Back in the familiar embrace of Chicago, the city buzzed with life around us as Connor and I navigated the bustling streets. Our recent trip to New Jersey had left an indelible mark on our friendship, deepening the connection between us in ways I never imagined possible. And now, as we walked side by side headed to Lucid Cafe at midnight, the air tinged with anticipation and uncertainty, I couldn't shake the feeling that something momentous was about to happen.
As we reached a the café nestled on a corner, Connor turned to me with a nervous smile, his eyes shimmering with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine. "Sage, there's something I've been wanting to ask you."
My heart skipped a beat as I held my breath, the weight of his words hanging in the air between us. Could it be? Was he about to ask me what I hoped he would?
"Would you like to go on a date with me?" Connor's voice was tentative, his vulnerability a stark contrast to the confident athlete I had adapted to.
A rush of emotion flooded through me, overwhelming in its intensity. The mere thought of spending more time with Connor, exploring the depths of our connection beyond friendship, filled me with a sense of joy and trepidation.
"Yes, Connor," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "I would love to go on a date with you."
A smile broke across Connor's face, lighting up his features with a radiant warmth that mirrored the sun's gentle embrace. With a newfound sense of purpose, we stepped into the café, our hearts dancing to the rhythm of possibility.
The following day, our date dawned with a sense of excitement and nervous energy. Connor arrived at my apartment with a bouquet of flowers in hand, his smile infectious as he greeted me at the door. I have the flowers to Italy to let her handle while Connor and I headed to Lucid Cafe.
As we settled into the cozy corner of the bistro, I took a deep breath, steeling myself to share the fragments of my past with Connor. The ambiance of the café provided a soft backdrop to our conversation, the gentle hum of chatter providing a sense of privacy amidst the bustling surroundings.
"Connor," I began, my voice wavering slightly with nervousness, "there are things about my past that I haven't shared with many people. But I feel like you deserve to know before we go any further."
Connor's gaze softened with concern as he reached across the table, his hand finding mine in a gesture of silent support. "You can tell me anything, Sage. I'm here for you."
Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I plunged into the depths of my memories, each word heavy with emotion and vulnerability. I spoke of the pain of losing loved ones, of the scars that marred my soul, of the struggles that defined me as much as they challenged me.
"It hasn't been easy," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "There have been moments when I felt like I couldn't go on, when the weight of my past threatened to consume me."
As I spoke, Connor listened with a compassion and understanding that left me breathless. I told him everything, from my twin brother dying to leaving Connor behind. His presence was a steady anchor in the storm, his unwavering support a beacon of light in the darkness.
"I'm sorry you had to go through all of that," Connor said softly, his eyes reflecting a mixture of empathy and admiration. "But I want you to know that you're not alone. I'm here for you, Sage, every step of the way."
Tears welled in my eyes as I met Connor's gaze, the depth of his compassion washing over me like a wave of warmth. In that moment, surrounded by the comforting embrace of his understanding, I felt a weight lift from my shoulders.
"Thank you, Connor," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. "Thank you for being here, for listening, for caring."
With a gentle smile, Connor squeezed my hand, his touch a silent promise of his unwavering support. And as we sat together in the quiet intimacy of the café, I knew that no matter what the future held, I had found a kindred spirit in Connor. And for that, I would be forever grateful.
Connors Pov
As Sage and Connor sat across from each other in the dimly lit restaurant, the clinking of cutlery and murmur of conversation providing a backdrop to their conversation, Sage took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to say.
"Connor, there's something I need to tell you," she began, her voice soft but tinged with a hint of apprehension.
Connor looked up from his plate, concern furrowing his brow. "What's wrong, Sage? You seem nervous."
Sage hesitated for a moment, her fingers fidgeting nervously with the edge of her napkin. "My... My dads been offered a job in Chicago," she finally admitted, her gaze flickering briefly to meet Connor's before dropping back down to her lap. Sage knew she sucked at lying and she was trying so hard to not let Connor figure out.
Connor's eyes widened in surprise, a mix of emotions crossing his face. "Chicago? That's... that's far away. What about us? What about our plans?"
Sage swallowed hard, her heart heavy with the weight of her decision. "I know, Connor. And I'm sorry for springing this on you like this. But it's an opportunity My dad can't pass up. It's something I've been dreaming about for years."
Connor nodded slowly, processing her words. "I understand, Sage. I'm happy for you. Really, I am. But what does this mean for us? Are we still going to be able to hang out, like we used to?"
Sage reached across the table, her fingers finding their way to Connor's hand, squeezing it gently. "Of course, Connor. Nothing will ever change between us. You're my best friend, and that's never going to change, no matter where I am."
Connor managed a weak smile, relief flooding through him. "Thanks, Sage. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Sage smiled back, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "You'll always have me, Connor. No matter where life takes us."
And with those words hanging in the air between them, Sage rose from her seat, her heart heavy with the knowledge that she was leaving behind the only home she had ever known. Connor watched her go, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, knowing that no matter where life took them, their bond would always remain unbreakable.
Chicago. It might as well have been a world away. Connor had grown accustomed to Sage's presence in his life, her laughter, her quirks, her comforting presence. They had been through so much together, shared countless memories, dreams, and secrets. But now, she was leaving, leaving him behind to navigate the world without her by his side.
He tried to shake off the shock, the sense of abandonment that threatened to overwhelm him. But it lingered, stubbornly clinging to his thoughts like a persistent shadow. Why hadn't she told him sooner? Why now, out of the blue, in the middle of a crowded restaurant? Questions swirled in his mind, but he knew there were no easy answers.
With a heavy sigh, Connor pushed his plate away, suddenly finding no appetite for the food in front of him. His mind was elsewhere, consumed by thoughts of Sage and the uncertain future that lay ahead. What would he do without her? How would he navigate the days and nights without her laughter to brighten his darkest moments?
He glanced around the restaurant, the chatter of other diners fading into the background as he grappled with the reality of Sage's departure. Everywhere he looked, he saw reminders of her – the empty chair across from him, the faint scent of her perfume lingering in the air, the echo of her laughter in the distant corners of his mind.
A pang of sadness washed over him, followed by a surge of anger. Anger at Sage for blindsiding him like this, for leaving him without so much as a warning. But beneath the anger was a deep well of sorrow, a profound sense of loss that threatened to swallow him whole.
He reached for his glass, taking a long sip of water in an effort to quell the tumult of emotions swirling inside him. But it offered little comfort, the cool liquid doing nothing to ease the ache in his heart. He felt adrift, untethered from the familiar rhythms of his life, lost in a sea of uncertainty.
As he sat there, lost in his thoughts, Connor couldn't help but wonder what had prompted Sage's sudden decision to leave. Had he done something wrong? Had she grown tired of their routine, their comfortable yet predictable existence? Or was there something else, something deeper, driving her away?
The questions gnawed at him, fueling his anxiety and his sense of helplessness. He wished he could turn back time, rewind the clock to the moment before Sage had dropped her bombshell, to the moment when their world still made sense.
But time, relentless and unforgiving, marched on, indifferent to Connor's wishes and regrets. And so, with a heavy heart and a sense of resignation, he rose from the table, leaving behind the remnants of his meal and the memories of Sage that lingered like ghosts in the empty space between them.
He left the restaurant physically but mentally he was still right where sage left him.
sbenns has posted a story
Help, I'm still at the restaurant
Still sitting in a corner I haunt
Authors note
Poor Connor 🫶
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1989 || Luke Hughes
Chapter Ten: Wonderland
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