Echos of the past

Chapter 56

Isla stood behind the makeshift stall at the farmer's market, arranging freshly laid eggs in neat rows while baskets of plump chickens clucked softly nearby. The crisp autumn morning air was alive with the sounds of vendors setting up their stalls and early shoppers milling about, chatting animatedly. Isla loved these market days—they brought a sense of community and connection that she cherished.

As she deftly counted the eggs, placing them in straw-lined baskets, her mind wandered. Thoughts of the upcoming winter crept in, reminding her of the preparations needed to ensure the animals and they were ready for the cold months ahead. The task ahead seemed daunting, but she was determined to face it head-on.

A familiar voice broke through her thoughts, causing Isla to glance up. There, weaving through the crowd, was Teddy. His tall figure stood out among the bustling market-goers, and as he approached, a mix of emotions stirred within Isla. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him, memories of their time together flooding back. Memories of seeing him with another girl. Maybe it was nothing.... but in her gut, she knew that wasn't the case.

Teddy's smile widened as he drew closer, his eyes alight with warmth. "Hey, Isla," he greeted her, his voice carrying over the hum of the market.

Isla managed a small smile in return, her heart fluttering despite her attempt to remain composed. "Hey, Teddy," she replied softly, her fingers nervously arranging a stray feather on the edge of the stall. He attempted to kiss her but she moved her face so that the kiss fell on her cheek. This was the first time he kissed her that she felt nothing. Infact, she felt numb.

"How's everything going?" Teddy asked, leaning in slightly as if to catch every word amidst the market's bustling energy.

Isla hesitated for a moment, the weight of recent events hanging between them. "Busy," she admitted with a slight shrug. "But good. I'm just here selling some eggs and chickens."

Teddy nodded, his gaze lingering on her face. "I've missed you," he said quietly, his tone sincere. "Can we talk?"

Isla's heart clenched at his words, a tumultuous mix of longing and uncertainty washing over her. She knew they needed to talk—about the distance, about their future—but part of her dreaded what that conversation might bring.

"I don't know, Teddy," Isla replied, her voice tinged with hesitation. "I've been thinking a lot..."

Teddy reached out, his hand gently touching hers. "I understand," he murmured, his eyes searching hers for a hint of reassurance. "But I miss you. Can we grab a coffee and talk?"

Isla felt torn. A part of her wanted to resist, to maintain the distance she had been building since their last encounter. Yet, another part—the part that still loved him fiercely—ached to hear his voice, to understand where they stood.

"Okay," Isla finally relented with a sigh, her resolve weakening as she met Teddy's earnest gaze. "Let's talk."

They walked in silence through the market, navigating the crowd until they found a small café tucked away from the main street. Inside, the warmth of the café enveloped them, mingling with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee. They settled into a corner booth, the soft murmur of other patrons creating a cocoon of privacy around them.

Once seated, Teddy spoke first, his voice gentle yet tinged with urgency. "Isla, I've been thinking a lot about us," he began, his eyes never leaving hers. "I know it's been hard with the distance, but I still care about you so much."

Isla nodded slowly, her fingers tracing patterns on the tablecloth. "I care about you too, Teddy," she admitted quietly. "But things have been complicated..."

Teddy reached across the table, his hand covering hers. "I want us to work, Isla," he said earnestly. "I've been trying to figure out how we can make this work. Maybe I could visit more often, or we could plan trips to see each other..."

Isla listened, the warmth of his hand on hers stirring memories of their time together. She wanted to believe him, to believe they could find a way forward despite the obstacles. Yet, doubts lingered—doubts about trust, about the future, about whether they could truly bridge the distance between them.

"I just don't know, Teddy," Isla admitted finally, her voice wavering with uncertainty. "It's been hard, and I don't want either of us to get hurt."

Teddy squeezed her hand gently, his gaze unwavering. "I understand," he said softly. "But I'm willing to do whatever it takes, Isla. I want to be with you."

Isla searched his eyes, seeing the sincerity there, the love she had once cherished so deeply. "I want to believe you," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. "But..."

Teddy leaned closer, his other hand reaching to gently cup her cheek. "But what, Isla?" he asked, his voice pleading. "Tell me."

Isla closed her eyes briefly, the weight of her emotions pressing in on her. "I saw you," she admitted quietly, her eyes meeting his again. "With that girl at the café."

Teddy's expression softened, understanding dawning in his eyes. "Isla, that was nothing," he insisted earnestly. "She's just a friend. I swear."

"I know what I saw, Teddy," Isla replied, her voice steady despite the ache in her chest. "I don't want to play games. I need to trust you."

Teddy sighed, his thumb brushing gently against her cheek. "I'm sorry," he murmured, regret coloring his tone. "I should have been more careful. But please, Isla, believe me when I say you're the only one I want."

Isla felt torn, her heart pulling in different directions. Part of her wanted to believe him—to trust that their love could withstand the challenges of distance and doubt. Yet, another part feared the pain of betrayal, of investing her heart only to have it broken again.

"I need time," Isla finally said quietly, her gaze dropping to their intertwined hands. "Time to figure things out. Maybe what I saw was something innocent... But I fear it is not."

Teddy nodded, his hand tightening around hers. "I understand," he said softly. "Its easy for things to get complicated. If it makes you feel better, I don't even know the name of the girl you are referring to."

They sat in silence for a while longer, the weight of their conversation hanging between them. Outside the café, the market buzzed with activity, oblivious to the tumultuous emotions inside. Isla knew she needed to sort through her feelings, to find clarity amidst the confusion that now clouded her heart.

"I should get back to the stall," Isla said eventually, pulling her hand away gently. "Thank you for talking with me, Teddy."

Teddy nodded, a flicker of sadness crossing his face. "She was no one." he said quietly, his words lingering as Isla rose from the booth.

Isla looked at him and said, "If she was no one, then maybe I would believe that. I can't tell if you are trying to convince me she is no one or of you are trying to convince yourself."

As Isla walked back through the bustling market, the weight of their conversation pressed upon her. She didn't know what the future held, whether she could rebuild the trust she had lost. All she knew was that she needed time—to heal, to decide, and to find the answers that eluded her amidst the complexities of love and distance. She felt betrayed. Isla should have known she couldn't trust Teddy. He just wanted to play with her heart. If she had stayed away with him, maybe she would have still been with Clark. Clark was safe. He loved her and never made her feel betrayed. She blew her chance with Clark for Teddy. Teddy only brought sadness and betrayal. Maybe everyone was right about him.