Between Truth and Dream

Between Truth and Dreams

Friday, 7:05pm

I curled up under my warm tartan blanket, relishing the quiet of my flat. Outside, snowflakes drifted lazily past the window, settling on the sash frame in a silent winter ballet. Id just returned from yet another bridal gown fittingsomething Id been anticipating with a blend of nerves and delight. The carrier bag on my lap still held scattered accessories: dainty earrings, a silvery tiara, all the tiny adornments that would complete my look on the big day. My mind was already wandering to the celebration ahead, picturing how the dress would flow, how light would glint off the jewels, how all eyes would turn in admiration.

The stillness was shattered by a sudden knock at the doora loud, insistent sound that jolted me upright, my fingers gripping the blanket. I glanced at the clock: ten to seven. Who would call at this hour? A dozen explanations flitted through my mind: had I forgotten something from the florists? Was it Mrs. Thatcher from next door with another neighbourly request?

I edged to the door and peeked through the peepholethe figure outside was tall but shadowed, face indistinct. I didnt rush to open up.

Who is it? I called out, steadying my voice.

Its me, Leo. I really need to talk. Please, its urgent.

I hesitated. Not that I was eager to chat with Leo at the best of times But what if something had happened to Holly? Heart uneasy, I slipped the chain off and opened the door a crack. Leo stood there, a dusting of snow mottling his black overcoat, melting into wet splotches. His face seemed unusually pale, his eyes wild and bright. It unsettled me. For a moment, I wondered if letting him in was a mistake.

Come on in, I said, stepping aside, doing my best to hide my anxiety. Shutting the door in his face would just be awkward, wouldnt it? Youre soaked through.

Leo stepped inside without a second thought for his boots, which instantly left streaks on my pale floorboards. He didnt seem to notice, staring at something only he could see. The tension clung to the air, thick enough to choke. Whatever had forced him here, this would not be a simple conversation.

Charlotte, he said at last, wringing his gloves in his hands, I cant take it anymore. I love you!

I froze, not trusting my own ears.

Leo, you? I managed glancingly, but the words caught in my throat, suspended.

He didnt let me finish. He stepped closer, fear lending an urgency to his movements.

I know youre getting married. I know its madness. But I cant keep quiet anymore! All these months Ive tried to move on. I cant. I shouldve told you before. I only started seeing Holly to be near youto see you more. I never loved her. Never!

I felt cold inside. What? He dated Holly, my friend, purely for selfish reasons? Poor Holly she was honestly smitten with him.

Without thinking, I shrugged the blanket off onto the chair. Suddenly, the room felt smaller, the air pressed in on me.

Leo, I ventured, searching for the right words, do you realise what youre saying? I have a fiancé. I love him. Were getting married. Were planning our lives together. And Holly

He nodded, gaze unwavering, pain written across his featuresbut something else, too. As if casting off a terrible burden.

I know. But you leave in just a fortnight, and then Ill never reach you again. I couldnt let it go unspoken. Holly means nothing. She was just a bridge, a way to be closer.

My insides twisted. Was he even listening to himself?

Do you hear yourself? My voice was barely audible, but edged.

Its the truth! Leo was relentless. Holly was just a reason to see you, hoping maybesomedayyoud notice me. Understand how caring I am, how generous and kind. I truly believe we should be together. My life means nothing without you.

He knelt suddenly, fumbling a small ring from his pocket. It gleamed in the lamps glowfine detail, a modest stone.

Leave him. Leave your fiancé. Be with me. Ill make you happy, I swear.

For a moment, I just stared. Images flickered in my headLeo laughing with Holly at a party, his caring glance as he held her hand, the warmth that once made me smile, thinking my friend had finally found love. Was it all a lie? The past fractured, impossible to piece together.

Get up, Leo, I said softly, almost a whisper. Please, just stand up.

He rose slowly, hope ebbing from his eyes.

You dont believe me? he whispered, voice cracking.

I do, I replied, calm but firm. I believe you mean what you say. But it changes nothing.

I retreated a step, instinctively making space.

Youre my friend, Leo. But I love someone else. Im marrying himbecause hes my future. I dont want or need anyone else.

He lowered his gaze, clutching the ring, and quietly asked:

If Id said all this before you met himwould it have been different?

I paused, considering, then answered gently:

No, Leo. It wouldnt. I never saw you that way. Youre a good personI dont deny it. Just not for me.

He stepped closer, desperation tightening his movements.

Why not? His voice wavered. Ive seen the way you look at me; I know theres something

I edged towards the door, heart tightening. His expression unnerved me. I calculated my escapeif I gave him the slightest push, he might stumble, giving me a head start for the landing

Theres nothing between us, Leo, I tried to sound steady, masking my nerves. That isnt love. Its an obsession. Youve built a fairytale in your head where Im some perfect prize, and everyone else is just in the way. Pleaselets end this here.

He balled his fistsbut from helplessness, not anger. He searched for words that could change my mind, but none came.

Youre wrong, he said, trying to meet my gaze. Ive never felt this for anyoneits not some fantasy. I love you.

I bit my lip, steadying myself. No good would come from crossing him, but I couldnt just sit in fearful silence. Especially not when Holly was involved.

And what about Holly? I met his eyes, searching for regret. Have you thought about the hurt youve caused? You toyed with her feelings, used her, and now you expect me to just wipe the slate clean?

I know Ive done wrong, he muttered. I know I hurt her. But even if I could go back, I dont think I would do it differently. I needed to try.

You cant build happiness on someone elses pain, I said. I glanced at my phoneif only I could get to it. And you dont love me, not truly. We barely know one another. You love an idea, a dream. Realitys always more complicated.

I paused, letting him digest that, then said:

You owe Holly the truth. And an apology. She deserves it.

He held still, hands trembling slightly.

Why bother? Ive told youI dont love her. She just grates on me now. Its you I want.

His pain was obvious, and for a heartbeat, I pitied him. But showing sympathy now would only send the wrong message.

You cant be with me. Nor Holly. And if you think Im keeping quiet, youre wrong.

He glared for a moment, tension in his jaw. Finally, he spoke:

Im leaving. But Im not giving up. Ill waitfor when you realise were right together.

Please dont. I shook my head. How ominous did that sound? Dont wait. Live your own life. Find someone real, someone you can truly lovenot just a dream. Now, pleasego.

Leo trudged to the door, every movement betraying battle with himself. Just before stepping out, he glanced back.

Thank you for being honest, he said, with simple, tired finality. But Im not really saying goodbye.

Then he left, closing the door gently behind. Tension slowly faded from my body as I stared at the silent doorway. I drifted to the window; the street stretched below, ghosted with snow. Leo strode away, hunched, hands jammed in his coat. Each step seemed an effort.

Watching him disappear, I trembled inwardly. Leos visit unsettled me deeply. Who knows what he might say to Holly now? Could he bend the truth just to keep her near? If he truly cant let go?

I found Hollys number on my mobile and pressed call, heart racing slightly, though my voice remained calm and practical.

Holly? Its me. We need to talkits important.

There was the shuffling sound of paper on the other end, then her voice, genuinely concerned:

Charlotte, is everything all right? You sound tense.

A breath to collect myself. I didnt want to panic her, but it wouldnt be fair to hide the truth either.

Leo just came round, I began, careful with my words. He admitted he only ever dated you to be close to me. He said he never loved youthat you were just a way to me.

A painful silence followed. I imagined Holly, clutching her phone, trying to make sense of what shed heard. After a wait so long I almost spoke again, she replied, her voice weak with shock:

What does that mean? So he really I dont understand

Im sorry, Holly. I hate to upset you, but I cant stand you being in the dark either. Youre my dearest friend. I was rambling, nerves showing. He said he only loves me. Even asked me to leave Ian and be with him. Holly, he wasnt himselfI was genuinely frightened to be alone with him!

Another pause; I heard her steadying herself, breathing deep.

I see, she finally said, voice clipped but fragile with pain. So what now?

I honestly dont know. I wanted her to see my sincerityI had no answers myself. He might seek you out soon. Are you home alone? Im really worried about his behaviour.

She paused, then softly:

Ill be all right. Honestly. Thanks for telling me.

Im sorry you had to find out like this, I said, meant it.

Better to know the truth, than live blind, she replied, voice gaining a touch of strength.

We said goodbye, and as I put the phone down, silence settled on my flat again. I pressed my forehead to the cool windowpane, watching the snow swirl under the street lamps. Somewhere out there, two people struggled with their hearts, and all I could do was hope that, in time, it would settle, and everyone would find their own way.

Thoughts tumbled through my head but vanished before I could grasp them. I wondered what Holly must be feelinghow difficult it would be to digest this, to re-evaluate everything she trusted. But in my bones, I knew: better a hurtful truth than a sweet lie, which would only sting more, inevitably, when it came out.

*******************

Meanwhile, Holly still sat at her kitchen table. My words echoed in her ears, mixing with memories, rising and receding in painful waves.

She thought back to their first datehow attentive Leo had been, opening doors, drawing smiles from her with silly jokes and shy glances. She remembered his hand on hers, his whispered, I love you, while gazing straight into her eyes.

He never loved me. Again and again, the painful realisation broke something insidesharply, but numbly, like the world shed crafted was dissolving in rain.

She absently touched her tea cupcold now, untouched since the phone call. The kitchen was still, punctuated only by the ticking clock, marking each relentless second.

She breathed deeply, searching for composure. What should she do now? Call Leo? Wait for him? Ask Charlotte to come over? At the moment, nothing felt rightshe only needed time to process this strange, new world.

A knock startled Holly. She was just pouring herself more tea, hoping the warmth would help her reorganise, when she peered through the spyholeLeo stood outside. Holly froze, uncertain. What would he say? A new lie? A plea for forgiveness?

She opened the door, bracing herself. He stood, soaked from the snow, pallid and haggard, brown hair dishevelled, eyes rimmed red. Resolve mixed with hesitation in his face.

Holly, he started, not waiting for an invitation. I have to tell you everything. I I never

Charlotte already has, Holly interrupted, forcing herself to sound steady. Somehow, Leos admission hurt more in person than through a phone. I doubt you have anything left to say.

Leo halted, shoulders slumping, hand half-raised before he let it drop, staring at the floor.

So she called you I hoped Id get here first. That I could explain face to face before you heard it elsewhere.

Arms folded, Holly tried to bottle her anger. She wouldnt cry, wouldnt give him the satisfaction. But the words came anyway.

So why are you here? she demanded, voice trembling in spite of herself. To repeat it? To humiliate me further? Or to make me hear, yet again, that I was just a pawn for someone else?

No, he stepped forward, but she recoiled, keeping her distance. Leo stopped, looking up at her. I came to ask your forgivenessfor lying, for not telling you. For using you.

He paused, searching for words that might soften the blow.

I know thats no excuse. I know Ive hurt you. I dont expect you to forgive me, or even understand. But I couldnt just leave without saying it. I am truly sorry.

Holly stared, sorting through her feelingsnot so much anger, nor pure hurt, but something like contempt. For someone capable of such easy deceit.

You could have told me sooner, she murmured. You could have been honest. But instead, you ran to Charlotte, begging her to drop her fiancé. And then you say youre sorry?

I have nothing else to say,” Leo admitted, hands buried in his pockets. I just realisedI was losing her. I wasnt thinking through the consequences.

He drew a small velvet box from his coat and clumsily passed it to Holly.

Here. Keep it. As my apology, he offered, barely louder than a whisper.

She eyed the ring: simple, but prettya slim gold band with a tiny, glinting diamond. Was he really offering her the ring meant for someone else? Some final indignity?

Holly looked at Leo, her face cool and steady.

Keep it, she said plainly, without emotion. I dont want anything from you.

Leo tightened his grip, then relaxed, as if releasing something meaningless. He looked even paler, desperation flickering.

Holly, please, he pleaded, forcing composure. I know I caused you pain. Theres no excuse. I wish I could make it right.

She tilted her head, scrutinising the stranger before her.

Make it right? She laughed, but the sound was hollow. How would you do that? Marry me out of guilt? Or throw yourself beneath a bus so Id feel guilty myself?

Leo flinched, pain flickering across his features.

I wish I could start over, he ventured, attempting another step closer but stopping as she subconsciously recoiled. Honest, no more games. From the beginning.

You can only start fresh with someone you trust, she replied evenly. And I dont trust a word you say. You didnt just lieyou shattered everything there was. Even if you are sorry, its too late now.

She exhaled, quietly steeling herself to finish.

I need time. And distance. I dont want to see or hear from you again. Theres nothing left to fix.

Leo ducked his head, ring still clenched in his fist. He nodded, defeated.

I understand, he said quietly. Sorry for hurting you. I really am.

He turned to the door, then hesitated.

If you ever want to talk

No, I wont, she cut in, flatly. I

A ring at the door cut her off. Who next?

Holly checked the spyholeit was Ian, Charlottes fiancé. Tall, neat, hair styled just so, eyes unusually cold tonight. His calm composure was undercut by an edgeas though he was here to put an end to things.

Holly opened the door. Ian stepped inside without a greeting, his voice level:

May I come in?

She nodded, letting him in. She noticed Leo unconsciously shrink towards the wall.

I know what happened, Ian said, fixing Leo with a stare. I know exactly how youve treated both of them.

Leo opened his mouth as if to protest, but Ian cut across him:

Dont. Charlotte told me everything. Frankly, youre lucky words are all youre getting. Some things can only be settled one way.

He advanced, and Leo backed himself against the wall, beginning to panic as the threat in Ians stare became clear.

Ian, dont Hollys voice was low, her heart foolishly protective, even for Leo. As much as hed hurt her, part of her still recalled the man shed loved. But Ian kept his eyes on Leo.

This has nothing to do with you, Holly. Hasnt he done enough? Time for him to learn properly.

Holly hovered uncertainlyshould she intervene, or let events take their course? Leo seemed to shrink, finally realising what he had stirred up. Did he really think Charlottes fiancé would let it all slide?

Listen, Leo managed, voice trembling, I know I was wrong. Ive apologised. I

Sorry? Ian snorted. You think sorry is enough when youve destroyed two friendships? Expecting pity now?

He took another step, almost nose to nose. Leo, trembling, knew better than to fight.

Holly drew a breath, debating whether to speak up. In the end, she chose to try.

Ian, please, this isnt the answer. Lets solve it calmly.

He stilled, acknowledging her presence for the first time. Something like hesitation flickered in his gaze, but it disappeared.

Too late for talk now.

He acted with precisiona single, sharp punch, and Leo collapsed, clutching his bleeding mouth, shock and pain mingling on his face.

This is your warning, Ian said, voice low and even. If you go near Charlotte or Holly again, there will be worse. Do I make myself clear?

Leo scrambled up, pride cracked, wiping away blood. He glanced at Holly but found only calm indifference.

He slipped out, pausing at the door as if to speakbut one look from Ian shut him up. He left, closing the door with a soft click, leaving a tense silence behind.

Ian turned to Holly, his face softening a fraction.

Im sorry, he said, moving toward her. I know violence isnt right, but some people only understand that way.

Holly watched him, taking it in. She hadnt expected it would end like this, but, deep inside, she realised Ian was motivated not by furybut by care.

You shouldnt have she began, searching for the right words, Butmaybe you should. I dont know. Thank you for standing up for us.

Ian managed a brief smile.

I know how you feel, he said gently. Betrayal stings. But youre strong, Holly. Youll get through.

She nodded, drained but reassured by his support. Shed always been resilientshe just needed time to remember it.

Thank you, she murmured. And for being there for Charlotte. Shes lucky.

The silence settled again. Outside, snow blanketed the street, softening the hard corners of the day. Holly exhaled. She knew there was still hurt to facework to do, feelings to process, a path to find. But she had what shed missed before: a sense she wasnt alone. Others caredgenuinely.

Once Ian had left, she sat on the sofa, reflecting.

Its over, she told herself. The thought rang clear, almost freeing. The hurt flickered, softer now, and Holly recognised this wasnt an end, but a new beginningone where she would slowly learn to trust, dream, and maybe love again. This time, without illusions.

******************

Meanwhile, Leo trudged through the blanketed streets, oblivious to the chill seeping through his coat. The pain in his lip was constant but minor compared to the ache insidea heavy emptiness where hope used to dwell.

Hed lost them both: Holly forever, Charlotte in all the ways that mattered. Hed ruined his own chance through fantasy and lies, building castles of sand, never thinking of the pain hed cause. Now he paid the priceshame and loneliness.

The next morning, Leo appeared at work, his face battered, cloaked in bruises and silence. Colleagues whispered, staring covertly, but he shut them out. Nothing mattered. He simply needed to last out the day, unnoticed, until he could vanish.

Within the week, he filed a request for a transfer to Manchester. His boss raised an eyebrow but, reading the determination on Leos face, processed it with a shrug. Leo knew he couldnt stay. Every street, café, and corner of London reminded him of his mistakes.

Before leaving, he returned the ring to the jewellers. The shopkeeper gave him a curious look but didnt ask. Leo said nothing, pocketed the refund, and left, lighter for the first timea burden slipped away.

He transferred the money to Hollys account, along with a short note: Im sorry. This is yours. No excuses, no embellishmentsjust the plain, simple truth.

The day he left, he stood outside his block of flats, suitcase at his feet. The city lay wrapped beneath its snowy quilt, quietly erasing his footprints. Leo tilted his face to the sky, breathed in the icy air, and allowed himself one final admission:

I ruined everything, he whisperedno self-pity, just acceptance. Choices were made; consequences had to be lived with.

The taxi pulled up. Leo took one last look at the building where hed once been happy. It was just concrete now, empty of memory. He slid into the car and quietly asked the driver for the station.

The car rolled on, snow swirling past, obscuring all that was familiar. Leo stared forward into the unknown, knowing hed have to find a way to live anew.

Elsewhere, Holly met with Charlotte and Ian in a cosy tearoom. Three mugs of hot chocolate steamed on the tablea perfect comfort for the wintry evening.

Their talk was gentle, without unease. They discussed the futurewhat lay in store for each of them. Charlotte described wedding plans, from flowers to menus, and sometimes blushed, embarrassed but happy as she mentioned Ian. Holly listened, and gradually, the sense crept back that life was still there for the taking, that not all was lost to hurt.

Ian, usually quiet, was especially thoughtful that night, never interrupting, only adding the needed word to keep the conversation warm.

At one point, Holly gazed out at the snowflakes spinning slowly past the café window. Im not angry anymore, she said softly. Just sad it had to turn out like this.

Her voice was steady, honestno bitterness. It was simply a fact, spoken aloud.

Charlotte squeezed her shoulder, her touch reassuring.

Youve nothing to regret, Holly, she answered, firm in her belief. You deserve a true kind of happiness. Not games or pretence.

Holly nodded, knowing Charlotte meant it.

I do, she replied, looking from the window to her friend. And I will find it.

Her voice was quiet but stronga simple, certain belief that the future was open, hers for the shaping.

Outside, snow continued to fall, blanketing the city. It muffled the scars of old wounds, drawing a line under what had passed, making space for what would come. In that little café, as the chocolate cooled and soft voices mixed with laughter, it was impossible not to feel that, however rough the journey, life was moving onwardsand that really was enough.