Chapter 4

                                    

                                          
"So, how's your love life? Are you and that Kristoff guy together now?" Eileen asked with a teasing smile.
"Yes, we're together. Can you believe it? Just a few months after Franco and I broke up, I found someone new. Well, it's not like I was looking for a rebound, I'm just trying, you know? I'm really into love life," I replied while typing on my computer.
"Do you have plans to meet up again? When? When are you going to introduce Kristoff to us?" Eileen asked.
"Don't be so eager. Kristoff is a busy person, and so am I. Kristoff works at a high-paying job, so his work is quite demanding; they need his attention. Even though we don't see each other every day or talk every day, it's okay since we keep our relationship low-key. We don't need to reveal to the whole world that we're together, especially since I'm aware that Franco is always stalking me on every social media platform," I explained.
"Huh? Why do you need to think about Franco? He's your ex, right? So what if he knows you have someone new? My point is, you don't need to hide your relationship with Kristoff just because of Franco. He's just a guy, and that's just what he does!" Eileen joked, even matching her tone with a song, and I couldn't help but laugh.
"By the way, have you moved on from Franco, and how can you say that you're not using Kristoff as your rebound? You just met him, and I'm sure you're not fully over Franco. I know you might get confused, Alexis. What's the real deal?" Eileen asked.
"It's not that hard to move on from someone, especially since I've been in multiple relationships these past few years. I've learned how to move on quickly. I'm not like guys who hold back their feelings after a breakup only to feel all the pain later. Let's just say I'm numb because it's become my defense mechanism against the hurt I might feel. Get it?" I asked her.
Eileen sighed, shaking her head slightly. "I get it, Alexis, but numbness isn't the same as healing. Just because you're used to jumping from one relationship to another doesn't mean you're actually dealing with the underlying issues."
I took a deep breath, knowing she had a point. "You're right, Eileen. But with Kristoff, it's different. There's something real between us, something I haven't felt in a long time. It's not about escaping from Franco or anyone else. It's about wanting to be with Kristoff because of who he is, not because I need a distraction."
Eileen looked at me thoughtfully. "I just want you to be sure, Alexis. You deserve real happiness, not just a temporary fix."
"I know," I said softly. "And I think Kristoff might be that real happiness for me. But I promise, I'll take it slow and make sure I'm not just using him as a rebound. I'll make sure this is real for both of us."
Eileen nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Okay, just take care of yourself, okay? And if you ever need to talk, I'm here."
"Thanks, Eileen. I appreciate it," I said, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Talking to her had helped me sort through my thoughts and feelings. I knew I had to be careful with my heart, but I was also excited about what the future might hold with Kristoff.
As we continued working in the office, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, and I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of optimism. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, I was ready to embrace this new chapter with Kristoff and see where it would lead.
After our lunch, we decided to head back to the office. As we walked back, Eileen's words kept playing in my mind. She was right; I needed to be sure of my feelings and determine if my relationship with Kristoff wasn't just a temporary fix for the pain from my past.
When I returned to my desk, I was surprised to see a text message from Kristoff.
"Hey, how's your day going? Have you had lunch yet?" I read his message and smiled, quickly typing my reply.