The Illusion of Us

Chapter 5: A New Beginning

During the spring season, this place was warmed by sunshine, it was a time when new beginnings occured while some feelings that had been built up for months rushed back into life. This place has the smell of flowers just beginning to bloom and student laughter would fill the air yet as for me it was laced with an unsettling tension. In our friendship-courtship negotiations, Felix and I reached another critical point on the road ahead.

Finally, Felix’s unending support got the upper hand on me. His sweet gestures, constant support, and genuine affection had gradually chipped away at the walls I had so carefully constructed around my heart. We would laugh together, talk all night through, come up with heart-to-heart conversations which we bonded so well. That much time spent together felt like one big moment of connection between us. Eventually, Felix turned out to be everything I desired - an attractive mixture of charm, politeness as well as sympathy. He treated me in a way I never thought was possible- by making sure I felt treasured and cared for.

It was one of those crisp Saturday afternoons, and I decided then. We were supposed to meet again at the same cozy café where the turn in our journey took a quick shift, and I felt my tummy do flips as I approached the familiar brick façade. Felix was already there, meeting me with the same beam that always made space meetings special in any case as it happened today.

Felix was sitting at the corner table. This time I felt my eyes fill with tears as I gazed at him. The reason for this is that Felix has been everything to me therefore whenever he is there I feel comfortable like never before. I was ready today to take that next step-to embrace what we had and let it grow into something more.

The café bustled around us-the usual Saturday crowd, it seemed-but our little corner had turned a little into our space. We ordered our drinks and snacks, and while waiting for them to arrive, Felix leaned across the table, his hand brushing against mine.

“Elaine, I have something to tell you.” He spoke in a low and serious voice.

His eyes gazed into mine, and in that moment, I felt both nervous and excited at once. "Sure Felix, what's going on?"

Felix inhaled deeply without averting his gaze from me. “I know we’re taking it slow and thank you for your honesty with me. Letting you know how important you are to me is what I want to do right now. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before, and I truly believe we have something special.”

My heart was racing as I listened to his words. Since this was not the first time that I was looking for an appropriate moment, now felt perfect. I squeezed his hand gently, feeling his warmth when he touched mine.

"Felix," I said quietly, "I have done much thinking on us lately. And I have discovered that waiting no longer holds appeal for me. I want to be with you, to savor what we share, and follow it wherever it may lead us.”

Felix’s face lit up with pure bliss as his eyes twinkled and sparkled from within. “Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to force you into anything that doesn’t sit well with you.”

I nodded a little more vigorously while smiling. “Yes, Felix. I’m convinced. It’s you I want.”

That made Felix break into a bright and warm smile, which was soon followed by him leaning across the table to place a gentle kiss on my cheek. Such action may have looked plain and simple but was heavily loaded with love and warmth. Upon seeing that smile on his face, I felt thrilled all over again.

Later on, all we did at the café were laugh together amid words filled with happiness. We talked about our future plans, shared memories and imaginings, rejoicing in this new clarity about us. Hand in hand as we left the café, I felt happy about what lay ahead in life. Felix and I had moved forward, which felt good.