The New Beginning

Chapter 16

Joe's POV

"Life isn't measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." I read the line out loud from a brochure someone left at the cafe. A holiday season flyer for a scenic mountain hike. The words lingered in my mind, sparking an idea, although a faint one.

A week until Christmas, and I was scrambling for the perfect way to propose to Tina, to finally tell her what I'd been holding back since we kissed. Endless ideas spun through my head. Candlelit dinners, grand gestures, or maybe something quieter, like that breathtaking view from the hiking trail. I rubbed my temples, feeling the weight of all the plans I hadn't managed to pull together. Just reach out, Joe, see what her plans are, I thought, trying to cut through the noise.

Taking a breath, I dialed her number. When she picked up, her voice was warm, and I could hear the familiar laughter of Trisha and Veronica in the background.

"Hey, good to hear from you!" she answered, sounding genuinely happy.

"You too. How have you been? It's been too long since we caught up," I replied, trying to ignore the jealousy that crept in, wondering what they were all up to together.

"I'm at Veronica's," she said with a smile in her voice. "Helping her with the Christmas tree. We're doing a little early celebration together. She misses her family around the holidays, so we thought we'd make it special."

I hesitated. Great, so she's already tied up. Not wanting to interrupt, I put on my best cheerful tone. "That sounds amazing. I won't keep you from it. Just wanted to check in. Enjoy your holiday, Tina."

After we hung up, a pang of disappointment settled in. With Tina busy and Calvin away in Canada, I resigned myself to a quiet Christmas Eve with friends and the main festivities with family. Still, the itch to find the perfect moment to propose was gnawing at me.

My phone buzzed, and I saw Tamara's name flashing on the screen. Perfect. Just what I needed, I thought with a sigh. She'd been texting more than usual, likely expecting something from me that wasn't going to happen. But ignoring her was not an option.

"Hey, Tamara."

"You sound off. What's going on?" she asked, straight to the point. Tamara's intuition was sharp; she'd always had a way of seeing through me.

"Just... caught up in something," I muttered, hoping to keep it vague. If she knew I was planning to propose to Tina, this would turn into a disaster.

"Come on, you know I can help," she insisted. "What is it, a gift for your mom? Or... another girl, maybe?" Her tone was light but probing.

"Nah, it's nothing big, just Christmas gifts," I fibbed.

She laughed, clearly relieved. "Well, funny you mention it. I haven't shopped yet, either. How about we go together tomorrow?"

"Uh, yeah, sure," I said, too drained to come up with an excuse. She ended the call, probably already planning where we'd go.

Just then, Jia popped into the office, arms loaded with holiday decorations. She surveyed me with that younger-sister smirk that said she was about to pry into my business. "Hey, you look like you could use a hand. Or a distraction."

Finally, someone who might actually help me. "Actually, Jia, yes." I stood up and dragged her to a quiet corner, deciding to spill everything.

"I... I need advice. There's this girl I really like, and I want to tell her how I feel," I said, watching her eyes widen as she connected the dots.

"A girl you like, like?" She grinned mischievously, clearly enjoying my awkwardness. "Oh, Joe, this is huge!"

"Yeah, yeah, calm down," I muttered, shushing her. "It's Tina, okay? And I'm kind of losing it trying to figure out how to tell her."

Jia's eyes practically sparkled. "Tina! I knew it! The way you looked at her on your birthday.nI could tell something was up." She slapped my arm lightly. "You're terrible at hiding it."

"I'm trying to keep it low-key, Jia," I groaned. "If Tamara finds out, it could turn into... a whole thing. So keep it to yourself."

Jia nodded seriously, but I could tell she was thrilled to finally be in on my secret. "Alright, so how about this?" she said, eyes glinting with excitement. "You want a memorable moment, right? How about a little Christmas magic?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Christmas... magic?"

"Yes! Take her somewhere breathtaking. It could be a snowy hilltop or even that overlook you love on the old hiking trail. Bring her there at sunset, and tell her how you feel," Jia suggested, getting caught up in the fantasy. "And maybe have a small gift with you. A charm, or even a little snow globe with a note inside. Something personal but understated."

I had to admit, it sounded perfect. But as the vision started forming in my mind, I was pulled back by a memory of Tamara's invite. Ah, the shopping trip tomorrow. Knowing her, she'd likely want me to stick by her side all day.

I sighed. "Thanks, Jia. This could actually work."

Jia leaned in, eyes twinkling. "Only if you stay focused on Tina. And remember. No giving Tamara mixed signals. That girl's been hovering since, well, forever."

She wasn't wrong. Tamara had always lingered around me, ever since we were kids. And part of me felt guilty for knowing she still held on to some hope. But right now, my heart was already set.

Jia patted my shoulder. "I'll cover for you at the café, don't worry. Just focus on making Christmas special for Tina."

I gave her a quick hug, feeling lighter than I had in days. "Thanks, Jia. You're the best."

"Of course. Just make sure I'm the first to hear the details!" she said, grinning.

As I walked out, plans were finally taking shape in my mind. Tomorrow, I'd endure the shopping trip with Tamara, then pull away to prepare the perfect Christmas Eve moment with Tina.

Tina's POV

The holiday season came to a close, but the memories lingered, filling me with warmth and nostalgia. This Christmas was unlike any I'd spent before. Usually, it was all about family gatherings, long dinners, and fireside stories back home. This time, my family and I had only managed a quick video call on Christmas Eve. Dad was buried in his business orders, and Mom was helping him, while Shawn was off vacationing in New Zealand with his friends. We kept in touch through messages and photos in the group chat he'd made, but it wasn't quite the same. Still, I found comfort in the shared experiences with Trisha and Veronica, who were equally excited to make this holiday unforgettable.

Veronica had insisted on hosting Christmas at her apartment, and her excitement was contagious. She'd gone all out, buying a small Christmas tree, ornaments, and string lights that filled her place with a cozy, festive glow. A week before Christmas, we gathered to decorate it, laughing as we tangled ourselves in lights and fought over who'd place the star on top. Beneath the tree, we placed presents for each other, promising not to peek. On Christmas Day, we cooked our favorite meals, filling her apartment with the smells of spices and baked treats. We drank wine, sang carols slightly off-key, and after dinner, we took a midnight walk through the twinkling streets to soak in the Christmas magic around us.

After that kiss on New year's eve, everything felt different. Joe and I didn't talk about it openly, but something unspoken passed between us every time we saw each other. During winter break, I thought about him constantly. Even though we were apart, I kept replaying that night in my mind, remembering how it felt to be close to him like that, the warmth of his hand in mine.

When we returned to uni, it was like a silent understanding had formed between us. We'd catch each other's eyes in the hall, a glance that lingered just a moment too long, and I'd feel my heart skip a beat. Sometimes, when we walked together, our hands would brush, sending a thrill through me that was impossible to ignore. I tried to act natural, to keep my friends from noticing, but every stolen look, every accidental touch made it harder to pretend.

I couldn't help but remember our kiss. The day he proposed. It had taken me completely by surprise. I still remember the way he looked at me, his gaze soft and steady, his voice low as he told me how he felt. That kiss was different, deeper, filled with everything he'd kept hidden. Thinking about it now made me blush, and I'd find myself smiling, my mind drifting back to him, wondering if anyone else could sense the change in me.

We were careful around others, pretending nothing had shifted between us, but every glance, every secret smile, felt like a promise only we shared.

It was Veronica's idea to celebrate New Year's at the city's open party. The night was cold, but the excitement was electric as we dressed up and made our way to the park. By nine, the place was buzzing with energy. I recognized familiar faces in the crowd, mostly students from the dorms, ready to embrace the new year with friends. Music pounded through the air, and I lost myself in the moment, dancing with Trisha and Veronica, laughing as we celebrated under the city lights.

At some point, I spun around and bumped into someone, murmuring a quick apology before turning back to the music. But then I saw Veronica signaling to me, pointing behind me. I turned, and my gaze met a pair of familiar blue eyes. Joe was standing there, looking at me with that half-smile that always made my heart skip. I waved, calling out, "Hey!" though I wasn't sure he could hear me over the music.

He leaned in close, his voice a warm whisper against my ear. "I need to talk to you."

A shiver ran down my spine at his words. My heart fluttered. What could he want to talk about, especially now? Glancing at my watch, I saw it was nearly midnight. "Can it wait until after the countdown?" I whispered back, hoping he'd understand.

Joe nodded, his hand gently squeezing mine as if to say, I'll wait. I couldn't help but smile at how he always knew exactly what I needed. He joined us as we danced, and soon the countdown began, everyone shouting as the numbers dropped closer and closer to midnight.

Ten... nine... eight... The anticipation grew, both for the new year and for what Joe wanted to say.

Three... two... one!

As midnight struck, we all cheered, hugging and shouting our wishes for the new year. I hugged Trisha and Veronica, my heart still racing, and turned to find Joe waiting, his gaze steady. I quickly told them I'd catch up with them later, then took Joe's hand as he led me away from the crowd.

As we walked through the park, the cold air nipped at our faces, but his hand in mine was warm and steady, grounding me. My thoughts raced, and I knew his were too; there was a tension between us that neither of us could ignore any longer. Finally, Joe stopped beneath a tall, bare tree that cast a shadow over us, dim and intimate.

He looked at me, his eyes intense yet vulnerable. "Tina, I've been wanting to tell you something...something that's been on my mind for a while."

My heart pounded in anticipation. "Me too," I managed to say, barely above a whisper.

Joe's gaze softened, and he reached up, brushing a stray hair from my face. "It's just...I feel like things have changed between us. You're not just my friend anymore, Tina. I can't ignore it, and I don't want to."

His honesty took my breath away. For so long, I'd kept my own feelings guarded, afraid to disrupt our friendship. But hearing him admit his feelings made everything real. "I've felt the same," I confessed. "I just didn't know how to say it."

We stood there, the weight of our unspoken emotions finally laid bare. Slowly, Joe moved closer, his lips brushing mine in a soft, gentle kiss that sent warmth flooding through me. It was sweet and tentative, yet it held a promise, one that went beyond words. When we pulled apart, his hand still rested on my cheek, and I could see a mixture of relief and happiness in his eyes.

"I've been waiting for this," he murmured, his voice low and filled with emotion. "Tina, I really like you. Since the day I met you, I knew there was something special. I know this might seem sudden, but I have to ask. Will you be with me?"

My heart swelled at his words, and I couldn't help but smile. "Yes, Joe. I'd love that."

A grin broke across his face as he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. "I promise, Tina, I'll be there for you. Whatever happens, I'll always be by your side."

With that, he leaned in, and this time, our kiss was deeper, filled with a passion that had been waiting, hidden, for so long. I felt his arms tighten around me, grounding me in the moment. The world seemed to fade, and it was just us, caught in a perfect, timeless embrace.

When we finally broke apart, he gazed into my eyes and whispered, "Tina Underwood, you're everything I've ever wanted. This is only the beginning for us. Let's make this year ours."

I blushed, a thrill of happiness washing over me as he brushed a kiss across my forehead. As we stood together, hand in hand beneath the winter sky, I knew that whatever came next, we'd face it together.

"Love is not about finding someone to live with; it's about finding someone you can't imagine living without."

Tamara's POV

Snowflakes drifted from the sky like delicate whispers, each one a tiny, unique masterpiece, spiraling down to earth. They blanketed everything. Rooftops, branches, fences with a soft, pure whiteness that glistened under the muted winter light. It was as if the sky had gifted the world a fragile beauty, a rare, quiet wonder meant only for those who paused to notice. The streets were silent, the festive season had passed, and the new year had arrived in gentle, cold stillness.

And yet, in my heart, everything felt unchanged. It was already another new years and I was still...alone. Stuck in this quiet, invisible cage of my own making. Mom was recovering, but she was still so weak, and the doctors insisted she rest completely. Most of my days had been spent looking after her, wrapped up in worry, barely leaving the house. Tomorrow, I'd be going back to work after taking long leave, and a strange sense of dread settled in me at the thought.

The Carltons had been a godsend, checking in often, always ready to help. Mrs. Carlton brought food and sometimes just stayed to chat with Mom, filling our home with warmth that felt rare these days. Joe, though... Joe was hardly around. He'd stopped by a few times, checking on Mom and making sure I had everything I needed, and we'd had lunch together at Christmas with his family. He even took me out for a little Christmas shopping, for which I was grateful. But that was it. Joe had a life, his friends, his game, his café. He couldn't be expected to put his world on hold just to be here for me.

I sighed, remembering the plan I'd had for Christmas. A perfect confession I'd imagined in my mind so many times. The setting, the words, the look in his eyes. I had planned it down to the tiniest details. But then Mom got sick, and everything shifted. Once again, my feelings for Joe had to wait. I'd told myself I'd find another perfect moment to tell him, and yet, with each passing day, the hope grew fainter. It was as though every time I tried to step closer to him, something always stood in the way. First, it was Erine. Then, that girl, Tina. And now, Mom's illness. Was fate trying to tell me something?

I was shaken from my thoughts by the touch of a snowflake, soft and cold as it landed on my nose. I couldn't help but smile, remembering a day on Joe's balcony when we were both sitting together, surrounded by the quiet of falling snow. A flake had landed on my face and Joe had tried to blow it away, leaning close, closer...our faces inches apart, breaths mingling in the icy air. We'd almost kissed. Back then, everything felt simple, like we were each other's worlds, and nothing else mattered. We shared every secret, covered for each other, laughed about things no one else understood.

But that was years ago. We'd grown up, slowly, almost without noticing, slipping from carefree teenagers to adults with lives full of responsibilities and expectations. Somewhere along the way, everything had changed. Joe and I barely had time for each other anymore. And even though he'd been there for me when Mom first got sick, since Christmas, he'd become distant, and I couldn't understand why. I wanted to believe that he still cared, that I meant something to him, but his silence these days felt like a wall I couldn't break through. Some days, I wondered if he felt anything at all.

The uncertainty gnawed at me. It hurt to admit it, but sometimes I felt like he was slipping away, like he was a stranger I was desperate to hold onto but didn't know how to reach. Maybe he had feelings for Tina, after all. Maybe he was too polite to tell me. Or maybe...maybe I was the one holding on to something that was never truly there.

"Tamara, dear," Dad's voice cut through the cold night, warm and gentle. "Come inside. It's freezing out there. You'll catch a cold."

I blinked, realizing how long I'd been standing by the window, lost in thought, watching the snow fall. I turned and saw him standing in the doorway, his arms crossed, a soft smile on his face. Mr. Givens-Dad, as he insisted I call him. Dad come into my life when I was barely old enough to understand what a father's love was supposed to feel like. He'd loved me without reservation, without needing me to be anyone but myself. And though he could never replace my biological father, he was still family, my family.

I walked inside, closing the door on the cold, and saw Mom and Dad curled up on the couch together, watching their favorite show on television. I nestled beside them, pulling the blanket over my legs. The warmth of the room wrapped around me, a gentle contrast to the biting cold outside.

I looked at them, and a pang of gratitude mixed with sadness rose in me. Mom's hand rested in Dad's, a quiet symbol of all the love and support they'd built together. Despite everything, there was so much warmth here, a place to belong. And for a brief moment, all the confusion and loneliness faded, replaced by the knowledge that I wasn't alone after all.

As I snuggled close, with the soft laughter of my parents filling the room, love settled around us like a warm, invisible embrace. Maybe I'd lost some things over the years. People, moments, dreams but as I watched Mom and Dad, I knew that in finding them, I'd found a kind of home I'd been searching for all along.

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"Amidst the magic of the holidays, unspoken feelings finally find their moment to shine."