MAGIC WATER // THOMAS CECCON

16.

"And I'll be here for you."

~•~

The evening in the park was calm and warm. The city was slowly quieting down as the day drew to a close, and the park was bathed in the soft glow of streetlights. Beatrice and Thomas sat on a bench under a blooming tree, their ice cream long finished, but neither of them felt like returning to the Olympic Village. The air was filled with the gentle scent of flowers and the light rustling of leaves, creating an atmosphere perfect for quiet conversations.

Thomas glanced at Beatrice, who was looking up at the night sky, and his mind was racing with thoughts. It had been a long day, full of emotions, and although it ended in disappointment at the race, he felt that this evening was incredibly important for him. Beatrice had helped him so much throughout the day, and now, as they sat next to each other in the silence of the night, he felt it was time to talk about something that had been growing between them in recent days.

"Birdie," Thomas began softly, his voice gentle and filled with emotion, "I think we should talk about what's happening between us."

Beatrice turned to him, her eyes full of tenderness and interest. "What exactly do you want to talk about, Thomas?" she asked calmly, though she felt her heart beat a little faster. She had a feeling where this was heading and realized it was time to address it. When she sat in the stands earlier today, watching his race, her mind was occupied with one thought: What would happen next? What was between them? What would be? What exactly were they?

Thomas looked at her, trying to find the right words. "We've been spending a lot of time together lately," he began slowly. "And I think something has developed between us that's more than just friendship. I don't want to pressure you, Birdie, but I feel like we should be honest with ourselves."

Beatrice smiled and took his hand. "You're right, Tommy," she nodded. "I also feel that something has developed between us. Something special and beautiful. But at the same time, it's new for me, and I'm not sure how to handle it." She had never dated anyone because, until now, she didn't have time for relationships. She spent her days at the pool, practicing her dives because she wanted to be the best. She definitely didn't know how to recognize if she liked someone, and she certainly didn't know how to behave in such a relationship.

Thomas nodded, and his expression turned more serious. "I don't know what will happen next either," he admitted. He was also afraid. He had been in a relationship before, so this wasn't new to him, but what was new was that this was with an athlete. He had dated a classmate before, so he knew how to adapt when someone wasn't into sports, but Beatrice was a professional athlete—just like him. He knew it would be harder to keep the relationship alive when they both had to devote most of their time to training.

"But I know that I like you, Birdie. And I think we could try something more. I'd like you to be my girlfriend."

Beatrice looked at him for a long time, her heart filled with warmth, but she also felt a slight uncertainty. It was something she had already imagined herself, but now that Thomas had said it out loud, she realized it wasn't a decision she wanted to make impulsively.

"Tommy," she began softly, her voice filled with affection but also hesitation, "I appreciate what you've said. And I have to admit that I like you too. But I want to be sure we're doing the right thing. That we're both making the right decision."

Thomas looked at her with understanding and nodded. "I understand," he replied. "I don't want to push you into anything. But know that what's between us is important to me. Whatever you decide, I'll respect it."

Beatrice hesitated for a moment, but then a gentle smile appeared on her face. "You know what?" she said after a moment. "I have one condition."

Thomas looked at her curiously, his eyes sparkling with interest. "What condition?"

"I want us to wait until after my final event here at the Olympics," Beatrice replied calmly. "I still have one important competition left—synchronized diving with Theresa. And I want this decision to come after it's all over."

Thomas thought for a moment and then nodded. "That sounds reasonable," he agreed. "And what if you place on the podium? What then?"

Beatrice thought for a moment, then took a deep breath and looked into his eyes. "If we place on the podium, I'll give you an answer. But I need to feel that I've achieved something important to me before I make such a decision. And if that happens... then we can decide what comes next."

Thomas smiled, his expression showing both joy and understanding. "That's fair, Birdie. I'm happy to wait for that answer. And no matter what you decide, I'll respect your choice."

Beatrice squeezed his hand and smiled at him. "Thank you, Tommy," she said softly. "I know this feels a bit unusual right now, but I want to be sure that what we do is the right thing."

Thomas leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. "I understand. And I'll support you, no matter what you decide."

Beatrice felt a sense of calm spreading through her heart. She was grateful that Thomas understood her concerns and was giving her the space she needed. It was important to her to know that she had time to think everything through carefully and make a decision without any pressure.

"I think we should head back to the village," Beatrice said after a moment. "Tomorrow's going to be another challenging day."

Thomas nodded and slowly stood up, still holding her hand. "You're right," he agreed. "But I'm glad we could have this conversation."

"So am I," Beatrice replied, and they walked together back to the Olympic Village. The quiet night in Paris glowed around them, but they only had eyes for each other. They passed through the streets, now less crowded, and in the evening's silence, they savored the last moments of the day.

When they reached the gates of the Olympic Village, they paused for a moment, as if they didn't want the evening to end. Beatrice looked at Thomas, and in her gaze, he could see the certainty she felt thanks to his support.

"Thank you for being with me today," she said softly.

Thomas smiled and gently hugged her. "I'm the one who should be thanking you," he replied. "Because of you, I felt better, even though it was a tough day."

Beatrice laughed and leaned closer to him. "I think we complement each other well," she said with a smile.

"We do," Thomas agreed. "Whatever happens, I'll be here for you."

"And I'll be here for you," Beatrice replied. "Good night, Tommy."

"Good night, Birdie," Thomas said and kissed her gently on the forehead once more.

As Beatrice turned and headed toward her room, she felt that tonight had been another step toward something greater. She was sure that whatever decision she made, Thomas would understand. And that realization filled her with peace and joy. Now, she was ready for whatever fate had in store for her.

~•~