Simply You(Ongoing)

CHAPTER 12

Yessenia sat in her apartment, the early evening sunlight casting long shadows across the floor. She gazed out the window, the bustling city below a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside her. Her thoughts were tangled, and the weight of her guilt felt almost tangible. The root of her distress lay in her recent conversation with her friend Clara, who had been speculating about the nature of Matheo’s feelings towards Yessenia.

Clara had always been perceptive, perhaps too perceptive at times. She had a way of seeing beyond the surface, of imagining possibilities that others might overlook. This particular day, Clara’s speculation had been centered on Matheo, Daniel’s friend, and a person Yessenia had always viewed with a mixture of wariness and disdain.

“I just don’t get it,” Clara had said, her brow furrowed in thought. “Matheo seems so distant, but what if it’s not because he dislikes you? What if he’s just afraid to express his feelings? Maybe he’s struggling with how to communicate because he’s unsure how you’ll react.”

The idea had struck Yessenia like a cold wave. Clara’s words had painted Matheo in a surprisingly sympathetic light, suggesting that his aloofness might be a cover for deeper emotions. To Yessenia, this notion was both baffling and deeply unsettling. Matheo was not just an aloof acquaintance; he was an enemy, someone whose actions had directly impacted her life and relationships.

Yessenia and Matheo had a complicated history. Their enmity had been cultivated over years of mutual antagonism. The root of their discord lay in a series of events that had pitted them against each other. From academic rivalries to personal grudges, their interactions were always charged with tension. Matheo’s presence in her life was a constant reminder of unresolved conflicts, and Yessenia had always approached him with guarded hostility.

When Clara had raised the possibility that Matheo’s cold demeanor might be a result of unspoken affection, Yessenia had felt a pang of confusion. How could someone who had been so consistently adversarial suddenly be harboring feelings of affection? It seemed inconceivable. Yessenia’s own experiences with Matheo had been marked by conflict and misunderstanding, not by hidden feelings or romantic tension.

Clara’s speculative musings had left Yessenia in a state of turmoil. On one hand, she deeply valued Clara’s friendship and her ability to see the world through a hopeful lens. On the other hand, Yessenia’s own experiences and understanding of Matheo told a different story. It was a story of rivalry and discord, not of romantic longing.

Yessenia knew she had to talk to Clara about it. The guilt of withholding the truth was eating away at her. She had promised Clara honesty, and yet here she was, caught in a web of half-truths and unspoken realities. The burden of keeping such a significant piece of information from her friend was heavy, and Yessenia was determined to set things right.

They met at a quiet park, a place where they often came to escape the noise of their daily lives. Clara was already there, sitting on a bench, her eyes scanning the horizon as if waiting for Yessenia’s arrival. When Yessenia approached, Clara looked up with a hopeful smile that quickly faded as she saw the serious expression on her friend’s face.

“Hey, Clara,” Yessenia said, taking a seat beside her. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. “I need to talk to you about something important.”

Clara’s expression shifted from curiosity to concern. “What’s wrong?” she asked gently.

Yessenia hesitated, her thoughts racing. She knew she had to be honest, but finding the right words was proving difficult. “I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said the other day. About Matheo and his feelings.”

Clara nodded, her eyes attentive. “Yes, I’ve been wondering if maybe there’s more to his behavior than what we see. What do you think?”

Yessenia took another deep breath. “I need to tell you something you might not want to hear. Matheo and I…we’re not just distant acquaintances. There’s a history between us—one that’s filled with conflict and rivalry. From my perspective, Matheo’s behavior isn’t about hidden affection. It’s rooted in a series of disputes and animosities.”

Clara’s eyes widened in surprise. “I had no idea it was that serious. I thought maybe his aloofness was a sign of something more complex.”

Yessenia nodded, feeling a pang of regret as she watched Clara’s hopeful demeanor falter. “I understand why you might think that. It’s easy to imagine the best in people, especially when you care about them. But the reality is, Matheo’s actions have often been antagonistic. He’s not someone who hides his feelings well; he’s more likely to act out on them.”

Clara looked down, her fingers playing with the edge of her jacket. “I wanted to believe that there was something more to it. That maybe he was just struggling with how to express himself.”

Yessenia reached out and gently placed a hand on Clara’s shoulder. “I know it’s hard to hear, and I’m sorry for not telling you this sooner. I didn’t want to hurt you or make you feel like you were wrong in your feelings. But I also couldn’t keep this from you any longer. It’s important for you to know the truth.”

Clara took a moment to absorb the information. Her expression was a mix of sadness and resignation. “I appreciate your honesty, Yessenia. It’s just… disappointing. I thought there might be something more to Matheo’s behavior, but I guess I was wrong.”

Yessenia felt a pang of empathy for her friend. Clara’s idealism and hopefulness had been a bright spot in their often tumultuous world. Seeing that light dimmed was painful, but Yessenia knew it was necessary.

“Sometimes it’s hard to reconcile our hopes with reality,” Yessenia said softly. “But I’m here for you, no matter what. We can face this together.”

Clara managed a small, grateful smile. “Thank you for being there for me. It’s just going to take some time to process all this.”

As they walked through the park, the weight of their conversation hung in the air. Yessenia felt a mix of relief and sorrow. She had been honest with Clara, but the cost of that honesty was the end of a hopeful illusion. She knew that while their friendship would endure, it would be tested by the harsh truths they now faced.

Yessenia’s decision to reveal the truth had been difficult, but it was a necessary step in maintaining the integrity of their friendship. She understood that Clara’s dreams and hopes had been shattered, but she also knew that honesty, no matter how painful, was the foundation of trust. As they continued their walk, Yessenia resolved to be a supportive friend, helping Clara navigate the complexities of her feelings and the reality of her situation.