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PHEBE
The credits roll on the screen and a moment silence fills the room as the movie comes to an end. Jeffrey leans back against the couch, stretching his arms overhead. There has been a noticeable shift since that night. Jeffrey and I have grown closer than I ever imagined. Who would have thought that we’d be enjoying a movie together like this? It feels like I'm reconnecting with Jeffrey I knew nineteen years ago.
"You know, it's been years since I actually sat down and watched a movie," he confesses, his voice tinged with nostalgia.
Surprised, I glance at him.
"Years? What do you do for fun, then?" I ask, my curiosity piqued.
Jeffrey chuckles softly, his eyes glimmering with amusement and self-reflection.
"Believe it or not, my paintings became my everything. I would lose track of time as I immersed myself in the canvas."
Taken aback by his intense response, "I see."
He nods, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"It became my sanctuary, my way of coping with everything. Each piece told a story, reflecting my emotions and experiences. Some were memories of our time together. I suppose I was trying to hold onto you even though you were no longer here," he says.
Intrigued by this revelation, I tilt my head. I'm beginning to understand just how deeply he was hurt.
"And what other stories did your paintings tell?" I ask.
Jeffrey's gaze softens as he looks at me, as if he's reliving those moments through his art.
"Some expressed the darkness I felt during my worst days., while others celebrated the light that returned to my life.”
Captivated by his words, I feel myself drawn into the raw emotion behind his voice.
"I wish things had been different," I admit, my voice tinged with regret.
His eyes meet mine and there is something elusive that I can't quite decipher within them.
"Jeffrey, when you said you wished you understood better... What is it that you truly want to know?" I inquires.
He hesitates, briefly shifting his gaze to the floor before meeting mine again.
"I want to know why you never tried to reach out to me, Phebe. I want to know what happened to you," he reveals.
"My life was a living hell. Jason was an egoistic bastard who thrived on making my life miserable. I couldn’t reach out to you at any point. I was trapped," I explain.
"Finally, I managed to escape from Jason when he died. It was then that I wanted to reach out to you," I continue.
He looks at me, a mix of surprise and curiosity in his eyes.
"You did?" He asks and I nod in response.
"Yes, I did, but then I heard about your engagement, and I didn't want to ruin your happiness, so I stayed away."
"I wish I was happy. Your departure left me feeling empty, a void in my heart,” he confesses, his voice tinged with longing. “I tried to move on and, even though there was no real connection, I proposed to her. It seemed like the right thing to do at the time. Fortunately, she saved us both when she realized that my heart was nothing but a stone. I'm incapable of feeling anything deep for anyone again," he explains, his words piercing through me like shards of glass.
"I'm so sorry. It's all my fault," I say, my voice laced with remorse.
"No," Jeffrey interrupts, turning to face me. the air crackles around us as our eyes lock in a profound gaze.
"I used to think it was your fault but now, I understand you’re a victim. You would never have intentionally hurt me. Ironically, I am relieved that it wasn’t your fault. It makes it easier for my heart to accept it," he reveals, a mix of emotions flickering across his face.
"Oh, Jeffrey," I whisper, my hand gently finding its way to the nape of his neck and pulling him closer. As Jeffrey leans in, I close my eyes, anticipation building, and our lips finally meet in a tender embrace.
