TO HEAVEN WITH YOU

Ari had become so comfortable and attached to Leo that she decided it was time to tell him about her illness. She had never shared this part of herself with anyone outside of her family. Besides, she had no close friends other than Mia and Leo. The thought of confiding in Leo made her nervous but determined. She decided to invite him over for dinner, planning to reveal her secret in the safe, intimate setting of her home.

Taking her phone quickly, she texted Leo, asking if he'd be available for a meal together. He accepted her invitation almost immediately, saying he'd see her in the evening. Ari felt a wave of happiness wash over her after hanging up. She hoped this dinner would give her the chance to tell him what had been weighing on her mind.

Ari got up and began preparing for the dinner. She wanted everything to be perfect, so she decided to cook all of Leo's favorite dishes. She set up the table with care, ensuring everything looked just right. After finishing the preparations, she took a bath and dressed in a black gown, knowing it was Leo's favorite color too.

As she completed the final touches, Leo's call came in, saying he was outside the door waiting. She ran out immediately to open the door and let him in. After a brief hug, during which he complimented her on looking good in the black dress, she led him to the dining room.

Leo was surprised and amused at the sight of the table. It was clear that Ari had gone to great lengths to prepare all his favorite dishes. They both sat down and began eating quietly. Leo savored the meal, stealing glances at her, wanting to compliment her on her cooking, but she beat him to it.

"It's delicious, right? I made all your favorites. Do you like it?" she asked, her eyes shining with anticipation.

Leo smiled warmly. "I don't like it... I love it." His words filled Ari with happiness, her smile growing wider. She thought to herself that this was the right moment to tell him about her illness.

Taking a deep breath, Ari gathered her courage and opened up to Leo. "There's something I need to tell you, Leo," she began, her voice steady but soft. "I have asthma, and I also have sickle cell anemia."

Leo's expression changed to one of concern and pity. "Ari, I'm so sorry," he said, his eyes reflecting his worry.

Ari immediately shook her head, not wanting to see pity etched on his face for her. "Please, Leo, I don't want you to feel sorry for me. I manage my illness properly, and I don't want you to worry so much about me. I've learned to live with it, and I'm doing okay."

Leo reached out and took her hand, squeezing it gently. "I understand, Ari. I just... I care about you a lot. Knowing this makes me want to be there for you even more."

His words brought tears to her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away, not wanting to show vulnerability. "Thank you, Leo. It means a lot to me. I just needed you to know because you're important to me, and I want you to understand that sometimes I might need extra care."

Leo nodded, his grip on her hand tightening slightly. "You can count on me, Ari. I promise I'll be there for you, no matter what."

They finished their meal in comfortable silence, the air between them now filled with a deeper understanding and connection. Ari felt a sense of relief and happiness, knowing that she had shared a significant part of herself with Leo and that he accepted her completely.

As they cleared the table together, Leo turned to her with a soft smile. "I'm really glad you told me, Ari. It makes me feel closer to you."

Ari smiled back, her heart swelling with affection. "Me too, Leo. Me too."

With the dinner plates put away and the evening drawing to a close, they sat together on the couch, talking about lighter topics and enjoying each other's company. Ari felt a newfound sense of hope and security, knowing that she could trust Leo with her deepest secrets and that he would be there to support her through anything.