As she gestured intensely over her laptop keyboard, the bright screen provided a gentle cast to Zoe’s face. I hovered in the office doorway with two hot drinks in my hands as I watched Zoe passionately at her work.
“Heads up Zoe” I shouted as I walked into the room. I offer you caffeine accompanied by a call for a break.
Zoe raised her head and blinked slowly as if she had just found out the world went on outside her monitor. “Oh, Brianne! You’re a lifesaver.” She curled her hand around the mug while eagerly sniffing the deep aroma and then took a sip.
I arranged myself in the chair beside her with my legs drawn in. “How’s it going? Is there any development in cracking the encryption of those files?
She exhaled as she smoothed her unruly hair. “Some. Here I am building on some progress even though it’s taking time. Though Chase demonstrated insight, his encryption methods become obvious once you know his way of thinking.
I confirmed her statement quietly with a nod as emotions stirred at the name of Chase. Surprisingly, the usual intense pain shifted into a milder discomfort instead of the historic sharpness.
She must have seen something in my face as she placed her cup down and tilted her head with excitement that I had also recognized. Her expression said she was about to ask, but kindly.
Zoe brought up the topic while revealing her amusement at how I and Alessandro lately are in sync.
I felt a blush rise over my cheeks obscured by the dim ambiance around me. As I jumbled through my sentence, I didn’t look her in the eyes.
Zoe’s laugh shone with intelligence. “Oh please, Brianne. Although I spend a lot of time on computers, I can see clearly. Your frequent stares and unexpected interactions make it easier for you to meet each other frequently.
I objected only with a feeble attempt. We spend a lot of time in the same area.
Zoe was clearly skeptical. “So it makes sense you spotted them gazing at the stars on the porch late at night? Very work-related, I’m sure.”
I sighed audibly as I covered my face. “You saw that?”
Everyone in the area may have noticed that. It felt almost as if your glow was so strong.
I peeked out from behind my fingers and noticed nothing but warmth and laughter on Zoe’s face. “Is it that obvious?” I admitted I couldn’t win after asking.
Zoe’s smile softened. Shown only to an individual who understands you both. And Brianne? It’s a good thing. After all that you’ve experienced recently, you richly deserve to enjoy some joy.
I felt an impact from her words that suddenly revealed feelings I had kept suppressed for several weeks. I mumbled that I was cheerful to my own shock. I have felt this much happiness in a while indeed.
“But?” With her characteristic skill to spot hidden meanings, Zoe encouraged me.
I exhaled as I placed the mug on the table. “But I’m also scared. What if it doesn’t work out? What if the trial affects everything negatively? What if-”
Suppose the sky crashed and we all changed into pumpkins. Zoe cut me off with a humorous tone. Drama of ‘what ifs’ should not define your existence. Now that you have found that person or thing that fills you with warmth, it is the wrong time to worry.
I was caught off guard by what she said. “I light up?”
Zoe nodded emphatically. You glow with the same brightness as a Christmas tree. When Alessandro comes into the room, it feels like a switch has been turned on. You laugh twice as often and your smile appears more frequently. Your body moves differently. It’s beautiful to see.”
Noted as warmth flowed through my chest there was a blend of feeling ashamed and rising joy. “I hadn’t realized…”
Zoe showed her care by declaring that she had not. You were concentrating on believing it wasn’t true. What you share with Alessandro is in particular. It’s special. Fear should not restrict your ability to welcome it.
In my mind her comments resounded as I walked away from Zoe in the kitchen at a later point. Did I actually step back and let fear shape what I decided to do? I kept worrying about it as I approached Alessandro in the room.
I stood in the doorway and admired him from afar. He stooped over the microscope with his forehead wrinkles deep as he scribbled notes quietly. A lock of hair rested on his brow; a strong pull to push it back came over me.
The instant I entered his sight, he raised his eyes again. As he saw me for the first time, his smile expressed warmth and brightness.
I heard his voice filled with joy when he said my name. I had thoughts of you in my mind.
“Oh?” Walking into the room felt like a flip in my heart. “All good thoughts, I hope?”
With a laugh, he moved from the microscope and turned his entire attention towards me. “Always. I wanted to know if you wanted to relax for a while. I found a small cafe nearby yesterday. They serve the best tiramisu.
His excitement made me realize how quickly I could become attached to him. How easy, and how terrifying.
Zoe’s message returned to my mind and erased my fear. Let fear not stop you from accepting it.
I replied that Tiramisu seemed ideal as I smiled at him. “Lead the way.”
Alessandro’s assurance came true; the cafe felt cozy and vibrant like a little hideaway in a peaceful alley. In our warm corner booth with the inviting scent of brewed coffee and new treats around us sat a calming feeling inside me.
Alessandro asked me after we ordered how I was feeling. Really?”
The deep concern he expressed along with how his eyes connected with mine altered my awareness. I talked about my concerns and ambitions I had ignored until then.
I shared my anxiety in a soft utterance. The trial worries me and how it could impact our professional lives. But I’m also… excited? Is that crazy? Am I allowed to be thrilled when life presents itself in such turmoil?
He crossed the table toward me and wrapped his hand around mine. His gentle pressure on my hand made me shudder. He declared that it was entirely reasonable. I believe it shows great courage. Brianne has experienced a lot of struggles. Finding joy and looking ahead with hope really strikes me as something truly special in you.
I noticed an instant flush rise to my cheeks while I remained focused. Earlier, Zoe expressed thoughts similar to these. People seem to see a more cheerful me lately.
A delicate grin curved over his face. “And, are you? Happier?”
I took a quiet breath to think seriously about the question. Although we faced uncertainty and a trial near the horizon with its challenges ahead, I became aware that I genuinely was content. Genuinely, deeply happy
I stated my truth, feeling it melt warmly within me. A great deal of the credit goes to you, Alessandro.
The exchange we had was filled with hidden feelings. I imagined he would lean over the table and touch my lips. Part of me hoped he would.
Once our waiter brought in our tiramisu, the moment was shattered. As we shared the sweet dessert, we chimed in for laughs about our studious adventures and ideas for our upcoming non-date activities.
As we exited the cafe, twilight had already filled the city. With a smile, I accepted Alessandro’s idea to wander back in a slower way since I enjoyed what we shared.
As we made our way together, occasionally our hands would touch. I started to envision a future that lay beyond our present struggles. An era where nights of this caliber were usually seen and richly enjoyable with great meals and close friends at hand.
“Penny for your thoughts?” He raised his shoulder to lightly bump mine and then asked.
I felt motivated and raised my smile. I considered the possibilities of the future ahead. About… possibilities.”
He tilted his eyebrows, showing interest mixed with a softer emotion in his eyes. “Oh? What types of opportunities do we mean?
I stepped back and looked him in the eyes. A soft light enveloped us from the streetlights. The type that we eliminate calling these gatherings ‘non-dates’. This is the stage where we forego our carefulness and impulsively leap forward.
His voice stopped mid-sentence and his gaze flickered. With a low tone and strong expression, he stated, “Are you positive? I assumed we were going easy on our romance.
I dipped my head and approached him. “We were. We are. I believe we might not have to be as careful anymore. Life’s too short, you know? Given the situations we are facing.
His hand wrapped around my face softly. “You’re right,” he murmured. “Life is too short. With you by my side, I feel the will to cherish each moment.
This time held true serenity and no final uncertainties arose. When my lips met Alessandro’s softly and filled with hope, I experienced a peace within me. This was right. This is my destination.
As we separated completely between kisses, I burst into laughter. If Zoe finds out the news she will be very upset.
He laughed loudly as the noise vibrated over his body. He believed we could manage it and brought me in. “Together.”
On our return home together without any playfulness in our steps, I experienced an exhilarating feeling about what lay ahead. Undoubtedly, we face various difficulties yet to come. Our trial and investigations stayed the same alongside the many issues we faced.
Together with Alessandro and friends such as Zoe, the problem appeared to be easily navigable. It appeared to be an intriguing quest that would take place next.
I realized for the first time in ages that I was excited for tomorrow and the upcoming weeks and years. Rather than being a worry for me, the future now presents a bright future.
As Alessandro threaded his fingers through mine, he brightened my day with a smile. Ahead lay a wide expanse filled with chances that replace anxiety.
When Alessandro held my hand and gave me a smile that warmed my heart, I understood something deep. I felt the thrill of the upcoming days, not just from Alessandro or anyone else. It was coming from within me. I decided to pursue joy and optimism while accepting beneficial things in uncertain times.
Upon reaching the door, I broke our stride and grabbed Alessandro. “Thank you,” I said softly.
He raised his head with a curious grin. “For what?”
I repeated simply: “You are what you are.” You helped me remind myself about who I am.
His smile was radiant and bright. Walking through the door into our warm house and hearing the joy of Zoe as she noticed our hands entwined, I experienced it clearly.
This was just the beginning. Really, this marked a stunning start.