The Illusion of Us

Chapter 2: Uncharted Territory

The week that passed after my confrontation with Felix was one of novelty and shifting in relationships. His presence in my routine was comforting yet disconcerting. Every day passing by, the boundaries of friendship and something deeper began to go fluid.

The next morning, I headed to school, feeling both eager and apprehensive. Felix's behavior had changed-the subtle changes made him more relaxed, more open. The presence of him in my school routine began to be a part of my day. At the classroom entrance, I saw Felix waiting by my desk.

"Hey, Elaine!" he greeted with that contagious enthusiasm. "Ready for another round of UNO at lunch?"

I did my best to conceal my astonishment at his alacrity. "Of course, that's a good idea."

The games of UNO became ritual, sometime outside of the chaotic school pace. Felix was a very charming and playful guy in competition, these sessions were fun. I also saw how our comfort with each other was growing. Evidently, we talked about everything-from the latest trends to our favorite movies-all the time, his presence starting to feel just like a pleasant change in my life routine.

Felix made a new proposition "You see, there is this new coffee shop just round the corner. Why don't we go there this weekend? I thought it could be fun."

I had my doubts. To spend time with Felix outside of school-that was more than I was prepared to do. The mere thought that he would soon be in a different setting than usual sent shivers down my spine. Yet, his genuine smile was something nobody seemed to find easy to say no to.

"Alright, that should be fine" I stuttered in a voice all too short of calm. "What time were you thinking?"

"Saturday afternoon? I'll meet you there at 3" Felix said, his eyes bright with anticipation.

"Okay, 'til then" I agreed, nodding off my apprehension.

SATURDAY

It was that day, and well, I found myself across this new café: charming and cozy in its exposed brick walls, really comfy seating. There Felix was, sitting at a table beside the window. His bright smile, upon my coming in, smoothed my nerves.

"Hey, Elaine!" he waved in greeting. "Glad you could make it."

I slid into the seat across from him and tried to shake off the nerves that had taken residence in my stomach. "Hey, Felix. This place looks really nice."

While ordering drinks, snacks, and sipping the menu, Felix was sharply attentive. He went out of his way to make me comfortable, recommended items that he thought I might enjoy, and was quite conversational. The atmosphere in the cafe was relaxed, and I slowly dissipated my first tension.

Soon enough, our conversation went from the social to the personal. Felix listened so openly to my dreams-to family expectations placed on me-turned his curiosity toward me.

"So, Elaine," Felix said, stirring his coffee pensively, "I know you are always so focused on your studies. Have you thought about what you want to do in the future?"

Surprise, surprise: this was a question that really caught me off guard. "Ah, well, actually, I do. I wanna be an accountant."

Felix raised his eyebrows in interest. "An accountant? That's pretty cool. What makes you interested in that field?"

I leaned back into my chair, collecting my thoughts. "I have just always enjoyed working with numbers. There's something appealing about solving financial puzzles and making sure that things add up the right way."