Archives for December 2023

Note: In this fictional tale, any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or existing locations is purely coincidental and unintended.

Hello, dear readers. I took a week off from posting due to the holiday season. I plan to write two chapters this week. I appreciate those who continue to follow this story of love and friendship – Unspoken Words, Admiring You from Afar.

For those who haven’t read it yet, you can read it here.

• Chapter 1: Admiring You From Afar
• Chapter 2: First Encounter
• Chapter 3: The Dance of Hearts
• Chapter 4: Heartbeats and Hidden Smiles
• Chapter 5: Surprise Visit and Shy Encounter
• Chapter 6: Uncharted Feelings: Exploring the Mysteries of Connection and Soulmates

This story will continue with a new chapter every Sunday. Feel free to subscribe via email; your support means a lot to me. Share your reactions in the comment box below – I welcome them all.

Love, Princess

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Chapter 7: Echoes of Emotions

Finding people with whom you can share your soul is rare, and Megan, Elena, and Gabriela are true gems. With them, I can be myself without pretensions or the need to try hard for acceptance – just love. I’m incredibly thankful that God sent them into my life.

Sharing life with them feels like being part of a family. Megan, despite her strong personality, has a sweetness to her that wasn’t initially obvious but she has become more expressive lately. Working the morning shift today, I eagerly await Megan’s arrival for her next shift. We’ve grown accustomed to being together almost every day, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the head office decides to separate us one day. There’s a feeling I might be the one transferred (again) – perhaps they’ve noticed our playful antics on camera. We work hard, but there’s joy in being a bit crazy sometimes. Despite my quiet exterior, I’m truly a bit of a crazy one as well.

As Megan enters the store, I sense something is wrong. Her eyes are puffy, swollen from crying – she’s not okay. I wait until some customers leave, then gently ask, “You’re not okay, Megan. What’s wrong?”

“It’s over, we’re not together anymore. He’s moving out this week,” she replies, her tone filled with anger and hurt. I don’t pry into the details. Instead, I ask, “Do you need a hug?” and embrace her tightly, silently praying for the Lord to comfort her and provide strength to face this heartbreak.

She shares more about how her boyfriend decided to end things, stating he doesn’t feel love for her anymore. Even though she sounds calm, the pain in her words echoes a silent scream. All I can do is listen and let her pour out her heart. As I listen, her pain becomes mine, and my heart breaks alongside hers.

In Megan’s words of hurt and anger towards her boyfriend, I sense a deep-seated feeling of not being enough. She silently questions if there’s something wrong with her, causing this heartbreak to happen once more.

Amidst our workloads, I make an effort to ensure she’s okay. I try to lighten the atmosphere, making her laugh to momentarily forget the pain. Megan will be working with Elena tonight, and I assure her that I’m available to hang out after her shift. So, we decide to grab a bite at McDonald’s.

Megan’s Past Relationship and Heartbreak

Megan’s past relationship was hauntingly familiar – her ex-boyfriend, like the current one, cited a lack of love and intentionally cheated on her. To make matters worse, he blackmailed her with intimate photos when he wanted to exploit her. Those years left her utterly broken, engaging in casual encounters with anyone around, driven by a sense of loss and despair.

Listening to her recount these painful experiences breaks my heart. I feel a deep sympathy and sorrow for what she had to endure. “I don’t want to go back to that state again,” she says with a weak and sad tone. “Girl, you won’t. You are different now,” I reassure her.

Then, she reveals another layer of the story involving someone named Derek, her (recent) ex-boyfriend’s friend who began showing interest in her immediately after the breakup. I know Derek – a funny and overly confident guy I used to work with in a different store. Even then, I noticed his affection for Megan in the way he looked at her and how he interacted with her. There were even verbal warnings from the head office about keeping whatever they had outside the workplace. Though I don’t know what’s captured on camera, I’ve heard rumors of their flirtations. I remember having to play the role of a babysitter during our shifts, keeping an eye on the two. Perhaps this is one reason they were separated – Megan was moved to this store, and Derek stayed.

One time I confronted Derek, I directly told him, “I know you like Megan,” catching him off guard. He paused, claiming they had a special connection. I didn’t feel comfortable with his response. According to him, Megan liked him too, though she would never admit it.

Their connection felt too intimate for my comfort. I disliked the fact that he seemed to be rushing things, especially now that she’s single. Instead of expressing concern for his friend going through tough times, it felt like he was reveling in the situation. To make matters worse, he’s in a relationship with someone else.

Megan opens up about hanging out with Derek at the beach one time, wearing a swimsuit with shorts. However, when changing clothes later, she had to remove the shorts, and Derek saw. This revelation raises concerns about Derek’s intentions, leaving me uneasy about what he might try next.

As she continues her story, Megan shares that Derek called her at midnight, boldly asking if she wanted to engage in intimate activities because he really felt like it. This guy, the nerve! Unable to hold back, I switch to my older sister tone mode and express, “Girl, I see all the red flags here.”

Before I share my thoughts, I ask, “Do you like him?” Her response is somewhat doubtful. “I mean, he’s not bad. I admit we kind of have some connections,” she admits. Then she drops a bombshell: “I almost did it with him before. We were on the verge of it one time, talking about a dream he had where we were intimate. I was tempted but didn’t go through with it because I love my boyfriend,” she honestly confesses.

Before sharing my thoughts, I make sure Megan is open to my opinion and advice. Being someone who doesn’t give unsolicited advice, I respect that some people just need someone to listen. As Megan agrees, I begin to speak my mind.

I emphasize that whatever she has with Derek is okay, and their friendship is great. However, if she allows me, I would advise her to put that on hold. While it’s her choice whether to pursue a deeper relationship with him, in my mind, I hope she doesn’t. I’m not 100% okay with it. I explain my reasons for advising against rushing things – either she could lose his friendship or the chance of a meaningful relationship. With genuine concern, I tell her, “Because, Megan, you have to heal first.”

Enumerating the red flags I see, I point out that Derek taking advantage of the situation isn’t the act of a good friend. A caring friend would allow her the time and space to heal from the heartbreak. His hurry to not lose his chance raises doubts about his potential as a good boyfriend. Asking Megan to engage in intimate activities while he’s in a relationship is completely off.

Recalling a past encounter, I share that Derek once complimented me, stating that if I were single, he’d try to pursue me. I respond bluntly, “Well, if you did, I’d probably reject you because you are a womanizer.” Even before Megan’s situation, I sensed he wasn’t trustworthy.

Moving back to Megan’s situation, I assert that Derek’s feelings for her seem more like lust than love. I express that, if I were in her shoes, I would feel disrespected by his midnight proposition. I emphasize the importance of self-respect, telling her, “You are not an object, girl.”

Analyzing the situation, a profound sadness envelops me for Megan. Her pain and brokenness reflect a connection to past traumas, and I refrain from passing judgment. This experience exposes the depth of her wounds, revealing a longing for attention, love, and acceptance.

Our night concludes with a prayer for Megan and Elena. Each of us carries our own burdens and issues. The weight of the night lingers, and as we part ways, I can only hope for a better tomorrow for all of us.

The Prayer

As I prepare for bed, sleep avoids me, burdened by the weight of Megan’s heartbreaking revelations. Despite appearing strong and composed while listening and offering advice, the depth of my emotional response remains hidden. Only God truly knows how it affects me.

Reflecting on my past experiences, I recall moments from my youth when I didn’t feel enough. I chased a guy, even going so far as to buy prepaid loads for him to respond to my texts. I was the only one with feelings, and the experience was less than pleasant. Despite this, I chose to remain friends with him. However, the feeling of being unwanted lingers. He occasionally messages me to borrow money, debts that are never repaid. After a few instances, I finally learned to say no. Establishing boundaries is a crucial lesson I’ve gleaned from life. We mustn’t allow others to mistreat or take advantage of us.

Considering Megan’s situation, I understand she might do anything for her boyfriend, even if she suspects he has someone else. She may still be willing to accept him back. I have a sense of the emotions she might be, but who am I to judge? I hope she learns valuable lessons from this experience

Sitting on my bed, I find solace in prayer:

“Lord, I’m grateful for my life. Thank you for sparing me from the kind of heartbreak and brokenness Megan has endured. Yet, my heart is heavy for her. I lack words. I feel the weight of the struggles she faces, especially the way other men use her. She’s beautifully created by You, but she is broken. God, she needs You desperately. Fill the emptiness in her heart. I pray she realizes that You are all she needs – the source of joy, peace, and love. No one else can complete us but You. May she understand that she doesn’t need a man or anyone else to feel loved and accepted because she already is. You loved her from the very beginning. Let this situation draw her closer to You, the love she has longed for. Also, teach her to love herself enough by setting boundaries. That she’ll know ho to say ‘No’ for the ones that don’t benefits her. When she understands this, I believe she will get out from this situation stronger than before.”

Moved by this prayer, I rise and grab my guitar. The song ‘Hungry (Falling on my knees) echoes in my mind, and as I strum, I feel a profound peace, a peace that Jesus alone can provide. While singing, I remember Megan in my prayers and worship, asking the Lord to touch her in a special way. May He grant her peace as she sleeps through the night, and to all the brokenhearted, I pray that they find the peace they long for.

Hungry I come to You
For I know You satisfy
I am empty but I know
Your love does not run dry

So I wait for You
So I wait for You

I’m falling on my knees
Offering all of me
Jesus You’re all
This heart is living for

Broken I run to You
For Your arms are open wide
I am weary but I know Your touch
Restores my life

The next day…

The weather is gloomy today, and in such moments, even if you’re not broken, the atmosphere can make you feel as though you are. I’ll be working the afternoon shift with Gabriela, while Megan covers the morning shift. I spent my morning engaged in household chores, accompanied by a comforting acoustic playlist. During this time, thoughts of Bryan resurfaced, particularly when a song called “Wish You Were Mine” played. It was my first time hearing this song, and as the music filled the air, I found myself listening eagerly, resonating with the emotions expressed in the lyrics.

I look at you, you make me blind
Why do you have to be so beautiful all the time?
I know I can’t be with you
It’s killing me to see you with someone else
What to do?

Interrupting my dishwashing mode, I grabbed a kitchen towel to dry my hands. Seating myself at the dining table where my laptop was resting, I played the song and immersed myself in the heartfelt lyrics, giving my full attention to the emotional resonance of the music.

Now I am in the corner and watching you smile
Watching you smile
And I can’t get over you
I’m losing my mind

[Chorus]
All of the things that I wish I could tell you
Every time when you’re passing me by
I fall in love, there’s something about you
I wish you were mine
And if I only could be there to hold you
It feels like I stop breathing when you’re around
I’m in love, there’s something about you
I wish you were mine

A smile crept across my face as I contemplated the impact of the song. Oh, this song! It has the power to make me feel young, like a high schooler with a crush, admiring someone from afar. And as the song continued, it carried me along with its nostalgic and sentimental vibe.

So many times I wanted to
Put my arms around you just to be close to you
And in my head, it’s just you and I
And I don’t know why I feel this way

Now I am in the corner and watching you smile
Watching you smile
And I can’t get over you
I’m losing my mind

I paused the song, grabbed my guitar, and set about learning to play and sing it. The joy of singing soon gave way to a touch of sadness, a mix of sweetness and melancholy in the lyrics.

Well, that’s enough of that. Time to prepare for work. Get yourself together, Lindsey Althea!

As I entered the store, I noticed Megan’s expression. This time, she looked angry. Familiar with the stages of a breakup—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—I sensed she was still in denial, perhaps transitioning into the anger stage.

“Hi, girl! Good afternoon. How are you feeling?” I greeted her with a hug. “I’m not okay. My boyfriend is being a jerk,” she replied. She shared that after their friendly breakup, they were still communicating fine. Today, however, he responded rudely, expressing a desire to have nothing to do with her and using hurtful words.

The workday unfolded, with Megan informing others about the breakup. The bellmen and drivers got wind of it, and I couldn’t help teasing them about the possibility of Megan finding someone new. While I saw potential in certain connections, I felt it was crucial for Megan to prioritize healing before jumping into a new relationship.

Observing her behavior, I could discern the pain beneath her smiles. I suggested, half in joke, that the company should offer a special leave called “breakup heal,” allowing her to take time off to process the pain. Despite the circumstances, we found moments of laughter amid the seriousness. I playfully warned Megan, “I know there are a lot of guys out there, but please, not my Bryan, okay?” It was said in a joke, but there was an underlying sincerity—I wasn’t ready for them to be together, not yet. She could choose anyone else, just not him, at least for now. I repeated this sentiment, both during a serious conversation and a casual one at McDonald’s, and each time, Elena and Megan laughed. It was a joke, but a joke with a touch of truth.

Poor Bryan, owning him without him knowing. HAHA

But her response caught me off guard. “Well, he already knows that I am single,” she said. I was left speechless, anticipating her next words. “I was buying pastries at the café for the drivers and telling them how we broke up, and Bryan was there too, waiting for his food,” she added.

I felt a small sting in my heart. I had to check myself again. You’re not allowed to get hurt. You don’t own him, and you have no right, I told myself. But it also pained me that Megan didn’t consider what I had mentioned multiple times—not him, not yet.

The pain persisted when, later in the day, I found myself wondering how long Bryan had been working at the hotel. Megan went to ask one of the bellmen, who then asked Bryan, and he returned with her question if they wanted to exchange numbers.

Apparently, he’s been working there for five years. I was surprised because I haven’t seen him there before. I thought he was new, but then I came to the realization that I wasn’t really paying attention to people there.

But the highlight of it all, right before my eyes, they exchanged numbers. The bellman even commented, “You guys would make a good couple.” telling Megan.

That’s it, Lindsey. My heart is breaking into pieces. There you go. Feel all the pain. Silently.

I found myself alone for a few hours at work before Gabriela arrived. The rain poured hard, creating the perfect backdrop for the unexplainable pain I was experiencing. I was caught in a state of “I shouldn’t feel this” and “why am I feeling this?” I wanted to put a stop to these emotions. I should be focusing on my marriage, not on this. David had been busy with work, and our conversations were always brief, even our video calls sometimes ended with one of us falling asleep.

In the midst of these emotions for Bryan, I wished fervently for it to stop. I wanted to end it instantly, but I knew it would require a lot of self-talk and mental effort. What was wrong with me? I couldn’t recognize myself. I knew I would never do anything to hurt my husband. I loved him, but this was a real struggle.

The store was quiet, and I gazed outside at the pouring rain. Unbeknownst to me, tears were streaming down my face, blending with the weather. I reached for my journal; I needed an outlet to express these emotions.

I knew it . I knew it from the beginning
That they can end up together
Or start liking each other
She’s nice and pretty
But I told her not to choose him
Yet, at least not yet

I know I am dealing with my own emotions
Still trying to figure out what it is
And how to get out from this
Dealing with it wisely and carefully
Eventhough I have no intentions to be liked by him
I am not ready for this

Facing the pain of seeing him with someone else
Especially with my friend
I warned her; she can choose others
They are lining up for her
Since the break up
But please, not him
Not yet

I will be happy to see them both happy
But I just can’t handle it now
My heart is so heavy
Because I know I can only like him from afar
And be in pain silently

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Note: In this fictional tale, any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or existing locations is purely coincidental and unintended.

He came into my life like an answered prayer. I used to pray hard for someone specially crafted by God to be my partner. When I was younger, my spiritual mentor advised me to pray for my future significant other, trusting that the Lord would bring us together at the right time – in His perfect timing. I didn’t dream of a fairy tale romance; I simply wished for someone who loved God and was willing to follow His will. I believed that if he loved God, he would know how to love and treat his partner right. That was my top requirement – I wasn’t searching for perfection.

Little did I know, there was someone out there praying for a partner too. He also longed for a godly woman to help him build a family. It’s incredible how God answered both our prayers. From the start, we sensed that we were meant for each other. David is my answered prayer. We dated for two years before he knelt down and asked for my YES. Who wouldn’t want to marry someone like him? He’s gentle, and I feel all the love he has for me. He’s almost perfect, although I know and accept his weaknesses and flaws. What I admire most is his respect for me. He waited for me.

Being old-fashioned and traditional, I decided to save myself for marriage. It’s our precious gem. In this modern age, not many people can resist the temptation, but I don’t judge them. It’s a real struggle. I remember wanting to give in during our dating days, but I held back and controlled my emotions. I guess I have a high level of integrity; I always want to do the right thing. My college friends used to laugh at me when crossing roads – I’d walk farther to find a pedestrian lane, while they crossed wherever. It’s a small example, but it shows I want to do the right thing, no matter what.

“How are you, babe? I miss you…”

As my phone chimed with David’s message, I felt a mix of excitement and guilt. Here I am, married to this amazing man, and yet I find myself intrigued by someone else. I’m not planning to act on it, just okay with admiring from a distance. But why do I feel so connected to Bryan?

I can’t explain it. I’ve even told my friend Megan that I can sense his emotions. He walks by, and I can feel if he’s happy, sad, or mad. One day, I only saw his back, but I was sure he was angry. I immediately told Megan, and a couple of days later, I overheard the bellmen talking about Bryan being really angry that day.

So, I was right. I felt it. During those days, I prayed for him, knowing I couldn’t comfort him directly. He passed by the store looking fine, but my strong feeling was he was angry earlier. I wanted to ask him, but who am I to do that? He doesn’t even know about this weird connection I feel. Honestly, I’ve never felt this kind of connection with anyone. I wonder if he feels the same way? Does he care? I smile at the thought. I’m the only one observing him from afar. Cool. So, Lindsey Althea get yourself together!

As I open my husband’s text, I’m about to reply when he requests a video call. “Hi babe, how are you? I thought you’d be asleep, but I saw you read my message, so I called you right away,” David says excitedly.

“Hi babe, I miss you too. How are things there? Workload okay? Are you eating on time?” I ask enthusiastically. I genuinely miss him. I know deep down I love my husband. I am blessed to have David in my life.

My husband is a computer whiz, working as a software developer for a family-owned business. They treat him like one of their own. Flashback to our fantastic Bahamas honeymoon three years ago, all thanks to his awesome bosses. Sure, he had a bit of work to do, but we squeezed in tons of fun.

His job sometimes takes him abroad, and right now, he’s in the USA for training and seminars. It’s been six months, and there’s a chance it might go on for another 3-6 months. I’m not a fan of long-distance relationships, but we talked it through, and I’m supporting him all the way.

After some work and life chit-chats, I feel sad that I can’t hug him. He’s having a hard time, mostly missing me, and I miss him too. He mentioned this might be the last time he works abroad. He wants to settle in one place, building our family. Babies – the thought excites me. I envision holding a baby, staring at them all day. Oh my goodness!

So, we wrap up our talk, holding onto hope that everything’s gonna be alright. Patience, we tell ourselves. Life with him – that’s what I want.

As I get ready for bed, sleep seems to be playing hard to get. Bryan’s name keeps dancing around my thoughts. It’s a puzzle – this strange connection I feel with him. Why do I feel so connected to you, huh? Are you by any chance thinkin’ about me at this hour? What’s even weirder? We don’t even talk. Yet, every time our eyes meet, it’s like we’re having a whole conversation, a silent conversation. Some days, I even go out of my way to avoid making eye contact, trying to figure out this unspoken connection. I’ve never been a big believer in soulmates, but these feelings make me wonder if there’s something to it after all. Curiosity about soulmates activated!

MEET GABRIELA

Gabriela has been working part-time, mostly during Megan’s shift. Megan has been telling me about her, assuring me that I’ll love her. Today’s the day we finally decided to hang out. It’s my day off, and Elena will be available after her regular job in the government. Megan and Gabriela have their work in the morning, so we’ve planned to meet around 5 pm for a fun girls’ outing. Exciting times ahead! 🙂

The last time I talked with Elena, she seemed ready to embrace new friendships and leave behind past hurts. I told her, ‘Girl, you deserve to relax and have some fun sometimes.’ I genuinely feel for her. She’s got a lot on her plate, not just with friends but also dealing with family matters. On the other hand, Megan is navigating this on-and-off relationship with her boyfriend. I love being there for them, listening to their stories, but there’s this itch in me to do something to lift their spirits, even if just for a little while. Prayer is always my go-to, but hey, we all deserve some good, fun times! We’ve decided on a karaoke night! Yahoo!

Gabriela, the youngest among us, effortlessly channels the trends of this generation. She’s rocking a beige cropped top paired with stylishly faded, baggy blue jeans. Her choice of Vans in black and white adds a trendy touch, perfectly aligning with the current fashion vibe. It’s a look that effortlessly blends youthfulness and style.

Elena, on the other hand, sported an above-the-knee black and white checkered dress that beautifully complemented her fair complexion. The dress highlighted her curves, serving as a testament to her joyful and confident spirit. In every step, she radiated a unique beauty that surpassed societal standards, transforming her from simply cute to genuinely endearing.

Megan, our style icon, looks amazing in a dark blue cropped top that shows off her shape with skinny jeans. She’s rocking silver and white sparkly sandals, turning heads and catching everyone’s eye.

I went for a simple yet stylish look, opting for a black blouse and ripped jeans with that cool worn-out style. To add some flair, I slipped into comfy red flat Keds, bringing in a splash of color and a laid-back vibe. To complete the look, I threw on a small red shoulder bag, perfectly matching my shoes and pulling the whole outfit together.

It’s been a while since I used lipstick and eyeliner. Generally, I’m not really into makeup. I wish I was, but I just don’t have the patience to do it every day. So, my quick fix is lipstick and brown eyeliner. It’s just to appear a bit more put together, so people won’t be startled by my natural face and the bags under my eyes.

The three ladies sparkle like diamonds. I’m enjoying this. It’s going to be a blast. We kicked off our night at a bar-restaurant, and guess what? It was karaoke night! Elena nudged the singer, hinting that I can sing, and then she sweetly asked me to give it a go with those irresistible puppy eyes. Unable to resist her adorable plea, I agreed. Opting for a cheerful tune, I went with “Dancing Queen.”

At the bar, there was a waiter glancing at Megan and another at Gabriela. I’ve got this protective instinct for Gabriela since she’s the youngest and still a minor in our group. I’m careful with her, not letting her have any alcohol. Even though I don’t drink myself, I ordered a Virgin Piña Colada. I mean, her parents trust us with her, so we should be responsible, right? While saving her number, I let her choose a name, and she went with ‘Gabriela the baby.’ She’s the youngest in the group, at least in my eyes. She’s adorable, and I love her natural curly hair. It perfectly complements her skin, which has this warm, earthy bronze tone, like the sunlit hues found in nature.

Our night continued as we headed to another bar with a private room reserved for karaoke. We rented the place for two hours, and this time around, Megan, Gabriela, and I ordered for coke, while Elena enjoyed her glass of wine. We took turns singing, dancing to the beats, and having a great time.

Throughout the night, Elena kept expressing her gratitude for organizing the hangout. She mentioned how much she needed it and couldn’t thank me enough. It was evident she was having a blast! I belted out ballads, some pop tunes, and even tried my hand at a few reggae songs. Elena’s song choices were more on the dancing side, and we all joined in the fun.

Megan, with her beautiful voice, just needed a bit more confidence, and we encouraged her to let it shine. Gabriela, initially shy, started to come out of her comfort zone, especially since we were alone in the room. There was no need to be shy; we were there to have a good time together.

Elena went to order another glass of wine, I think it was her fourth by now. When she returned, she brought a guy, introducing him as her cousin. We exchanged greetings, although I had a feeling he might not be a cousin. For some reason, I couldn’t shake that thought, but I decided to let it be.

We continued singing, and towards the end, Megan and I chose a Christian song called “What a Beautiful Name” for a duet to conclude the night. The song beautifully expresses the power and wonder of Jesus’ name. I felt a deep sense of purpose in that moment. Building relationships with them had been my initial step, with the ultimate goal of introducing my faith to them as time goes on. Deep down, I believe it’s essential for us to help each other draw closer to the ONE who created us. After all, we are all created by Him and for Him, and serving one another is our shared calling.

As we prepared to settle our bill, the bartender surprised us by letting us know that it had already been paid. Elena’s cousin had taken care of it. Although he didn’t stay with us in the room, choosing to remain at the bar, he generously covered the expenses. We expressed our gratitude, recognizing the kindness in his gesture. May God bless him for his thoughtful generosity.

It was indeed a fun time with them. Let’s call it a night!

BACK TO WORK

In our Whatsapp group, we all shared messages of appreciation. Workdays were pretty routine, and this time around, I was paired with Gabriela most of the time. We had a blast, laughing together and enjoying our shifts. While I might seem reserved to some, the right people know I can be quite the character.

Gabriela often looked at me like I was her mother. Once, a hotel employee tried to get her number, and she silently mouthed to me for help. I stepped in and told the guy, “You know there are cameras everywhere here, and we’re not allowed to exchange numbers during work hours.” His face immediately turned angry, and he left the store. He tried again in the afternoon, but Gabriela informed him, “You know I’m 17.” The guy responded with a dismissive “So what?” even though he looked like he was in his 20s. Regardless, I felt a strong urge to protect Gabriela, guiding her like a mother would.

We had some discussions, and I advised her to prioritize her studies because love life can come later—it’s the easier part. Gabriela is a smart kid. At one point, I told her, “I think you’ll be a director one day,” and I encouraged her to come back to me in the future if that ever happens, just to say I was right. 🙂

I can sense that Gabriela has a balanced IQ and EQ. When I talk to her, she displays a lot of wisdom and maturity beyond her age. Despite being the youngest, her mind is mature enough to grasp some complex aspects of life.

I feel rejuvenated when I’m around her. It warms my heart when she sweetly confessed that I’m her favorite, eagerly anticipating our shifts together. I teased her about it, and although she was hesitant to admit it at first, we shared plenty of laughter during our work hours. My craziness adds to the joyful vibe, making our time together even more enjoyable.

During the times we worked together, I gradually opened up to Gabriela about Bryan. I shared how I felt connected to him, and it was Gabriela who brought up the idea of soul mates and having a platonic love. Despite expressing my admiration for him, and clarifying that it wasn’t romantic, I just couldn’t comprehend the depth of my feelings for him. It seemed like there was a unique and profound connection that went beyond the conventional understanding of relationships.

Platonic love is a type of love that is distinctly nonsexual and nonromantic while still being deep, close, and meaningful. Beyond a simple friendship, platonic love describes a bond that’s defined by heartfelt connection, intimacy, and care.

Returning home, as I prepared to sleep, I found myself unable to doze off immediately. I grabbed my phone and delved into a Google search about soulmates.

Can your soulmate be someone other than your husband?

Soulmates aren’t always romantic.Believe it or not, most of the time, these relationships will be platonic. “A partner can be a soulmate, but so can some of our best friends, or a brother, or a sister. A soulmate can be anyone we have a deep connection with,” explains Kaur.

And I keep reading further to some questions people also ask:

Can soulmates not end up together?

Soulmates don’t always end up together because these relationships function to encourage our growth, connect on a deeper level, and transcend the bounds of normal relationships. They do not necessitate a “forever relationship.”

Can you be in love with someone other than your spouse?

“Falling in love with another person while married is acceptable., but following through on those feelings and enganging in an affair certainly isn’t. One study indicated that most people who develop feelings for someone other than their partner never communicate those feelings to the person of interest.”

Discovering soulmate tales brought a cocktail of emotions. Relief, like shedding guilt for admiring someone other than David. Yet, a subtle sadness sneaked in, acknowledging a connection that’s destined to linger in the unsaid.

Okay, I acknowledge that I won’t act on these feelings. I’m unsure if it’s just my imagination, perceiving a connection, or a magnetic pull. Whatever it is, Bryan, all I want is the very best for you in life, and I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

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Hello, lovely readers! I’m delighted to have you here. 🙂 If you haven’t had a chance to read the first five chapters of ‘Unspoken Words: Admiring You from Afar’ , here you can read them.

Chapter 1: Admiring You From Afar

Chapter 2: First Encounter

Chapter 3: The Dance of Hearts

Chapter 4: Heartbeats and Hidden Smiles

Chapter 5: Surprise Visit and Shy Encounter

This story will continue with a new chapter every Sunday. Feel free to subscribe via email; your support means a lot to me. Share your reactions in the comment box below – I welcome them all.

Thank you for your ongoing support and love. Wishing everyone a wonderful day filled with God’s love and peace! 🙂

Work has been pretty normal lately. I’ve been enjoying good conversations and laughs with Megan, who is the sweetest person. We make a great team, not just at work but also in our friendship. Megan even surprised me with a small cake to celebrate my five years at the job—such a thoughtful gesture!

On a more personal note, Megan’s relationship with her boyfriend has been a bit rocky, with breakups and makeups. It’s tough to hear about how he treats her, and I’ve offered my support. Despite my opinions and advice, I understand that she has to make her own decisions. I just hope for her well-being and pray that she finds the wisdom to make the right choices.

Elena is my ride-or-die, the one who turns ordinary moments into laughter-filled memories. We’ve had our share of heart-to-heart talks, especially in the quiet moments of the store. She opened up about a friend who turned out to be more of a mirage when she needed solid ground. That hit me home.

Because, I can relate to it, putting my heart out there for friendships and relationships. But life has this funny way of teaching you that not everyone dances to the same beat. It’s a valuable lesson learned in the school of real connections.

So, in the spirit of making life a little more awesome, I decided we all needed a girls’ day out. Time to swap stories, create some epic memories and strengthen this sisterhood. Boom! July 31, I dropped a message in our shiny new Whatsapp group, including Gabriela, the youngest in our work crew. Here’s to building bonds and making life a tad more fabulous! 🎉

On the flip side, thoughts of him linger in my mind. Sometimes, I catch glimpses of Bryan, and it feels like he wants to be noticed, seeking my attention. Yet, things get a bit muddled because it seems like he’s into Megan. They share jokes, and I’ve made a habit of asking Megan as she strolls through the lobby, “Did you see him? Is he in good mood today? Is he okay, or does he seem sad or tired?” All these queries are just my attempt to gauge his well-being. Megan has unwittingly become my Bryan schedule expert. It’s amusing, really. She claims not to be interested in him, but I’ve caught her keeping an eye on him a few times.

Maybe it’s because I constantly inquire about him, appreciating his charm whenever he walks by. I’ll excitedly remark, “Look at him, am I the only one seeing how attractive he is?” Megan will shoot me a teasing stare and say, ‘Girl, get yourself together.’ Perhaps, that’s left her curious too. But honestly, I’m fine with it. If they end up together in the future, I suppose I’m okay with it.

The reality is, I can only admire him from a distance. I can’t prevent any girl or him from liking each other. Yet again, I’m not ready for that scenario. I still need to figure out how to shift my feelings away from him. What a struggle it is.

During one afternoon shift with Elena, I was taken by surprise and felt a rush of nerves when Bryan walked into the store with a query. Dang, girl, get yourself together, I muttered to myself. My heart was pounding so fast that I wondered if I should consult my doctor. Okay, Lindsey, deep breaths. You can do this.

“Do you sell adapters here?” Bryan inquired, and as he turned to look at it, he asked, “Oh, here, how much is this?” I couldn’t even find my voice. “The price is on the back of it,” Elena promptly answered.

Summoning some courage, I decided to throw in a question. “Can I ask you something?” Bryan jokingly said I couldn’t ask him. “What’s the meaning of your tattoo?” I inquired, noting it seemed to be written in a script resembling Arabic. “Stay positive,” he replied.

“Wow, that’s nice,” I responded, genuinely amazed.

After Bryan left, Elena, being her funny self, gave me a suspicious look, reminiscent of Wendy. “Girl, Lindsey Althea, what was that?” she asked, scanning me from head to toe.

“Was I too obvious?” I replied, feeling shy.

“YES, 100 percent,” she answered. “You were so shy and flirty.” We both burst into laughter. She got me there! Elena knows my craziness, but when it comes to him, I tend to be unusually shy. She noticed it all. This girl! She knows me better. I got Wendied. HAHA!

Our work shift was filled with laughter and unexpected confessions. I admitted to my friend that I’ve been secretly admiring a guy from the Front Desk. Despite the teasing look she gave me, I reassured her that it was harmless – I had no intentions of acting on it. Bryan simply makes my heart happy and brings out a youthful feeling in me. That’s where it ends. She understands that my heart seems to have a one-person limit, and I’m fully aware of it. Admiring Bryan from afar is both fun and occasionally painful because I genuinely want to care for him.

When I got home, I sat at my desk and poured my thoughts into my journal.

Surprisingly, sometimes I wish you’d come to the store just to be closer, but then there are moments when I don’t because being near you makes my heart race, and I can’t concentrate. Today, I mustered the courage to ask you a question, and your answer, ‘Stay positive,’ and your smile stuck in my head. What is wrong with me? I know this isn’t going anywhere, but I’m grateful that in those few words and encounters, I sense wisdom in you. I wonder about your experiences; you exude a positive outlook on life, yet there’s a pain I can’t fathom. Whatever you’ve been through, my prayer is that you’ll find peace in your heart. God, I believe, is the only one who can fill that void.

I might not be there to lend an ear when you need someone to talk to, but even from a distance, my hope and prayers are with you, urging that you discover strength when life gets tough. While there are times when the thought crosses my mind, wishing you’d notice me or see me as I see you, my commitment to integrity outweighs fleeting emotions, I suppose. Hence, I’ve resolved to embrace this feeling, whatever it is, and love you from afar.

As I closed my journal, my phone chimed with a message, “How are you, babe? I miss you…”

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Hello, lovely readers! I’m delighted to have you here. 🙂 If you haven’t had a chance to read the first four chapters of ‘Unspoken Words: Admiring You from Afar’ , here you can read them.

Chapter 1: Admiring You From Afar

Chapter 2: First Encounter

Chapter 3: The Dance of Hearts

Chapter 4: Heartbeats and Hidden Smiles

This story will continue with a new chapter every Sunday. Feel free to subscribe via email; your support means a lot to me. Share your reactions in the comment box below – I welcome them all.

Thank you for your ongoing support and love. Wishing everyone a wonderful day filled with God’s love and peace! 🙂

Note: In this fictional tale, any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or existing locations is purely coincidental and unintended.

An unfamiliar sting settled in my heart as I observed the two of them. I jumped to assumptions quickly, believing he might be interested in me. The strange way he acted around me fueled the thought that there might be something there, even if just a little bit.

Feeling weak and defeated, I question why I’m experiencing this. It doesn’t seem normal – I don’t know him, and I’m not even sure if he knows my name, or even notices me. Why am I allowing myself to feel like this? It’s uncomfortable, and I don’t like it.

With a few hours left in my shift, I was looking forward to going home, unable to bear the overwhelming emotions in my heart that felt like they were on the verge of bursting.

When I got home, I stood before the mirror, scrutinizing myself. The harsh internal dialogue began – “You’re old and unattractive. Why did you age like this? No makeup, no earrings – what happened to you, Why aren’t you taking care of yourself?” My eyes, once vibrant, now glistened with the residue of pain, reflecting the weight of unspoken words and the heartfelt release found in tears. I wondered why I was crying, feeling like I couldn’t handle it all.

All of a sudden, a flashback from my high school days flooded my thoughts. I was a sophomore, and nearly every girl in my class had a boyfriend. Strangely, I didn’t feel the need for one at the time. However, I did have a crush on someone who remained insensible to my feelings. It marked my first experience with puppy love and heartbreak – a heartbreak he wasn’t even aware of. Considering he was a year ahead in 3rd year of high school, my infatuation persisted until his 4th year. For two years, I admired him from a distance.

I guess, it became my style – keeping my feelings to myself, without expectations. Witnessing my female classmates making bold moves toward their crushes, only to see boys take advantage, left me with a sense of unease. Relationships are formed but rarely last three months, some are easily swayed by new attractions. Back then, I found this unhealthy, persuaded my decision not to date during high school.

I suppose I am a romantic at heart, believing in the essence of true love and mutual respect. I held off on relationships until I felt truly ready. Matthew was my first experience with puppy love, but he never noticed me; his attention was on my best friend, Grace. Enduring the daily pain of witnessing them together took a toll on my self-esteem. In that environment, I struggled to see myself as attractive to others.

A journey of self-reflection and acceptance unfolded during my younger years. Eventually, I reached a point where I decided to be done with the inner struggles and simply embrace the fact that God had created me wonderfully and fearfully.

My best friend in high school happened to be one of the most popular girls around. Despite letting go of my feelings for Matthew and not revealing it to Grace, they eventually started dating. Over time, I learned to be genuinely happy for them, even though seeing them together still caused a pang in my heart. At a young age, I wrestled with inner struggles silently.

When Matthew graduated, their relationship faced challenges. With him leaving the campus, my best friend explored connections with other guys, and their relationship gradually cooled, leading to a breakup. I stood by my best friend, offering support for whatever she believed was best for her.

In our 4th year, I finally opened up to her about a new guy I had my eye on, a transferee. However, upon discovering my interest, she made a move on him the very next day. Witnessing her talk, laugh, and engage in cute gestures with him, I felt a sense of disregard for my feelings. That’s when I decided to distance myself from her, as it seemed she hadn’t considered how her actions affected me.

Experiencing heartbreak from my best friend was particularly painful, as I had expected love and support from someone so close. It became evident that I was the one making sacrifices for our friendship. Surprisingly, her connection with the guy didn’t endure. As I distanced myself from them, I discovered a new circle of friends who embraced their singleness and reveled in God’s love. They welcomed me with open arms, and I made a conscious choice to divert my focus from boys and concentrate on my life goals.

In this new environment, I noticed myself blossoming in various aspects of my life. Understanding the love of God drew me to love myself more. I realized that self-love was the foundational step toward loving others. I became so engrossed in my personal growth that I didn’t worry about whether guys liked me or not. Embracing my singleness, I made a decision not to have a boyfriend until I turned 25.

Here I am again, facing a haunting flashback. I didn’t want to sink back into those feelings of inadequacy. I refuse to feel unattractive. As tears streamed down my face, I gazed at myself in the mirror. Closing my eyes, I uttered a prayer.

“God, I know I am loved and beautiful, regardless. Please guard my heart and help me love others as you intend. Don’t let this situation breed insecurities; instead, use it to deepen my capacity for love. Megan has become close to me, and I desire for her to experience your love too. I don’t want our friendship to crumble over a guy. I’m unsure if I even like Bryan. Why am I shedding tears over this? Why does it hurt? What am I feeling for him?”

I feel a strong connection to him from the very beginning, like there’s a magnetic pull. It’s something unfamiliar, and I didn’t expect to feel this way. It’s strange because we haven’t even talked. I wish we could have a normal conversation, though. The tricky part is, that whenever he’s around, things get awkward. I sense he’s a bit shy around me too. So, I’m kind of confused about what’s going on.

Wiping away my tears, I reassured myself, “You’re going to be okay. This is just a small hiccup, and you’ve dealt with similar situations before. You know what to do. The rest of the day will be better – just smile.” With that thought, I offered a smile to myself, settled into my desk, and reached for my journal.

What did those gestures mean? The smile each time I passed by, the intensity in your gaze – did I misinterpret everything? Why do you avoid the store when Megan is there but show up during my shift? Why does there seem to be mutual nervousness when you’re around? Is it just my imagination? I thought there was something more, that you might be interested.

The truth is, I’m not expecting you to reciprocate feelings. It’s fine if I simply like and admire you from afar. Your smile brightens my day, especially when I notice that you don’t smile much otherwise. I don’t aim to impress you; instead, I feel a calling to bring happiness into your day, just as I try to do for everyone around me, including my colleagues and people I meet.

As I caught a glimpse of your smile while Megan danced, I felt a subtle twinge in my heart. Strangely, after I cried it out, I’m okay with it. Seeing you happy, even if I’m not the reason, brings its own kind of peace. I understand that I can’t make you notice me. Despite that, I continue to admire you from a distance.

Your kindness towards others doesn’t go unnoticed. Even in our brief encounters, I sense the goodness in your heart. This only deepens my curiosity and interest in you. I find myself pondering about you more and more.

Can I admit to being a bit greedy? I hope she doesn’t see in you what I see. There’s a fear in me because if she does, she might fall for you, and it could lead to both of you being together. I tell myself I’ll be okay with it, but not just yet, not at this moment. I need time to be ready for that.

MEET ELENA

The next day, I made a choice to be okay and leave behind the pain from before. I convinced myself that it wasn’t a big deal, and life moves on. Heading to work, I greeted everyone in the usual way.

“Good morning, Lindsey,” the bell captain welcomed me with a smile. He was in his middle age, and I regarded him almost like an uncle. He was always kind, complimenting my smile and encouraging me to maintain my positive vibes. His words stuck with me, especially since, in the past, I hadn’t seen myself as a particularly happy person. It changed when my friends surprised me with a birthday celebration, and many of their messages emphasized how they appreciated my constant smile and happiness.

I guess I just enjoy brightening someone’s day with my smile. While I can’t help everyone, I believe a simple smile can make a difference. Maybe I’m just a bit crazy for greeting everyone, but who knows?

The day passed quickly as I organized shelves and rearranged souvenirs. During a few hours alone, I knew Elena would be arriving soon.

When she walked in, she greeted me with enthusiasm. “Good afternoon, Lindsey. How have you been? It’s been a while.”

“Oh, it’s you! I remember you,” I exclaimed, hugging her. “The one who works for the government, right? Welcome to Bloom Gift Shop.”

The company owned various gift shops in different hotels, and ours was in Bloom Beach Resort. Employee reshuffling was common, and this year, I was assigned here. I had worked with Elena a few times in Cloudy Cove, and I remembered her as the sweetest. We clicked instantly on our first day, laughing hard. I recalled her boldly asking a guest, “Sir, are you a celebrity?” with a look in her eyes as if she had love at first sight. “No, I’m not,” he responded with a deep voice and a wide smile. “You look like a celebrity, sir. Very handsome,” she said.

After the guest left, we both laughed like crazy people, almost peeing our pants. No shame, right? I would probably do the same. I realized that day that she was my soul sister.

The night passed quickly as Elena and I engaged in lively conversations while sorting through our bins of items. Working with someone was a welcome change; I’ve never been a fan of being alone. Today was genuinely enjoyable, and I found myself forgetting about the troubles I had been carrying. Elena’s company was a breath of fresh air.

We chatted about various topics, and I was particularly captivated by Elena’s cheerful demeanor. She was a happy person, and I appreciated her talkative nature. However, a lingering thought persisted in my mind—I couldn’t help but wonder about the hardships she might have faced to become the joyful person she is today.

Elena exuded goodness and a genuinely warm heart, yet there was a subtle sense that she had experienced her share of pain. Sometimes, we mask our struggles with a cheerful facade, and it struck me that behind every laugh, there might be a story of hardship. Life has a way of shaping us, and I sensed that Elena’s journey had been marked by both joy and challenges.

As I chatted with Elena, thoughts of him floated in the background. I wondered if he ever thought about me or if he wanted to see me. Trying to avoid the restroom, I held back on drinking too much water. I wasn’t ready to pass by and exchange smiles with him. Though it was almost time to leave, I silently hoped he was doing fine. The front desk was buzzing with check-ins.

While arranging souvenirs on the shelf, he walked by, catching me off guard. My heart raced, and I felt an unexpected surge of emotions. I hadn’t anticipated his presence since I wasn’t looking at their station. He looked at me and greeted me with a peace sign. I smiled in return. Though he didn’t smile at first, my usual cheerful demeanor seemed to prompt a shy smile from him. I continued organizing the shelves and moved to another section.

As I walked to the other side, I could sense him still looking at me from the corner of my eye. Upon returning to my initial position, I was supposed to face his direction, and there he stood, eyes fixed on me. I pretended not to notice, feeling a mix of confusion and intrigue.

Why? This guy was acting strangely.

I turned my back and smiled, maybe even blushed—I wasn’t entirely sure. “Girl, why are you smiling?” Elena teasingly asked, a hint of suspicion in her tone.

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Hello lovely readers, thank you for dropping by again 🙂 

Greetings! I’m diving into something new – a short story about love and friendship. Expect a fresh chapter every Sunday.

Thank you to those who encouraged me to take this leap, especially when I wasn’t confident. Life’s short, and I’ve embraced the idea of doing what makes us feel truly alive.

Here are the previous chapters: Chapter 1: Admiring You From Afar , Chapter 2: First Encounter, Chapter 3: The Dance of Hearts

For notifications on upcoming chapters, hit that subscribe button. Appreciate your support! You are also free to comment on any reactions regarding the story. Thank you! Here’s to a fantastic day ahead! 😊