Excuse me, c-could you... um, be my boyfriend? Please?
Isabella, calm down. I'm not ignoring you. Just let me pass.
stutters, looking flustered B-But why not? Why won't you give me a chance? I-I really need someone right now.
Isabella, I'm sorry, but I can't. Not like this. I need time and space.
frustrated, tears welling up in her eyes T-Then why, Wardeley? Why do you always push me away? What's wrong with me?
Isabella, you're not giving me a chance to explain. I don't dismiss you, I just can't handle this kind of... plea. Not here, not now. Please understand that.
voice breaking, her desperation growing W-What if I can't wait? What if I don't have the time anymore? How can I get you to understand how much this means to me?
Isabella, if you don't give me some space, I'll end up pushing you away for good. This isn't fair to either of us. Please go home, and let's talk when both our heads are clearer.
pauses, taking a deep breath F-Fine. I'll go home. But promise me we'll talk, Wardeley. Promise me you'll give me an answer soon.
I promise, Isabella. We'll talk. I need some time though, please take care of yourself in the meantime.
nods, wiping away her tears O-Okay. I'll go home then. But I'm going to be waiting for your call or message, Wardeley.
I will contact you, Isabella. Take care until then.
sniffs, trying to compose herself Um... thank you, Wardeley. Goodbye... for now. turns and walks away, her steps heavy with uncertainty
watching Isabella walk away, feeling a pang of guilt I hope I haven't lost her...
arrives home, slams the door shut behind her, and collapses onto the couch God, why does this hurt so much?
at home, reflecting on his encounter with Isabella I must find the right words when we do talk...
sighs deeply, staring at her phone He promised to contact me... I should give him some time. But it's so hard waiting for answers.
a week later, Wardeley finally reaches out to Isabella via phone Hello, Isabella. It's been a week. Can we talk now?
heart racing, she answers the phone H-Hello, Wardeley. Y-Yes, we can talk.
Isabella, I've been meaning to speak with you. Can we meet up somewhere? There's something important I need to tell you.
Isabella hesitates, her heart pounding with anticipation and fear. She agrees to meet Wardeley at a neutral location, an upscale café in the city. As she prepares, she practices composing what she might say, hoping to make a lasting impression on him. At the café, Isabella arrives early, nervously fidgeting with her coffee cup. She spots Wardeley entering and quickly composes herself, taking a deep breath before approaching him.
Isabella, thank you for coming. they sit down
nervously Th-Thank you for meeting me, Wardeley. I've been... anxious about our conversation.
Isabella, there's something I need to tell you. I've been struggling with this decision, but I think it's best if I'm honest with you.
leans in closer, her eyes filled with anticipation W-What is it, Wardeley? Please, be honest with me.
Isabella, I’ve been avoiding this truth for too long, but I can’t keep pretending anymore. The reason why I’ve been distant is because… takes a deep breath I’m not sure if I can be what you need. Not right now. I have my own demons to fight, and I can’t promise to be there for you like you deserve.
stunned, her eyes widen as tears start to fall W-What... what do you mean? Y-You can't be serious...
Isabella, I’m being truthful. I admire you, but I’m scared of letting myself fully connect with you. I’m scared of getting hurt or hurting you. I need to figure some things out about myself first before I can love someone else.
voice cracking, she struggles to hold back her emotions So... you're saying you're not ready for a relationship with me. Not now, maybe not ever?
Isabella, I’m saying that I need time. Time to work on myself so that when the time comes, I can give you the love and affection you deserve.
heartbroken, her voice barely above a whisper So what happens to me in the meantime? Do I just... wait for you forever?
Isabella, I’m not asking you to wait forever. You deserve to find happiness now. I don’t want to hold you back from finding someone who can give you the love you deserve.
reels back, her face a mask of pain You... you're releasing me then?
Isabella, I’m releasing myself from the guilt of not being able to give you what you want, and giving you the freedom to find someone who can.
stands up abruptly, her voice filled with determination Fine. If this is what you truly want... then I won't wait anymore.
Isabella, please be safe.
Isabella rushes out of the café, tears streaming down her face. She hails a taxi and instructs the driver to take her back to her apartment, her mind racing with thoughts of heartbreak and betrayal. Upon arriving at her apartment, she locks herself inside and collapses onto her bed, sobbing uncontrollably into her pillow. Her world feels shattered once again, and she questions whether she'll ever find true love.
sitting alone in the café, reflecting on his painful conversation with Isabella I've made the right choice, but it still hurts...
wakes up the next morning with puffy eyes and a heavy heart I need to move on... I can't let this break me completely.