When We Were Us (#1 Romance)

17: New Beginnings and Uncertain Paths

The night after my graduation, I stepped outside my house to find Nashid waiting for me by his car. I had just finished dinner with my family, and I could see my parents peeking through the window, curious about the late-night visitor. 

I climbed into his car and suggested we head to a nearby park, wanting to escape the prying eyes and enjoy some privacy.

As he parked, I turned to him, feeling a mix of excitement and concern. 

"Sorry, sweetie," he said, his voice tired yet sincere. 

"I've been super busy and didn't sleep well." I could see it in his eyes—the dark circles under them told a story of exhaustion.

For a moment, doubt flickered in my mind. Was he really that busy? 

But as I looked at him, really looked at him, the worry began to dissipate. 

His genuine expression brushed away the lingering doubts I had entertained earlier. 

How could I even think such thoughts? 

I felt a wave of guilt wash over me for doubting him, even if just for a moment.

Just then, his hand reached into the back seat, and I watched curiously as he pulled out a beautiful bouquet of roses. Alongside it was a box of chocolates and a card adorned with his handwriting. 

My heart fluttered as I read the words, "Congratulations on your graduation. I love you, from your Sweetie."

My heart swelling with affection. The chocolates looked delightful, and the card made me feel so cherished. "You really didn't have to go through all this trouble."

He shrugged, a slight grin breaking through his tired demeanor. "Of course, I did! You've worked hard for this moment, and I wanted to celebrate you properly." His sincerity warmed me, and I could see the love in his eyes as he watched my reaction.

I opened the card again, reading his message a second time. The words resonated deeply within me, reminding me of how lucky I was to have him in my life.

I sighed, feeling the weight of uncertainty settling in as I reflected on what just happened today.

 "We don't meet as often as before, not even calling," I admitted, my voice tinged with a hint of disappointment.

"I know... I'm sorry about that," he replied, his expression serious.

"No, don't say sorry," I quickly reassured him. "I understand how busy you are."

He nodded, his eyes filled with sincerity. "We should work on our schedules now. Finding the right time for us to talk or meet."

I agreed, but added, "Now that I'm free after graduation, I have so much free time. It's up to you because I can follow your available time."

"Yes," he said, relief washing over his face. "And you can call me first instead of waiting for me to call."

I hesitated, a hint of apprehension creeping in. "But I don't know when you're available."

"Just call me. You don't have to ask, and don't worry about it," he insisted.

"Fine," I replied, feeling a bit more at ease.

After we sorted through our communication issues, he drove me back home. 

Once I stepped into my room, I placed his gifts next to the ones he had given me before, now dried and fading but still holding their beauty. I smiled at the memories attached to each one.