Unfinished Business

Chapter 12: A Chance for Something New

A week had passed since Que's confession, and Lena had spent most of her time thinkin' about everything he'd said. She was still uncertain about what the future held for them, but she couldn't deny that her feelings were still there, simmerin' just beneath the surface.

When Que showed up that afternoon, he had a mischievous smile on his face. "Come on," he said, reachin' out to take her hand.

"Where we goin'?" Lena asked, a smile playin' on her lips as she let him lead her outside.

"You'll see," he replied, his eyes shinin' with excitement.

They walked a short distance to a small park nearby. In the middle of the grassy clearing, Que had set up a beautiful picnic, complete with a cozy blanket, soft cushions, and a basket filled with all her favorite snacks. There were flowers placed carefully around the edges, and a few candles for when the sun went down. The setup was simple but thoughtful, and Lena couldn't help but feel touched.

"You really tryin' to get me back, huh?" she teased, lookin' at him with a playful smile.

Que grinned, his gaze soft. "Yeah, I am."

Lena laughed, shakin' her head. "Well, maybe... just maybe, you got a chance."

They both sat down on the blanket, the warmth of the sun castin' a soft glow over the scene. As they started eatin' and relaxin', it felt like old times. They laughed about little things, shared stories from their past, and just enjoyed bein' in each other's company. For the first time in a long time, Lena felt at ease, like they were back to the way things used to be.

Memories

As the afternoon wore on, the conversation shifted to memories they shared. They talked about all the crazy things they'd done together, all the moments that had made their relationship special. Lena couldn't help but smile as Que reminded her of the day they got their matching tattoos, the night they first met, and all the little moments in between.

"I remember that night," Que said softly, his eyes meetin' hers, "when we... you know, got close again after all that time apart. I ain't gon' lie, it felt like nothin' had changed between us."

Lena's cheeks flushed slightly, but she couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, that night was... it was somethin' else."

They both laughed, sharin' a look that held a world of unspoken words. They both knew how strong their connection was, how much they had been through, and how much they still cared for each other.

Que reached over, takin' her hand in his. "I'm excited for us, Lena. For the baby. I know things ain't perfect, but I really think we can do this. Be a family."

Lena squeezed his hand, her heart feelin' full. "I want that too, Que. I really do. But... I'm still scared, you know?"

"I get that," he said, his voice soft. "But I'm here, and I ain't goin' nowhere."

What If?

After a while, as the sun started to set, the conversation took a more serious turn. Lena was quiet for a moment before she looked at him, her face thoughtful. "Can I ask you somethin'?"

"Of course," Que replied, his gaze steady.

She hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. "If we... if we never get back together... how would you feel if I dated someone else?"

Que's face softened, but there was a flicker of sadness in his eyes. He looked down at their joined hands, his thumb lightly brushin' over hers as he thought about her question.

"Honestly?" he said, his voice low. "It would hurt. A lot. But if you're happy, that's all that matters to me. I want you to be with somebody who's gonna love you right, who's gonna treat you like you deserve. I'd hope that person would be me, but... if it ain't, then I'd have to respect that."

Lena felt a lump in her throat, her heart achey but also full. Que's answer was honest, and it reminded her why she had loved him so deeply in the first place. He wanted her to be happy, even if that happiness wasn't with him.

"I don't know if I could do it," she admitted softly, lookin' away. "Seein' you with somebody else, I mean. We been through so much... I don't think I'd ever be ready for that."

Que nodded, his voice filled with understanding. "I get it. But no matter what happens, Lena, I'm always gon' be there. For you and for the baby. Whether we together or not, you and this baby are my family."

The Future Uncertain

They sat in silence for a few moments, the weight of their conversation settlin' over them. The future was uncertain, and they both knew that there were no guarantees. But in that moment, surrounded by the warmth of the setting sun and the peace of each other's presence, it felt like anything was possible.

As the evening turned to night, Que pulled her close, their hands still intertwined. Lena rested her head on his shoulder, feelin' a sense of peace she hadn't felt in a long time. Maybe they didn't have all the answers, and maybe the future was still up in the air. But right then, with Que by her side, she felt like things would work out somehow.

And as the stars started to appear in the darkening sky, she let herself believe—just for a little while—that maybe, just maybe, they could find their way back to each other.