Chapter 6: A New Beginning

The morning sun shone through the windows of Amma's little flat, throwing a pleasant warmth across the room. She sat at her easel, painting in slow, methodical strokes. The canvas in front of her was a riot of colors - vivid blues and gentle pinks, a representation of the emotions whirling in her heart. It had been a week since she'd broken off her engagement to Jones, and though the decision had been the right one, the weight of it still lingered.

The sound of a key turning in the lock pulled her from her thoughts. She turned to see Alex walk in, holding a paper bag in one hand and a bouquet of wildflowers in the other. His smile was kind, but his eyes were hesitant, as if he wasn't sure where he fit into her life.

"Good morning," he replied, placing the bag on the kitchen countertop. "I brought breakfast." "And these," he said, holding out the flowers.

Amma smiled, taking the bouquet and enjoying its delicious smell. "They are gorgeous. "Thank you."

Alex moved closer, his attention fixed on the canvas. "This is new," he stated, turning his head to see the painting. "It's… different from your usual style."

Amma looked at the painting, her cheeks flaming. "I have been experimenting. Trying to express how I feel.

Alex's gaze softened. "And how do you feel?"

She hesitated, brushing her fingers on the flower petals. "Hopeful. However, I am also terrified. Everything has changed so swiftly. I'm still trying to figure out how I fit into all of this."

Alex grabbed for her hand, his touch warm and comforting. "You belong right here, with me. "We will figure it out together."

Amma's heart surged at his words, yet the question remained. She'd spent so much time living for others, including her family, Jones, and her artwork. The notion of prioritising herself, of creating a life with Alex, was both exciting and terrifying.

---

The day was a flurry of laughing and quiet moments. They spent the morning walking around Valletta's narrow streets and stopping at a little café for coffee. Alex's presence was a balm to her spirit, his easygoing humour and steadfast support in stark contrast to the tension she'd experienced with Jones. But as the sun began to set, creating a golden glow over the city, Amma's thoughts shifted to the problems ahead.

"What are you thinking about?" Alex enquired as they sat on a seat facing the Grand Harbour.

Amma sighed, her eyes riveted on the ocean. "My parents. They still don't understand why I ended things with Jones. Every time I talk to them, it's like I'm disappointing them all over again."

Alex squeezed her hand. "They'll come around. They just need time."

"I hope so," Amma said softly. "But it isn't only them. It's everything. People look at me today as if I had thrown away my life. The whispers and the judgement. It's difficult to ignore."

Alex's expression clouded. "People will always speak, Amma. But their ideas do not define you. You made the correct decision for yourself, and that is what matters."

Amma nodded, but the weight of his words did not completely relieve her worries. She knew he was correct, but the worry of disappointing people, of being perceived as selfish, still gnawed at her.

---

That evening, as they walked back to her apartment, Amma's phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, her stomach dropping when she saw Jones's name on the screen.

"Who is it?" Alex asked, noticing her hesitation.

"Jones," Amma said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alex's jaw tightened, but he nodded. "You should answer it. He's still a part of your life, whether we like it or not."

Amma took a deep breath and answered the call. "Hello?"

"Amma," Jones's voice was calm, but there was an edge to it that made her heart race. "We need to talk."

"About what?" Amma asked, her voice trembling.

"About us," Jones said. "About what happened. I've had time to think, and… I'm not ready to let you go."

Amma's breath caught in her throat. She glanced at Alex, who was watching her with a guarded expression. "Jones, I… I don't think that's a good idea."

"Just hear me out," Jones said, his tone softening. "Meet me tomorrow. Please."

Amma hesitated, her mind racing. She knew she should say no, that she owed it to Alex—and to herself—to move on. But a part of her still felt guilty, still wondered if she'd made the right choice.

"Okay," she said finally. "I'll meet you."

When she hung up, Alex was silent for a long moment. "What did he want?"

"He wants to talk," Amma said, her voice barely above a whisper. "He's not ready to let go."

Alex's countenance was unreadable, but she could sense the tightness in his shoulders. "And what do you want, Amma?"

The question lingered in the air, heavy and unspoken. Amma gazed at him, her heart suffering with the weight of her feelings. "I want to be with you," she said finally. "But I also need to close this chapter with Jones. I owe him that much."

Alex nodded, though his eyes were filled with uncertainty. "Just… be careful, okay? I don't want to lose you."

Amma reached for his hand, squeezing it tightly. "You will not. "I promise."

---

The following morning, Amma found herself waiting outside the café where she had promised to meet Jones. Her stomach was in knots, and her head was filled with what-ifs and regrets. She took a deep breath and stepped inside, surveying the room until her gaze fell on him.

Jones sat at a corner table, his posture stiff, his expression unreadable. He looked up as she approached, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Amma," he said, gesturing to the seat across from him. "Thank you for coming."

Amma sat down, her hands trembling in her lap. "Jones, I—"

"Let me talk," he interjected, his tone stern but not harsh. "I've had time to reflect about what happened, and I now recognise that I made mistakes. I was too focused on what I felt was best for us, and I didn't listen to your needs."

Amma blinked in amazement at his words. "Jones, I—"

"I'm not done," he said, holding up a hand. "I know I can't change the past, but I want to try to make things right. I want to fight for us, Amma. For our future."

Amma's heart ached at the sincerity in his voice. She'd never seen Jones this way before: vulnerable, candid, and willing to recognise his flaws. Despite how much his comments impacted her, she knew her heart belonged to Alex.

"Jones," she whispered softly, "I understand what you're saying. But I have made my decision. "I'm with Alex now."

Jones' face hardened, but he nodded. "I understand. But know this, Amma: I will not give up on us. "Not yet."

Amma's chest clenched as she rose to depart. "Goodbye, Jones."

As she went away, she couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't it. Jones' remarks stayed in her thoughts, reminding her that the past was not simply forgotten.

---

When she returned to her apartment, Alex was waiting for her. He looked up as she entered, his eyes filled with questions.

"How did it go?" he asked.

Amma sighed, sinking onto the couch beside him. "He wants to fight for us. For our future."

Alex's jaw tightened, but he nodded. "And what do you want?"

Amma looked at him, her heart swelling with love and determination. "I want you, Alex. No matter what."

Alex pulled her into his arms, his embrace warm and reassuring. "Then that's all that matters."

As they sat there, wrapped in each other's arms, Amma felt a glimmer of hope. The road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with Alex by her side, she knew she could face whatever challenges came their way.