A Chance Encounter

Chapter-6: The Confession Part 2

Twenty minutes later, Sarah arrived, her entrance announced by the sound of her boots clattering against the hardwood floor and her usual energy filling the room. "Alright, Mia. Spill it. What's got you looking like someone kicked your puppy?"

Mia sighed and gestured toward the couch. "It's Lucas... and Jake."

Sarah raised an eyebrow and threw her jacket onto a chair before flopping onto the couch. "Ah, the classic love triangle dilemma. I knew this day would come."

Mia joined her, feeling the weight of her indecision pressing harder now that she was about to talk it through. "I feel like I'm stuck. Lucas is... he's wonderful, and I like spending time with him. But Jake... I can't stop thinking about him. Every time I'm with Lucas, I end up comparing the two of them, and it's making me feel like a terrible person."

Sarah gave Mia a sympathetic look, her voice softening. "You're not a terrible person, Mia. You're just figuring out what you want, and that's normal. But you've got to be honest with yourself—and with Lucas. If your heart isn't fully in it with him, it's only going to hurt more the longer you wait."

Mia rubbed her temples, feeling the weight of Sarah's words sinking in. "I know. I've been avoiding it because I don't want to hurt him. I care about him, but I don't think I'm in love with him. And Jake... Jake is this whole other thing. It's like every time I'm around him, I feel more like myself."

Sarah leaned forward, her gaze serious now. "Then you have to tell Lucas. You can't lead him on, even if it's unintentional. He deserves the truth, and so do you. Otherwise, you'll keep dragging this out and it'll hurt more in the end."

Mia nodded, feeling the knot in her stomach tighten. She knew Sarah was right. She had to confront Lucas. But the thought of having that conversation—of seeing the disappointment in his eyes—made her chest tighten with dread.

"But what if I make the wrong choice?" Mia asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "What if I let Lucas go and things don't work out with Jake? What if I'm just chasing a fantasy?"

Sarah gave her a long, measured look. "There are no guarantees in this, Mia. Love is always a risk. But staying with Lucas out of fear or guilt isn't fair to either of you. You've got to follow your heart, and if your heart is telling you it's not Lucas, then you have to trust that."

Mia stared down at her hands, her thoughts swirling. She knew Sarah was right. She had been prolonging the inevitable, and it wasn't fair to Lucas—or herself. She had to tell him the truth, even if it meant facing her own fears.

"Okay," Mia said, taking a deep breath. "I'll talk to him. I just hope he can understand."

Sarah squeezed Mia's hand, offering a small, reassuring smile. "He'll understand. It might hurt at first, but in the end, it's better for both of you. And hey, no matter what happens, you've got me."

Mia smiled, grateful for Sarah's unwavering support. "Thanks, Sarah. I really needed this."

"Anytime," Sarah said, leaning back with a smirk. "Now, about that dinner you promised me..."