Beauty sat on the edge of her bed, her phone trembling in her hands. Jessie sat beside her, watching her friend.
"I don't think he would want to hear my voice, Jessie. Maybe I'll do it later."
"When it's too late?" Jessie asked gently. "You have to tell him, Beauty. You can't just cry. At least try. If he ignores you, then... you know you tried, at least."
Beauty took a deep breath, her chest tight with a mix of fear and anxiety.
"Just take a deep breath, in and out. You're good to go," Jessie said.
Beauty nodded and did as she said. Afterward, with trembling fingers, she unlocked her phone and pulled up Bruno's contact.
She stared at his name for what felt like an eternity, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the lump in her throat, her anxiety rising.
However, she knew she couldn't wait any longer. Like Jessie said, if she let more time pass, she might lose him forever.
Finally, she tapped the call button.
One ring. Two rings. Three rings.
"Come on, Bruno, pick up," she silently prayed.
"Please... Bruno."
She paced around the room restlessly.
On the eleventh ring, the call connected.
Beauty froze mid-step, and her breath caught in her throat instantly.
"Bruno?" she whispered, her voice barely steady.
Nothing. She wondered if he could hear her or if he was intentionally ignoring her.
"Hello, Bruno?"
Still no reply, but she forced herself to keep going.
"I... I know I've messed up. I was so stupid and selfish. You were right, I... hate myself," Beauty began, her voice shaking.
"I know I said some awful things to you. I doubted you, and I pushed you away when you were only trying to be there for me. And I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry."
She swallowed hard, her throat tightening as tears rolled down her cheeks.
"I judged you wrongly, Bruno. I let my insecurities and fears get in the way, and I didn't give you a chance to explain. I should've trusted you. I should've listened. You were the only one who never treated me like trash, yet I doubted you. I'm sorry... I'm so sorry."
She covered her mouth, trying to keep going, but her voice was drowned in emotion.
Bruno said nothing. She knew he could hear her. She had to say everything anyway; she couldn't stop now.
"I was so scared, Bruno. I've been hurt before, and I thought you were like them. I thought you were just another guy who would hurt me. But I was wrong. And now I've ruined everything. I love you, Bruno... I do... I know you can hear me. I love you so, so much... I love you."
She sobbed, waiting, hoping for any sign of a response from Bruno. But there was nothing-just the sound of his steady breathing.
"Bruno, please say something," she begged, her voice breaking.
"I don't know what to do. I don't want to lose you. I love you. I'm so sorry for everything I said. I should've trusted you. Please..."
But still, no response.
Tears streamed down Beauty's face, her chest tightening with the pain of the silence.
"Bruno?" she whispered again, her voice barely audible now.
"Are you still there?"
Not a word was heard over the phone. Jessie was hurt on Beauty's behalf.
"I'm sorry, okay! I know I was selfish... I've been hurt, Bruno. Understand my situation here!"
She snapped, tears flowing as she took a seat on the bed beside Jessie, who looked at her pitifully.
"Bruno?" Beauty sobbed. Still, no reply.
She became fed up with frustration and pain.
"Fine! If you don't want to talk to me, I understand. I'm sorry for bothering you."
She couldn't hold back the tears any longer. With a trembling hand, she ended the call.
She let the phone slip from her hands and fell onto the bed. Her whole body shook as the sobs took over.
"I told you it's useless," she cried. "He didn't say a word, Jessie. Not a single word."
Jessie watched her friend with a heavy heart, unsure of what to say. She pulled Beauty into a hug, trying to comfort her as Beauty broke down.
"It's not useless. He's probably just hurt and doesn't know how to respond. Give him some time. You've done your part, Beauty."
Beauty shook her head, tears streaming down her face.
"No, Jessie. It's over. He's done with me."
Just then, they heard her mother's voice from downstairs.
"Beauty! There's someone here to see you!"
She blinked, startled, her breath catching for a moment. Jessie looked at her curiously, wondering who could be at the door.
They exchanged a glance that asked the same question.
Could it be Bruno?
"I hope it's him," Jessie answered her unspoken question as if reading her mind.
Beauty's heart raced. She quickly dried her face properly, then took a deep breath to calm herself. She stood up, nervously adjusting her shirt.
"Let's go. Remember, if it's him, you need to do everything to regain his trust. Whatever it takes, you have to do it. Do you understand me?" Jessie said, like a coach sending her off to the field.
She cupped Beauty's cheeks.
"That guy cares about you... He wants you to love yourself first. And to do that, get rid of that mindset of not being worthy."
Beauty sniffed and nodded.
"I think we're ready," Jessie said finally, and Beauty turned to the door.
Jessie quickly followed, and they made their way downstairs together.
As they reached the bottom, Beauty's steps slowed when she caught sight of the figure standing in the entryway.
Her heart skipped a beat.
There, holding a giant bouquet of beautiful flowers, a box of chocolates, and a beautifully wrapped gift, was Eric-her colleague from work. He was smiling broadly as he saw her.
Beauty froze in place, her eyes widening in disbelief. Jessie did the same, the same thought ringing in their heads.
The bouquet and gifts were very similar to the ones she had been receiving anonymously for months. She had thought they were from Bruno.
"How? Eric is the secret admirer? Maybe it's just a coincidence. He said lots of hurtful things back at the salon. Why is he here now?" she thought to herself.
Beauty's gaze shifted to her mother, whose face glistened with happiness, giving her a look that said, "You've found a fine suitor."