Love Deferred (Andrei Roxas ans Fides Mondragon Story)

chapter 29: back on each other's arms

Fides on her reflections ...

Fides(Faith)considered Andrei's message carefully, weighing her options. After a moment's reflection, she responded:

"Andrei, let's meet next week after we settle our commitments. How about Friday afternoon? Somewhere private where we can talk."

She felt a sense of clarity in setting a definite time and place. It was important to her that their meeting was intentional and focused, giving them both the space to discuss their feelings and concerns openly.

Andrei read Fides((Faith's) message with a sense of relief. He appreciated her initiative and the practical approach to scheduling their meeting. He replied quickly:

"Friday afternoon works for me. Looking forward to seeing you."

With the meeting now scheduled, Andrei felt a renewed sense of hope. He knew that their conversation would be crucial for their future together. In the meantime, he continued with his daily routine, but with a lighter heart, knowing that clarity was on the horizon.

As the days passed, Faith and Andrei focused on their respective commitments, preparing themselves mentally for the upcoming meeting. Each day brought a mix of anticipation and nervousness, but both were determined to face whatever lay ahead.

Finally, the day arrived. Fides arrived at the agreed-upon location a few minutes early, her thoughts racing with anticipation. She found a quiet corner and waited, heart pounding with a mixture of hope and apprehension.

Andrei arrived shortly after, feeling a surge of emotions as he saw Fides waiting for him. He approached her with a gentle smile, his eyes reflecting a mixture of longing and determination.

"Fides," he said softly, reaching out to take her hand. "Thank you for meeting me."

Fides nodded, her gaze meeting his. "Thank you for being here, Andrei."

They stood there for a moment, taking in each other's presence, before finding a nearby table where they could sit and talk. As they settled in, the weight of their shared history hung between them, yet there was also an underlying sense of hope and possibility.

And so, Fides and Andrei began their conversation, navigating through their past hurts, their present feelings, and their hopes for the future. They spoke openly and honestly, each sharing their perspectives and listening with empathy.

As they talked, the walls of uncertainty and hesitation gradually began to crumble. They found themselves reconnecting on a deeper level, rediscovering the reasons they had fallen in love in the first place and acknowledging the growth they had both undergone.

Andrei took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on Fides with a mixture of regret and determination. "Fides, I want to apologize," he began earnestly, his voice soft but filled with sincerity. "I was stupid back then. I didn't realize how much I hurt you with my indecision and fear."

Fides met his gaze, her expression softening as she listened intently. "Andrei, it's past... it's done... Now we have to face the present... It's okay," she replied gently, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "It was a difficult time for both of us."

"No, it's not okay," Andrei insisted, shaking his head slightly. "I should have been clearer with my feelings. I should have fought harder for us."

A small smile played on Fides' lips as she reached out to touch his hand. "Andrei, we were both young," she said softly. "We made mistakes, but we've also grown from them."

Andrei nodded, his heart feeling lighter with each word spoken. "I've learned so much since then," he admitted, his gaze searching hers. "I've learned how to communicate better and be more decisive. But most importantly, I've learned how much you mean to me."