Mason narrates:
Calling Peyton, I feel like she took it too well, I told her I was confused about my feelings, that I would like to have some time. To take advantage of the trip to clarify how I felt about her, and her response was "Sure love, I understand.
- Sure love, I understand, would you like to talk to me when you get back?
When I heard that I was a little surprised, I expected some kind of complaint from her, especially when we were together before I came. That she would feel used or something like that. In my mind I prepared many explanations, which I didn't have to give.
Now I find myself preparing the date, I want everything to be perfect for both of us, a special night.
On the other hand, I have been thinking about what will happen between us, I don't want this to be something sexual. I want to go slow with her, make her fall in love and then maybe just maybe we can be together when we get back to reality. I have been thinking so much that I feel like I am with Peyton out of commitment, out of habit and guilt for all the time she has been waiting for me, when she was able to make a life for herself years ago.
I feel guilty, but I can't give up my happiness to be with someone I owe years of her life to and not out of love. That would make us both unhappy.
When I get everything organized for tonight, I go back to the room with her, invite her for a walk and we go out to see the city. We stroll through many places until it's time for the dinner I organized, I feel nervous, I want her to like what I did.
We get to the edge of the beach where the table is with candles and everything I asked for, it looks all around and a white awning covering everything.
Paige watches everything in silence, but I know her so well I can tell how much she likes to watch this. Her eyes sparkle with the candles and the little lights all around in the canopy. I guide her in and help her sit down. The table is set and as we eat dinner, I say to her.
“I want to do this right, I don't want it to be something temporary, to fall in love with you and then go further with each passing day. Are you okay with that?" I ask nervously.
"Totally agree, although you may not believe it, I was thinking of telling you the same thing," she replies, blushing.
"Then here's to that," I say, blushing.
Dinner goes pleasantly. What I love about my relationship with Paige is that I don't have to pretend to like things she talks about. With Peyton, I do that. I hate those conversations about fashion, handbags, and fashion shows. I feel like they're brainless conversations for women. On the other hand, Paige always has interesting topics to discuss.
The night passes quickly, and I have a lot of fun. I tell her some things she doesn't know about me, and she shares her childhood adventures with me.
The wind picks up, signaling that it's time to retreat to our room. We each head to our respective beds as we'll be traveling to another place tomorrow. Instead of sleeping, I start researching romantic places where I can take Paige in our next destination. When I want to, I'm very dedicated to pleasing my girlfriend. I pay attention to the things she likes and give her walks or gifts that she enjoys. Paige isn't materialistic, so she values people's time spent with her and the little details like special places or remembering her favorite meals.
Peyton narrates:
I get a call from Mason, and I'm surprised by the time. What I didn't expect was for him to tell me that he needs time to sort out his feelings because he is confused. When he tells me that I want to scream at him and smash his cell phone, I can't lose my life insurance. He can't leave me. I opt to have a calm reaction that he won't expect and tell him it's okay and I'll see him when he gets back from his trip.
As I end the call I scream and throw everything around me. This can't be happening, something that damn woman did to confuse him. I have to do something while he's away, something has to come to me.
I can't let him leave me, that's not going to happen. I will be married to Mason in the future, I will be his wife, even if it's by force. I didn't wait all these years for him to come out to me now that he's confused.
I pace back and forth in my apartment, as I think about what I can do to keep him by my side. I have a month and a half to get him back and have a plan ready, so he won't leave me. I am sure that between now and then something will come to me.
I am smart and I will manage to keep him with me.
My cell phone rings again, and I hope it's Mason regretting what he said, but it's not him. I let it ring and go to my bed. I have to figure out what I'm going to do for when I get back. I'm not going to let my secured future full of luxuries and a good life slip away because of the stupidity that he's confused about how he feels. Feelings? who needs them.
Omnipresent narrator
After a few days, Paige and Mason's new relationship is going wonderfully. Each day, they become more connected than before. Mason takes her to many places, earning many points with Paige. Every day, he captivates her more with his thoughtful gestures.
Mason realizes how much time he wasted by not daring to try something more than just friendship with Paige. They could have had this years ago. Instead, his infatuation with Peyton had blinded him.
They haven't gone beyond kisses and hugs in the days they've been together as a couple. They are taking the idea of taking things slowly seriously.
Sarah is happy to talk to her friend and hear that everything is going well with the opportunity they gave themselves. She tells Ethan about knowing about the contract, and both are thrilled that they are finally taking the time to form a real relationship.
Emily has noticed a difference in both of them when she talks to them via video, but she doesn't say anything. They are adults and know what they're doing. She notices a different sparkle in their eyes compared to when they left. She hopes everything works out as she expects and that they give themselves a chance to be happy.