heart-wrenching encounter with Andrei, and as the sun rose on a new morning, she found herself grappling with a newfound sense of determination. Despite the lingering ache in her heart, Fides knew that she couldn't allow herself to be consumed by sorrow. Instead, she resolved to seize control of her destiny and pursue her dreams with unwavering conviction.

With a deep breath, Fides mustered the courage to approach her parents, Doc Raphael and Atty Alyza, with a bold request. Trembling with anticipation, she laid bare her aspirations before them, her voice steady despite the tumult of emotions swirling within her.

"Mom, Dad," she began, her heart pounding in her chest, "I know this might come as a surprise, but I've made a decision. I want to go to the U.S. to pursue my dreams."

Doc Raphael and Atty Alyza exchanged a glance, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern. "What kind of dreams, Fides?" Atty Alyza inquired, her tone gentle yet probing.

Fides took a deep breath, steeling herself against the uncertainty that lay ahead. "I want to explore the world of modeling," she admitted, her voice tinged with a newfound sense of determination. "I know it's a far cry from the person I've always been, but I can't shake the feeling that this is something I need to do. I want to push myself out of my comfort zone and see where this journey takes me."

Doc Raphael and Atty Alyza exchanged a knowing glance, silently acknowledging the courage it took for their daughter to pursue her dreams so boldly. After a moment of contemplation, Doc Raphael spoke up, his voice filled with pride and unwavering support.

"Fides, we've always believed in you," he said, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "If this is what you truly want, then we'll stand behind you every step of the way. Just promise us that you'll stay true to yourself and never lose sight of the values that define you."

Fides nodded, her heart overflowing with gratitude for the unwavering love and support of her parents. With their blessing in hand, she knew that she was ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime—a journey of self-discovery, courage, and the boundless pursuit of her dreams. As she prepared to spread her wings and soar into the unknown, Fides couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for the extraordinary possibilities that lay ahead.

With proud smiles on their faces, Doc Raphael and Atty Alyza exchanged a glance, silently communicating their unwavering support for their daughter's dreams. They reached out to Fides, enveloping her in a warm embrace that spoke volumes of their love and pride.

"Fides, you've always been our little ray of sunshine," Atty Alyza said, her voice tinged with emotion. "We've watched you grow into a remarkable young woman, and we couldn't be prouder of the person you've become."

Doc Raphael nodded in agreement, his eyes shining with paternal pride. "Your mother and I have always believed in your ability to chase your dreams with passion and determination," he said, his voice filled with unwavering support. "If modeling is what sets your heart on fire, then we'll stand behind you every step of the way."

Tears welled up in Fides' eyes as she embraced her parents tightly, feeling the warmth of their love enveloping her like a comforting blanket. At that moment, she knew that she was ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime, armed with the unwavering love and support of her family by her side.

"Thank you, Mom, and Dad," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I promise to make you proud."

And with her parents' blessings in hand, Fides felt a renewed sense of determination coursing through her veins. With every step she took toward her dreams, she knew that she carried with her the unwavering love and support of her family—a beacon of light guiding her through the darkest of times and illuminating the path to her brightest future yet.

The following weeks were a whirlwind of preparation and anticipation for Fides. She immersed herself in researching the modeling industry, reaching out to agencies, and preparing her portfolio. Her parents helped her with the logistical details, ensuring that her transition to the U.S. would be as smooth as possible.

As her departure date approached, Fides found herself reflecting on the journey that lay ahead. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to face the challenges head-on. The memory of Andrei's rejection still lingered, but instead of letting it hold her back, she used it as fuel to drive her forward.

Finally, the day arrived. Fides stood at the airport with her parents, her heart a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Doc Raphael and Atty Alyza hugged her tightly, their words of encouragement echoing in her ears.

"Remember, Fides, you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to," Doc Raphael said, his voice filled with pride. "Stay true to yourself and never forget the values that guide you."

Atty Alyza nodded, tears glistening in her eyes. "We're always here for you, no matter what. Go out there and shine, my dear."

With a final embrace, Fides bid her parents farewell and stepped through the airport gates, her heart brimming with hope and determination. As the plane took off, she looked out the window, watching her home fade into the distance. She knew that this was the beginning of a new chapter in her life—a chapter filled with endless possibilities and the promise of a brighter future.

In the bustling city of New York, Fides faced a myriad of challenges and opportunities. She navigated the competitive world of modeling with grace and resilience, drawing strength from the love and support of her family. Each audition, each photoshoot, and each runway show was a step closer to her dreams.

As she carved out a name for herself in the industry, Fides discovered a newfound sense of confidence and self-worth. She learned to embrace her uniqueness and let her inner light shine through. And though the journey was far from easy, she never lost sight of the values that defined her.

Back home, Doc Raphael and Atty Alyza watched with pride as their daughter blossomed into a successful and independent woman. They knew that Fides' journey was a testament to her strength and determination, and they couldn't be prouder of the person she had become.

And as for Andrei, he too pursued his dreams with unwavering focus. Yet, he couldn't help but think of Fides from time to time, wondering if he had made the right decision. But life had its own way of unfolding, and each step he took brought him closer to the future he had envisioned for himself.