GENEVIEVEIn the end, love's difficulties remind us that love is not meant to be perfect; it's meant to be real. It's not about avoiding conflicts or challenges but about navigating them together, hand in hand. It's about finding the courage to confront the issues that arise and the humility to recognize our own flaws.Through the difficulties of love, we discover that love is a dynamic force, ever-changing and evolving. It's a journey of self-discovery and a shared adventure with another person. It's about learning, growing, and evolving together.Love's difficulties may test our patience and resolve, but they can also deepen our emotional connection. They make the moments of laughter and tenderness all the more precious. The difficulties are like the shadows that define the contours of the relationship, making it multi-dimensional and unique.Ultimately, love's difficulties are part of the intricate mosaic of life, and they are a testament to our humanity. They remind us that love i
THREE YEARS LATERSomething is evidently amiss, and the signs of its presence are glaringly conspicuous. The unmistakable manifestation of this disquieting anomaly lies in the unequivocal fact that Genevieve, a typically unwavering and unswerving companion, has taken a perplexing turn towards avoidance when it comes to me.A deviation of this nature is an anomaly in itself, as Genevieve has historically been impervious to any inclinations towards avoidance, even in those moments when my behavior has teetered on the precipice of insensitivity and provoked her ire. Instead of retreating or descending into a sullen disposition, she would typically seek solace on my lap, insisting that I impart lessons on decorum and propriety. However, the current situation presents a stark contrast, as she has continued to maintain a conspicuous distance from my presence for a duration spanning two whole days. This departure from her established demeanor is compounded by another observation that is not
ONE YEAR LATERon’t cry…I am here…” I croak, patting my hand “D on a chubby chest and holding another chubby bottom so she can suck on my breast.Only…I am not holding anything. I am not sitting down either and I am only touching the mattress.I startle, my eyes flying open.Our bedroom comes into sight with the pulled-down curtains that make it dark even though the clock on the wall reads ten in the morning. I fumble for the baby monitor, my heart beating so loudly, I hear it in my ears.Holy shit.Shit.Where are my babies? I clearly remember falling asleep breastfeeding Lily and rocking Logan back to sleep around two in the morning.Did I lose them somehow? Dan spends one night working late in the office, one night, and I lose our twins?They are three months old—I think I got pregnant that day before Dan’s birthday a year ago. As soon as we found out the news, I was ecstatic, but that can not be said about everyone else. Dad wondered if I was going to be fine with law school and e
DANIELPerpetual tasks await, alongside an unyielding drive to pursue them. Irrespective of the path I choose, there lies an objective to achieve and a circumstance to overcome.Nevertheless, ambition cannot be devoid of insight, or else it transforms into a force of detriment.I am currently grappling with that boundary. The desire for more and the apprehension of less. The reality persists, ambition propels me forward, yet I find myself at the precipice, gazing into an obscure, mist-covered abyss.This isn't my initial encounter with such a void; it has stared back before. Whenever I encounter a junction, I recollect how I arrived at this juncture.However, this isn't the right moment for such images or reflections. After all, this occasion should exude joy. The operative word being "should."Making my way to my friend's residence to celebrate his daughter's eighteenth birthday is the final thing I wished to do. My desk is burdened with numerous case files, and a crucial planning me
GENEVIEVEI am officially an adult now!Or that is what I like to think. Dad definitely still considers me a little girl that he needs to protect at all times.I can sense him watching me, even when he’s out of sight. Especially during the moments when I plan to do something he does not approve of.Ever since I showed up at his door when I was less than one day old, Krew Shaw has made it his mission to protect me at all costs. It did not matter that he was seventeen going on eighteen and in high school at the time and had no damn clue how to raise a kid.Especially a naughty, active one like me.He still singlehandedly raised me while he went to college and then law school and passed the bar. Let’s just say that toddler me did not exactly make Dad’s college life easy, but he never once made me feel like he was absent.I have always been a well-loved daughter, albeit lonely, with a brain that suddenly becomes blank for no apparent reason. The therapist Dad took me to says it is depress
“King would not like it.” Oh.So it is back to my dad again.Seems I am out for blood, though, because I still refuse to drop it. “How about you?”“How about me?”“Would you like it if I had a boyfriend?”He pauses, then says, “I would be neutral.”Right.Of course, he would.Why would the king of the jungle look in the direction of a stray cub when he has countless lionesses by his side?The breaking sound in my chest that I felt when I thought he did not show up returns and I dig the edge of my phone into my ribcage as I struggle to maintain a neutral façade.This would be the perfect time for me to stuff myself with some vanilla ice cream or a milkshake while I hide in the closet.“Happy birthday, Genevieve.” He reaches into his pocket and produces a small blue box and tosses it my way.I let the phone fall to my lap so I can catch it. Receiving a gift from him is almost enough to make me forget about his words. About the apathy everyone in the media talks about.Almost.“Can I ope
TWO YEARS LATERDANIEL The shrill ring of my fucking cell phone shatters the tranquility of the room, rousing me from my slumber with a jolt of confusion. Shit.Groggily, I fumble for the device, shielding my face with a pillow, only to realize it is not mine. As the scent of an alluring perfume fills my senses, I am instantly wide awake, my curiosity piqued.With a mischievous grin playing on my lips, I took a moment to bask in the lingering aroma, allowing it to electrify my senses and awaken my weary mind. My eyes fixate on the pillow, still clutching it in my hand, desperate for answers."Who are you?" I mutter aloud, my mind a whirlwind of fragmented memories. My back being scratched. Toes curling against the sheet. Blond hair splayed across the pillow...The remnants of a wild night of drinking taunt me, leaving me grappling with the hazy recollections of an enigmatic woman.'I found myself between her legs, and the intensity of her gaze made it clear that I was exactly where
Loving someone romantically who doesn't reciprocate your feelings can be a deeply challenging and emotional experience. Unrequited love, as it is often called, can be both beautiful and painful, a complex mix of hope and despair.When you find yourself in a situation where your heart yearns for someone who doesn't share the same romantic feelings, it can be easy to get lost in a whirlwind of emotions. You might be drawn to their every word and gesture, finding solace in their presence, even if it's as a friend. The intensity of your feelings can be overwhelming, making it hard to let go.But unrequited love can also teach us important lessons about self-discovery and resilience. It's a test of our emotional strength and the ability to cope with disappointment. It can lead to personal growth as we learn to value ourselves and understand that our worth is not determined by someone else's affections.In some cases, unrequited love can evolve into a deep, lasting friendship. While the rom