Chapter 4
4
Leo
I pay close attention, my heart aching as I envision a young Brylee trying to find her way through such a difficult family dynamic. I refrain from interrupting her vulnerable moment, even though I want to offer her some comfort.
“Growing up like that,” she continues, “it made me feel like I couldn’t rely on anyone. It made me afraid to trust people, to let them in. And the fear, it followed me into my adulthood, affecting every relationship I’ve ever had. Including ours.”
The weight of her words fill the air, explaining her cautious behavior and reluctance to be vulnerable. As we pause at a park bench, Brylee’s green eyes shimmer with tears she holds back.
“Leo, I want you to understand,” she whispers, her voice filled with a raw honesty tugging at my heartstrings. “I care about you and I want to be close to you. It’s just... it’s hard. I’m afraid of letting you in. So, when things were getting serious, I bounced.”
Sitting side by side on the bench, darkness surrounds us, and my heart shatters. “Everyone has their own way of dealing with pain, Brylee,” I say. “You’ve been through so much, and I can’t even imagine the weight of it all.”
While speaking, I gently hold her hand. The act of touching seems to awaken a dormant connection, bridging the gap. “Sometimes, we build walls around our hearts to protect ourselves,” I continue, gaze locked with hers. “But those same walls can also keep out the people who genuinely care about us. The ones who want to help heal the wounds of the past.”
“Thank you, Leo,” she whispers. “This means more to me than you can ever know.”
The emotions between us only intensifies as we sit there, our hands still connected. Brylee’s locks sway in the cool breeze, whispering of new beginnings on the horizon. It seems as though the universe is pushing us to explore our feelings and overcome the fears and insecurities that have hindered us.
“Life is full of challenges, but you’re strong enough to overcome them,” I murmur, my thumb gently stroking the back of her hand. “And you don’t have to face them alone.”
“Thank you,” she whispers again. “I can’t deny there’s still something between us, even after all these years. But I’m... I’m not sure what to do next.”
Seeking reassurance, she looks at me with her green eyes. As I ponder her words, I sigh and run my hand through my hair. She is right; our connection is undeniable, but the weight of our experiences loom over us like an ominous storm cloud.
“I feel the same way, but we both have our reasons for being hesitant—you with your recent divorce, and me with... well, everything.”
A strong gust of wind blew leaves around our feet, momentarily diverting our attention from the seriousness of the conversation. It is a powerful reminder that change is unavoidable, and sometimes, it offers the chance for personal growth and rejuvenation.
“Life is so unpredictable,” I continue, my eyes following the dance of the leaves. “We’ve both had our share of heartache and disappointment, but maybe that’s what brought us back together. To learn from our pasts and find a way to move forward.”
“Maybe.”
“Let’s take it one day at a time.” I squeeze her hand. “We can’t change the past, but we can learn from it and make better choices from now on. Together.”
Observing our joined hands, my heart fills with hope and gratitude. Despite the uncertainties and fears, there is something truly special between us as we lock eyes.
While we make our way to Brylee’s doorstep, a pleasant glow emanates from the windows of her snug little home. The world seems to pause as we hesitate at the threshold, reluctant to bid farewell.
“Thank you for walking me home,” Brylee murmurs, her green eyes reflecting the soft light spilling from her living room.
“Of course.” I stare into her eyes, searching for some sign of what she wants me to do. “I... I really enjoyed talking tonight.”
“Me too.” Her fingers fidget with the strap of her purse. “Leo, I...”
I take her hand. “What is it, princess? Don’t be afraid to talk to me.”
Her gaze sends a shiver down my spine. We should embrace honesty and stop hiding things from each other. What is going through her mind?