I hope you catches de story, and you tell me your opinions, through them I know if I'm on the right track.

Remember English is not my native language, I hope the translation is correct, I check it, but sometimes I miss some incorrect, sorry.

I repeat, I am not the owner of the characters, I only rely on them for the sheer pleasure of

practice writing stories without any economic interest, and these two characters inspire me.

Chapter 2

Time continued to roll, Chandler overcame the stages of rebellion and now, at 18 years old, he was faced with the need to define where he would direct his life, since he had to decide what career to choose and this was a crucial decision for his future, his excellent grades opened the doors to the best universities in London and although he had performed excellently in science and

mathematics, he had always been inclined towards literature, he was enthusiastic about the idea of writing and discovering the creative process that led to the writers to complete their works.

There were good university offers to study literature, but the best was Oxford, he spoke to his mother and she totally agreed. Nora was proud that her son followed in her footsteps, although she knew he would write other types of books, he was cerebral and emotionally very deep, so she supported him financially to undertake his career at Oxford.

Chandler was happy and enthusiastic, and several classmates were also going to Oxford, and although they would study other careers they could continue the friendship.

But nothing stopped Chandler from going to Marion and her family's home on weekends, when his studies allowed it. The bond they had achieved was unbreakable.

The years at Oxford were exciting, because of all the information that he managed to incorporate and because he realized that he was growing in all aspects of his life. He continued practicing his favorite sports, tennis and swimming, but he abandoned cricket, he had never really liked it and

had only played it on Marion's advice to make friends, at that time it served him well, but now he no longer needed it, he had several good ones friends, inside and outside Oxford.

Three years later Chandler obtained his Bachelor's degree with honors and continued studying for another three years to obtain his Doctorate, which he achieved at the age of 24.

In the last year of the program, the BBC was looking for young people who could join a segment of the literature program they broadcast and they wanted to find someone young, since the intention was for the chosen one to interview new writers and writers of the same generation.

Each applicant had to propose the way in which the interview would take place.

Chandler's proposal was not only aimed at the presentation and comments of the book, but also emphasized knowing the creativity process that the interviewee had developed.

The producers thought Chandler's proposal was innovative and they proposed a test, obviously he had to read the guest's book in depth, including his background, and a couple of Mondays later, at night, they would record his segment.

They made the first recording, which was a test to see Chandler's performance, with a 25-year-old writer who had written a thriller novel. Chandler performed with ease, he was never at a loss for words, he even gave the interview a lot of fluidity and amenity.

He was hired, the fee was not much, but it was the first money earned for himself and he value it very much.

That same year he met Grace, she was a pretty young woman, very studious, American like him, originally from Seattle, who was pursuing a career in business management since her family had an important business in her hometown and she was excited to learn possible to, over time, be able to join the company.

It all started with a date, but she soon became his girlfriend. They maintained an affectionate and calm relationship, she greatly enjoyed Chandler's witticisms and sarcasms.

A few weeks later, Chandler took Grace to meet Marion and her family. She was happy that Chandler felt comfortable in a stable romantic relationship, since from the age of 17 he had dated many many girls but had not deepened the relationship with any, therefore this was a big step with his background.

When the regular courses ended, Chandler did a three-month Master's degree in education, since he was interested in learning about the pedagogical systems that would allow him to transmit his knowledge, and Grace did one in Business Economics.

When they finished their Masters, they both decided to move to London, and it made sense for them to do so together, so they rented a studio in the Russel Square area and began a life as acouple.

Chandler applied and obtained aassistantship at the University of RoelHampton, another prestigious university in London, to teach postgraduate classes in English literature in addition to his appearances on the BBC program, and Grace obtained a position in a multinational company.

By then they were both 25 years old, they worked, they got along well, they had divided up the housework, their life was going on quietly, and so a couple of years quickly passed.

Every time they went to visit Marion, she seemed happy and kind, but when they left, her face became serious…. and on this last visit she was the same...

Henry always asked her the same thing, "Marion, what's wrong," and she always responded,

"There's no fire in that couple."

Henry laughed, "Please Marion, you're acting like a nosy mother-in-law."

"Sorry Henry, I'm not getting involved, I would never tell Chandler anything about their

relationship, I only tell you when they leave, there is camaraderie between them, probably some love, but there is no LOVE in capital letters, the eyes of Chandler don't shine when he looks at her, he just looks at her with the affection of friends, but not with fire in his gut."

"Well, maybe after what he went through as a child, that's the kind of partner he wants…" Henry reflected.

"Sooner or later Chandler will realize that he is not happy, I know him, everything he undertakes he does with everything, body, soul, passion, and I don't see in that couple that either of them puts everything they have into the relationship. neither does Grace, I see her as a cold woman, I don't see that she has any passion for Chandler," Marion replied.

"Well, woman, you haven't been together that long."

"Henry, has been living together for just over two years and I never saw any spark, they are more subdued than us who have been married for 30 years…"

"So if we're not turned off we could light a little flame, no…" Henry said with a mischievous smile.

"It doesn't seem like a bad idea, love," Marion answered quickly.

For her part, Nora, an expert in torrid romances, also saw no fire in the couple her son had formed, but she would never say anything to him, just to upset her he would continue with Grace until the end of his days, and she sincerely hoped that he would finally come to love through passion.

Shortly after Chandler's last visit to Marion, while he was preparing dinner, he received a call from Seattle, it was Alexia, Grace's mother, to let him know that her father had died suddenly and they were expecting her for the funeral, so she should try to be as close as possible. as soon as possible at home.

When Grace entered the house she saw Chandler very serious, and he told her the news as best he could.

Grace began to cry uncontrollably.

Taking into account what her mother had said, he suggested that they should call the airline,

"Look, I'm going to book a flight as soon as possible, they're waiting for you at your house for the funeral, you'd better pack your suitcase."

Grace asked him, "Will you come with me…"

"No honey, I have work and you also know that I don't want to go to The City…"

"But Chandler we're not going to New York; we're flying to Seattle…"

"Grace, I don't want to go to America, don't pressure me with that… you've known that since we met…"

"Alright, …. Alright, …. Book the flight, as soon as possible, the seat you get, even if it is in first class"

"Okay"

Chandler got a flight that left at 12 pm to New York, and then she had a 2 hour wait to make the connection to Seattle, due to the time difference she would arrive in the morning in time for the funeral.

Chandler accompanied Grace to the airport and said goodbye to her with a tender kiss on her lips, saying only "honey, I'm sorry…"

Grace entered door 32 G, without turning around.

The next day Chandler went to Marion's house to tell her the news about Grace.

"Chandler, you didn't accompany her…?" Marion asked softly.

"No, she knows I'm not going to go to America, she's known since we met," Chandler said emphatically.

"Yes, son, I know, but this was a special moment…" Marion insisted.

"Grace understood," Chandler replied.

"Ok, and when she comes back…" Marion asked.

"I don't know, I estimate that, in a couple of weeks, she will want to accompany her mother and her sister, and then there is the company…"

It took Grace three weeks to return.

When Chandler returned from college he found Grace at home waiting for him.

"Hi, how are you?" Chandler said as he walked over and hugged her.

"As well as I can be…. which is not much…. Mom is devastated."

"How was the flight… shall I make you some tea?"

"No thanks, and the flight was good…"

Grace was serious and somewhat distant.

"Chandler, we need to talk…"

"Yes, of course, about what…?

"About the future, …. about us…" Grace said looking him straight in the eyes.

"Tell me what happens …? Chandler asked, looking away from her, although he knew what was coming.

"Chandler, I'm definitely going to return to Seattle, Mom and Clara need me to take charge of Dad's company, they were always outside the business. And I want to know if you will come with me, if you will move with me to Seattle" Grace was silent, staring at him.

Chandler lowered his head, it took him a long moment to answer… "Grace, I'm sorry, but I'm not going to move to America, I told you that when we met.

"I thought that time could have made you change that decision, especially since you made it when you were an 11-year-old child, and you are no longer one. You are a mature 27-year-old man, super intelligent, with clear ideas and I don't understand how a capricious decision of a child can be stronger than what we have," Grace said in a firm yet sad tone, and continue

"You realize that this means the end of our relationship, after spending so much time together, getting to know each other, respecting each other, living together in peace. Don't you think you should think a little about the absurdity of your hasty decision…" Grace finished.

Chandler raised his head and looked into her eyes. "Grace, I love you, I care about you, and don't think that I haven't thought about my decision. Since you left for the funeral, I knew that you would return determined to return to your family and take care of the family company, in reality all these years you were preparing for that and I knew that you would take that route sooner or later." And continued

"I knew you were going to ask me to move, but, just as you have your future in Seattle, I have my life and my future here. It's not just because of the whim of the 11-year-old boy, it's what I want to do, what "I like it, I wouldn't be happy if I changed it, and if I moved just to stay together I would end up making you unhappy." Chandler lowered his head and fell silent.

"Sorry Chandler, but what do you have here? A mother that you see once a year, Marion that you can come visit as many times as you want, and the teaching job that you can also have in Seattle or that boring space in the BBC that nobody watches What keeps you here that is stronger than what we have, our mutual love? Grace spoke in a louder, more annoyed tone.

"Grace, among all the hierarchical staff of your father's company, you could appoint one as CEO and you could travel two or three times a year to check how everything is going… perhaps your father's company is stronger than what we have?" …????" Chandler said sarcastically.

"Do you doubt my love...? Grace exclaimed with tears in her eyes.

"Look, I don't doubt your love for me, nor my love for you, but I don't think the feelings we have for each other are strong enough for each of us to give up the future we want." Chandler answered.

Grace, clearly upset, told him, "That means your love is not enough to follow me wherever I go."

Chandler paused briefly, looked at her and said "Probably…. Look, Grace, we're going around in circles, despite the feeling I have for you, and the feelings you have for me, each of us sincerely knows what want to do and where want to be, and we don't agree on that." "The last thing I want is hurting you, but it cannot deceive you either, I love you, but I am not willing to change my life to follow you."

"I understand, it's clear, deep down it doesn't surprise me since I thought this could happen, I just hoped that in these weeks you would have missed me and would be willing to come. You clearly didn't miss me…" Grace said with tears in her eyes.

Chandler was silent. There was nothing more to say.

Grace, in a more determined tone of voice, "Look, I'm going to call the airline to book a flight for a couple of days, in the meantime I'm preparing my things to send them to Seattle, I'm just asking if you can leave me alone until I go … "

"Yes Grace, whatever you want" Chandler entered the room, he put some clothes in a bag for these days…. and when he left told her "Let me know when the flight is so I can accompany you."

"No Chandler, I don't want you to come, this is the last time we'll see each other, unless you

change your decision... but don't delay too long as it could be too late."

Chandler approached Grace to give her a hug, but she rejected him.

When Chandler left Grace sat on the couch crying, she didn't believe what they had would end like this, but it was obvious that Chandler didn't love her enough.

A couple of days later Grace left a message on Chandler's phone, she knew that at that time he wouldn't answer because he would be teaching class.

She only told him, "Chandler, my plane leaves at 6:00 p.m., I'm already at the airport, you can come home, well, to your house whenever you want."

When Chandler found the message from her he was sorry it all ended like this, but he knew that his affection for her wasn't enough.

Chandler decided to terminate the rent and move into his mother's house, it was huge and she hardly went there. He asked the maid, that went twice a month to maintain the house, if she could go daily since he would live there.

On the weekend he visited Marion and Henry to tell them the end of the story. They both agreed with his decision, it wasn't that they didn't like Grace, but it was clear that Chandler wasn't deeply in love and moving on would have been a mistake that would make him unhappy.

He also called his mother to tell her and tell her that he was moving into her house.

"Son, I hope you're okay, don't regret your decision, I don't think your relationship with Grace had a future. "Next month I will go to London and I will stay a couple of weeks, we will talk, I love you"

"I love you too mom."

Then he called his father to let him know that he had broken up his relationship with Grace and that he had moved to the Kensington house so from now on he had to call him there. -

Charles also worried about his son's well-being, but Chandler told him that he was fine and confident in the decision he had made.

He settled in his old bedroom on the second floor... and in the other, without modifying its

purpose as a guest room, he modified some things to install his desk and part of his library. The rest of the books, which were many, he placed in libraries that he installed in the two rooms on the third floor, without changing the purpose of the guest room in any of them.

As he did so he thought, "It's pretty ridiculous to have three guest rooms when we almost never have guests, except for the times Aunt Olivia or David comes over, and that happens from time to time." His grandfather had died a couple of years before and his Grandmother was no longer in a position to travel, and on the other hand, his father, when he came to London, stopped at a hotel; he would never do so at Nora's house.