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As the day winds down, I find myself standing in my cozy living room, holding my phone in hand. The impulse to call Rose tugs at me, a longing for the comfort of a familiar voice. I press her name on my contacts, and after a few rings, she answers, her voice filled with warmth.
“Aria! How’s your day going? Anything exciting happening?” Rose’s cheerful tone resonates through the phone.
I attempt a smile, though the weight of unspoken emotions lingers. “Hey, Rose. It’s been good, you know, exploring the town with Ethan and all.”
Rose picks up on the hesitance in my voice. “Okay, spill. What’s going on, Aria? I can sense something’s up.”
Taking a deep breath, I decide to confide in her. “Rose, it’s just...today has been a bit overwhelming. I can’t shake this feeling.”
Concern colors Rose’s voice. “Overwhelming how? Are you okay?”
“I don’t know, Rose. I spent the entire day with Ethan, and it’s been great, really. But no matter how hard I try, I can’t stop thinking about Cade. It’s like his presence is etched in the corners of my mind.”
Rose’s empathy radiates through the phone. “Aria, it’s natural to have these moments, especially with Cade being back and all. But you’ve got Ethan now, and he seems like a fantastic guy. Maybe it’s just an adjustment period.”
I nod even though she cannot see, grateful for Rose’s understanding. “You’re right, Rose. Ethan’s been wonderful, and I don’t want to let these thoughts ruin what we are building. I just needed to talk to someone.”
“Absolutely, Aria. I’m here for you. Now, tell me about your day with Ethan? Any funny stories from today?” Rose’s attempt to lighten the mood is met with a half-hearted chuckle from me.
“Ethan’s great. We had a good time exploring the market, talking about our dreams, and trying out some ice cream. But Rose, it’s like Cade’s ghost is lingering, and I can’t shake it off.”
Rose sighs on the other end, understanding the complexity of emotions. “Aria, it’s okay to feel this way. It doesn’t mean you’re not happy with Ethan. Sometimes, the past has a way of resurfacing. Just take it one day at a time.”
I appreciate Rose’s wisdom, though the struggle remains evident in my voice. “Thanks, Rose. It’s just confusing. I don’t want to hurt Ethan or sabotage something good, you know?”
“Listen, Aria. You’ve got to focus on the present. Enjoy the moments with Ethan and let go of the ghosts from the past. It’s a process, and I know you’ll find your way through it. Now, how about we talk about something entirely unrelated? Have you tried that new Italian restaurant in town?”
Rose’s attempt to shift the conversation is met with a grateful smile. “Not yet, but I’ve heard good things about it. Maybe Ethan and I can check it out sometime.”
“That sounds like a plan! New culinary adventures are the perfect distraction. And who knows, you might discover a new favorite treat. Now, tell me more about your day, Aria.”
As Rose steers the conversation towards lighter topics, I find solace in our conversation. The laughter, the shared stories, and the genuine concern remind me that amidst the complexities of emotions, there are friends who anchor us in the present.
The phone call becomes a lifeline, grounding me in the comfort of friendship. With Rose’s encouragement, the echoes of Cade slowly fade into the background, making room for the vibrant hues of the present.
Chapter six
CADE
The days that follow are a turbulent sea of conflicting emotions, and the weight of my decisions presses heavily on my shoulders. Aria’s presence lingers in the periphery of my thoughts, an indelible mark that refuses to fade. The realization that I can never be just friends with the woman I’ve always loved gnaws at me, and the distance between us becomes a palpable ache.
I wake up each morning with a knot in my stomach, knowing that the choices I made have left an undeniable impact on both our lives. The bakery bears the imprint of unspoken truths and fractured connections.
One week into my return, the atmosphere between Aria and me becomes tense. Our recent interactions are marked by strained smiles and awkward silences, the air thick with unresolved emotions. I can feel her pulling away, seeking a refuge from the complexities that intertwine our past and present.
I decide to give her space, a painful acknowledgment that perhaps the best way to mend the frayed edges of our connection is to let time and distance work their elusive magic. The decision, however, doesn’t shield me from the bitter taste of regret that colors my every waking moment.
One evening, Joe notices the palpable tension. He approaches me with a concerned look, his eyes reflecting the genuine friendship we share.
“Cade, something’s off. You and Aria...it’s like there’s an invisible wall between you two,” Joe observes, his brow furrowed.
I sigh, wrestling with the words that linger on the tip of my tongue. “Joe, it’s complicated. Aria and I have our history, and my return has stirred up a lot of unresolved emotions. I never meant for things to get this tense.”
Joe leans against the counter, his expression thoughtful. “You still love her, don’t you? It’s written all over your face.”
The admission hangs in the air, and I find myself grappling with the truth. “Yeah, I do. But I messed up. I left for the city all those years ago without considering how it would affect her, and now, it’s like there’s this unspoken divide between us.”
Joe nods, his eyes reflecting a mix of understanding and empathy. “Cade, you can’t change the past, but you can try to make things right. Talk to her, man. Clear the air. Maybe there’s a chance to salvage something.”
