Chapter 20: A Disturbing Discovery

Six years later, Alfred and Alexia's friendship had blossomed into something more.

They had grown from inseparable companions to loving partners,

sharing stolen glances and s onecret moments whenever they could. Bryan, though initially disapproving,

had come to accept his situation, albeit reluctantly.

One day, Bryan and Alexia were sitting together in her room when Alexia started a discussion.

"I think I love Alfred, but he hasn't told me if he loves me back. How do I go about this?"

she asked Bryan,

who felt he was in the same situation as he loved Alexia and couldn't tell her, especially since he knew she was in love with someone else.

"Well, I think you should tell him," Bryan said, feeling bad that he was in this situation. "When you love someone, it's best to let them know."

"That's true, but I don't know how to do it," Alexia replied.

Alexia.and Bryan were sitting in her room when Alfred burst in, looking excited. "Alexia, Bryan, I have something to tell you guys," he said, barely containing his smile.

"What is it?" Alexia asked, her curiosity piqued.

"I'm in love!" Alfred exclaimed, beaming with joy.

Alexia's face lit up, and she assumed she was the object of his affections.

"Wow, I knew it! Thank God,"

she said, her voice trembling with excitement.

"Who is it?" Bryan asked, curious.

"How did you know I'm in love with Ellie?" Alfred asked, still smiling, lost in thoughts of his "queen."

"Ellie? But...I thought..." Alexia's voice trailed off as she realized her mistake.

"Ellie is beautiful, elegant, and sophisticated, always surrounded by her entourage of friends. Unlike you, Alexia," Alfred said, not realizing the hurt he was causing.

Alexia's face fell, and she burst into tears.

"Alfred, I...I have feelings for you too,"

she confessed, her voice shaking.

Alfred looked taken aback, uncomfortable with the revelation.

"Alexia, I...I didn't know. I'm sorry," he said, before quickly exiting the room.

Bryan, who had been quietly observing the scene unfold, immediately went to his friend's side,

comforting her as she burst into tears.

"Alexia, I'm so sorry. I know how much you love him,"

he said, his voice filled with empathy.

Alexia. sobbed, her heart shattered into a million pieces.

"Why did he run away, Bryan? Doesn't he know how much I care for him?"

Bryan shook his head, feeling a pang of guilt for not being able to confess his own feelings to his friend. "I don't know, Alexia. Maybe he's just scared. But we'll get through this together, okay?"

"Alexia, I'm so sorry. I wish you could see that Alfred isn't worth your tears," he said, trying to comfort her.

''I love him so much and I don't want our friendship to get ruined,I would have to pretend I moved on and am in a relationship,what do you think,''

Alexia said wiping her tears,not allowing Bryan to say a word,she added.

''so he can always be around me,but is Ellie prettier than me?''

She asked,

''of course not,to me you are the most beautiful girl I've ever seen,''

Bryan repiled with so much in his eyes.

Alfred's conscience tormented him, a constant echo of the pain he had inflicted on Alexia.

The memory of her tear-stained face and quivering lips haunted him, a stark reminder of the hurt he had caused.

He couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt that had taken residence in his heart, a heavy burden that weighed him down with every step.

"Oh, Alexia, my dear friend, how could I have been so blind?" Alfred thought to himself, his mind racing with regret.

"I never meant to hurt you, never intended to shatter your heart into a million pieces. You were always there for me,

a constant presence in my life, and this is how I repay you? By breaking your trust and crushing your feelings? I like Ellie she's so beautiful,but Alexia,she makes me happy,''

Alfred's thoughts swirled in a maelstrom of self-reproach, his mind a battlefield of conflicting emotions.

He knew he had to make things right,

but the path ahead seemed treacherous, uncertain.

One thing was clear, though: he couldn't continue down this road, not without facing the consequences of his actions and making amends for the pain he had caused.

The Present

Alexia walked into the cozy restaurant with Churchill and Clara, the aroma of freshly cooked food and the hum of lively chatter enveloping them.

As they settled into their booth, Churchill and Clara immediately began their peculiar antics, their quirky behavior a familiar spectacle to Alexia.

"Oh, Clara, you look lovely today!" Churchill exclaimed, his eyes shining with admiration.

Clara blushed a deep shade of pink, her giggles punctuating the air. "Churchill, stop teasing me!"

Alexia chuckled, shaking her head in wonder. "You two are something else."

Churchill grinned. "Hey, someone's got to keep things interesting around here!"

As they perused the menu, Alexia couldn't help but tease her friends.

"So, Churchill, how many times are you going to make Clara blush today?"

Churchill winked.

"As many times as it takes to make her smile, my friend!"

Clara playfully rolled her eyes.

"You're both ridiculous."

Alexia.laughed, excusing herself to visit the restroom.

"I'll leave you two lovebirds alone for a minute."

As she walked away, Churchill called out,

"Don't worry, Alexia, we'll be on our best behavior... for a few minutes, at least!"

Alexia.smiled, knowing that with Churchill and Clara, you could always expect the unexpected. Little did she know, her tranquil afternoon was about to take an unexpected turn...

Alexia walked into the restroom without noticing the sign on the door indicating it was the men's restroom.

The restroom was a sleek, modern space with gray marble countertops, chrome fixtures, and a row of urinals along one wall. The air was fresh and clean, with a hint of cologne lingering in the air.

She was distracted and assumed it was the women's restroom. Inside, she saw Alfred standing at the sink, washing his hands, and immediately began shouting at him, thinking he was following her.

She didn't take in her surroundings or notice the urinals along the wall, which would have indicated that it was the men's restroom.

She was too focused on confronting Alfred, whom she assumed was following her. Her mind was racing with anger and frustration, and she didn't take in her surroundings.

"What are you doing here? Can't you see this is the women's restroom?"

Alfred held up his hands, a look of confusion on his face. "Alexia, this is the men's restroom. See?" He pointed to the urinals behind him.

Alexia's face turned bright red as she realized her mistake. "Oh no... I'm so sorry!"

The sudden realization of her error only added to her embarrassment and anger, and she continued to berate Alfred, not noticing the amused expression on his face

''but still,you followed me to this restaurant,''

As she turned to leave, her feet slipped on the wet floor, and she felt herself falling. But before she could hit the ground, Alfred caught her, his arms wrapping around her to hold her steady.

They were face to face, their bodies inches apart. Alexia's heart raced as she looked into Alfred's eyes, feeling a spark of electricity between them.

Just then, the restroom door swung open, and Bryan walked in.

"What's going on here?"

he asked, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene before him.

Alexia's face flushed even deeper as she tried to extricate herself from Alfred's grasp. "It's nothing, Bryan. Just a misunderstanding."

Alfred released her, his eyes never leaving hers. "Yeah, just a misunderstanding."

The tension in the small space was palpable, and Alexia.knew she needed to get out of there before things got any more awkward.

"I'll see you guys outside,"

she said, hastily exiting the restroom.

In a sun-kissed corner of the city, a mother and her three-year-old son,

Edwin, spent a lazy afternoon by the beach. Edwin's giggles filled the air as he chased seagulls and built sandcastles.

But as he wandered towards the rocky shoreline,

his mood suddenly shifted. He began to cry, his tiny body shaking with sobs.

His mother rushed to his side, concern etched on her face.

"Son, what's wrong?"

she asked, trying to decipher the distress in his eyes.

Edwin's small voice repeated the only word he knew to express his distress

"Mama, mama!"

He tugged at her hand, leading her towards the rocks.

His mom wondered why her son could be crying,she taught it might be an insect it something but as they approached,

a putrid smell wafted through the air, making her wrinkle her nose in disgust. She followed Edwin's gaze to the back of the rock and froze.

A lifeless body lay there, a boy around 10-12 years old, his once bright eyes now cold and still. The mother's heart sank, and she instinctively pulled Edwin close, shielding him from the gruesome sight.