SUSAN

Susan

Susan was an innocent young woman in her mid-twenties, living a sheltered life. She rarely went out or made friends, spending most of her time at home, buried in books as an undergraduate pursuing her bachelor's degree at one of the newly established universities. She was strikingly beautiful, with a chiseled face, a long chin, full lips, fair complexion, and a height closer to 5'6" that made her elegant rather than towering.

With so little social interaction, Susan turned to social media for connection—chatting with strangers or catching up on daily gossip, news, and trends. It was during one of these online wanderings that she met Edward, a smooth-talking, charming young man who seemed like the perfect match for her dreams. Her sister and close friends had been nagging her about getting into a relationship, even teasing about hookups or one-night stands. Whether it was Edward's charm or sheer persistence, Susan fell in love and agreed to date him.

One major flaw in their relationship was the distance between them. Susan was a trusting, loyal, and honest woman who was upfront about her life. Edward, however, lied or pretended to be faithful, knowing she wasn't nearby and had no one to check on him. She took his words at face value.

They dated like this for four months before James entered the picture. James was a soft-hearted, loyal guy who loved reading and research. He spent much of his time online for work, and that's how he stumbled across Susan's profile. Something about her told him she was the woman he'd been searching for. Chatting with her, he discovered they were only 500 meters apart. James set out to get closer.

"Susan, I've realized I've fallen for you. Will you catch me?" he messaged.

"That's funny, James. I can't—I already have a boyfriend."

"How can you say that? You're not married, so you're still free."

"But I'm in love with my boyfriend. I just see you as a friend. I'm sorry."

"I don't want to be just a friend. I want to be more."

"Sorry, I can't."

"Please think about it. I'll be good to you and put you first above everything."

"Okay, I'll think about it and give you an answer."

They had never met in person, but James was already head over heels and would do anything for her. Susan liked James but didn't want to betray Edward, her first love. Inexperienced in relationships, she was torn—James wanted to marry her, but she feared commitment and wanted to graduate first. James kept trying, hoping the long-distance strain with Edward would work in his favor.

A few days later, James messaged again.

"Susan, how are you?"

"I'm fine."

"I was hoping for your answer. Have you thought about it?"

"Yes."

"And?"

"I don't know. I'm confused."

"There's nothing to be confused about. I just want to be part of your life. I can show you how much I love you—I'd do anything for you. I care about you."

"I know, but I can't betray Edward."

"Forget betrayal. You're miles apart, and you don't know what he's up to. You're faithful, but is he? Are you sure there isn't another girl?"

"I've thought about that, but I still can't say yes. I don't want to seem like a bad person."

"To hell with what people think—it's your life. Do what makes you happy."

"Please, stop."

"Make me. Say it and make me stop. As long as I have feelings for you, I'll always want to be part of your life."

"But we've never met. You haven't seen me in person—you've just built this perfect image from my pictures. What if I'm not what you imagined? What if you're wrong?"

"I've never been wrong. My instincts are a gift, Susan. I know you're a good woman with great character—you can't deny it. You're the one I've been waiting for. Give me a chance."

"I'm scared."

"Of what? Of whom?"

"I don't want to be hurt."

"Have you been hurt before?"

"No."

"Are you a virgin?"

"That's personal, please."

"But I want to know."

"I can't tell you. Let's talk about other things."

"Why are you scared?"

"I have no experience. I've never let anyone into my life. Men are full of betrayal, lies, and deceit. I don't want to be a victim."

"I'm different—I'm for real. I can give you any assurance to prove I'm 100% in."

"I know, and that's why I'm trying to let you in. But I still have a boyfriend. I can't double-date."

"I get it, but you know I've told the truth. You can't ignore that. I don't want to see you hurt by this loyalty."

"I reject that—it's not my portion."

"I'm not saying it is, babe. Your hurt would be my hurt. It would demoralize me, and I don't want you blaming all men for one guy's sins."

"No, dear. I'd never blame you. I know you care. Let me think, and I'll be yours."

"Really?"

"Yes. I'll give you a chance. I hope I don't regret it."

"You won't, babe! You're the commander—your wish is my command."

"Alright. Now I need to break the news to my boyfriend—my ex."

"Yeah, baby! Let's seal it with a hug and a kiss."

"Alright, but not too deep. I'm watching you."

"Hmm, watch me well."

"Sure."

"My baby, I've always loved you."

"I know. I just hope it doesn't expire."

"Come on, don't say that. Love has no boundaries."

"Alright, bye then—till next time."

Susan felt both excited and scared—excited about James, terrified of telling Edward and his reaction.

"Hi, Edward..."

"My love, Susan! How are you, baby?"

"I'm fine. And you, Ed?"

"Good, just a little busy."

"That's nice. I need to tell you something, and I hope you won't be angry."

"Go ahead."

"I've met someone here, and I've agreed to date him. I don't want to continue our relationship. I'm sorry."

"Hmm, I see."

"You're not mad?"

"Well, not really, Susan. You're so naive. I was about to spill the truth myself, but I wanted to sleep with you first."

"What do you mean?"

"As a man, long-distance doesn't work. I have needs you can't meet over the phone. I've got blood in my veins, not data."

"So you just wanted sex? You were pretending?"

"Welcome to reality."

"I'm glad I refused before."

"There would've been a next time."

"Not with me. I'm done. I have a caring boyfriend now."

"So be it. Goodbye and good luck."