Chapter 17
17
Sofia
I walked towards Helen's cozy little cottage, nestled among the sprawling Walters' ranch property. With each step, my heart grew heavier, weighed down by the conflicting emotions I harbored towards Brett. Taking a deep breath, I gently knocked on the door. It swung open almost immediately, revealing Helen's warm smile that seemed to reach right down to my soul.
“Come in, dear,” Helen said, stepping aside to let me enter. “I’ve been expecting you.”
I hesitated for a brief moment before finally stepping inside. We sat down together on a plush loveseat, facing the window that overlooked the lush garden outside.
“Things have been... complicated ever since Brett came back into my life,” I began, voice trembling. My mind flashed back to the high school days – the stolen kisses, the laughter, and the way his blue eyes sparkled when he looked at me. But alongside those memories, there was also the pain and heartbreak.
Helen reached over and placed a comforting hand on my knee. “I know it's hard, dear. But sometimes, life has a funny way of bringing people back into our lives for a reason.”
I nodded, tears welling up in my eyes. “I want to believe that, Helen. I really do. But I'm so scared of getting hurt again.” I thought about Max, and the bond he had formed with Brett. I couldn't risk putting him through any more pain either.
“Love is always a risk, but it's also the most beautiful and rewarding thing in this world. You have to ask yourself if you're willing to take that chance.”
I stared out the window, watching as two birds playfully chased each other through the garden. I needed to confront my fears and find a way to move forward.
I fiddled with the fringe of the worn afghan draped over my lap, lost in thought. I glanced up at Helen, who was now quietly knitting, her needles clicking softly in rhythm with the steady tick of the grandfather clock in the corner.
“Did you ever have doubts, Helen? About love, I mean?”
Helen paused her knitting, her warm brown eyes meeting my gaze. “Of course, dear. We all do at some point in our lives. But the important thing is not to let those doubts control us.”
“Control us?” I echoed, uncertainty crinkling my brow.
“Love can be terrifying, but if we let fear hold us back, we might miss out on something truly wonderful.”
I rubbed my thumbs over the soft fabric of the afghan, considering Helen's words. “But how do you know when it's worth it?”
A small smile played on Helen's lips as she put aside her knitting and leaned forward, clasping her hands in her lap. “You don't always know. Sometimes, you just have to follow your heart and trust that it will lead you where you need to be.”
A flutter in my chest surged at Helen's words. Trusting my heart was something I hadn't done in years – not since Brett had left me behind. But maybe, just maybe, it was time to try again.
“Thank you,” I whispered. “I don't know what I would do without you.”
“Ah, my dear,” Helen replied, reaching over to give my hand a reassuring squeeze. “That's what friends are for – to help each other through the storm. And I promise you, no matter what decision you make, I'll be here to support you.”
“Thank you,” I choked out, feeling the knot in my chest beginning to loosen.
I stared into the dancing flames of the fireplace, my thoughts consumed by Brett and the memories we shared. The heat from the fire warmed my face, but it couldn't chase away the icy hesitation that crept through my heart.
“Remember that summer night when Mom caught Brett and I skinny dipping at Miller's Pond?” I asked, a small smile tugging at my lips despite the turmoil within.
Helen chuckled. “You two were always so adventurous.”
“Those days were magical.” A wistful sigh escaped my lips as I recalled the laughter and the thrill of our raw connection. “But things changed when he left for college on that baseball scholarship. I felt abandoned... betrayed.”
“Life has a way of throwing curveballs,” Helen said. “Brett didn't choose to have his dreams come crashing down with that injury. He's back now, and he seems genuinely interested in making amends.”
“I see glimpses of the old Brett, like when he plays with my son or helps around the ranch. But I'm terrified, Helen. What if I open my heart again, only to have it shattered?”
“Sweetheart, instead of thinking of the worst… think about the best outcome? You two have a history - but you have the chance to rewrite it. He is a wonderful man and would be a great father to Max. Seeing you two together… your mother always thought you’d come back once he came back to town.”
“She did?”
“She used to say that no matter what life put between you two that it would bring you guys back together in the end. Of course, that was before you got married.”
Closing my eyes, I allowed myself to remember Brett's touch – the strong hands that had once held me so tenderly, the lips that had whispered sweet promises against my skin. My heart ached with longing, but also clenched with fear.
I drew in a deep breath, feeling the weight of Helen's words settle within my soul. My heart was fragile, but maybe, just maybe, it was strong enough to love again. And perhaps that was a risk I would have to take.
“Let me tell you about my James,” Helen began, her voice soft and wistful as she gazed into the distance. “He was the love of my life, and we shared 40 wonderful years together before he passed away. There were times when our love faced challenges, but I never regretted taking the chance on him.”
I studied her face, seeing the traces of laughter and heartache etched into the lines around her eyes. “Love isn't always easy, but it's what makes life worth living. It's what keeps us going through our darkest days,” Helen continued. “When James left this world, I thought my heart would never heal. And yet, here I am – still standing, still loving. I'm grateful every day for the time we had together.”
My heart was still healing, but maybe, just maybe, there was hope for Brett and I after all.
“Thank you.” A tear slid down my cheek.
“You and Brett have both grown since the last time you were together. Perhaps now, you can grow together in ways you never thought possible. Plus Max seems to really like him. That’s a good thing for you.”
I wiped away another tear.
“Maybe you're right,” I admitted. I took a deep breath. “Maybe it's time I give myself a chance to be happy again.”
“You've been through so much these past years, and you've always put everyone else before yourself. Now it's your turn to find happiness, and there's no shame in admitting that you still have feelings for Brett.”
“I'll talk to Brett. I won't let my past hold me back any longer.”