Celeste’s POV:
Setting: Late evening at Angelo's apartment. The soft glow of the table lamp casts a warm light in the living room, but the atmosphere is tense. Celeste is sitting on the couch, fidgeting with her hands as she waits for Angelo to return from a study session with Briar.
Celeste glanced at her phone for the fifth time, anxiety bubbling in her stomach. It was past nine, and Angelo was still not home. Where is he? Her thoughts raced as she tried to keep her mind occupied. The evening had dragged on, and every minute felt like a reminder of the uncertainty clouding their relationship.
The front door finally creaked open, and Celeste shot up, relief washing over her at the sight of him. But it was quickly replaced by the nagging doubt that had been haunting her. He stepped inside, looking slightly disheveled, his laptop bag slung over his shoulder.
“Hey! Sorry I’m late,” Angelo said, his voice light but tinged with exhaustion. “Briar and I were really in the zone with the project.”
Celeste forced a smile, but it felt heavy on her lips. “I noticed. You’ve been spending a lot of time with her lately.”
Angelo’s expression shifted, a hint of concern flashing across his face. “I know, but it’s just for the project. We’re almost done, I promise.”
She nodded, but the words caught in her throat. “I get that, but… it feels like it’s more than just a project, Angelo.”
He set his bag down, his brow furrowing. “What do you mean?”
Celeste took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. “It just seems like you’re connecting with her in a way that you’re not with me. I can’t help but feel like I’m losing you.”
Angelo’s eyes widened; surprise etched on his face. “Celeste, that’s not true. You’re not losing me. I care about you. I’ve just been overwhelmed with everything lately.”
“Overwhelmed with what? The project? Or her?” She couldn’t help the sharpness in her voice. The jealousy bubbled up, threatening to spill over. “I’m worried, Angelo. You’re different around her, and it scares me.”
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I didn’t realize you felt that way. I promise you; Briar is just a classmate. We’re both passionate about the project, that’s all.”
“But what if it’s more?” Celeste pressed, her heart racing. “I’ve seen the way you look at her. You’re excited when you talk about her ideas. It makes me feel like I’m just… here, while you’re off exploring something new with her.”
Angelo stepped closer, his expression softening. “Celeste, I swear, it’s not like that. You’re the one I want to be with. I’m just trying to navigate through all of this.”
His words made her heart flutter, but the doubt still lingered. “I just don’t want to be second best to anyone. I love you, and I want to be part of your journey, but I feel like I’m being pushed aside.”
He reached out, taking her hands in his. “You’re not second best. You’re the most important person in my life. I’ve just been caught up in everything, and I should have communicated better.”
Celeste looked into his eyes, searching for reassurance. “Then let’s figure this out together. I don’t want to feel like I have to compete for your attention.”
Angelo nodded, his grip tightening around her hands. “You don’t have to compete. I’ll make more of an effort to include you. I want you involved in this, in everything. You’re my girlfriend.”
The sincerity in his voice made her heart swell, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. “I need to know you mean it. I don’t want to feel like I’m just another part of your life. I want to be in it fully.”
He stepped back slightly, letting go of her hands but maintaining eye contact. “I promise. I’ll be more present. I want you to feel secure in us. I don’t want to lose what we have.”
Celeste felt a wave of relief wash over her, but she knew this wouldn’t be an easy fix. “I’m here for you, Angelo. I just need to know that you’re here for me too.”
He nodded earnestly. “Always.”
As the weight of the conversation lingered in the air, Celeste felt a sense of hope. They had a long way to go, but she was willing to fight for their relationship. They just needed to navigate these turbulent waters together, no matter what obstacles lay ahead.