Break in the Clouds

The week dragged on as Lena tried to maintain some semblance of normalcy. She threw herself into work, spent time with Jessie, and did her best not to think about Ethan. But it was easier said than done.

By Thursday, she was more than ready for a distraction. So when Jessie suggested they go to a trivia night at a local bar, Lena reluctantly agreed.

"I promise, it'll be fun!" Jessie said, grinning as they entered the crowded bar. "And who knows? Maybe you'll meet someone who isn't emotionally unavailable."

Lena rolled her eyes but couldn't help but laugh. Jessie had a way of making light of every situation, and Lena appreciated that more than ever right now.

As the trivia rounds began, Lena found herself getting more into it than she'd expected. It was nice to focus on something other than Ethan for a change. The questions ranged from random pop culture trivia to obscure history facts, and by the end of the night, their team-made up of Lena, Jessie, and a few people they'd met at the bar-was actually in the lead.

When the final question came up, Jessie elbowed Lena with a grin. "Okay, genius, this one's all you."

Lena laughed, reading the question on the screen: Which 1990s TV show featured a character named Phoebe Buffay, who was known for singing the song 'Smelly Cat'?

Without missing a beat, Lena hit the buzzer. "Friends," she answered confidently.

The announcer confirmed her answer, and their team erupted into cheers. Lena laughed along with them, feeling lighter than she had in days. Maybe this was what she needed-nights like this, surrounded by friends and fun, without the weight of her feelings for Ethan dragging her down.

As they collected their prize (a free round of drinks), Jessie grinned at Lena. "See? This is what I'm talking about. Look at you, out here winning at trivia and having a good time."

Lena smiled, genuinely enjoying the moment. "Yeah, you're right. This was fun."

"And who knows?" Jessie added, waggling her eyebrows. "Maybe this is the start of a new chapter for you."

Lena's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. "Maybe."

The weekend rolled around, and just when Lena was beginning to settle into her new routine, Ethan texted her.

Ethan: Can we talk?

Lena's heart skipped a beat as she stared at the message. She wasn't sure whether to feel excited or anxious. She had been trying so hard to move on, to let go of her expectations, and now he wanted to talk?

She hesitated for a moment before typing her reply.

Lena: Sure. When?

Ethan responded quickly.

Ethan: Tonight. Dinner at the usual spot?

Lena's pulse quickened as she agreed, her mind racing with possibilities. What did he want to talk about? Was this finally the moment she had been waiting for, or was she setting herself up for more heartbreak?

Later that evening, Lena arrived at the small Italian restaurant where she and Ethan had shared so many meals. Her nerves were on edge as she walked in and spotted him at a table near the back. He smiled when he saw her, but there was something different in his expression-something that made her stomach twist in knots.

"Hey," Ethan said as she sat down. "Thanks for meeting me."

Lena offered a small smile, her heart pounding. "Of course. What's up?"

Ethan hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath. "I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. About us."

Lena's heart skipped a beat. Here it comes, she thought.

"I realized something," Ethan continued, his eyes meeting hers. "I've been an idiot."

Lena blinked, taken aback. "What?"

Ethan ran a hand through his hair, his expression frustrated. "I've been so focused on trying to figure out my own feelings, and in the process, I've been ignoring the one thing that's been clear this whole time."

Lena's throat tightened. "What's that?"

Ethan reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "You, Lena. It's always been you."

For a moment, Lena couldn't breathe. She had spent so long hoping for this moment, and now that it was here, it felt almost unreal.

"I'm sorry it took me so long to realize it," Ethan continued, his voice soft. "But I don't want to wait anymore. I don't want to lose you."

Lena felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes as she squeezed his hand. "You're not going to lose me."

Ethan smiled, relief washing over his features. "Good. Because I've waited too long already."

As they sat there, holding hands across the table, Lena felt a sense of peace settle over her. For the first time in a long time, she wasn't waiting anymore. Ethan had finally made his choice-and this time, he had chosen her.

~~~~~~