“I wasn’t really feeling it, but I went for it anyway,” Ezra said to Cyrus, though his mind was elsewhere. He paused, his eyes distant. “She was good in bed, but not as good as the others,” he added, a note of casual dismissal in his voice.
Cyrus remained silent, his gaze fixed on something unseen, his face a mask of unease.
“So, I told her we’d see each other another time,” Ezra continued with a hollow chuckle. “But you know me-never again.” He laughed, but it sounded forced, and he noticed Cyrus’s lack of response.
“What’s wrong, man?” Ezra asked, his tone tinged with curiosity and a hint of concern as he looked at his friend.
Cyrus sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping under an invisible weight.
“Is it that same girl?” Ezra probed, trying to read the emotions playing across Cyrus’s face, but Cyrus remained silent, his eyes clouded.
Ezra leaned closer, a mixture of impatience and concern in his gaze. “Now what did you do?” he asked.
“I couldn’t even apologize properly,” Cyrus admitted, his voice low and troubled. “I just told her I knew I was wrong. I know I can’t change her mind, and I don’t even know how she feels.” His words hung in the air, heavy with regret.
Ezra’s expression shifted to one of disappointment, his eyes narrowing. “The way I see it, you seem to like her more than you’re willing to admit. You’re just oblivious to your own feelings.”
“No,” Cyrus said quickly, his voice defensive. “I don’t like her. I just want her for myself, that’s all.”
Ezra sighed, shaking his head. “If you keep acting like this, a real gentleman will come along and sweep her off her feet. And you’ll be left with nothing.”
Cyrus’s jaw tightened, his eyes flashing with stubborn resolve. “If I want her, I’ll get her. No need to panic.”
Ezra’s lips curled into a wry smile. “I’ll laugh when she turns you down again,” he said, making Cyrus roll his eyes in irritation.
“Who is she, anyway? Does she go to the same school as us?” Ezra asked, his curiosity piqued.
“No, she doesn’t,” Cyrus snapped. “Do I know all your… Whores?”
“Touche,” Ezra muttered, a chuckle escaping despite himself.
Cyrus, seeking a distraction, shifted the conversation. “Have you noticed your sister hanging out with a lot of friends lately?”
Ezra’s eyes softened slightly. “Yeah… It’s fine as long as none of them lead her astray,” he said, a protective note creeping into his voice.
Ezra’s protective tone didn’t go unnoticed by Cyrus. “You think they might?” he asked, eyebrows raised.
“She’s young,” Ezra replied, a frown creasing his forehead. “Easily influenced.”
Cyrus nodded, understanding the unspoken worry behind Ezra’s words. “We were all young once,” he said quietly. “Made our fair share of mistakes.”
Ezra shot him a pointed look. “Some more than others.”
Cyrus smirked, leaning back. “Like you’re the paragon of virtue?”
Ezra shrugged, a half-smile tugging at his lips. “I’ve got my own way of handling things.”
Silence settled between them, a companionable quiet that spoke of years of shared history. The tension from their earlier conversation faded, replaced by an unspoken camaraderie.
“So, what’s your plan?” Ezra asked, breaking the silence. “With this girl, I mean.”
Cyrus rubbed the back of his neck, a conflicted expression crossing his face. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “I want her to see me differently, Like not that bad guy, like a guy that just want her all the time, not dating though, but I don’t know how to make that happen.”
Ezra’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “Maybe start by being honest with yourself. Figure out what you really want.”
Cyrus snorted, a hint of bitterness in his voice. “Easier said than done.”
Ezra gave him a serious look. “You can’t keep playing games, Cyrus. At some point, you’ll have to decide if she’s worth the effort.”
Cyrus’s eyes darkened, his jaw tightening. “And if she isn’t?”
Ezra shrugged. “Then let her go. Move on.”
Cyrus stared at him for a long moment, then sighed. “I suppose you’re right.”
Ezra’s smile was understanding. “Just don’t wait too long. Life doesn’t give many second chances.”
Cyrus nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. “I’ll figure it out,” he said quietly, though the uncertainty in his eyes suggested otherwise.
Ezra clapped him on the shoulder, offering a rare moment of genuine support. “I’m sure you will.”
Cyrus gave a small, grateful smile, feeling a bit of the weight lift from his shoulders. “Thanks, man.”
Ezra nodded, his expression softening. “Anytime.”
~~
~~SELENA~~
“Do I look fat?” Mom asked, her eyes searching mine with a hint of vulnerability. She’d been asking me this every couple of weeks as her stomach grew noticeably larger.
“The only thing big is your stomach, that’s all,” I replied, grabbing the milk from the fridge and trying to sound casual.
“Oh…” she said, a soft smile playing on her lips. Despite knowing the gender, Mom had decided to keep it a secret from everyone, including herself. She wanted to be surprised at the upcoming gender reveal next week.
The anticipation was killing me. Because of the family bet of, if it’s a girl, I win $10, 000. If it’s a boy, I have to pay my brothers. I’m really hoping for a sister, though Anya is firmly on the boys’ side. She doesn’t want a sister, just a brother, so she’s teamed up with the others, leaving me alone in my hope for a baby sister.
“I still look beautiful, right?” Mom asked, her voice trembling slightly as she looked at me, her eyes pleading for reassurance.
I sighed deeply, then smiled, walking over to her. Gently placing my hands on her shoulders, I said, “Mom, you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Don’t let this pregnancy define your beauty.”
She blinked rapidly, and suddenly tears welled up in her eyes. “Oh my God,” she sobbed, the hormonal floodgates opening.
I pulled her into a hug, patting her back gently. “You’re the best, you know that?” she asked, her voice muffled against my shoulder. She kissed my hair, her affection mingling with her tears.
“No, you’re the best,” I whispered, kissing her forehead, my own eyes misting up.
I couldn’t imagine my life without her unwavering support. She’s everything I could ask for in a mom-loving, supportive, and always there. I hope someday to have this kind of relationship with my own daughter, filled with the same love and closeness.
“Mi amore,” Dad said gently as he walked into the kitchen and saw Mom in tears. His eyes softened, taking in the scene of us huddled together.
“My love,” he repeated, more seriously this time, as he crossed the room. He wrapped his arms around Mom, pulling her close, his presence comforting and reassuring.
“Why are you crying, my love?” he asked softly, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead.
“She thinks she’s not beautiful anymore,” I explained, watching Dad’s expression shift to one of concern.
“Who told you that?” he asked, looking down at Mom, whose face was buried in his chest.
“She was just feeling that way,” I said, my voice gentle as I tried to reassure him.
Dad sighed, then began patting her back soothingly. “You’re the most beautiful woman in the world,” he said, kissing her all over her face, each kiss a declaration of his love.
This is what love looks like, I thought, feeling a pang of admiration. My parents’ relationship was something I aspired to-a love so deep and unbreakable, a bond forged through years of unwavering support and affection.
“Are you okay?” Dad asked, his voice full of concern. Mom nodded, her tears subsiding as she found solace in his arms.
“Am I not beautiful?” I teased, trying to lighten the mood, making Dad roll his eyes.
“Not even close to my wife,” he said, and I gasped playfully, pretending to be offended.
“Touche,” I murmured, acting hurt but unable to hide my smile.
“See you later,” I said, preparing to leave the kitchen. As I reached the door, I turned back, pausing to admire my parents one last time. They stood there, wrapped in each other’s embrace, the embodiment of the love I hoped to find one day.
The cutest couple alive, I thought, my heart swelling with affection. I love them so much!!
Walking into my room, I knew I had to prepare the clothes I was going to wear tomorrow. Marco had asked me to have coffee with him, and the thought made my heart flutter with anticipation. But before diving into the excitement of planning what to wear.
Well let me tell you all how it happened.
~
FLASHBACK!!!
As Marco waved goodbye and turned to leave the restaurant, I couldn’t help but watch him go with a mix of curiosity and warmth spreading through me. His unexpected presence had injected a sense of excitement and lightness into my day.
I felt a small flutter in my chest as I recalled our conversation over lunch. Marco’s easy smile and genuine interest in our group’s chatter had made me feel surprisingly at ease, something I hadn’t experienced in a while. It was refreshing to meet someone who seemed genuinely interested in getting to know me.
Stephanie, catching my gaze, nudged me playfully. “So, what did you think, Selena? Marco seems like a nice guy, right?”
I smiled, feeling a slight blush rise to my cheeks. “Yeah, he does,” I replied softly, trying to keep my tone casual. “It was nice meeting him unexpectedly like that.”
Rachel, with a knowing grin, leaned closer. “He definitely seemed into you. Did you notice how he kept smiling at you?”
Mia nodded eagerly. “And he was so attentive! It was like you two were old friends catching up.”
I chuckled, warmth spreading through me at my friends’ observations. “Maybe,” I said, my mind still on Marco’s parting words and the promise of seeing him again.
Eva, who had been quiet throughout lunch, spoke up with a thoughtful expression. “He seemed genuine. That’s rare.”
I nodded in agreement. “Definitely. And since he’s Stephanie’s cousin, I’ll probably run into him again. Who knows what could happen?”
I couldn’t help but smile at my friends’ teasing. “Who knows indeed,” I mused, my thoughts lingering on Marco.
~~
As I drove home, my mind still abuzz with thoughts of Marco, my phone buzzed in my hand, startling me. I glanced at the screen to see an unfamiliar number displayed. Curiosity piqued, I answered the call.
“Hello?” I said, trying to keep my voice casual.
“Hey, Selena? It’s Marco,” his warm voice came through the line.
A smile spread across my face as I recognized his voice. “Hey, Marco! What a surprise. How did you get my number?”
Marco chuckled softly. “Stephanie may have mentioned you were curious about me, so I thought I’d save you the trouble of tracking me down.”
I laughed, feeling a rush of excitement. “Smooth move, Marco. So, what’s up?”
“Just wanted to say it was great running into you today,” Marco replied casually. “I thought maybe we could grab coffee sometime, if you’re free?”
My heart skipped a beat at the suggestion. “I’d like that,” I replied, unable to hide my smile. “When were you thinking?”
“How about tomorrow afternoon?” Marco suggested. “There’s a nice cafe near campus.”
“That sounds perfect,” I agreed, feeling a surge of anticipation. “I’ll see you there.”
“Great,” Marco said warmly. “Looking forward to it, Selena.”
As we said our goodbyes, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement about my upcoming coffee date with Marco.
~~
So that was how it happened, so I have to prepare my clothes for the coffee meeting or was it a date??.
Well, I don’t know.
As I sorted through my wardrobe, pulling out options and laying them neatly on my bed, I couldn’t help but smile at the memory of our conversation.
Marco’s easygoing nature and genuine interest had put me at ease immediately. He wasn’t like anyone I had met before; there was something comforting about his presence that made me look forward to our coffee date.
After selecting a casual yet stylish outfit-a comfortable blouse paired with my favorite jeans-I set them aside and glanced at the clock. It was getting late, and I needed to get some rest for tomorrow.
But before I could relax, I found myself reaching for my phone, re-reading Marco’s text with a smile.
“Looking forward to our coffee date tomorrow! See you at noon at Cafe Euphoria. ”
Oh… it’s a date!!!
His message filled me with a warm feeling, and I couldn’t resist texting back a quick reply:
“Can’t wait! See you then!”With that, I set my phone aside, feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves. Tomorrow promised to be an interesting day-a chance to get to know Marco better and perhaps embark on a new chapter that felt unexpectedly promising.
As I finally settled into bed, thoughts of Marco and our upcoming coffee date danced through my mind, lulling me into a contented sleep filled with hopeful dreams of what tomorrow might bring.
Can’t wait for tomorrow.
TBC