Healing In Love With You

Chapter 6: Trust in the Making

Lily sat cross-legged on her bed, a journal resting on her lap. The pages were filled with her thoughts—some chaotic, some hopeful, and others still shadowed by doubt. She penned her feelings about Gabriel, capturing how his laughter sent warmth through her and how his gentle words made her feel seen.

Why does this feel so right and so terrifying at the same time? she scribbled, her pen scratching against the paper. I want to trust him, but can I? How?

As she closed the journal, her phone buzzed beside her. It was a message from Gabriel: "Hey, sweetheart! Would you like to join me at the farmer's market tomorrow? I think you'll love it!"

Lily smiled, a flutter of excitement coursing through her. "Sure! Sounds fun!" she replied quickly, her heart racing at the thought of spending more time with him.

The next day, they strolled through the bustling market, the air rich with the scent of fresh produce and baked goods. Vibrant stalls lined the path, each offering colorful fruits, handmade crafts, and delicious treats. Lily felt a sense of ease wash over her as they wandered from stall to stall.

"Have you ever tried homemade honey?" Gabriel asked, pulling her toward a small booth adorned with jars of golden sweetness. "It's life-changing!"

Lily laughed, feeling a lightness in her chest. "I've never even thought about it! But I'm willing to try anything once."

As they sampled honey drizzled on fresh bread, the moment felt intimate—like they were cocooned in their little world, laughing and sharing stories. Gabriel nudged her playfully, and for a moment, the warmth of his presence made her forget the walls she had built around her heart.

But as they passed a loud music stall, a sudden burst of noise jolted Lily. Her heart raced as she instinctively flinched, her past creeping back into her mind. A wave of anxiety washed over her, and she quickly stepped back, feeling overwhelmed.

"Lily?" Gabriel's voice broke through her thoughts, laced with concern. "Are you okay?"

Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile, but the tremor in her voice betrayed her. "I'm fine. Just a bit startled."

Gabriel stepped closer, his gaze steady and reassuring. "You don't have to pretend with me. If something's bothering you, I'm here."

Lily looked up, her heart pounding. Why does he make it so easy to want to trust? "It's just... sometimes I get a bit anxious in crowds," she admitted her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm still trying to work through it."

"I understand," he replied softly, taking her hand in his. The warmth of his touch grounded her. "You're doing great, and I appreciate you sharing that with me. We can take things slow."

After the market, they found a quiet spot on a nearby bench, the sounds of the bustling market fading into the background. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue over everything.

"Tell me more about your writing," Gabriel prompted, genuinely interested.

Lily took a moment, gathering her thoughts. "I love writing romance," she said, a shy smile playing on her lips. "It allows me to create worlds where love conquers all, and characters can heal."

"Do you believe in that kind of love?" Gabriel asked, his expression thoughtful.

"I want to," she admitted, her eyes reflecting her vulnerability. "I want to believe that it's possible to love someone deeply again. It's just... complicated."

Gabriel nodded, his expression understanding. "Life is complicated, but that doesn't mean it's not worth pursuing. I'm willing to take this journey with you, no matter how slow it may be."

Just then, a notification buzzed on Lily's phone, pulling her attention away. She glanced at the screen and felt her stomach drop—a message from one of her brothers. Unease settled in her chest.

Gabriel noticed her change in demeanor. "What is it?"

"It's... nothing," she said, quickly putting her phone away, but the tension lingered in the air.

As they continued talking, Lily felt a mix of gratitude and apprehension. She was building trust with Gabriel, slowly allowing him to see her true self, but her past loomed like a shadow, reminding her that healing wasn't linear.