Javier's heart pounded with worry as he realized he hadn't seen Ian in a week. Where could his brother be?
Javier's heart sank as he stepped into Ian's favorite haunt, but his brother was nowhere to be found.
Javier's heart skipped a beat when his mother called.
"Javier?" she said. "What's wrong with Ian?"
"I've been searching for him all over the place, but he's nowhere to be found," Javier replied, his voice laced with anxiety.
"He's at home!" his mother exclaimed.
Javier's stomach sank. "That's why I'm calling," he said. "Do you know why he's home? He should be in law class."
"Oh, Javier," his mother sighed. "Didn't you hear? Alexandrea broke up with him."
Javier's world came crashing down around him. "Alexandrea broke up with him?" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes," his mother said softly. "He's been devastated. He hasn't left his room since it happened."
Javier hung up the phone and slumped against the wall, his mind reeling. He couldn't believe that Alexandrea had broken up with Ian. They had been together for months, and they seemed so perfect for each other.
But now Ian was heartbroken, and Javier didn't know what to do to help him.
Jan Mae's voice pierced through Javier's daze.
"What's wrong with you?" she asked, her concern etched into every feature.
Javier's eyes snapped to hers, his gaze cold and guarded. "And who are you to ask that?" he retorted, his words like daggers.
Jan Mae's words, "Sharing your problem could also mean finding solutions for your problem," echoed through Javier's mind like a siren song. He had been so consumed by his own grief and anger that he had failed to see the obvious. Alexandrea had broken up with Ian, and there was nothing he could do to change that. But he could help Ian to heal.
Javier took a deep breath and turned to face Jan Mae. "You're right," he said, his voice hoarse with emotion. "I need to talk to someone."
Jan Mae smiled. "I'm here for you," she said.
Javier took a seat next to Jan Mae and poured his heart out to her. He told her everything about his relationship with Alexandrea, her betrayal, and Ian's heartbreak. Jan Mae listened patiently, offering words of comfort and encouragement.
When Javier had finished, Jan Mae placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know it's hard to see right now," she said, "but this is a blessing in disguise. Ian deserves to be with someone who loves and appreciates him. Alexandrea wasn't the right person for him."
Javier nodded, but he didn't feel convinced. "I just want him to be happy," he said.
"He will be," Jan Mae said. "It may take some time, but he will heal. And in the meantime, you can be there for him. You can be his support system."
Javier realized that Jan Mae was right. He couldn't change the past, but he could help Ian to build a better future. "I will," he said. "I promise."
Javier was stunned. He couldn't believe that he had opened up to a stranger. He had always been a private person, reluctant to share his innermost thoughts and feelings with anyone, even his closest friends. But something about Jan Mae had drawn him in. Her kind eyes and gentle smile had made him feel safe and understood.
"My name is Jan Mae," she said, her voice soft and melodic.
Javier blinked, forcing himself back to reality. "My name is Javier," he said, his voice still hoarse with emotion.
"It's nice to meet you, Javier," Jan Mae said. "I'm glad you trusted me with your story."
Javier smiled faintly. "Me too," he said.
Javier and Jan Mae talked for hours that day. They talked about everything and nothing. Javier felt like he could tell Jan Mae anything, and she would listen without judgment. He felt a deep connection with her, even though he had only just met her.
By the end of the day, Javier felt lighter. He had finally let go of some of the pain and anger that he had been carrying around for so long. He knew that he had a long road ahead of him, but he felt hopeful for the future. He had Jan Mae by his side, and that was all that mattered.
Javier stood up and shook Jan Mae's hand. "Thank you," he said, his voice genuine. "I don't know what I would have done without you."
Jan Mae smiled warmly. "You're welcome," she said. "I'm glad I could help."
They stood there for a moment, awkwardly looking at each other. Javier felt a strange sense of longing. He knew that he didn't want to say goodbye to Jan Mae, but he also knew that it was time to go.
"I should probably get going," Javier said finally.
"Of course," Jan Mae said. "It was nice meeting you, Javier."
"It was nice meeting you too, Jan Mae," Javier said.
He turned to walk away, but then he stopped and turned back to face her. "Do you think we'll meet again?" he asked.
Jan Mae smiled. "I hope so," she said. "But even if we don't, I'll never forget you."
Javier's heart swelled. "And I'll never forget you," he said.
He turned and walked away, his heart lighter than it had been in weeks. He knew that he had found a friend in Jan Mae, and that was something that he would cherish forever.
Javier sat alone in his condo, his mind still reeling from his conversation with Jan Mae. He couldn't believe how easy it had been to open up to her, a stranger he had just met. She had listened to him with compassion and understanding, and she had made him feel like he wasn't alone.
As the adrenaline from their encounter wore off, Javier felt a pang of regret. He had forgotten to ask Jan Mae for her social media accounts. He wanted to stay in touch with her, but he didn't know how to find her.
Javier sighed and stood up. He paced around the living room, his thoughts racing. He knew that he couldn't just give up. He had to find Jan Mae again.