CHAPTER FIVE. WHEN EMOTIONS BECOME GENUINE
1274 Words
Sunday morning arrived with sunlight and birds chirping outside Ella’s window.
She attempted to rest yet her thoughts refused to allow it. Whenever she shut her eyes Jayden’s grin appeared, his laughter. She recalled how he gazed at her as if she were the sole person on Earth.
She took hold of her pillow. Put it against her face.
“Quit dwelling on him " she murmured.
Yet her heart paid no heed.
She grabbed her phone. No new notifications.
She knitted her brows slightly. "Wow, after everything yesterday not even a ‘good morning?’”
She let the phone fall, acting indifferent. Keep checking it every couple of minutes.
At approximately 10:00 AM the phone rang.
Her heart leapt.
Jayden: Morning Love Coach. Are you still giving our date a seven? 😏
She grinned before she managed to hold back.
> Ella: Yes. Still a seven.
Jayden: That’s not right. I even shared my ice cream with you.
Ella: Ice cream doesn’t earn any points.
Jayden: So what do then?
> Ella: Effort.
Jayden: Alright then. Let's agree on eight. Brunch is on me.
She glanced briefly at the display.
> Ella: Today again?
Jayden: Why stop? Love lessons ought to continue.
Ella: You're unbelievable.
Jayden: You’re going to love it. 11 AM. I’ll come get you. No reasons not to.
She wished to decline. She hoped to seem occupied.
However her heart agreed before her mind could debate.
---
☕ The Café
The café Jayden picked was cozy and calm hidden behind a line of blooms and large glass panes.
The interior had the aroma of vanilla and roasted coffee beans. Gentle music was playing quietly in the background.
When Ella entered Jayden was already present seated near the window with a couple of coffee cups and a dish of pancakes.
The moment he spotted her he grinned. "You’re ahead of schedule.”
“I didn’t wish to arrive, " she said, taking a seat.
He glanced at her clothes. A yellow blouse and denim. "You appear… changed today. Positively.”
Ella chuckled softly. "I’ll accept that as a compliment.”
“It is, " he replied, his eyes gentle yet sincere.
For an instant they merely gazed at one another.
Ella swiftly seized her cup. "What’s this about now? Another challenge?”
Jayden grinned. "Perhaps.. Perhaps I simply wished to see you once more."
Her heart fluttered. "You truly enjoy creating moments don’t you?”
He chuckled. "No. I simply appreciate honesty.”
They conversed as they ate. Covering topics: films, pastimes and memories, from their youth. Jayden shared how he had attempted to launch a photography business that didn’t succeed but offered lessons. Ella explained how she began her channel as a way to divert herself from suffering.
Eventually their dialogue fell silent.
Jayden gently mixed his coffee. Whispered, "Do you know what I came to understand yesterday?”
“What?”
“You often smile while discussing helping others. Yet when the subject turns to yourself your expression seems sorrowful.”
Ella glanced at her cup. "Perhaps it’s because I’m still figuring out how to support myself.”
He nodded gently. "You don’t need to fix everything all the time Ella. It’s alright to be human.”
She wiped away the burn, in her eyes. Nobody had ever told her that previously.
She constantly needed to be strong. The mentor, the advisor, the one who had all the answers.
Jayden’s voice shattered the quiet more. "May I share something with you?”
“Sure.”
He gave a smile. "You inspire me to have faith in love more.”
Ella stood still. Everything fell silent briefly. Only the rhythm of her heartbeat filled her ears.
Her eyes met his. "Jayden…”
He shrugged his shoulders. "No need to fret. I'm not claiming I’m head over heels or anything. I just… feel more at ease when I’m near you.”
She gave a smile. "That’s… kind.”
He moved nearer. ". Risky.”
She chuckled uneasily. "You’re insane."
He smiled. "Perhaps.. I appreciate what’s going on here.”
She attempted to shift the subject. Her thoughts continually returned to his remarks. He feels at ease when he's with me.
What caused her chest to feel warm?
---
🌧️ Later That Day
When they departed the café the rain began.
Jayden sprinted forward, removing his jacket to shield her head.
“Let’s go!" he yelled, chuckling while the rain fell intensely.
Ella sprinted alongside him, chuckling , her hair wet. They took refuge beneath the awning of a*****e both breathing heavily and drenched.
Jayden glanced at her. Chuckled once more. "You resemble a kitten.”
“Wow thank you " she remarked, beaming broadly.
He extended his hand. Wiped a raindrop from her cheek. "There you go. You can genuinely laugh. No coaching. No lines.”
Their gaze. Her smile gradually disappeared. The atmosphere shifted.
He was so close. Too close.
Her pulse raced.
However before she had a chance to speak he took a step back. Cleared his throat. "We ought to get you soon so you don’t end up catching a cold.”
“Yeah " she murmured softly, her voice barely audible.
---
🚗 The Ride Home
The car was quiet.
Drops of rain gently struck the window panes.
Ella glanced outside attempting to conceal the grin that kept appearing on her lips.
“Why do you have a smile?" Jayden inquired.
“I’m not, " she replied promptly.
“You are, " he remarked, looking at her. "It’s charming.”
She faced him. "Is this how much you flirt all the time?”
“It only works sometimes, " he said, smiling.
She laughed, shaking her head. "You’re unbelievable.”
They arrived at her home. She loosened her seat belt gently, reluctant, for the moment to conclude.
As she faced him to bid farewell Jayden appeared solemn, for the time.
“Ella, " he murmured softly. "I realize we joke around a lot. I have to be truthful about something.”
She knitted her brows. "What’s wrong?”
He stared directly into her eyes. "I enjoy being close to you. Very much. I’m not sure what this is yet. It seems genuine.”
She gasped. "Jayden…”
He gave a smile. "No need to respond. Simply consider it.”
He held the door open for her. Just before she exited she glanced back and whispered, "I’m not the only one experiencing these feelings.”
He halted. "What?"
She grinned. "Goodnight, camera boy.”
She dashed inside the house before he had a chance to respond.
Jayden remained seated in the vehicle grinning to himself foolishly. "She’s going to be my downfall " he whispered.
---
🌙 That Night
Ella was unable to sleep.
She went over the day in her mind. The café, the rain, his words.
Her phone vibrated more.
Jayden: I trust you haven't come down with a cold.
Ella: I'm okay. How about you?
> Jayden: Still smiling like a fool.
She chuckled quietly.
> Ella: Go to sleep.
Jayden:. Only if you vow to have me in your dreams.
Ella: Keep dreaming. Sleep well.
> Jayden: Goodnight, Love Coach.
She set the phone against her chest. Exhaled deeply.
Her cheeks ached from grinning. She was unconcerned.
After years it was the first time she wasn’t focused on instructing about love. Instead she was experiencing it.
The rain ceased outside.
Elsewhere, in the city Jayden gazed through his window pondering about her well.
Two souls. One once taught what love means the other relearning how to trust. Quietly drifting in love without noticing.
- Writer
