I met Her on Facebook

Shadows from the Past - VI

Axel's POV:

Another busy day at the café. The rush of students coming in and out has me on my feet constantly. I'm still thinking about Mikee. The conversation last night... it was different. I don't know if it's a good thing or if I'm just reading too much into it, but the more I think about it, the more I realize I'm starting to really like her.

I glance at the clock. It's almost closing time. My shift is about to end, but my mind is still far away. I grab my phone and check for messages, hoping to hear from her. As usual, the phone buzzes with a new notification from Mikee.

Hey, Axel. Can we talk?

I smile at the message. I've been waiting for this.

Sure, what's up?

Can we talk about something important?

I stop wiping down the counter. Something important? My heart starts to race. What could it be?

I type back quickly. Of course. What's going on?

I'm halfway through the message when I hear someone walk in. I glance up and see Sandro, looking as casual as ever. He waves at me and orders a drink, but I can't focus. I'm still waiting for Mikee's reply.

Sandro's POV:

I notice Axel's distracted. His phone's been buzzing non-stop for the past few minutes. I know he's been talking to that girl from the Philippines, Mikee.

I walk up to the counter and nudge him. "Bro, you're looking like you're about to lose it over there. What's going on?"

Axel looks at me, still half-focused on his phone. "I don't know, man. Mikee just messaged me saying we need to talk about something important. I'm starting to worry it's something bad."

Sandro raises an eyebrow. "Are you serious? You've been talking to her for weeks. You don't think it's just a normal conversation?"

Axel shakes his head. "No, it doesn't feel like that. She's been acting distant lately, and I get the feeling something's bothering her."

Sandro shrugs, taking a sip of his coffee. "Well, man, if it's serious, just talk it out. You know what they say—communication's key. No need to overthink it."

"I know," Axel mutters, still staring at his phone.

Just as he's about to type back to Mikee, the bell rings, signaling the end of my shift. I throw my rag over my shoulder and look at Axel one last time.

"You okay?" Sandro asks, his voice softer now. "You're acting like you've known this girl forever."

Axel exhales, putting his phone down. "I don't know, man. She's different. I haven't felt like this in a long time."

"Then go for it, bro," Sandro says with a smirk. "Stop overthinking. If you like her, go after her."

Axel nods, but there's still something gnawing at him. "I will. Just... gotta wait for her to reply."

Mikee's POV:

I sit on my bed, staring at my phone, feeling the weight of the message I just sent Axel. I've been thinking about him a lot these past few days, and honestly, I don't know how I feel anymore. My heart tells me to open up to him, but my mind keeps telling me to hold back.

My ex, the father of Khea... he's been haunting me in my dreams. His betrayal, the lies, the pain. I still feel that sting. And now, here I am, talking to Axel, a guy who seems so different, but I'm scared. I'm scared to let him in.

The truth is, I don't want to hurt him. I don't want to drag him into my mess, especially when I'm still so broken.

I take a deep breath and type back to Axel. It's nothing bad. I just... I've been thinking about us. And I think I need to tell you something important about me. Something from my past.

My fingers hover over the screen as I wait for his response. I know this conversation is going to be difficult. But it's something I need to do, for both of us.

Axel's POV:

I stare at the message from Mikee, my heart pounding. Something from her past?

I wonder what it is. I've been waiting for this moment—the one where she opens up to me. I've been trying so hard to be patient, to let her come to me when she's ready. But now, I feel the nerves creeping up.

I reply quickly. I'm here for you, Mikee. Whatever it is, we can talk about it. I'm not going anywhere.

Her reply is almost immediate. I know. It's just... I don't want to hurt you.

That hits me harder than I expect. You won't hurt me, Mikee. You're not like the others.

There's a long pause before she finally types back. I was married before. To a man who lied to me. He had a wife and kids. I didn't know, Axel. And when I found out, it tore me apart. He was the first man I ever loved, and I trusted him. But... I was wrong. I made a huge mistake. And I'm scared that if I let myself feel for you, I might make the same mistake again.

I sit there, staring at the message. I didn't expect that. But I understand now. The walls she's built up, the hesitation, the fear. It all makes sense.

I take a deep breath, steadying myself before I reply. Mikee, I'm not him. I don't want to hurt you. I just want to be here for you, and if that means taking things slow, then I'm okay with that. But please, don't let your past control your future. I want to be a part of that future. You don't have to be afraid.

I hit send, and wait.

Mikee's POV:

I read his message over and over again, my heart racing. There's something in his words that makes me want to believe him. I've been burned before, and it's hard to let go of that fear. But there's a part of me—just a small part—that believes Axel isn't like the others.

I sigh, placing my phone on the bed beside me. I don't know what the future holds, but maybe, just maybe, I can take a chance.

Axel's POV:

My phone buzzes again. It's Mikee. I hold my breath as I read her message.

Okay. Let's take it slow. I'm ready to try again. With you.

I can't help but smile. This is it. She's willing to give us a chance. And that means everything to me.

I quickly type back. Thank you, Mikee. I won't let you down. I promise.

Sandro's POV:

I'm just about to leave the café when I see Axel, his face lit up by the glow of his phone. He's smiling—genuinely smiling. I walk over to him, raising an eyebrow. "You look like you just won the lottery, bro."

Axel glances up, still smiling. "I think I just did."

Sandro laughs. "What's going on, man?"

Axel looks at him seriously. "I'm taking a chance, Sandro. On her. On us."

Sandro grins, patting him on the back. "That's what I like to hear. Don't screw it up, bro."

Axel shakes his head, chuckling. "I won't. I won't."

Mikee's POV:

I close my eyes, holding onto the small bit of hope Axel just gave me. Maybe, just maybe, this time things will be different.

But for now, I'm taking it one step at a time.