It's never late for love.

  "A stranger sat at her table, claiming to be her soulmate" Ellie read this sentence in the novel she was holding in her hands, then folded the book and closed her eyes. 'This only happens in novels and movies.'

Ellie was in her late thirties and aware that she didn't have the sculpted body of the female models displayed in the cosmetics and clothing advertisements. She considered herself a 'just fine' woman; with some imperfections and a lot of insecurities.

Her parents, especially her mother, constantly remind her that 'It's getting late' to start a family and find a loving man. They didn't understand that it wasn't that easy for her. She had already found true love once, but it had turned out that her prince charming was nothing more than a toad in disguise.

She met Jason in the kindergarten, and fate, luck, or God's providence had kept them in the same classroom until their final year of high school. She liked him since her early teenage years, but she always thought 'I'm his friend, nothing more' never gathering the courage to express her feelings. Still, she always felt jealous when other girls approached him.

By the end of their last year at highschool, Jason made the first move;

- Ellie... there's something... I need to tell you – Jason stammered, looking down, his face blushed.

Ellie smiled and spoke before he could continue. - I'm gonna miss you too. - She said as she gazed at the stars shinning brightly in the night sky.

- I love you! - Jason blurted all at once, as if afraid he wouldn't get the words out. - I've loved you since we were kids... I can't imagine a single day without you. -

Ellie froze 'Did I heard correctly?' Her heart pounded so fast, it felt like it would break free from her chest. Jason stood in front of her, breathing heavily, as if each word had been a weight lifted from his soul.

- I... love you... too. - Ellie stammered.

Jason pulled her into a hug, and they shared their first kiss; jut like in the old dramas Ellie's mother used to watch.

The following year, they were going to different colleges. For the first time in their lives, they wouldn't be able to see each other daily. That was why Jason couldn't keep his feeling to himself any longer. However, despite the distance, they were closer than ever. They shared a dreaming like love story, one with its ups and downs, but perfect in every sense.

Years passed, and their relationship seemed unbreakable. Jason was perfect for her and she believed she was for him, but she was completely wrong.

The wedding was approaching; it was the happiest moment of her life. Planning it was challenging since their jobs didn't allow them to save enough money for a fairytale wedding. However, they managed, and everything was ready for their big day in just a few months.

Then, one day she arrived earlier from work; she was feeling sick.

It was strange; Jason's jacket was hanging by the entrance. 'He must have come home early too, Good... I need a hug.' She thought as she took off her coat.

The first sign that something was wrong was the woman's bag on the couch. 'A friend?' Maybe an old friend had come to visit him before the wedding.

- Jason? - She called out, expecting a response from somewehere in the apartment.

There was no response. A sinking feeling pressed against her chest 'I'm imagining things'. Then she saw them; high heels on the floor in the hallway leading to the bedroom. A little farther down, Jason's jeans. Her skin burned as heat surged through her veins. She gulped and walked forward slowly. 'There should be some explanation... THAT is not possible.'

- Jason?... Are you there? - Her voiced trembled, fearing the answer.

She reached for the bedroom door handle. Muffled sounds came from inside. 'This is a prank... Jason wouldn't...' She gripped the handle in her hands, shaking. She took a deep breath, searching for the courage to open the door.

'What if I just walk away... what if I go to the drugstore and come back later.'

For a fraction of a second she considered it. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears.

She closed her eyes and opened the door.

The sound of moans filled her ears, the scent of sweat and passion filled the air in the room. She hesitated to open her eyes, but in the end, she did.

The sight was worse than what she had imagined.

Jason was in the bed; the bed they had shared since the moved in together, the home where they supposed to start their family. He was with a woman she had never seen before. The woman had her eyes closed as she moaned. Jason was moving slowly over her while he tenderly gripped her breasts. She couldn't tell if the woman was taller or shorter, prettier or uglier. None of that mattered. The only thing did was that they were making love.

They were so absorbed on their act that they didn't notice her standing there, watching, as her heart shattered into a million pieces.

Tears streamed down her faced as she shouted. - I want you out before midnight! -

The lovers abruptly stopped. The woman instinctively tried to covered herself with the sheets, he face flushing red. Jason jumped out of bed, naked as the day he was born.

'Cursed be that day' Ellie thought.

- Ellie! I can explain... please, listen. - Jason stammered as he hurried to put on his underwear, and cover himself.

- Get... the fuck... out of this house before midnight! - Ellie yelled.

Jason stepped totward her and reached her arm. - Ellie, Listen... -

Ellie slapped him with all her strength. - You're a pig... I never want to see you again. - She stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

She saw Jason few times after that. He tried to apologize, claimed it was a stupid mistake, said he regretted it. But for Ellie there was no going back. He had betrayed her trust, and that was something that could never be repaired.

A few months after cutting Jason out of her life, she discovered that her sickness hadn't been due to stress or any health condition. She was pregnant.

'God... you really hate me, don't you?'

Despair and sadness threatened to consume her, but Ellie endured. She kept the pregnancy a secret from Jason. Nevertheless, she panicked and visited a private clinic to check her options. She wasn't sure if she wanted to have a baby from a cheater like Jason. So when she went to her parents' home to tell about the pregnancy, she was holding a pamphlet with information about abortion.

- What do you want to do honey? - Ellie's mother asked gently, gripping her hand with love.

- I don't know mom... - Ellie wept, overwhelmed.

- We will help you, not matter what you decide. - Her father said softly.

- I think... I think I'm going to keep the baby... alone... I don't want him around.' Her parents hugged her tighly.

- That's okay. But you're not alone... We're here for you. - Her mother reassured her.

Her financial situation was far from ideal but, with the help of her parents and her relentless hard work, she managed to get by.

A beautiful baby girl was born, her name Paula. Ellie loved her with all her heart and soul.

Times were tough. Raising a baby alone drowning in debt was overwhelming, but somehow, Ellie succeeded. Now, Paula was five years old, and their live was stable. Stable in very way, except love.

She had tried to find love again, but being a single mother wasn't appealing to most men, who preferred women without “baggage”. Dating apps were the worst; most people were just looking for a one-night stands, not real relationship.

She didn't have much time, either. Between working full time, maintaining care of the small flat she could afford, and caring for Paula, there wasn't room for much else. Not that Paula was a burden; far from it, but raising a child was a full-time job in itself.

Fortunately, her parents adored the cheerful little girl and helped out whenever necessary. Recently they had come to an arrangment; on Friday afternoons, the young Paula would spend the time with her grandparents. That way, Ellie could have a little time for herself.

Her social life had suffered after years of dedicating herself to work and motherhood, so she decided to spend her free time doing what she loved most; going to a café and spending the afternoon reading romantic novels until dinner.

- Excuse me... - A male voice spoke to her.

Ellie opened her eyes suddenly and she saw him. In front of her stood a man in his thirties; early or late, she couldn't tell. He was wearing comfortable clothes, as if he had just come back from working out. He was holding a book under his arm.

- Ahem. - Ellie cleared her voice as she hadn't spoke a word all afternoon except to order at the counter. - Yes? - She replied with curiosity.

- Can I sit here?... The café is crowed, and this seems to be the only free seat... I'm just gonna read my book while I drink my coffee... I won't bother you. - He smiled at her with a perfect shinny smile.

Ellie hesitated, 'Should I go back home?... But it's just five.' She looked at the empty chair in front of her, then she looked around and confirmed what the man had said was true; It really seemed to be the only avaiable seat. She sighed.

- Oh... sorry then... I'd better be going. - His face showed dissapointment as he was about to turn away.

- No, wait... sorry... yes, you can use the seat. - She tried to make her smile look natural, but it had been a long time since she had smiled at a man.

He turned back to her and he placed the book on the table. - Thank you so much... This is my favourite café... I never come on Fridays, but today I had some free time... - He was quite talkative.

Ellie smiled and returned to her reading. He understood she didn't want to be disturbed, so he smirked and went to order a coffee at the counter. He returned shortly with a mug of hazelnut-scent latte. She loved that coffee.

He opened his book and started reading in silence. The smell of the coffee made Ellie curious, so she peeked over the pages of her novel to get a better look at him. He was completely absorbed in his reading, and, just as he had said, the only sounds he made were from flipping the pages. Even when he took a sip from his mug, he was silent.

'He's kind of handsome... should I?' She blushed and hid behind her book. She shook her head and returned to her reading. 'That only happens in the movies and novels... Ellie read!' She tried to focus, but she couldn't get through two sentences before peeking over her book again.

This time, she got caught. He smiled and pretended to hide behind his book.

Ellie chuckled and took a sip from her empty mug, pretending she hadn't been looking at him. She felt how her face flush. Finally she found the courage to speak.

- What are you reading? - She couldn't see the title, as he was covering it with his hands.

He folded the book and showed it to her. - It's called 'Red Devil' by a guy who goes by the pen name Cr1ct0r. – He flipped the book to show the back cover.

- What is about? - Ellie also closed her book and placed it next to her empty mug.

- It's a thriller story that mixes horror and noir... It's quite unique since the character roles don't follow the traditional noir tropes. - He placed the book on the table and took another sip of his coffee.

- Is it good? - She was not into those kind of genres, but she wanted to keep talking to him.

- Too early to say... I just started it today... - He leaned back. - I like the character development. The author clearly put a lot of effort into making them feel alive, each with their own personalities and motivations. But his writing style is far from great; lots of misspellings and akward grammar. Still, he managed to create a thrilling horror atmosphere and addictive story. - He took another sip. - What about you? -

- This? - She pointed at her book. - It's just another generic romance novel... you know... girl meets guy by chance... they fall in love... everything is perfect... then something happens, they separate, only to end up with a happy-ever-after. - She noticed the bitterness in her words so she couldn't help but give a sad smile.

- Even those generic stories are nice. - He leaned slightly toward her. - They give people hope that they can find love anywhere, anytime... isn't it magical? - He extended his hand as if to introduce himself, but then his SmartWatch buzzed. He checked it, and his expression darkened. - Sorry, I have to go now... It was nice chatting with you. - He stood up, grabbed his sports jacket and book. - I hope we meet again here! - He smiled and walked away.

Ellie sighed 'What were you expecting Ellie?... Wake up and go home.' She picked up her book and her coat, but then something buzzed on the table. It was a phone, 'It must be his...' She picked it up and ran to the entrance, but the man was nowhere to be seen. She checked the screen and there was a textapp notification from a conctact named A Stacy. Only heart emoji was visible.

'Of course, he has a girlfriend.'

A strange weight pressed against her chest, dissapointment. Luckly, the phone wasn't locked, so she checked the contacts. The first one was A Stacy. 'Wow, he must love her so lot.' She called.

The line rang, and then a young woman's worried voice answered.

- Harry are you on your way? -

- Hello, this is Ellie Lockheart, I just found this phone in a café... The owner can reach me at the number 7658 323946, so we can arrange a time and place to return it. -

Ellie glanced at her own phone; she had just recieved a message from her father. It was a picture of Paula eating her dinner. Ellie smiled.

- Oh.. I see... I have the number... Harry will contact you as soon as possible... Thank you Mrs. Lockheart. - The line cut off before Ellie couldn't say another word.

Ellie frowned, 'That was kind of rude...' She walked towards the bus stop to head home. She looked at the other passengers; the same faces, as every Friday. Each of them had their own personal stories and dramas. 'Have they found love?' She wondered, opening her novel to make the trip more pleasant.

When she arrived to her parents' house, the family was watching TV together on the couch. Paula was sitting on her grandfather's lap, eating pop corn. They were watching a cartoon; some princess was kissing a prince.

Paula noticed her mother entered the room and she ran to her arms, almost spilling the pop corn.

- Mama! - She exclaimed, full of excitment.

Ellie picked up her daughter in her arms. - Hello, gorgeus... Have you been a nice girl for Grandma and Grandpa? - She kissed Paula's forehead with a smile.

Paula nodded – Yes! - She smiled proudly. - I ate all my veggies... even broccoli! -

Ellie chuckled and looked at her mother. - Is that true? - Paula and her grandmother both nodde enthusiastically.

- Good girl... It's time to go home and take your bath. - She turned to her parents as they stood up to say goodbye to her daughter and granddaughter

- Ellie... you don't have to go... there is plenty of room for both of you here. - Her father tried to sound reasonable.

- I know, Dad... and we'd be really comfortable... but I need to keep my independence. Thank you so much. - Ellie kissed her parents and walked out, holding Paula's hand.

On the way home, Paula suddenly asked, - Why I don't have papa? - Everyone at school has one – She took her finger to her chin as she thought. - Well, that's strange... Sara has two mommies. - The little girl shrugged her shoulders.

Ellie looked at her daughter as they walked. - You DO have a papa, but... - Ellie remembered Jason in the bedroom with that woman. Even after five years, she could still feel the pain in her heart. They had never talked about this before, so she couldn't find a good excuse. - Your papa had to go abroad... he is a really good man. - Ellie forced a small smile.

- Then... why has he never called me? - Paula looked down at the ground.

'Why is she so smart? I wasn't this smart at her age, and Jason wasn't exactly a genius either' Ellie gulped as they walked. - Because he is on a secret mission... he'll come back someday... I'm sure he loves you so much and is dying to contact with us soon. - Ellie felt devastated lying to her daughter.

Paula sighed, and they walked in silence until they arrived home. The little girl was full of energy and cheerfulness, so after taking a bath, they played together before bed time. When she finally fell asleep, Ellie could have finally have a moment of peace for herself. She lay in bed and glanced at Harry's phone screen.

'Should I check his messages?' Ellie suddenly laughed and shook her head. She got up and put on her pajamas. 'I'm sure that's a crime... and I'm not a stalker.' She climbed back into the bed just as her phone rang. It was an unknown number.

She picked up. - Yes? -

- This is Harry... Stacy told me I forgot the phone at the café. - Ellie could hear some chattering in the background.

- Yes, you left in a hurry... how can I return it to you? -

- Uh... what about tomorrow at seven in the evening? Same café as today? - The background noise grew louder; it sounded like an argument.

'Maybe is better not to make things too complicated... he seems busy' – Okay... fine... see you there tomorrow. -

- Hey Ellie... thanks... It was short, but it was nice talking to you. See you tomorrow. - He hung up.

Ellie placed the phone on the nightstand and made herself comfortable.

- Was it papa? - Paula small voice came from the bedroom door.

Ellie smirked. - You are a nosy one, aren't you? - She hit patted the bed. - Come here, nosy girl... let's sleep together tonight. -

The little girl ran and jumped onto the bed. She kissed her mother.

- Love you, Mommy - she said in a soft voice.

- Love you too, gorgeous. - Ellie replied with a gentle smile. - Let's dream about what tomorrow brings. -

Paula snuggled into her arms, her tiny hands wrapped around Ellie’s waist. As her daughter's breathing slowed, Ellie pressed a soft kiss on her forehead. 'This is the only love I need… or at least, the only love I can trust.'

They hugged each other and fell asleep.