Unfinished feelings

Chapter Six: The Pull of the Past

Amelia tried to focus on her studies, but her mind refused to cooperate. Julian's words kept replaying in her head. "I'll wait for you, even if it takes forever." Did he really mean that? Or was it just another promise that would eventually fade?

She sighed, setting her notebook aside. The evening breeze drifted through the open window, carrying the scent of wet soil. The quietness of her room felt suffocating, making her restless. She grabbed her phone without thinking and scrolled through her messages.

There were no new texts from Julian. Part of her was relieved, yet another part of her wished he had sent something—anything—to break the silence. She wasn't sure when she had started craving his attention again, but the realization unsettled her.

Before she could talk herself out of it, she clicked on his name and typed:

"Are you still awake?"

She stared at the screen, her heart pounding as the message was delivered. A few minutes passed before the typing indicator appeared.

"For you? Always."

A breath she hadn't realized she was holding escaped her lips.

"Why?" she typed back.

His reply came instantly.

"Because you're still the one, Amelia."

Her fingers trembled as she placed the phone down. A part of her wanted to believe him. Another part feared what believing him again might cost her.

She shut her eyes, hoping that sleep would take away the uncertainty swirling in her heart. But even in her dreams, Julian was there—always waiting, always pulling her back to a past she wasn't sure she was ready to revisit.

The next morning, Amelia forced herself to get out of bed early, hoping that campus life would distract her from the thoughts haunting her. She met up with Josephine at the cafeteria, and as usual, her friend didn't hesitate to read her face.

"You look tired," Josephine noted, sipping her tea.

Amelia stirred her own cup absentmindedly. "Didn't sleep well."

Josephine smirked. "Julian?"

Amelia hesitated before nodding. "He texted me last night."

Josephine leaned forward. "And? What did he say?"

Amelia sighed. "That I'm still the one."

Josephine rolled her eyes. "Of course he did. That's what they all say when they feel you slipping away."

Amelia looked down, her stomach twisting. "You think he's just playing with me?"

Josephine reached across the table and squeezed her hand. "I don't know, Amelia. But I do know that a man who truly loves you wouldn't make you question his place in your life. He would be there, consistently, without you having to ask."

The words settled deep in Amelia's chest. She had spent months questioning Julian's feelings, wondering where she stood. If he truly loved her, would she still be here, confused and afraid?

Later that evening, as she lay in bed, her phone vibrated again. She didn't even have to check the screen to know who it was.

"Can I call you?"

She hesitated, fingers hovering over the keyboard. Finally, she replied:

"Not tonight."

For the first time in a long while, she wanted to listen to her own heart before letting Julian's words cloud her judgment again.