It Was Always Meant To Be

Chapter 14:Finding Balance

Over the next few weeks, Maxi immersed himself in his studies and hobbies. He spent more time with his friends, hoping that their company would help clear his mind. Yet, no matter how busy he kept himself, thoughts of Cla and Kate lingered, constantly resurfacing when he least expected it.

One Saturday, while hanging out at the local skate park with his friend Stanlee, Maxi found himself distracted. The skate park was usually a place where he could lose himself in the thrill of skating, the rush of wind against his face, and the satisfaction of landing a perfect trick. Today, however, his mind was elsewhere. As he sat on the edge of a half-pipe, his skateboard resting beside him, he couldn't help but think about the conversations he'd had with Cla and Kate.

Stanlee, who had known Maxi since primary school, noticed his friend's distraction. He nudged Maxi with his elbow, causing him to snap back to reality. "Hey, what's up? You've been zoning out a lot lately," Stanlee said, his voice filled with concern. Maxi sighed, running a hand through his hair. He glanced around the skate park, watching other skaters glide effortlessly, wishing he could find that same sense of ease in his own life. "It's about Cla and Kate. I care about both of them, and I don't know what to do."

Stanlee nodded thoughtfully, understanding the weight of Maxi's dilemma. He leaned back on his skateboard, looking up at the clear blue sky. "Sounds tough. Maybe you need to take a step back and focus on yourself for a bit. Sometimes, the answer comes when you least expect it." Maxi appreciated Stanlee's straightforward advice. It was something he had been avoiding—taking a step back and giving himself the space to breathe and think clearly. He realized he had been so focused on trying to sort out his feelings for Cla and Kate that he had neglected his own well-being.