Love in the Shadow

Chapter 2: A Random Meeting

My bedroom window let in the morning sun, which gave the familiar walls covered in old posters and pictures a golden tint. Being back home after so much felt weird, yet nothing had changed. I watched my reflection in the mirror as I stretched. The idea of seeing Lucas again made me grin; my brown hair framed my face and flowed in waves. Following breakfast with my dad and a brief visit with my recovering mother—who was doing great—I decided to go for a walk in the neighborhood. I would benefit from the fresh air; maybe I would run across Sarah once more. Though we had scheduled get-togethers, I wanted to let her spend some time with her family first. Stepping outside, I could hear kids laughing and smell faintly of grills from adjacent backyards. I felt a strong nostalgia. Memories filling my thoughts, I strolled down the street riding bikes with Sarah, climbing trees, and—of course—those naive youthful crushes. Turning the corner, I came upon a familiar man waiting beside a car at the curb. My heartbeat skipped a beat. Lucas was leaning against his elegant black car, looking laid back in trousers and a tight t-shirt that highlighted his athletic form. He seemed naturally beautiful, with exactly the right disheveled dark hair. "Hey, Mia!" he said, straightening himself with a broad smile bursting across his face. "Lucas!"— I answered, trying to be casual while my heart hammered. He came over, and for a time we stood facing each other while the air crackled with unsaid tension. His eyes locked with me, "It's great to see you back in town." Feeling the butterflies in my tummy, I responded, "Yeah, it's... good to be back." "How have you been? "Busy with work," he said, then his eyes glittered with mischief. "I was going to get some coffee. Would like to join? I hesitated for a time; the idea of being alone with him set off feelings I wasn't sure I was ready to face. But then the chance to spend time with him was too appealing to turn down. Indeed, that sounds fantastic! We made our way to a neighborhood café that our buddies and I had always loved hanging about. The talk was easy as we strolled, broken sometimes by laughter and shared recollections. It felt so comfortable, as though not a year had gone between our last meeting. "What then has changed most for you since you moved away?" As Lucas asked, he sipped his coffee. I stopped to consider for a moment. "I suppose I have grown somewhat much. I have to grow in ability to make my own decisions and look for myself. He nodded with a considered look. "I see that. You must find your own road. I found as we spoke how naturally we connected. Lucas remained the same friendly man I recalled, but his appeal was enhanced by a layer of maturity. His eyes sparkled when he spoke fervently about his work, and I couldn't help but find great respect for it. After completing our beverages, we decided to take a walk around the neighboring park. Our chat was set against a gorgeous backdrop as the sun sank, coloring the heavens pink and orange. We meandered along the trail, sometimes brushing shoulders, and sent power flowing through me. "How then has your life been treating you??" Lucas asked, his voice becoming kind. Feeling the weight of the moment, I looked up at him. To be honest, it has been difficult. With my mom unwell and all, it has been somewhat demanding. He wrinkled slightly, worry written on his features. "I sincerely regret to learn that. I am here for you should you need anything. His voice had such authenticity that my heart grew. "I appreciate it, Lucas." For me, it implies a lot. We came to a little pond and I saw a couple tending to ducks. Their laughing resounded about us, and for a little instant I pictured us as that couple—lost in our own universe, free from the concerns of reality. "Do you remember when we used to visit here as young children?" Lucas interrupted my dream by asking. "We considered ourselves as authorities in duck feeding." I laughed and nodded. And we always left with more bread on us than the ducks! "Exactly! It was a mess, he laughed, his eyes wrinkling at the edges. To my ears, the sound was music, and I became yearning to record this moment exactly. Just then the mood changed slightly. Teenagers strolled by, looking at us with inquisitive expressions. As they spoke among themselves, I became self-conscious. Lucas saw and wrinkled his face. "Don't mind them," he murmured, his voice wary. They have no idea what they are referring to. I knew, even though the rumors ached. The dynamics of tiny towns had not changed. Word of our meeting would go fast, particularly given the rumors around my family. We chose to keep walking, the strain between us obvious but silent. Something electrifying permeated the air, and I could sense my own draw for him getting stronger. Hey, might I ask you something? Suddenly pausing to face me, Lucas murmured. "Sure, what is it??" With a beating heart, I asked. He inhaled deeply in search of the appropriate words. "Do you ever give us any thought? On about what could have been? His inquiry hung there, and I felt my breath stop. That was the moment I had expected as well as feared. I paused, looking for clarity in his gaze. " Honestly? Every now and again I do. Still, back then we were young people. "I know, yet... I have always connected with you, he said in a low, real tone. Until you departed, I had no idea how much. As I worked through his words, my heart flew. The conflict buzzed between us, and for a moment I considered he may slink in closer. But just then, behind us, a great disturbance started. Children running tag came barrelling into our path. One of them bumped Lucas somewhat off balance. I started to giggle as he staggered back, grabbed my arm to help him to straighten himself and momentarily released the stress. "Guess we're not alone anymore," he said, his tone returning to fun. The moment stayed in the back of my mind as we kept walking. Lucas actually felt the same way? And that meant what for us? I saw someone walking towards from the distance just as I was about to express my ideas. "Hey, is that Sarah?" I cried out, seeing my friend approaching us and her positive attitude quickly changed the tone. "Hey, you two! " With wide-open enthusiasm, Sarah cried out. "I expected not to see you here!" Just catching up, I said, looking at Lucas, who gave a little smile. Would it be okay if I joined? Her bounce on her heels begged questions. "I have some news!," said "Of course! I answered, a mix of relief and expectation. I appreciated having Sarah around to lighten the situation even as much as I wanted to talk to Lucas about my emotions. Sarah kept us informed on the newest rumors from town as we strolled together, her enthusiastic narration bringing Lucas and me into the discourse. I felt strangely possessive when I noticed Lucas staring at Sarah with a trace of enjoyment. Sarah moved in closer after a time, her voice dipping conspiratorially. You two seem to be comfortable. What then is happening? The heat sprang to my cheeks. "We're just hanging out," I said, trying to minimise the relationship I felt with Lucas. "Uh-huh," she said, arcing an eyebrow. Just sticking around, huh? I can see the flames shooting! Lucas laughed obviously enjoying the banter. "Sparkles?" You are, I believe, hallucinating things. Sarah smiled. nope! I really feel something unique here. You two ought to have a date or something. The lighthearted recommendation made me excited but yet filled with anxiety. Should we go beyond that, how will my connection with Lucas change? "I'm not sure about a date," I responded, my voice hesitant. "We just got back in touch. Precisely! You should investigate that relationship, Sarah said, looking between us. "Life too short to hold back." I kept having the impression that something important was developing between Lucas and me as we kept laughing and talking. His gaze at me and the way our hands touched each other—all felt charged with potential. We finally agreed to go back home. Sarah said goodbye and promised to text me later as we arrived at the bend in my street. I looked to Lucas, who stayed a moment more. Thank you for today; a smile broke across my face. " catching up was rather pleasant. Yes, it was, he said, approaching closely. "Let's do this once more very soon." I nodded while my heart pounded. Obviously. I was confused and excited at the same time as Lucas left. Though the consequences of acting on it tormented me, there was something between us that I could not ignore. Twist: I turned to head inside and heard someone yell from behind me. David, my father, it was. “Mia! I have to discuss something vital with you. Startled by the abrupt change in emphasis, I turned to find my dad's austere face. My pulse sank. What could he possibly want to talk about that would cut off such a flawless day?