Chapter 3
1112 Words
I turn off my alarm and stare at the ceiling for a moment, still thinking about Winston’s words last night. I can’t believe he’s liked me for a while now. I never even noticed him before.
I check my phone — not because I’m expecting anything — but he messaged me. And for some reason, I feel my lips forming a smile as I read his text.
Winston:
Good morning, Stella. Are you free today? I want to see you.
My eyebrows lift. He’s charming and attractive, and I have to admit… it’s not hard to like him. He’s confident, composed, successful — the type of man women notice.
But there’s also a small part of me that feels uneasy. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s just because this is my first time dating. Maybe this nervousness is normal. Maybe I’ll get used to it.
I reply, telling him I have a teacher’s conference meeting but will be free afterward. Since it’s the weekend, I decide to dress formally — a dark blue dress and my hair tied neatly.
---
When I enter the conference room, I greet everyone.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning, Ma’am Stella,” Liam says, pulling out the chair beside him.
“Thanks.”
He hands me a cup of coffee. “Here — it’s matcha.”
I smile shyly. I always order matcha during meetings, so he knows I love it.
The meeting lasts about an hour as we discuss advanced lesson plans and fun learning activities. Kids are incredibly smart these days, and we try to match that energy.
My phone vibrates. Winston: I’m here to pick you up.
I gather my things, but before I reach the exit, Liam appears at my side.
“Ma’am Stella,” he begins nervously, “there’s a new café downtown. Their matcha is imported from Japan. I was wondering if… you’d like to try it with me today?”
I smile, about to gently decline — but suddenly an arm wraps around my shoulders.
“Stella, are we good to go?”
I look up. Winston. He’s looking at Liam with a blank stare, but there’s a faint smile on his lips.
“Yeah,” I answer. I turn back to Liam. “I’m sorry, I already have plans.”
He forces an awkward smile. He looks surprised to see me with someone.
“It’s okay. Maybe next time. I’m Liam Sprouse, Ma’am Stella’s co-teacher,” he says, offering a handshake.
“Winston Hale,” he replies, voice firm.
---
As we walk to his car, Winston holds my hand. It feels awkward — my first time holding a man’s hand publicly — and people keep glancing at us. Or rather, at him.
He opens the passenger door, and I’m stunned to see a bouquet of red roses on the seat. He picks it up and hands it to me.
“For my lovely Stella,” he says with a smile that reveals his dimples.
My cheeks burn. “Thank you…”
After a light lunch, he invites me to walk at the park. The weather is beautiful — maple leaves everywhere. He takes my hand again, and I hope he can’t feel how nervous I am.
“Are you close with Liam?” he asks suddenly.
I shrug. “No. Our conversations are always work-related.”
He stops walking and faces me. His eyes soften.
“You’re really innocent, Stella. Pure. I didn’t expect I’d like you even more after getting to know you.”
He reaches up and gently removes my hair tie.
“You’re too angelic with your hair up. I don’t want others to see it.”
My shoulder-length curls fall freely in the wind. I blush, looking away.
People have called me angelic before, but I’ve never believed them — until Winston said it with that look in his eyes.
“I won’t tie it up again then,” I whisper.
His smile deepens.
---
It’s already 5 p.m. when I get home. I drop onto the couch and dial my mother.
“Stella,” she answers, her voice faint and emotionless. She sounds like she’s been drinking again.
“Mom, are you taking your pills?” I ask softly.
“No. What I need is alcohol.”
A lump forms in my throat.
My childhood flashes in my mind — two parents living like strangers. My mother drowning in depression and liquor. My father working late just to avoid her. A household filled with silence, resentment, and no warmth at all.
Dad gave me everything I needed — clothes, school, allowances — except love.
“Mom… do you want me to visit you in Hawaii?” I ask, my voice shaking.
“No, Stella. Just stay there and do your best. I’m ending the call.”
I’m on the verge of tears when I hear the sound of my door code. Vivian walks in and immediately spots the roses.
“No way!” she squeals. “Are you actually dating him?!”
I blush, smiling despite my emotional mess. “I haven’t said yes yet.”
“Liar! You’re already going out with him!”
“Yeah, but it’s not official. I told him I need time.”
“Stell, loosen up. Not everyone is like your parents.”
She’s right. A part of me is terrified I’ll end up like them — loveless, trapped, empty.
“You think so?”
“Of course. Give yourself a chance. If it doesn’t work out, just break up.”
Her confidence makes me nod. Winston really does seem like a good man.
---
The next day, I’m arranging balls in the school gym when a student hands me a rose.
“Lilia? What’s this for?”
She giggles and runs. Then another student hands me a rose. Then another. Soon I’m holding about twenty.
And then I see him.
“Winston…” I breathe.
He approaches with another bouquet of red roses.
“Hi, Ma’am Stella. Roses for you again.”
“But you just gave me some yesterday,” I say, blushing.
“If I could, I’d give you roses every day — so you never forget how much I care about you.”
His sincerity hits me deep. I’ve never felt this special before.
Vivian was right.
I take a breath. “I’ve made up my mind, Winston. It’s a yes. I’ll date you.”
His eyes light up. “Really? Thank you, Stella. You won’t regret this. I’ll be the best man you could ever have. I promise.”
I smile, hoping he’s right.
And hoping I won’t regret this.
- Writer
