Chapter 19
1046 Words
"Isla," Henry began quietly, his voice steady as he studied her with unwavering concern. "Tell me what happened."
Isla took a deep breath, her gaze meeting Henry's with a mixture of guilt and determination. She recounted her day—driving to the orchard alone, picking apples, running into Teddy, and their dinner together at the tavern. She spoke of Teddy's sincerity, of the warmth she felt in his presence, and the confusing swirl of emotions that followed.
Henry listened intently, his brow furrowing with worry as he processed her words. "Isla," he said finally, his voice gentle yet firm. "I understand that you have feelings for Teddy. But... I can't shake the feeling that he's not good for you. Not after what happened."
Isla nodded slowly, her throat tight with unshed tears. "I know, Henry," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the crackling of the fire. "But... he makes me feel..."
Henry reached across the space between them, his hand covering hers with a reassuring grip. "Isla," he interrupted gently, his eyes searching hers with unwavering intensity. "I want what's best for you. And I don't want to see you hurt again."
Tears spilled down Isla's cheeks, her heart heavy with the weight of Henry's concern and her own conflicted emotions. "I'm sorry," she choked out, her voice breaking as she struggled to articulate the turmoil inside her. "I didn't mean to cause you worry."
Henry's expression softened, his thumb brushing away her tears with a tenderness that made Isla's heart ache. "You never have to apologize for how you feel, Isla," he murmured softly, his voice filled with reassurance. "But please... think carefully about what you want. About what's best for you. I don't think Teddy is best for you. I can't help but think of someone who might be better for you."
Isla nodded slowly, her gaze fixed on Henry’s earnest expression. She knew he spoke from a place of deep concern and love, and yet her heart remained entangled in the complexities of her feelings for Teddy.
"I will be careful Henry," Isla replied softly, her voice wavering with emotion. "I promise."
Henry squeezed her hand gently, a silent gesture of understanding and support. "Isla," he began again, his tone gentle yet unwavering. "I know it's not easy. But you have to trust yourself. Trust what your heart tells you, but also listen to your instincts."
Isla nodded again, a tearful smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Thank you, Henry," she whispered gratefully, feeling a surge of gratitude for his unwavering presence in her life.
They sat in companionable silence for a while longer, the crackling fire casting flickering shadows around them. The warmth of the cabin enveloped them both, a comforting sanctuary amidst the uncertainties of the outside world.
Eventually, Henry broke the silence, his voice gentle yet probing. "Isla, did... did Teddy say anything else? About... about what he wants?"
Isla hesitated, recalling Teddy's words at the tavern. "He said he missed me," she admitted quietly, her gaze dropping to her hands clasped in her lap. "And that he wants to give us a try. To see where things could go."
Henry's brow furrowed slightly, his concern deepening. "And... how did that make you feel?"
Isla sighed softly, her thoughts in turmoil as she struggled to articulate the conflicting emotions swirling within her. "It... it felt good," she admitted reluctantly, meeting Henry's gaze with a mixture of vulnerability and guilt. "To hear him say that. To feel... wanted."
Henry nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "Isla," he began gently, choosing his words with care. "I want you to know that you deserve to feel wanted. To feel loved. But it has to be by someone who truly respects you, who cherishes you for who you are. Some guys only want one thing. Some will say what they need to say to get what they want. I fear Teddy might be one of those guys. I have heard he breaks a lot of hearts. I don't want him to break your heart."
Isla swallowed hard, the weight of Henry's words sinking in. "I know," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "And I... I'm trying to figure it out."
Henry reached out again, his hand covering hers with a reassuring warmth. "Isla," he said softly, his gaze unwavering. "Take your time. Think about what you want. And know that whatever you decide, I'll be here for you."
Tears welled in Isla's eyes once more, overwhelmed by Henry's unwavering support and understanding. "Thank you, Henry," she whispered gratefully, squeezing his hand in return.
They sat together in silence for a while longer, the crackling of the fire a soothing backdrop to their thoughts. Eventually, Henry stood, offering Isla a gentle smile. "It's late," he said softly. "Let's get some rest. We can talk more in the morning, if you'd like."
Isla nodded, grateful for the reprieve from the emotional whirlwind of the day. "Yes, please," she replied quietly, rising from her seat with Henry's help.
They retired to their respective rooms, the weight of their conversation lingering in the air like a silent echo. Isla lay in bed, staring up at the familiar wooden beams of the cabin ceiling, her mind racing with thoughts of Teddy and Henry, of love and uncertainty.
Outside, the night deepened into a quiet stillness, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves and distant hoot of an owl. Isla closed her eyes, seeking solace in the rhythmic cadence of her own breathing.
In the darkness, she found herself torn between the allure of Teddy's charm. Henry mentioned that Teddy breaks a lot of hearts. Would he value her heart or would she be another notch in his belt. Love is a game full of risks. Some win and some lose. It's a gamble with the most valueable thing. Could her heart handle it? She knew that choosing her path would require courage and clarity, virtues she hoped to find in the light of a new day.
As sleep finally claimed her, Isla's dreams were filled with fleeting images—of apples ripe on the branch, of candlelit conversations, and the warmth of a hearth fire that had come to symbolize both sanctuary and solace.
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