The Princess and the Soldier

Revealing my feelings

Alya POV

The last five years was a punishment.

My punishment to myself.

“Please don’t cry anymore. It hurts to see you cry.” Leo pulled back a little and placed his hand under my chin. He brought my face up. I didn’t want to let him see me because I must look horrible. So I quickly covered my face with my hands.

“No. I look ugly.” I have put on a little eye make-up to hide the puffiness of my eyes. I had also used a tiny bit of blush and lip balm to put on color to my face. I looked pale from all the crying and sleeping I did all day.

“You were never ugly to me. Hey, I used to see you drooling when you were sleeping. What could be any more different?” I laughed, which sounded more like a snort, at what Leo said. He also laughed with me.

“There you go. I miss your laugh. I miss making you laugh.” He hugged me again. “And I miss smelling your strawberry-scented hair.”

And like the crazy person that I am, I felt another sob coming out. I cried out but then laughed at the same time.

“I’m going crazy.” I managed to let out.

“Me too.” Leo breathed out on my head. He then released his hold on me. I pried between my fingers on what he was doing and saw that he took a handkerchief from his pocket. “Here, Alya. I’ll wipe your tears away.”

He gently took my hands away from my face. He then pulled me back close to him, his arm around my waist then his other hand took the initiative to take care of my tears.

“You’re not ugly. You are pretty…” He stalled and I knew what he was going to say.

“Pretty ugly.” I rolled my eyes at him. It was his and John’s joke to me when we were kids.

“No. You were pretty and I think you got prettier than five years ago. You have become a very beautiful and elegant woman.” He said as he looked deep into my eyes.

What is this? Is there a chance for us romantically?

I was thinking of the possibilities but I didn’t want to jump into something more at the moment. We still have to catch up with being friends.

And just because he complimented me doesn't mean he has romantic feelings for me.

If I want to catch up on our friendship, would it be good to reveal my love for him years ago?

Let's see how this evening goes.

We stared at each other for a long time before I let go and lowered down my eyes.

"I guess I owe you an apology, too. I'm sorry I have been harsh on you, Leo. I have wasted five years when I could have faced you instead. Believe me, I feel like kicking myself right now."

"But you should have let John tell me. I feel stupid. Our parents were worried."

I was so nervous apologizing to Leo that I didn't realize my finger had been tracing shapes on his chest.

I only noticed when he held my hand and brought it to his lips.

"There is nothing to apologize for, my princess."

He then led me to one of the lounge chairs. It was big enough for one, so I was confused why we took us there. But then I realized too late. He pulled me down with him as he sat down. I sat there on his lap.

"Leo!" I gasped.

"Please indulge me, my princess. I missed you so much."

Even if I wanted out, he had his arms around my waist. But it felt so good to be where I am at that I did not want to go.

"I have not seen you for so long. You have not only gotten prettier but you also got heavier."

I slapped Leo's arm as he laughed away. But then I was surprised to see what was on his wrist.

"You have it," I said above a whisper.

Leo was wearing the watch I bought for him that day five years ago. That night I gave the watch to John and said that he could have it. It was one hell of an expensive military watch. I had nothing to do with it. At first, I thought of giving it to Dad but I know he would get angry when he found out that I bought something so expensive. At that time, the watch costs around Twenty Thousand Euros.

"Yes, John gave it to me on the day I was to go. You shouldn't have, Alya." He said softly before sighing. "This was one hell of an expensive watch. I was giving it back to John but he didn't want to."

"Thank you for this." He took a glance at the watch and looked again at me.

All of a sudden, my heart started to beat crazily. It was time. I have to do this.

"Leo?" I tried to swallow my nervousness trying to remember the lines that I had practiced earlier.

"Yes, my princess?"

"I have something to tell you."

"Sure. What is it?"

"That summer I wrote letters for you. I was planning to give them to you when you go so you have something to read from me. But I burned them because of...you know."

"Oh." That was Leo's only reply.

"However, I did save one letter." I go the letter from the pocket of my dress and handed it to him. "You can read it now."

"You want me to read it now?"

"Yes," I said as I felt my mouth running dry.

Leo opened the envelope and unfolded the paper. It was a letter of few words. The lamps around the rooftop, as well as the firepit, were giving off enough light for Leo to read my letter.

"My dearest Leo, I wanted to confess that I love you. I love you more than a best friend. More than a brother. I love you." He paused seemingly rereading the words to himself. "I hope things would not get awkward between us after you have read this. I just wanted to let you know. I love you."

He brought his face up reflecting a shock on his face.