A Sunday of Questions

Lena barely slept that night, her mind buzzing with questions and possibilities. What did Ethan want to talk about? Could it be good news, or was he about to break her heart? She replayed their conversations over and over in her head, trying to make sense of his mixed signals.

By the time Sunday morning arrived, she was a bundle of nerves. Ethan had texted her to meet him at their favorite coffee shop at noon, and the clock seemed to move impossibly slow as she got ready. She debated what to wear for far too long, finally settling on a casual but cute outfit—a pair of jeans, a light sweater, and her favorite boots.

When she arrived at the coffee shop, Ethan was already there, sitting at their usual table by the window. He looked more relaxed than she felt, but there was still a seriousness in his expression that made her stomach flip.

“Hey,” he greeted her with a small smile as she sat down. “Thanks for coming.”

Lena forced a smile, her heart pounding in her chest. “Of course. What’s up?”

Ethan hesitated for a moment, running a hand through his hair. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking since our last conversation. About Megan, about everything.”

Lena nodded slowly, her throat tight with anticipation. *Please say what I hope you’re going to say*, she thought.

“I know I told you I needed time to figure things out,” Ethan continued, his voice steady. “And I do. But the more I think about it, the more I realize… I don’t want to lose you.”

Lena’s heart skipped a beat. “What do you mean?”

Ethan sighed, his eyes meeting hers. “I don’t know exactly what this is between us, Lena. But I know it’s something. And I don’t want to ignore that anymore.”

Lena felt a surge of hope, her pulse quickening. Was this it? Was he finally admitting his feelings for her?

“But,” Ethan added, his expression pained. “I don’t want to rush into anything either. I’ve just gotten out of a relationship, and I need to be sure I’m ready before we start anything new.”

Lena’s heart sank. *Of course*. It was never that simple.

“I understand,” she said quietly, trying to keep her disappointment in check.

Ethan reached across the table, taking her hand in his. “I mean it, Lena. You’re important to me. I just need time.”

Lena forced a smile, nodding. “Take all the time you need.”

---

Over the next few days, Lena tried to focus on what Ethan had said that she was important to him, that he just needed time. But it was hard. She couldn't help but feel like she was back in the same frustrating limbo, waiting for Ethan to make up his mind. Part of her wanted to be patient, to give him the space he needed. But another part of her, the part that had loved him for so long, was tired of waiting.

Jessie, of course, had her own opinions on the situation.

"So, let me get this straight," Jessie said, after Lena told her about the conversation with Ethan. "He admits he has feelings for you but doesn't want to do anything about it? What is this, a romantic standoff?"

Lena sighed, poking at her salad. They were sitting in the same café where she had met Ethan, but now it felt less magical and more frustrating.

"He just broke up with Megan. I guess I understand him wanting to take things slow."

"Slow is fine," Jessie replied, rolling her eyes. "But making you wait indefinitely? That's just not fair. You need to live your life, Lena, not sit around hoping he'll figure out what he wants."

"You're right," Lena agreed, though the words felt hollow. "I just... I don't know what to do. I feel like if I walk away now, I'll lose any chance we have."

Jessie softened, reaching across the table to squeeze Lena's hand. "You're not going to lose him by living your life. If he truly cares about you, he'll come around. And if he doesn't? Then he wasn't the one for you in the first place."

Lena smiled weakly, knowing that Jessie was trying to cheer her up. But the truth was, the idea of losing Ethan scared her more than anything else. She had invested so much of her heart into him, and the thought of letting go felt impossible.

~^~^~^~Tbc