Chapter 4: The Bridge to Forever
Lisa stared at the screen of her phone, her heart fluttering with excitement as she read the latest message from Franclon. They had been talking on Instagram for months now, their conversations evolving from simple exchanges about music and movies to deep discussions about life, dreams, and love. Franclon was everything she had ever imagined in a boy—funny, kind, and attentive. They had shared so much with each other, but despite the connection they had forged, there was still one thing that made her nervous: they had never met in person.
The thought of meeting Franclon both thrilled and terrified her. But when Lisa's mom announced that they would be going to Connecticut for a few weeks, a spark of hope ignited in her chest. Franclon lived in Connecticut, and Lisa realized that this could be her chance to finally meet him.
Her mom's trip to Connecticut had come as a surprise. Lisa had just started her school break when her mom, Mrs Collen, explained that she needed to take care of some personal matters in the small town of Connecticut. It was something to do with an old family property that her mum wanted to turn into a warehouse for her cosmetic business, her mother had said, though she hadn't elaborated much. Lisa didn't mind. What mattered was that Connecticut was where Franclon was, and now she had a legitimate reason to go.
When Lisa casually mentioned to Franclon that she might be visiting Connecticut soon, his excitement was palpable through the screen.
"That's amazing! I can't wait to finally see you, Lisa," he wrote. "It feels like we've known each other forever, doesn't it?"
Lisa smiled, her heart skipping a beat. "Yeah, it really does. I can't believe we're actually going to meet."
The days leading up to their departure were filled with nervous anticipation. Lisa packed her bags, her mind racing with thoughts of what it would be like to finally meet Franclon. Would he be just as amazing in person as he was online? Would their connection be as strong as it was through their screens?
The drive to Connecticut was long but beautiful. The lush green countryside and quaint little towns they passed through made the journey feel like a step into another world. As they neared East Haddam, Lisa's mom seemed more relaxed than she had been in months. Lisa couldn't help but notice the glow in her mother's cheeks and the sparkle in her eyes.
"So, Mom," Lisa said one afternoon as they drove down a winding country road, "why are we really here? You seem... different."
Mrs Collen glanced at her daughter and smiled softly. "I guess there's no point in hiding it, is there? I've met someone, Lisa. His name is Junior, he is the Architect behind the conversion of our old house into a warey, and we've been talking for a while now. He lives here in Connecticut, and I thought... well, I thought it might be nice to spend some time together and see where things go."
Lisa blinked in surprise. Her mom hadn't dated anyone seriously since the divorce, and this was the first time she had mentioned someone new. "Wow, Mom. That's... that's great! I'm happy for you."
"Thank you, sweetheart. I wasn't sure how you'd feel about it, but I think this trip will be good for both of us."
Lisa nodded, her thoughts drifting back to Franclon. Maybe this trip really would be good for both of them.
They arrived in Connecticut in the late afternoon, the town bathed in the warm golden light of the setting sun. It was a picturesque place, with charming colonial houses, lush gardens, and the majestic Connecticut River flowing through the heart of it. Their accommodation was a cozy bed and breakfast, its whitewashed walls and flower-filled window boxes making it feel like a home away from home.
Over the next few days, Lisa watched as her mom spent more and more time with John. They went on long walks together, had dinner at quaint little restaurants, and laughed over glasses of wine on the porch of the bed and breakfast. It was clear to Lisa that her mom was smitten, and while she was happy for her, she couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. Her mom had found someone special, and now it was Lisa's turn.
One evening, as her mom was out with John again, Lisa sat in her room, staring at her phone. She and Franclon had been messaging each other non-stop, but now it was time to take the next step.
"Hey, I think it's time we finally meet," she typed out, her fingers trembling slightly.
Almost immediately, Franclon replied. "I was just about to say the same thing. How about tomorrow? There's this beautiful spot I know, right on the river. It's called the East Haddam Bridge. We could meet there."
Lisa's heart raced. "That sounds perfect. What time?"
"How about 3 PM? The light is amazing at that time, and the view is incredible."
"Okay, 3 PM it is. I can't wait."
The next day, Lisa could hardly contain her excitement. She spent the morning trying on different outfits, finally settling on a simple sundress that she thought would be perfect for the occasion. As she stood in front of the mirror, she couldn't help but wonder what Franclon would think of her in person. Would he find her as attractive as he seemed to online? Would they have the same connection face to face?
At 2:45 PM, Lisa left the bed and breakfast and started walking towards the East Haddam Bridge. The town was quiet, with only the occasional car passing by. As she approached the bridge, she saw it stretching out over the Connecticut River, its iron trusses gleaming in the afternoon sun. The water below sparkled, reflecting the blue sky and the lush green trees that lined the riverbanks.
When she reached the middle of the bridge, Lisa stopped and took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. She looked around, scanning the area for any sign of Franclon. And then, she saw him.
He was standing at the far end of the bridge, leaning against the railing, his back to her. Lisa's breath caught in her throat. Even from a distance, she could tell that he was just as handsome as she had imagined. He was tall and lean, with dark hair that fell perfectly into place. He wore a casual outfit—a simple shirt and jeans—that somehow made him look effortlessly stylish.
For a moment, Lisa hesitated. What if he didn't like her? What if this meeting ruined everything they had built online? But then, Franclon turned around, and their eyes met. In that instant, all of Lisa's doubts melted away.
He smiled at her, a slow, warm smile that made her heart flutter. Without thinking, Lisa started walking towards him, her steps quickening with each passing second. When they were finally face to face, she could hardly believe it. He was real. He was here. And he was even more amazing than she had imagined.
"Lisa," Franclon said, his voice soft and full of wonder. "You're even more beautiful in person."
Lisa blushed, her heart soaring. "And you're even more handsome than I imagined."
They stood there for a moment, just taking each other in. It was as if time had stopped, and all that existed was the two of them, standing on that bridge, their dreams finally coming true.
"Shall we?" Franclon asked, offering his hand.
Lisa nodded, slipping her hand into his. "Let's."
They walked along the bridge, the sound of their footsteps mingling with the gentle rustle of the wind and the distant murmur of the river below. As they talked, Lisa felt all her nerves melt away. It was just like their conversations online, but better. There was an ease between them, a natural chemistry that made it feel like they had known each other for years.
They talked about everything—how strange it was to finally meet after all this time, their hopes and dreams, the things they loved most about their small towns. Franclon told her about his love for photography, and how he loved to capture the beauty of places like the East Haddam Bridge. Lisa shared her passion for writing, explaining how she loved to lose herself in stories and create worlds where anything was possible.
As they reached the middle of the bridge again, Franclon stopped and turned to face her, his expression suddenly serious.
"I've been dreaming about this moment for so long," he said quietly. "I've wanted to meet you in person for so long, and now that we're here... it feels like a dream."
Lisa's heart swelled with emotion. "I know what you mean. I've been thinking about this moment too, and now that it's happening, it's even better than I imagined."
They stood there, looking at each other, the weight of the moment settling around them. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape. The river below shimmered in the light, creating a picture-perfect scene.
And then, without thinking, Franclon took a step closer to Lisa. She could feel the warmth of his body, the gentle brush of his breath against her skin. He reached out, cupping her face in his hands, his touch tender and reverent.
"Lisa," he whispered, his voice full of emotion. "I think... I think I'm falling in love with you."
Lisa's breath caught in her throat. She had dreamed of hearing those words, but now that they were real, it felt like her heart might burst with happiness.
"I think I'm falling in love with you too, Franclon," she whispered back.
And then, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the world in hues of pink and gold, Franclon leaned in and kissed her. It was a soft, sweet kiss.