Love in the Shadow

Chapters 4: Dinner Invitation.

My bedroom window let in the early sun, which softly illuminated me like a harsh reminder of the turbulent feelings whirling inside me. Following Lucas's picture with that other woman, I had hardly slept. My head was a whirl of jealously and uncertainty, and I battled to ignore the anxiety building in my gut. Rising from bed, I forced myself to pay attention to the day. Earlier, my dad said he wanted to have family dinner to go over my mom's treatment choices. Although I understood it was crucial, the idea of it seemed weighty, made worse by my own personal conflict about Lucas. Following a brief shower and some breakfast, I chose to text Sarah to let her know what I was thinking and feeling. Me: Is there time for us to chat? I had to let out a vent. In Sarah: Surely! Meet me in an hour at the café. Me: Fantastic! There you are! As I got ready, I experienced a small release. Sarah always seemed to be able to help me sort through my ideas; I knew I needed her viewpoint, particularly following Lucas with someone else. Trying to center myself in the present, I savored the known sights of Maplewood as I strolled to the café. As I entered, the scent of freshly made coffee greeted me. Sarah was waving wildly at our regular table. "Mia!". Above here! She cried out, her energy contagious. I followed her, slumped down in the chair and sighed heavily. "Thanks for getting back to me." " Always! What is going on? You seem to have seen a ghost, she said, her eyes narrowing with worry. I said, running a hand through my hair and feeling as though I could be losing my sanity. "Last night I came across Lucas's article. He is seeing someone. I considered us to have something unique. Sarah started to soften in expression. "I'm sorry Mia. That's rather tough. But you two simply bonded, right? Perhaps he should not jump back in with you just now. Yes, but I felt there was something between us! Frustration simmering beneath me, I said "We had such a great time yesterday; today I feel like I was fooling myself." "Don't give up hope just yet," Sarah replied in a calm voice. He might still be working on stuff. Talk to him to find out exactly what is going on. I nodded, grateful for her help but still uncomfortable. "I am meant to see him following lunch. Just wish I knew his true feelings. I found myself torn while we spoke and drank our coffees. Though uncertainty crept in, driven by the picture of Lucas with someone else, I wanted to believe there was still opportunity for us. We drank our beverages over time and decided to meander around the adjacent park. Though I sensed a cloud hovering over me, the sun shone brilliantly. Pointing out other adorable pets and families having fun in the park helped Sarah try to lighten the situation, but my mind kept returning to Lucas. "Have you considered what you would want to say to him?" As we were walking, Sarah asked. I told him straight forwardly how I felt, but I'm worried about what he might say. "Just keep in mind; you also deserve happiness. She urged, laying a consoling hand on my shoulder, not allow fear stop you. "Thanks, Sarah." Though doubt still ate at me, I tried to keep that in mind. On our way back to my house, I realized I had to get ready for the talk with Lucas. My dad was in the kitchen working on dinner when I walked up to the front door. Herbs and garlic smelled great, and my tummy started to expand in expectation. "Hey, Dad," I said as I entered. Hello Mia! Just finishing everything for dinner, he said, looking warmly over his shoulder. Today your mother is feeling better. She might even come around for a short visit. " That's fantastic!" Actually relieved to hear it, I said. "I am excited about it." I could feel the tension in the air as I helped arrange the dinner. Though I attempted to ignore it for now, my dad's earlier talk on my mom's treatment stayed in the back of my mind. Dinner comprised laughs mixed with thoughtful conversations concerning my mother's health. She joined us at the table, looking better than she had in days, her grin bringing light into the room. “Mia, I’m so glad you’re home,” she replied, her eyes gleaming with warmth. "It's great to have the family back together.” Feeling appreciative of the occasion, I said, "It really is." Later in the evening, my dad brought up my mom's therapy once more and we spoke about several possibilities. Although the talk was challenging, my mother stayed upbeat to help to reduce some of the stress. My phone rang with a notification later when the table was cleaned. Looking down, I realized Lucas had sent this. Lucas is: Hey, looks forward seeing you later! I have something quite crucial to talk about. At the concept, my heart surged. What could be so important? I responded rapidly. Me: I also! looking forward it. I chose to pause to gather my ideas once dinner was finished and my folks were settling in for the evening. Feeling the cool evening breeze on my skin, I started on the rear porch. The stars sparkled above, and I inhaled deeply to help me to slow down my pounding heart. I felt both optimism and fear as I waited as I mentally went over the events of the day. From what would Lucas say? Would he bring up another girl or clear his sentiments for me? I heard the familiar sound of a car coming just then. Lucas's dark car drew into the driveway, and my pulse sped. He left, appearing effortlessly beautiful as the porch light lit his form. "Hey, Mia," he murmured, walking toward me and a smile spreading across his face. Trying to keep my voice calm, I said, "Hey, Lucas." For a minute, we stood there amid the heavy unspoken words and expectation. "I'm glad you could make it," he added, staring right at me. Me too, I said, feeling a mix of exhilaration and fear. He turned slightly, his face becoming austere. "I wanted to talk about something really significant—about us." His words sank weight into the air between us. As I ready for whatever was next, my heart started to rush. " Alright, what is it??" He inhaled deeply, staring right at me. "I have been considering our time together and what it means quite a lot. I want not to rush things, but I also want not to overlook what is between us. I got a kick from his candor. Lucas, I feel the same way. But what about the female in your post? His face changed, and I sensed his gaze hesitated. That was... rather difficult. I have seen her informally, but it's not really important. Actually, I find myself thinking about you nonstop. Though skepticism still lurked, my heart flew at his revelation. Then why did you not inform me sooner? "Because I was afraid," he said, looking down momentarily. "I wanted not to complicate things, especially given everything is occurring with your mother. You deserved better, in my opinion than a man still learning things. I was spinning within with a range of feelings. "Lucas, I want to be straight forward about my emotions as well. I genuinely like you; I have missed you. But all of this is really perplexing. Stepping closer, he remarked, "Let's not let confusion hold us back." "I want to find out where this leads. One step at a time, is what we can do? I heard a great commotion coming from the driveway before I could reply. Turning to find a car hurtling down the road and screaming to stop in front of my house, we both The driver opened his door and a familiar man staggered out. "Lucas!!" an urgent voice cried out. That girl from the picture—his laid-back date. Her panicked expression sent my heart tumbling as she ran toward us. We have to chat! Right now. Twist: Lucas's date's unannounced arrival broke the moment and froze me in place. Her wanted was what? And what would this mean about Lucas's just admitted information?