You Give Me Hope 2

by Sophia Smith

  Linda was used to Jenny giving her some tough love, and this was no different. She laughed in response to all of this.

  “You know, you’re right. Seriously, I definitely am happy with the way you’ve treated me, and I’m glad that you gave me that tough love when given the chance. Just…sometimes I wish I was smarter about this. I really do sometimes wish I was better with all of this too,” she said.

  “It’s okay. Trust me, you’ll be fine,” Jenny said.

  “We’re here to support you as needed,” Vanessa said.

  “Thank you. I feel a little foolish, but I do feel much better now. I guess It’s time to figure out what to do, and how to get a ticker there,” she said.

  “If you need anything, just let me know,” Jenny said.

  “Thanks,” Linda said.

  Linda headed back to the house, feeling happy about all of this, but she definitely was a bit nervous. She could feel the anticipation growing within her. She wanted to surprise Angela, and she wanted to do this in order to make things right.

  Chapter 9

  The first thing Linda did, was get a plane ticket. She didn’t tell Angela or anyone that she was going to see her. Well, besides her mom wo knew when Linda came and confessed that she messed up. She wanted to keep it a surprise, because she figured it would be the better option.

  Of course, finding flight options was a little harder than she thought. She looked around, trying to find something for cheap that was as soon as possible. After finding one of them that was affordable, albeit only one bag would be allowed to be checked, she quickly grabbed her things, and she made her way out of the home. When she got to the airport, she grabbed her boarding pass, and her driver’s license.

  “You look like you’re going to see someone special,” the person said with a smile.

  “Yeah. I am,” she said with a grin.

  In truth, Linda felt like the happiest girl in the world, and she would make all of this work. When she finally got to the gate, she had a couple of hours to kill, which kind of stunk, but she wasn’t going to be too mad about this. She definitely had a lot to think about. For the most part, she was worried about the way things were, and she definitely was a bit nervous about this.

  She wanted to surprise Angela, so keeping it on the down low was idea. She didn’t even post it on social media or anything, for fear that she may find out somehow. She hoped that she could see her right away though, mostly because in her heart, she needed to tell Angela everything.

  And boy was there a lot to say. For the most part, telling her seemed like the right thing to do. If not because she loved Angela, but also because she felt it was the right thing to do. She always did love her, but not in the way she was realizing.

  She was in love with her.

  The idea of loving your best friend was something that made Linda nervous. She feared what might happen with their friendship. Would it change?

  Even if it did, she didn’t care, she was just happy that Angela would see her, and she could get it out of her head.

  There was a little bit of anxiety as she sat there, tapping her foot in waiting. She hoped that Angela didn’t have someone else waiting in the wings for her, or maybe she was seeing someone different. She hoped that it was just herself, and she was just keeping to herself, not falling in love with another person.

  According to her mom, she didn’t have anyone else currently, but who knows, this could definitely change with her, and she wanted nothing more than to find out, and to really focus on that. She had a lot of work to do, and a lot of different aspects that worried her as well. Angela did care a lot about her, at least that’s what she wanted to believe, but she didn’t really say much to her since she left. Maybe though, it was because of the fact that she was nervous about talking about this with her, and Linda definitely was a bit worried about that too.

  But, when she boarded the plane, she ignored that feeling of worry that was there, she definitely was ready to find Angela, and tell her everything.

  The flight wasn’t super long. For the most part, Linda just slept, but she would look outside occasionally. The pristine water of the Atlantic ocean was in view, and Linda sighed, looking at the view.

  “You heading to London?” the person next to her said. It was an older guy, and she nodded.

  “Yeah, I’m going to see someone important,” she said.

  “I can tell, you’ve got that look in your eyes,” he said to her.

  “True,” she said.

  “Well, I hope the last you’re looking for is just as happy to see you,” the man said with a smile.

  Linda nodded, but she hoped this flight would end sooner. She just wanted to see Angela, and to tell her everything, and to admit her feelings. She didn’t know what she’d been up to since she left. There were a few social media posts, but mostly just informing the masses that she moved to London, and would be there for two years. She felt a bit happy, and she also felt like…there was something much larger here.

  After a little bit, the plane finally descended, and they got off. Linda was quick to head to the baggage claim, cause she wanted to get her stuff, and get over to the address that she needed to go to. She definitely was ready to see Angela, even though she feared what might transpire.

  But, there was no sense in worrying. The worst thing that could happen was rejection, and while Linda didn’t want that, she definitely was happy with the way things were.

  When she finished up, she headed over to the address after hailing a cab. She figured it would be easier, but when she got to the apartment, she noticed that it was eerily quiet.

  “This is the place, right?” she said.

  She went to the door, knocking on it. She didn’t hear a response. She then waited another few minutes, and then knocked again.

  No response.

  “Where the hell is she?” she muttered, trying to figure out just what in the world to do. She continued to wait a little bit, wondering where she was, but then, she decided to sit and wait.

  “I hope she comes around soon,” she said to herself.

  She decided to wait. It would make sense. She’d be back soon, right? Linda could only hope.

  Chapter 10

  Angela sighed, finishing up her grocery shopping. Another week alone once again. School kept her busy, and she did have a work-from-home job working on some personal pieces for a few clients, but it all felt so…empty and hollow.

  “Why do I feel this way?” she said.

  She knew damn well what it was, feeling the ache in her heart. She left because she knew that Linda would never realize her true feelings. She did regret leaving her diary at her place, but after a moment, she realized that it was probably for the best. She would just keep everything there, and work on her own life in the process. After all, that’s what made her happy, right? She figured that it would only be right.

  “I guess it’ll just be another boring week when I’m not at school,” she said.

  Angela still felt hurt at the fact that Linda just up and left her for a guy that didn’t even see the beauty in her. It frustrated her to no end, and it made her wonder if Linda really cared. Maybe it was because she harbored this love, and she had it sitting there, like it was eating away at her, but she didn’t want to bother anyone with it.

  Angela tried to date. She tried to go out with other women, and hit up the local lesbian bar to talk to a few of the girls that she met through a dating website. But, they all felt so hollow. None of them made her feel half as happy as she felt when she was around Linda, even though Linda didn’t see them as more than friends.

  But, it wasn’t like she’d actually tell Linda everything. Linda was straight, and she didn’t want to ruin their friendship. Or at least, that’s what she kept telling herself.

  After she finished grabbing a few things, she headed over to her scooter that she took to get around. It was cheaper than a car, and for the most part, it worked. However, before she headed there, she got a messenger c
all from her mom.

  “Why is my mom calling me?” she asked.

  Normally, the two of them talked once a week, and that’s how it went, but right now, her mother seemed adamant about her answering, and that made Angela feel a bit confused. She picked it up, and then, she spoke.

  “Hey mom,” she said.

  “Hey dear. So, did you know that Linda was visiting you?” she asked.

  “Umm, no,” she said.

  “Well, you may want to head back. I know that she wanted it to be a surprise but…I think it’s only right that you should know. She’s coming to see you. She found the diary,” she said.

  Angela nearly dropped her phone at those words. holy shit, Linda found that. It would either be a visit that would end in rejection, or something else.

  “Shit is she pissed?” she asked.

  “No, but I think both of you should discuss this like adults, if that’s okay with you,” she said.

  Linda didn’t seem upset, but maybe she was just keeping up the façade for her mom.

  “Alright mom, I’ll be over there in a bit,” she said.

  “Good luck dear. If you need anything, please let me know,” She said.

  “I will. Thanks mom,” she said.

  Angela put her phone away, realizing that she couldn’t even hold her feelings back. She needed to see Linda. How long had she been waiting?

  She stepped out of the house for the first time in a couple of days, and of course this happens. Angela cursed mildly, heading onto her scooter, and heading all the way over to her apartment.

  Traffic sucked. Every single light she got to was a red light, annoying Angela even more. She felt like this was only going to get worse over time. She just wanted to head over and see Linda, and find out what the hell was going on, and why she was even in town. She thought that Linda forgot about her, that this was all over.

  But maybe, just maybe, it wasn’t.

  There was something about this which made her realize that it was only the beginning, and that it would only grow with time. When she finally made it to her house, twenty minutes later, she raced through the complex and over to the elevator. But, when she got there, she sword.

  “You kidding me?” she muttered to herself.

  In front of her was the elevator, and she noticed that there was a sign saying that it was out of order. She couldn’t believe that this was happening, and that she had to take the stairs.

  What was even more annoying was that she lived on the tenth floor, so she’d have to walk up ten flights of stairs just to get up there, and it wasn’t working. She raced up there, groceries in hand, and her heart racing.

  This was all for her. For Linda.

  She pushed her body as fast as she could, and she realized that she wasn’t going to let this go. She would make her way up there as fast as she could. But, she could feel the tiredness setting in. While she was in shape, she also knew that there were a lot of bags in her hands, which meant that she was struggling to hold onto everything while getting up there, but she wasn’t going to stop.

  She did it for Linda, because she knew her feelings meant so much more than anything else.

  The perseverance was enough, and when she finally got to the tenth floor, she raced over to her apartment. But, when she got there, she dropped her bags, looking over at Linda with shock on her face.

  “You’re…you’re really here,” she said.

  She couldn’t believe it. The woman she was in love with, the one that she harbored feelings for that lasted years, was really here, and she didn’t know what to do about this, other than to just stand there with her jaw agape, looking over at the beautiful woman that she wanted, and the fact that she was really here.

  Chapter 11

  For a long time, Angela and Linda didn’t say anything. For Angela, this was unreal. She thought that Linda forgot about her, and for a long time, neither of them knew what to do.

  “You’re...you’re really here right, and not bullshitting me?” Angela asked.

  “Yeah, I really am here,” Linda said.

  She had tears in her eye, and Angela felt the same way. She craved the day she could see her beautiful best friend again, but then, before she could do anything, Linda raced over, hugging her hard.

  “I’m so, so sorry,” she said.

  “What do you mean?” Angela Asked.

  “I’m sorry for not realizing the feelings I had for you Angela. In truth I…I was a total idiot. I didn’t realize the feelings, the signs, or anything. I didn’t know you felt that way about me,” she said.

  Angela hugged her back, feeling happy about this.

  “You don’t have to fret,” she said.

  “I know but, I’m definitely a bit nervous about this, and I’m scared to really show my true feelings. The truth is Angela, I’ve been in love with you too, I just never realized it. The truth is, when you left…I started to feel empty inside. I thought it was because I didn’t really know how to feel, but the truth is, I think it was just my brain telling me that I loved you in its own way, and that I shouldn’t be afraid of this. So I’m not. I’m not going to hold back my feelings anymore, and instead, I’m going to tell you everything. I love you Angela, as more than just a friend. I mean it. I feel bad that it took me reading your diary to realize this, but I guess I was…scared of letting my feelings get the best of me, and scared of admitting it,” Linda said.

  Linda was crying, and Angela dropped her bags, hugging Linda and holding her there. She embraced her tightly, inhaling the scent of her lover, smiling in response.

  “It’s okay Linda. The truth is, I’ve loved you since high school, but I was scared to tell you. But now, here I am, holding my lover, and feeling…happy,” she said.

  “I feel happy too,” Linda said.

  “I’m sorry for not saying anything sooner. I wanted to tell you but…I feared what might happen if I did. I know telling your best friend these things should be a given but…I feared what might happen in response. I feared that…that you might run away, that I’d scare you off,” Angela admitted. She didn’t want to do that to Linda, and she feared the response.

  “Yeah, I’m definitely happier that I told you. I’ve been a bit nervous about telling you. I thought that…you might’ve found another woman,” Linda said, holding her head low.

  “No. I tried to date while I was out here, but it just…wasn’t the same you know? I felt like, if I did end up dating, it would only make things worse,” Angela said.

  “Yeah well, I’m a dumbass for trying to win over Thomas the way that I did. He was a nice guy, but I broke up with him the moment I realized I was in love with you,” Linda said.

  “How did he…take it?” Angela asked.

  “He was surprisingly fine. I guess he picked up on it kind of,” she said.

  “That’s good at least. I was a little worried, you know. I figured he might get pissed about it or something,” she said.

  “Nah, he strangely understood, and he wants me to be happy, so, I’m working towards that happiness,” Linda said.

  “I am too. By the way, have you eaten anything yet? I was thinking we could go out to the local restaurant near my apartment, and we could get some dinner together. You know, as our first…date after realizing we loved each other,” Angela said.

  Linda blushed, and Angela thought it was the cutest thing. She didn’t fear her feelings for Linda anymore, and there was something about that which gave her immense power.

  “That would be amazing. I didn’t buy a plane ticket back home yet. I honestly thought I was going to need to once I got here, but, I think I’m going to stick around for a while,” she said.

  “I’d love that,” Angela replied.

  The two of them stepped inside Angela’s flat, and they put their items down. Angela put the groceries away, and Linda put her bag on the couch.

  “Come on, let’s head out to that restaurant. It shouldn’t be too busy,” she said.

  “Sure,” Linda rep
lied.

  The two of them went out to the restaurant, and they got some food together. The two of them sat around, and they talked about everything. What their lives were like before they met again, and how Angela’s schooling was going.

  “I’m glad that I went back, but I honestly did it because I was waiting for you. I felt…lonely otherwise,” she said.

  “Well, I’m here now. I’m not going anywhere,” Linda said.

  “Thank you Linda. I really do appreciate that,” she said.

  The two of them sat around and talked throughout dinner. When it came to talking with Angela, Linda felt like should do it all day, and the feeling was mutual. It was so different from the time that she spent with Thomas.

  “You know, it’s amazing how easy it is to carry a conversation with you Angela. I’m going to be honest, I was a bit worried about coming out here, because I thought it would change our relationship, but it hasn’t. In fact, I feel like confessing our feelings only made it better” Linda admitted.

  “You know, I feel the same way,” Angela replied. She was scared at first, but she didn’t feel like Linda would judge her, and they weren’t going to keep being award towards one another anymore.

  After they finished talking, the two of them headed back to Angela’s apartment, but before they did, they went to the little park that was attached to the complex.

  “I know this probably sounds dumb, but the truth is…I wanted to wait until I found someone who loved me for well, me to go into this place, and I think I finally have,” she told Linda.

  “I’m glad. You want to go in there?” she inquired.

  “Yah, I’d love that,” she told Linda.

  The two of them held hands, going through the garden like two lovers discovering their new lives. There were a variety of different plants, different items, and even some animals and flowers that were still out, despite it being almost sundown. After they finished walking through it, Linda and Angela stopped, looking at one another with a smile.