Chapter 2
1003 Words
Chapter Two: The Beginning of Us ✓
Erica returned home, took a shower, and lay quietly on her bed. The ceiling fan spun above her, its steady hum filling the room, yet her thoughts refused to slow down. The day lingered with her, unfolding again in fragments—the way he had walked in, the calm depth of his voice, and the subtle glances he gave her when he thought she wasn’t paying attention.
A soft smile crept onto her lips.
“I like him,” she whispered, then quickly covered her face, embarrassed by her own honesty. Night had settled in, but sleep felt distant. Her heart felt restless and alert. She reached for her phone, scrolling aimlessly, though she knew exactly what she was waiting for.
He’ll text… I feel it.
Her phone buzzed suddenly.
Her breath caught.
A message—from an unfamiliar number.
> Hey, my love. Is this a good time to text you? It’s Gabrielle—the person who collected your contact at your workplace.
Warmth spread through her chest as she reread the message.“My love?” she murmured, shaking her head. “Why would he say that already?”
Still, she couldn’t stop smiling.
She replied almost immediately.
> Hi, Gabrielle. How are you doing? Did you get home safely?
His response came right away.
> Yes, love. Thank you for asking. I’m resting in my hotel room.
Something about his words felt comforting.
She told him she was glad he was safe and wished him a peaceful night. Moments passed.
Then another message appeared.
> Erica, there’s something I want to tell you. I hope you don’t mind.
Her pulse quickened.
> I don’t mind. You can tell me, she typed.
The next message held her still.
> I really like you. I know we just met today, but I admire the way you speak and the warmth in your smile. You’re beautiful, and I would like you to be my girlfriend.
For a second, she forgot how to breathe.
She hadn’t expected such honesty. Most men she had encountered preferred games—long conversations filled with uncertainty and half-intentions. Gabrielle was different. He spoke with clarity and purpose. And she liked that.
She already felt something for him, but pride held her back. She needed time—to think, to steady herself.
> I’ll think about it, she replied softly.
They wished each other goodnight. Eventually, he slept.
Erica didn’t.
She lay awake for a long while, smiling into the dark.
The next morning, she woke up feeling unusually light.
“Today feels different,” She whispered.
Then she remembered the night before and laughed quietly to herself.
She prepared for work with a spring in her step, humming as she dressed. At the supermarket, however, she noticed something odd—her colleagues kept smiling in her direction.
"Why is everyone acting like this?" she wondered.
Finally, she asked one of them, “Why is everyone smiling at me? Did something happen?”
Her colleague grinned. “Because you have a delivery.”
“A delivery?”
She followed her—and stopped in her tracks.
Flowers.
Chocolates.
A delicate necklace.
And a small card.
Her hands trembled as she picked it up.
> Have a lovely day, love.
She didn’t need to ask.
She already knew.
Gabrielle.
Heat rushed to her cheeks as she quietly returned to work, her heart racing. After closing hours, Gabrielle texted, asking if she could meet her outside the supermarket. When she stepped out, she immediately spotted the familiar sleek Rolls-Royce parked nearby.
He was dressed in a suit this time—polished, composed. He looked like someone who had come straight from a long day at work.
She greeted him and thanked him shyly for the gifts.
“How did you know they were from me?” he asked, smiling.
“I just did,” she replied softly, studying him.
They talked about their day, the conversation flowing easily. When silence finally settled between them, it felt gentle rather than awkward.
Then Gabrielle spoke.
“Have you thought about what I asked you?”
She swallowed. “Yes… but I’m still unsure. If you could give me a little more time—”
“I understand,” he said calmly. “But I need you to know how serious I am. I care about you deeply, and I would never hurt you. I want us to be together. Please… think about it.”
She exhaled. “It’s not that I don’t like you. I just have a lot happening in my life. I don’t want to become a burden to you.”
“That doesn’t matter,” he replied gently. “We can face anything together. But please… I need an answer now.I don’t think I can keep waiting. Erica, I’m begging you.”
His voice wavered slightly.
That softened something inside her.
She looked at him—open, hopeful, sincere—and felt her resolve melt.
“Okay,” she whispered. “I’ll be your girlfriend. We can start dating.”
Joy lit up his face.
He pulled her into a careful embrace, holding her as though she were something precious. He leaned closer, pausing, his eyes searching hers for permission.
She smiled, nervous but sure.
Before she could steady herself, his lips met hers—soft, tentative. She froze for a heartbeat, then slowly returned the kiss.
Her first.
A shy warmth spread through her, and she pulled back, suddenly self-conscious.
He leaned in and whispered teasingly, “The windows are tinted. No one can see.”
Her blush deepened—he had read her thoughts perfectly.
They laughed softly, talked a little longer, and then he drove her to get food before taking her home. At the entrance, he kissed her again, gently and lingeringly. As she walked away, one quiet truth settled in her heart:
Her life had just shifted, and she had no idea how much more was waiting ahead.
- Writer
