Learning Romance From An Older Man

Author's pov "Stand up, Fiona! We have to talk," Drew whispered into her ear, urgently grasping Fiona's hand. Seated by her side were her mum and best friend Bella, at the award ceremony of their school. "Drew, where are you taking me to? They're about to announce your name on stage. Why not accept your award first? We can address whatever it is you want to discuss once we've left the hall," she responded. "No, please. It'll be too late," he insisted, pulling her away from her seat and the crowd of students and parents. The only person who noticed them leaving was her mum, and she wasn't concerned because she knew who was taking her daughter away. The rest of the people in the hall were engrossed in the activities happening on stage, with medals being awarded to the deserving recipients. Drew had been nominated as the best athlete of the year. That's why Fiona had invited her mum specifically and convincing her to come wasn't easy. She wanted someone she loved to share in her joy since her dad had died, and she knew how much this award meant to Drew. Her plan was simple: after the ceremony, they would take a group picture, herself, Drew, Bella, her mum, and the golden award in front of them. Fiona was so thrilled that it felt like she had won the award herself. Drew led her towards a secluded restroom that was rarely used, but they could still hear the voice of the host announcing the names of the individuals receiving their awards. Each person they called took the opportunity to express their gratitude and dedicate the award to someone dear to their heart. "Why did you bring me here?" Fiona finally freed her hand from his grip. They both took a moment to catch their breath, and Drew struggled to find the right words as he gazed into her eyes. She had no clue what he wanted to say. This was supposed to be an exhilarating moment for her, and they should have been in the hall, ready to applaud when Drew's name was called. "In life, we sometimes make mistakes," he began, and she couldn't help but wonder what kind of mistake he had made. Fiona remained silent, looking at him intently as he paused for a moment and continued, "I've made many mistakes in my past, big ones. I'm sorry, Fiona. Please find it in your heart to forgive me. I wanted to say this earlier, but I lacked the courage." "What are you talking about? Forgive you for what? Be honest with me. What have you done that requires my forgiveness?" "I never wanted to hurt you. I've tried to resolve this issue within myself countless times, but I don't want to deceive myself any longer." When he mentioned not wanting to hurt her, Fiona immediately feared the worst for their relationship. She continued listening to see if he had lost his mind. "I know you've put in your best to make this relationship work, but I don't think we should continue." "Why? What have I done?" Her facial expression changed, and she could feel sweat forming in her palms. "Fiona, you are the most brilliant person I've ever met, but our paths in life are heading in different directions..." Before he could finish his statement, hot tears streamed down her cheeks. It felt as though her throat had tightened, rendering Fiona speechless as she watched him speak and knowing what befallen their relationship. “You are a talented designer. Your IQ, your intelligence….” He paused and continued, “I feel like I'll hold you back in the future. I want a woman whom I can be smarter than, better than and also into sports. Not someone who already knows what I'm trying to think. Please forgive me. You're my weakness, and I don't want it to continue after college. I just want to be honest with myself." Fiona didn't realize when her hands covered her face, and she uttered, "Are you really breaking up with me?" At that very moment, they both heard the host announce, "And now, for the best sportsman of the year, the award goes to Drew Anderson." In that instant, Drew swiftly walked away from her, and Fiona still struggled to fully grasp what he had just revealed. She wiped away her tears and returned to the hall. By then, Drew had already ascended the stage and was presented with a small golden trophy. Surprisingly, he also received a medal, which he wore around his neck. Before he had the chance to acknowledge those who supported him, Fiona was back in her seat. At that moment, no one knew what had transpired between Drew and Fiona, not even her best friend or her mum, as they were engrossed in the ceremony's atmosphere. Drew approached the microphone, and the hall fell silent as he began to speak. "First and foremost, I'd like to express my heartfelt gratitude for this incredible award. To my family, teammates, and friends, thank you for being there for me…" As Drew spoke on stage, Fiona struggled to hold back her tears while reflecting on what Drew had told her earlier. Her mum wore a smile on her face, clearly admiring her boyfriend and what he had become. From her expressions, it was evident that she was proud that Drew was her daughter's boyfriend and he was known in their neighborhood. Then her mom gave a glimpse at Fiona and when she saw tears on her daughter's cheeks, she concluded that Fiona was overjoyed by her boyfriend's success. Then Bella tapped Fiona's right hand, excited to join her in celebrating Drew's moment of honor. Despite the joyous atmosphere, Fiona made a conscious effort not to look directly at Drew. She was already angry and planned to confront him once the ceremony came to an end. Coincidentally, Drew was the last awardee, and the ceremony would be ending in a few minutes. While Drew continued speaking, her mind wandered far from his words. But suddenly, her attention snapped back when he said, "...this award is dedicated to." Fiona quickly turned to face him, hoping he would finally mention her name. Fiona believed that she had been there for him through thick and thin and also helping him do some of his assignments. However, Drew paused for a moment, and then he uttered the words that shattered Fiona's heart. "To my dearest friend, someone who stood by me in all my challenges, who cheered me up before every game, and who continued to believe in me even when I didn't believe in myself. She is my everything, the love of my life, and the reason I find life so interesting. Her name is Mia." It finally dawned on Fiona that Drew had broken up with her. A part of her had hoped that when he listed those attributes, he would eventually call her name. The floodgates of tears welled up in her eyes, and she lowered her face towards the floor while everyone was clapping. The crowd noticed Mia running and shouting towards the stage, eager to embrace him. "Fiona! Fiona!!" Bella tapped Fiona with deep concern and tried to inform her who he had called, but the joy on her face vanished instantly. "Isn't that your boyfriend?" she asked. Fiona's heart had shut down, and she knew that if she responded, she would burst into loud sobs. Without delay, Fiona swiftly stood up and walked to the left side of the hall, partially covering her face with her fingers to shield her tears from the onlookers. Bella immediately followed her. Instead of leaving the hall, Fiona headed towards the women's restroom and quickly locked herself inside before Bella could reach her. She pressed her hands and forehead against the white wall and began crying loudly, like a young child waking up in the middle of the night and not finding her parents. In that moment, she felt disoriented, and as Bella heard her cries and pounded on the door, it only intensified her confusion and it was as if a crowd of people were shouting at once in her head. "Please, stop! Stop!" Fiona shouted, desperately pleading for silence. "Fiona, please open the door," Bella responded, but she had no intention of letting anyone in. She wanted to retreat into a world where it was just her, alone with her thoughts. Yet, no matter how hard she tried to push the thoughts away, the name of Drew’s new girlfriend kept resurfacing in her mind. Mia and Fiona were both cheerleaders for Drew's team. Although she couldn't always join them on their travels, they would perform before every game. It was during these performances that Drew's gaze would often linger on Mia's curves. The team of cheerleaders would playfully tease her about her shapely behind, as she confidently strutted in front of everyone, including the baseball team. "Please open the door. Crying alone won't solve what has happened. This only shows that Drew wanted you around to help with his assignments and sit next to you during exams. You are worth so much more than what Drew could offer," Bella spoke aloud. Unaware of her mother's search for her, Fiona remained locked in the restroom. It was difficult for her mum to locate her because Fiona had left her phone in her bag, which was still sitting on her seat in the hall. "Fiona, you will get through this. Please open the door. There will be someone who loves you for who you are, someone who deserves your love. Please open the door," Bella pleaded and her voice filled with pain. When Bella suddenly stopped hearing the sound of Fiona's sobbing, she grew anxious and hurried off to find Fiona's mother. A few minutes later, they returned together, her mother clearly worried when Bella said. "Fiona has locked herself inside, and I don't know what's happening with her right now." "Fiona! Fiona!! My precious daughter, please open the door," Fiona's mother's voice echoed with anxiety as she banged on the door with all her strength.