Skylar nodded, sensing the vulnerability in Natalie’s words. “I’m sure he was just busy. He probably couldn’t take your call because of his flight.” She tried to reassure her friend, though deep down, she knew this situation went beyond just a missed call. Natalie’s insecurities were more complicated than she let on.
Natalie didn’t respond right away. She stared at the empty glass in front of her, her fingers tracing the rim absently. Skylar could see the doubt still lingering in her friend’s eyes. The weight of it was clear in the way Natalie seemed to pull into herself, withdrawing into her thoughts.
“I’m not sure I can fix this,” Natalie muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. “What if I’m just… too much for him? What if he’s starting to get tired of me?”
Skylar leaned forward, trying to capture her attention. “Listen, Natalie. You’ve been together a long time, right? It’s normal for things to change. But that doesn’t mean he’s stopped loving you. People don’t just give up on each other that easily.”
Natalie gave a small, defeated laugh. “You’re right… but I don’t know if I can stop worrying about it.”
Skylar reached out, placing a hand on Natalie’s. “You need to stop letting your fears control you. Talk to Jeremy. Tell him how you feel. Maybe he doesn’t know you’re struggling with this. Communication is key.”
Before Natalie could respond, they both heard the door to the bar open. Jeremy entered, scanning the room with an anxious look. When he spotted Natalie, his face visibly relaxed, but his concern didn’t disappear.
“Nat, are you okay?” Jeremy’s voice was soft, his eyes searching hers.
Natalie hesitated before standing up slowly. Her gaze avoided his, and for a moment, the tension in the air was palpable.
Skylar stood up as well, giving them both space. “I’ll leave you two to talk. I’ll head out now.” She gave Natalie a supportive look before heading toward the door.
As she stepped outside, the rain had lightened, and the cool air felt refreshing. Skylar pulled her jacket tighter around her, her thoughts swirling. She hoped that Jeremy and Natalie would be able to sort things out. But she also knew it wasn’t as simple as just talking it out. Emotions were messy, especially when insecurities and doubts crept in.
Skylar glanced up at the sky, the clouds still thick and heavy. She wondered if it was possible to ever truly understand someone else’s heart, to know the depth of their feelings and fears without them saying a word. Maybe that was the hardest part of any relationship—trying to understand someone when they didn’t even fully understand themselves.
Her phone buzzed in her pocket, pulling her from her thoughts. She pulled it out to see a message from Caleb:
“You okay? Call me if you need to talk. I’m here.”
Skylar smiled a little at the message, appreciating Caleb’s constant support. She quickly typed back:
“I’m fine. Just checking in on a friend.”
She knew that whatever was happening with Natalie, she couldn’t fix it all, but at least she was there for her. And for now, that was enough.
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