"We are not criminals who need to be sought out by the police!" I snapped, watching him with my peripheral vision.I entered the house fast as lightning and up the stairs as quickly as possible, seeking refuge in my room, but he was on my heels, following close behind, glaring at me with a face contorted with a frightening rage.I was really screwed!- It is not about this! You know that your mother still poses a great risk to this child and to you! You can't go out there without security protection!“I was not without protection. There were two adult men with us. They weren't going to let my mother get close.I entered the room in a hurry and tried to close the door from the inside, but Athos was too close and ended up getting inside.Damn it!"And who were these men?" Who was that kid you were making out with? he yelled this time, stoking the rage inside me.My nerves on edge, I turned to face him. Looking directly into his face, I felt a thud inside, a mixture of passion and longin
I let Marina convince me that going out and having fun was the best way to get Athos out of my head. So, for the next few days, she would drag me wherever there was something interesting to do. Because of the pregnancy, we always went out during the day and I never drank alcohol. We went to the shopping center in Belize a lot, but also to a recreational club there, where we enjoyed playing sports and swimming in the waterslide. From time to time we camped and practiced other outdoor activities, such as fishing and picnics. The options weren't many. Young people in the city used to have fun in bars and clubs, but I could not sleep or drink.Matheus was always with us and from time to time Fernando showed up too. Marina's idea was that I would get to know Fernando better and end up getting involved with him, but the boy was unlucky. Almost every time we arranged to meet, something happened and he could not go. When it was not his car in trouble, it was someone in his family in trouble,
Forgiveness is an act of generosity and strength, but it can also be one of the most challenging tasks a human can undertake. Forgiveness involves letting go of resentments and negative feelings toward someone who has hurt us, and this is not something that can be done superficially or automatically. Instead, it is a deep and complex emotional process that requires time, understanding, and self-transformation.One of the reasons forgiveness is so difficult is the weight of the emotions we carry. When we are hurt, it is natural to feel anger, pain, sadness, and even a desire for revenge. These feelings are powerful and often keep us tied to the traumatic event. Setting aside these emotions and making room for forgiveness requires significant effort.Furthermore, forgiveness does not necessarily mean forgetting or excusing the actions that caused the pain. It is possible to forgive someone while still acknowledging the gravity of what was done. This can be a dilemma because it may seem
Five years later...RYLEELove, family, and a happy ending are elements that often intertwine in the stories of people's lives, creating a framework of contentment, affection, and fulfillment. This triad represents an essential part of the fabric of human relationships and is a shared goal for many.Love is the foundation that sustains the family, and, in turn, the family is where love finds a home. Love is a deep bond that can take various forms, whether between parents and children, siblings, spouses or partners, and even close friends. This feeling is the driving force that connects people, offering support, understanding, and unconditional affection.The family, in turn, is the intimate circle where love flourishes. It is the place where memories are created, where traditions are shared, and where life's challenges are faced together. The family is the sanctuary where individuals find security and a sense of belonging. It can be formed in various ways, including blood ties or conn
ATHOSThe Christmas House was wrapped in a magical and welcoming atmosphere. Lights twinkled on the facade, creating a dazzling sight that could be seen from afar. A grand decorative arch, made of pine, golden ornaments, and red ribbons, adorned the entrance of the house, inviting everyone to come in and celebrate the festivity.Inside, the main living room was the epicenter of the celebration. A majestic Christmas tree stood in the center, decorated with a profusion of sparkling ornaments, from colorful balls to handmade decorations. Twinkling lights filled the tree, casting a soft and festive glow throughout the room.The fireplace crackled, emanating warmth and a comforting scent of burning wood. A plush, soft rug lay in front of the fireplace, inviting people to gather around and share stories and laughter. The furniture was adorned with red covers and pillows featuring Christmas motifs, creating a cozy atmosphere.The dining table was elegantly set, with red and white tablecloths
RYLEEI tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep. I had been staring at the ceiling for hours, my eyes glazed over, refusing to close. It was actually a sofa bed. I would slept there since Scarlet, my older sister, decided she needed privacy and kicked me out of the room. The second room in the small house was occupied by our mother.Not that I was complaining. There were worse things that happened in that house, like, for example, the harassment of the disgusting men who, from time to time, took advantage of it.The little world we lived in was sordid, and what kept me from running away from it was the certainty that everything was about to end. More specifically in four months, when I would turn eighteen and be free to do whatever I wanted with my life.When I gave my cry for freedom, I intended to move to the capital, together with my best friend, Marina, where we would share the rent of an apartment.I could not wait for it all to happen. By then, the school year would be o
"No way! Forget it!" I snapped.As if the space between us, or even the furniture in the room, could protect me from them, I positioned myself on the other side of the room, panic rising within me, with the certainty that if my mother really wanted to inseminate that semen in me, there was nothing I could do to stop her."I wouldn't be asking you if I had another way. Look at our situation. A child from that man could change our lives forever. It can pay for a good college for you. Isn't that what you want so much?" my mother tried to reason."Mom, wake up! I am not going to get pregnant by a man I do not even know. I will not be a part of this," I firmly replied.“You won't have to do anything. When your belly starts to grow, the school year will be over. You lock yourself in the house and do not come out until the child is born. You do not even have to go through the trouble of creating it; I'll do it for you," Scarlet added.“You promised my father that I would never get involved i
I could not believe this was really happening. My mother had always been mean and despicable, but this time she was surpassing herself."It is only for two days. So I can make sure you do not take a morning-after pill."I watched her bewildered, with a mixture of hatred and accumulated hurt taking care of me. Tears threatened to well up in my eyes, but I held them back."You can't do this to me," I muttered, my voice thin."Do not talk like this is the end of the world. You'll sleep in my room for two more nights. The day after tomorrow, you will be free. Until then, I'll keep your cell phone and bring all your meals here. And not looking at me like I am a two-headed monster."With that said, she unlocked the door and left, locking it again from the outside.Alone, I stood there for a long moment, stunned, disbelieving, processing all the events, making sure they were real, that this was really happening, that this was not just a bad nightmare that would soon be over. Eventually, I c