The evening stars

What is happening to me?

At work, Sophie could hardly concentrate on the lessons. She looked at her students, heard their questions and requests, but her thoughts were far away. She answered the questions mechanically, smiled at the children, but fragments of their trip home continued to swirl in her mind. As they sat in the car, Alex at the wheel and she beside him, feeling his presence so close. She recalled his gaze — deep, penetrating, as if he were trying to read her thoughts.

"What is happening to me?" Sophie thought, looking out the window at the bustling schoolyard. She knew that these feelings were wrong. Alex was married, he had a family, and she was just his daughter's teacher. And yet something inside her resisted logic and common sense. She couldn't stop the flood of emotions overwhelming her completely.

During the break, Sophie went outside, hoping that the fresh air would clear her mind. But that didn't help. She kept returning to thoughts of last night, to their conversation, his offer to give her a ride. She was engulfed by a strange feeling, a mix of joy and anxiety. She understood that she was on the brink of something important, but she was afraid to take the next step.

Sophie knew one thing: she wouldn't be able to live in such a state for long. She needed to sort out her feelings, to understand what she truly wanted. But for now, her mind was filled with only one thing — memories of those moments when she was with Alex.

After the workday, Sophie hoped that the walk home would clear her head a bit, but barely stepping out of the school doors, she ran into Rachel. She was standing next to the car, smiling and greeting Sami, who was running out of the building.

— Sophie!— Rachel called out joyfully. She looked fresh and happy, her eyes shining with warmth, as always. — How was your day?

Sophie forced a smile, trying to hide her true feelings. — Not bad, thank you. And how about you?

— Everything is fine.I'm just picking up Sammy, — Rachel said, nodding towards her daughter, who was already fastening her seatbelt in the back seat of the car. — Hey, do you want to grab a coffee? I just have a little time before I go back home. "We could chat."

Sophie felt a tightening inside. Her first instinct was to agree, as she always had before. But now everything was different. Thoughts of Alex, his gaze, and last night's evening simply wouldn't leave her alone. She understood that she wouldn't be able to sit calmly at the table, pretending that everything was fine, when her mind was filled with doubts and guilt. She was supposed to find some reason.

— Do you know, Rachel, I would love to, but I still have things to do, — Sophie nervously adjusted her hair, trying to avoid direct eye contact. — I need to finish preparing for tomorrow's lessons. Maybe another time?"

Rachel nodded with an understanding smile. — Of course, I understand. Teachers are always so busy. In any case, let's meet when you have some free time. I miss our conversations.

— I do too,— Sophie said with a faint smile. She watched as Rachel got into the car and drove away, waving goodbye. Sophie stood for a few more minutes, watching the disappearing car, feeling the bitterness of growing anxiety. She knew that she couldn't avoid Rachel forever, but at that moment, panic engulfed her at the mere thought of spending time with her friend when her heart was in such chaos.

The only person with whom Sophie could share her thoughts and feelings was Nigel. Knowing that she needed to express her feelings and receive support, she decided to call her best friend.

She dialed his number, waited for him to answer, and with relief heard the familiar voice on the other end of the line.

— Hello, Nigel, — she began, trying to keep her composure. — Sorry to bother you. I'm just here... I need to talk to you. Can you come over to my place this evening? I would like to chat.

Nigel was, as always, on top form. — Of course, Sophie. I'm glad you called. What time is convenient for you?"

— Shall we say, in an hour? — suggested Sophie. — I just got home. I just want to talk and distract myself.

— Alright, I'll be there in an hour, — Nigel replied warmly. — Don't worry, everything will be fine. I'm looking forward to our meeting.

Sophie hung up the phone and sighed with relief. Her thoughts about Alex were still on her mind, but now she had a clear intention to discuss it all with Nigel. She started preparing for his arrival, trying to tidy up her apartment and make something for tea.

When Nigel arrived, he immediately noticed that Sophie looked troubled.

Nigel arrived right on time with a set of delicious cupcakes, which were in bright paper wrappers. He knew that sweets could help lift one's spirits, especially in difficult times. Upon entering Sofia's apartment, he immediately noticed her worried expression, which made him focus even more on her emotional state.

— Hi, Sophie! — said Nigel, smiling as he handed her a box of cupcakes. — I thought these sweets might cheer you up a bit. How did yesterday end? You look like something terrible has happened, and I'm not in the loop.

Sophie took the box and smiled in response, feeling her tension ease a little. She led Nigel to the sofa, where they sat down, and she began to recount what had happened.

— Last night was... unusual, — she began, sipping her hot tea. — Alex drove me home.

— Are you serious? — Nigel's eyes widened, and he leaned forward as if he wanted to hear more. — And I'm only finding out about this now? You should have woken me up and told me everything in the smallest details. How did Rachel react to this?

Sophie laughed at the storm of emotions from Nigel. — I don't think it means anything to Rachel. It's just a friendly gesture.

— But not for you? — Nigel asked, raising one eyebrow. — I think your behavior suggests otherwise. You are literally floating on clouds.

Sophie sighed, her face became more serious. — Yes, you're right. I can't get rid of thoughts about him. It was more than just a trip home. I felt as if that evening left a mark on me that I can't ignore, but it's all so wrong.

— I understand, — Nigel said, stirring his tea in his cup. — And what are you planning to do next? Will you try to understand your feelings, or will you just try to forget about it?

— I'm not sure, — Sophie admitted, her voice becoming quieter. — On one hand, I want to understand what these feelings are. On the other hand, it's hard for me to accept that it might not be that simple. I need time to reflect on all of this and decide how to proceed.

— Maybe we should talk to Alex, — suggested Nigel. — If you feel that he is also interested, it might be worth finding out right now, rather than leaving everything in uncertainty.

Sophie looked at him, contemplating his words. — Perhaps you are right. But I'm afraid that the conversation might complicate everything. I don't want to create unnecessary problems if my feelings aren't as serious as I think they are.

— It's your choice, — Nigel said with understanding. — But remember that sometimes open communication can help clarify the situation. If you decide to talk to him, I will be here to support you, no matter how it all turns out.

Sophie nodded, feeling grateful for Nigel's support. — Thank you, Nigel. Your opinion is really important to me. I will think about what you said and try to sort out my feelings.

— Always happy to help, — Nigel replied with a smile. — In the meantime, let's enjoy these cupcakes and a good conversation. You deserve a little rest and joy.