Unexpected Co-star

Part 21

The flight back home was a mix of exhaustion and reflection. As Hugh and I settled into our seats, the reality of our return began to set in. The Australian adventure had been everything I'd hoped for and more, but the excitement of the trip also made me confront something I had been avoiding. It clouded my mind making me second guess everything. 

After we arrived home and settled back into our routines, the lingering thoughts of our relationship weighed heavily on me. I had been thinking about it during the trip, and now I knew I needed to have a serious conversation with Hugh.

One quiet evening, as we were preparing dinner together, I could sense the tension in the air. Hugh was chopping vegetables, humming softly, and I felt a knot forming in my stomach. I knew I had to address what had been on my mind. But I could make out the words. The knot in my stomach, traveled up to my throat. 

"Hugh," I began, trying to keep my voice steady. "Can we talk for a minute?" I wanted to stop myself but my brain wouldn't let me. 

He looked up from his chopping board, his expression turning serious. "Of course. What's on your mind?"

We moved to the living room, where we sat down on the couch. Hugh's demeanor was open and attentive, but I could see a hint of concern in his eyes. He reached placing his hand on my thigh.

"I've been doing a lot of thinking," I started, choosing my words carefully. "About us and where we're headed."

Hugh nodded, encouraging me to continue. "I'm listening."

"I want to be honest with you," I said, feeling nauseous and light headed. "The time we spent together has been amazing. You've been incredible, and I'll always cherish the memories we've made. But... I've realized that I need to take a step back."

Hugh's expression shifted to one of confusion and concern. "What do you mean?"

"I've been thinking about moving in with my sister," I explained. "I need some space to focus on myself and find my own path. I think it's best for both of us if we end things. I need to remember and I haven't even felt any deja vu from anything."

The silence that followed was heavy. Hugh's face fell, and I could see the hurt in his eyes. He took a deep breath before speaking. "Is there something specific that made you come to this decision? I thought we were doing well." He pulled his hand away from my thigh. 

"It's not about anything specific," I said, my voice trembling slightly. "It's about me needing to figure things out on my own. I feel like I need this time to understand what I really want and where I fit in."

Hugh's gaze softened, though his disappointment was plastered on his face. "I understand the need for space, but this is coming as a surprise. I thought we were building something special."

"We were," I said, tears welling up, making my vision blur. "And we did have something special. But sometimes, we need to take a step back to grow. I hope you understand."

Hugh sighed, nodding slowly. "I do understand, even if it's hard to accept. I care about you a lot, and I want what's best for you. If this is what you need, then I'll support your decision. I'm still here for you. I'm not leaving you, I will be at your side from a far, no matter what."

We sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the conversation sinking in. It was one of the hardest things I had ever done, but I felt a strange sense of relief. The decision to end things wasn't easy, but it felt necessary for both of us.

"I'm sorry, Hugh," I said softly. "I hope we can part on good terms."

Hugh reached over again and took my hand. "We will. You deserve to find what you're looking for, and I hope you find it."

We embraced for a long moment, both of us feeling the gravity of the situation. As we parted, there was a sense of finality but also of understanding. It was a difficult moment, but one that felt right for the path I needed to take.

In the days that followed, I began preparing for my move to my sister's apartment. It was a new chapter, one filled with uncertainty but also with hope. Saying goodbye to Hugh was hard, but it was a step toward discovering what I truly needed and wanted for my future. My mind fills with Hugh. Everything we did together. The way he stood by me in the hospital. What was I doing. Am I wrong for this? Was this a mistake?