WHAT ARE WE?

Alicia's Wedding

It was a beautiful day - Alicia's wedding day. The venue exuded a moderate elegance, with just enough space to accommodate the guests and create an intimate atmosphere. As everyone settled down and took their seats, anticipation filled the air.

I watched as Alicia and Liam stood before the altar, exchanging their heartfelt vows. The room held its breath, capturing the love and commitment that radiated from the couple. And when they finally said 'I do,' the audience burst into applause, their excitement filling the room.

As the ceremony concluded, the guests began to congratulate Alicia and Liam, their joyous spirits filling the space. I made my way to the reception area, finding a seat at a nearby table adorned with flowers and delicate place cards.

As I savored a delectable slice of wedding cake being passed around, I noticed Kelan approaching. Our eyes met, and a gentle smile formed on his lips. "Hi, Chloe," he greeted, his voice tinged with warmth.

Returning his greeting, I replied, "Hi, Kelan," my words accompanied by a mix of surprise and curiosity. Kelan took a seat beside me, and for a moment, an awkward silence hung in the air.

Breaking the silence, Kelan spoke up, his words carrying a hint of nostalgia. "You know, Chloe, we made a really good choice when we went for that cake tasting. I can see now why we both loved this flavor," he said, trying to ease the tension between us.

A smile curved on my lips as I responded, "You're right, Kelan. It was a great choice indeed. One of the highlights of the planning process, I must say." Deep down, I longed to address the unspoken tension between us from the previous night, but before I could venture into that conversation, my stepmom, Maria, called out to me.

"Chloe, dear! Can you please go find your busy boyfriend, Lucas? He just arrived yesterday, and we haven't seen him yet," Maria asked, her voice laced with urgency. With a slight nod, I excused myself from Kelan's company, knowing that duty called.

As I made my way through the reception, searching for Lucas amidst the flurry of guests, a mix of emotions swirled within me. The memory of our almost-kiss from the previous night burned in the back of my mind, a secret longing that demanded attention. But for now, I had to focus on the present and fulfill my role as a supportive partner to Lucas on this joyous occasion.

Feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation, I ascended the stairs, determined to find Lucas for the family picture. Opening the door to the designated room, I came face to face with a beaming Lucas. His elation was palpable, and I couldn't help but ask, "What's the good news, Lucas?"

A wide smile adorned his face as he replied, "I got the project I've been working on! It's a big opportunity for me." I couldn't contain my happiness for him and immediately embraced him, congratulating him on his achievement.

However, as the embrace lingered, I sensed a shift in Lucas' demeanor. His words, when they came, were tinged with a hint of uncertainty. "Chloe, I was hoping you had made up your mind to come with me. I'll be relocating for this project," he confessed, his gaze searching mine.

My heart sank at his words, knowing that we were now faced with a seemingly insurmountable decision. Gathering my thoughts, I mustered the courage to respond honestly. "Lucas, I've also been offered a job opportunity outside the city, at the largest fashion industry. It's not merely a hobby for me," I asserted, my voice steady.

Lucas cupped my face in his hands, his tone pleading. "But Chloe, designing dresses can be a mere hobby. With the money I'll be earning from this project, we can settle down and have a stable life together," he urged, his words brimming with a mix of conviction and desire.

Taking a deep breath, I adjusted myself, meeting his gaze with unwavering determination. "Lucas, it's not just a mere hobby for me; it's my passion and my dream. I can't abandon it for the sake of settling down. We both deserve to pursue our individual aspirations," I explained, my voice infused with a mix of clarity and conviction.