Divided Heart

Chapter 9

The soft glow of dawn painted the city skyline in hues of pink and orange. Amara and Teddy were curled up on the couch, the remnants of the night's conversation still hanging in the air. A sense of peace washed over them as they watched prepared for their day. They made love into the wee hours of the morning after their heart to heart, his apology for the disrespect he issued the other day. He had been dead wrong and the grace she gave him all day spoke volumes.

Overall, Amara was just relieved that Teddy finally opened about his concerns and decided to embrace their partnership. She assured him that he would never just be another body. He already meant so much to her. His openness in discussing his conversation with Cameron was a testament to their growing trust. It was exactly the kind of communication and collaboration she had hoped for. With Teddy's impending move to New York, their dynamic would inevitably shift. Spontaneity would have to give way to more intentional planning.

Amara emerged from the bathroom, the crisp lines of her flight attendant uniform accentuating her natural grace. Her hair, pulled back into a sleek high ponytail, showcased her delicate features. A touch of subtle makeup enhanced her eyes, their usual warmth tempered by a hint of professional resolve. In the soft glow of the morning, she was a vision of efficiency and allure, ready to conquer the skies.

As they prepared to leave, the reality of Teddy's departure settled in. They rode together in companionable silence, the early morning city a muted backdrop to their shared thoughts. Amara was scheduled for an early flight to Chicago, filling in for a colleague. Teddy, on the other hand, was headed to a different terminal, his journey taking him back to Boston.

"Can't believe you're leaving already," Amara teased, though a hint of sadness colored her voice.

Teddy grinned. "I'll be back before you know it. Goodbye Boston. BK, here I come!"

They shared a laugh, the lightness in their tone belying the underlying sweetness of their goodbye. Amara squeezed his hand. "You're gonna kill it."

Teddy leaned in for a hug, his arms wrapping around her warmly. "I can't wait, love."

As they pulled apart, their eyes met, filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation. "I'll be counting down the days," Amara promised.

Teddy nodded, his smile widening. "Me too. I'll text when I land."

With one last, lingering kiss, Teddy put some space between them before neither of them ended up leaving. "I'll see you soon, beautiful."

Amara retreated to the quiet solitude of the crew lounge, the hum of the airport a distant backdrop. Now that she was alone her mind raced, replaying the weekend's events. So many emotions were revealed leaving her overwhelmed. Suddenly, a thought struck her with the force of a revelation. Her internship was starting in just a few weeks. The realization hit her like a cold shower. With her MBA nearly complete, the internship was a crucial step towards her ultimate goal. To accommodate the demanding program, she would have to significantly reduce her flight schedule, perhaps to just one a month. The silver lining was that the internship was paid, and her parents were providing much-needed financial cushion.

Her long-term aspirations were equally ambitious. After earning her MBA, she planned to immerse herself in the corporate world, gaining invaluable experience and saving diligently. Her ultimate dream was to launch her own business, fueled by her passion and the knowledge she had acquired. It was an audacious goal, but with unwavering determination and the unwavering support of her loved ones, Amara believed she could achieve anything.

Amara closed her eyes, taking deep, calming breaths. She craved a moment of stillness, a brief respite from the whirlwind of emotions that had consumed her. Her love life sometimes consumed so much of her time her career goals didn't get the attention it needed. Just as she began to find her center, a pair of soft hands covered her eyes.