Chapter 22
When Love Became Easy
Days passed.
Quietly.
Softly.
And somehow…
everything felt lighter.
Not because nothing was wrong.
But because…
I wasn't hiding alone anymore.
Mama knew.
And that changed everything.
Not completely.
But enough.
"Who are you texting?"
I froze.
"No one."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Show me."
"Mama!"
She smiled.
That teasing smile.
The one I never expected to see in this situation.
"Is it him?"
I looked away.
"…maybe."
"Maybe?"
"Yes."
"Give me the phone."
"No!"
She laughed softly.
"You've changed."
"How?"
"You smile more."
My heart paused.
I didn't answer.
Because she was right.
I did smile more.
Because of him.
And him?
He didn't change much.
Still the same.
Calm.
Teasing.
But now…
there was something else.
Comfort.
"Where are you?"
"At home."
"Come out."
"Mama is here."
"So?"
"So no."
A pause.
Then—
"Ask her."
"What?!"
"Ask her."
I looked at Mama.
She was already looking at me.
Smiling.
Suspiciously.
"Mama…"
"Yes?"
"Can I… go out?"
"With him?"
Silence.
"…yes."
She leaned back.
Thinking.
Then—
"Be back soon."
My eyes widened.
"Really?"
She nodded.
"But don't make it obvious."
I ran to her and hugged her.
"Thank you!"
"Go."
And just like that…
She helped us.
Not directly.
But enough.
Evenings became different.
Short walks.
Quick meetings.
Small talks.
Hidden smiles.
"Why are you late?"
"Because you're impatient."
"True."
"Idiot."
"Say thank you."
"Shut up."
He would laugh softly.
And I would forget everything else.
Some days…
he didn't even come.
But still—
"Did you eat?"
"Yes."
"Liar."
"I did!"
"What did you eat?"
"…food."
"Jay."
"Fine, I skipped."
"Go eat."
"You go."
"I already did."
"Show proof."
"Idiot."
And somehow…
even through a screen…
He felt close.
Too close.
One evening—
Mama caught me smiling again.
"Message?"
I shook my head.
"Call?"
"No."
She walked closer.
"Then?"
I bit my lip.
"…him."
She smiled knowingly.
"You're gone."
"I am not."
"You are."
I hid my face.
"Mama…"
"What?"
"He's important, isn't he?"
Silence.
I nodded slowly.
"…very."
She didn't say anything.
Just looked at me.
Softly.
Like she understood more than I said.
And sometimes…
She would tease.
"Should I call him for dinner?"
"MAMA!"
"What? Let him eat too."
"No!"
"Why? You eat together outside anyway."
I froze.
She laughed.
"I'm your mother."
I covered my face.
"I hate you."
"No you don't."
"I do."
"You don't."
And just like that…
The house felt different.
Warmer.
Lighter.
Safer.
And him?
He became more than just love.
He became…
routine.
Comfort.
Peace.
Something I didn't have to question anymore.
Something I didn't want to lose.
Because now…
It didn't feel like a secret.
It felt like…
a part of my life.
A part that even Mama had started accepting.
And that made it feel…
real.
Too real.
And maybe…
That was the problem.
Because the more real something becomes…
The more it has to face the world.
And our world…
Was not ready for this.
Not yet.
Especially not him.
Papa.
And when he finds out…
This soft happiness…
Won't stay this easy.
Not at all.
To be continued…