Chapter Three: The Choice
312 Words
Goodness knew both Felix and Andrew cared about her.
She wasn't blind to the attention. She had spent years learning how to read people and recognize feelings before they were spoken aloud.
The difference was that Felix eventually said his.
One evening after dinner, he looked across the table and asked the question he had been carrying for months.
"I like you. I think you already know that. Is there any chance you feel the same way?"
Goodness looked at him for a long moment.
Felix was kind, thoughtful, and consistent. He never played games. He showed up when he said he would and cared deeply about the people in his life.
For months she had avoided naming what she felt.
Now she finally did.
"Yes."
The smile that spread across Felix's face was impossible to miss.
Andrew learned about the relationship the following morning.
Felix called him, excited and happy, eager to share the news.
Andrew congratulated him sincerely.
And after the call ended, he sat alone in his apartment for a long time.
He was happy for his friend.
But happiness and disappointment could exist together.
Ella discovered the news at the next gathering when Goodness arrived holding Felix's hand.
Everyone celebrated.
Everyone except Andrew.
Most people didn't notice the brief shadow that crossed his face before he smiled and offered his congratulations.
Ella did.
She noticed because she always noticed.
Throughout the evening she stayed close—not obviously, but enough that he wouldn't have to stand alone inside his disappointment.
At the end of the night, as everyone prepared to leave, Andrew held the door open for her.
"Thanks for tonight," he said quietly.
Ella looked at him.
"You're allowed to have a bad day, you know."
For a moment, he simply stared at her.
Then he nodded.
For the first time, someone had seen through the smile.
- Writer
