The gas station parking lot seems to hold its breath as I stand there, staring at the unexpected figure that has appeared before us. My heart races, and I feel a surge of emotions, ranging from shock to curiosity. The person standing before us is someone I never expected to see on this trip.It's Jessica.Jim and I come down from the car. Jim tenses up and a part of me wants to know why.How and why did she surface? Is she constantly tracking me? Is she constantly following me?What does she want from me again?Her presence here, in the midst of our road trip, is a complete surprise. I've met her before, in secret, during a chance encounter back on the vacation.How and why she got in is still a mystery to me and the thought has been lurking around my brain.It’s like an evil shadow.But now, she's here in broad daylight, and I have no idea what this means.Jessica smiles, but there's an undercurrent of tension in her expression. "Anastasia," she says, her voice composed, "I didn't ex
Jim’s POVThe gas station parking lot feels like the center of a storm, with emotions swirling in all directions. Jessica's revelation about her marriage to me has cast a shadow over our road trip.Anastasia stands beside me, her expression a mixture of composure and turmoil, and I can't help but admire her strength in the face of this revelation.I promised that I won’t hurt her. I promised her over and over again and I went right to her heart.I hurt her again. I can’t help but accept that Jonathan is rightI was always going to hurt her. That’s who I am.She was one good thing in my life and I go ahead to spoil it again. With my half truths.I should have just told her the truth when she asked.Jessica's voice remains steady as she continues, "Jim and I are married. We've been together for years."Anastasia nods, her response measured. "Thank you for telling me, Jessica."Her word is brief and it holds a lot of resentment.Anastasia does not deserve all of this pain that I’m puttin
The gas station parking lot crackles with tension as the mysterious figure approaches. The sun casts long shadows, and as the silhouette becomes clearer, a sense of disbelief washes over us. The unexpected visitor draws near, and my heart pounds in my chest.It's someone from my past, someone I never thought I'd encounter on this road trip.I recognize the approaching visitor, and my eyes widen in disbelief."It can't be... How is this even possible?" I say and everyone looks at me In surprise.The figure steps into view, and the truth becomes undeniable. It's Richard, a friend from my past, someone I have not seen in years.My voice trembles as I speak, "Richard, is that really you?"I’m trying to suppress all the emotions I’m feeling right now.So many emotions rush through me and I don’t want to be here. I don’t want to stand here greeting anyone but I am.Richard offers a warm smile and extends his hand. "Jim, it's been a long time. I had no idea you'd be on this road trip."My as
Joel steps closer, his face etched with concern. "We need to call the police. This is more than just a random act of vandalism."My trembling fingers dial 911 and I relay the situation to the dispatcher.My voice is tensed, the weight of the situation, Jim’s marriage and an unborn child sits on my shoulderIt always feels like problems seem to find a home in me.They tell me they would be on their way, but the wait feels interminable. I can't help but feel violated, as if our sanctuary has been invaded and defiled.Kendra kneels to pick up a shattered family photo, its broken frame a metaphor for the fragments of our lives.It’s the picture of Kendra and I, the day we got this house. We’re both smiling, we were happy. Scarred but happy.“Anastasia, this is terrible….. Why did they do this to us? Anastasia, we will get over this. We will work our way out of this mess, like we always did when we were little” she says, her voice is husky and I know she’s trying not to break down.Tears s
The sentence stares at me and I stare at it, each word, piercing a dagger in my chest.“It can’t be” I scream, my eyes locked on the damning words.“What’s wrong?” Joel asks turning to meet me, his voice laced with concern“What’s wrong sissy?” Kendra asks.It’s been enough rollercoaster for one day. It’s been enoughMy eyes are overflowing with tears, blurring the images I see, there’s so much pain.I try to speak but my words are choked. I hand the paper over to Kendra, my fingers are trembling.“Kill that baby…. Just like he killed mine.. it’s a threat” Kendra reads aloud, her voice trembling.Each word, numbing a part of me.“What baby?” Joel asks Kendra, confused about the whole situation“She’s pregnant, but how did they know… who knows about it” Kendra explains to Joel. Her words are laced with pain and anger.“Fuck” she screams, hitting her thighs.“Fuck!!!!” She shouts.Joel pulls her in, bringing her close to his chest and I sit there, like a stone.“He caused this for all o
I close my eyes and in the world I am at, everything seems to be peaceful.. there’s no pain and I’m in the comfort of my home.There’s no threat and there’s no one there that could hurt me.All these come to a halt when the sudden urge to pee comes.I open my eyes, and Kendra is not on the bed. I look around and finally see her on the chair.She’s scribbling something into a paper.I take a look at the clock and realize that it’s just 7pm.I walk into the bathroom and ease myself.“Hey Kendra, what you doing?” I ask Kendra who happened to be lost in whatever she’s doing.When she doesn’t reply me, I walk closer to her.I look at what she’s scribbling, it’s a drawing.It’s a butterfly and a semicolon.She is sad. And I don’t know how to confront her.“Hey Kens” I say, tapping her lightly.My tap seems to awaken something in her“Yes” she says in shock.“Are you okay Kendra?” I ask“Anastasia, I don’t think I can be okay till I find out what is going on” she tells me.Her eyes are red a
Jim’s POV“Jonathan” I say, walking into Jonathan’s room, because he always has answers to everything.“Jim” he deadpans“Jonathan she found out. She found out about the marriage. She knows”“I told you to tell her, didn’t I?” Jonathan says“Yes you did, but I don’t want to loose her man. I really don’t.”“I don’t know if I can help you” Jonathan says and there’s no emotion in his voice.“But I’m not married, Jessica and I are separated”“But there’s no document to prove it.”“That’s why I was going to tell her when I had the legal documents… but Jessica was ahead of me”“You know Jessica is a psychopath, and you let her know Anastasia. I thought you cut all connections with her?” Jonathan says, he’s angry.And it’s because I continually mess things up.“I don’t know how she met Anastasia”“From the moment you realized that she made contact with Anastasia, you should have told Anastasia. Jim that girl does not deserve the hurt that you’re putting her through” Jonathan yells, his muscl
We sit in the room, the tension easing slightly.“Jim are you staying the night?” Kendra asks me.“Well yeah, I can’t leave when I know there’s a problem” I tell her.“In that case, I think I should call Joel” she says“That would be a good idea”Kendra dials Joel’s number and he says he is on his way.It doesn’t take long before there’s a knock on the door.I open the door to see that it’s Joel.“Ayy man, you here” Joel says and we do a little handshake.“How are you Anastasia?” Joel asks Anastasia.“I guess I’m okay” she says.He walks over to meet Kendra and he pulls her into his chest.A love like theirs. So rare but yet so sweet.“Ummm…. I’m going to book another room for myself and Ana…. Is that cool?” I ask the room“Yeah, yeah….. I want my man to myself”I leave the room to go ahead and book another room for myself and Anastasia.There’s this sense of relief that washes over me, knowing that I’m with her and I can protect her.“Umm…. Bye guys, Let’s go princess” I say once I’m
Three months later.....The morning sun bathes our kitchen in a soft glow as I decide to whip up breakfast, the familiar routine grounding me in the comfort of our shared life. The scent of pancakes fills the air when, suddenly, a sensation unfamiliar sends a shiver down my spine. A warm rush, and I freeze.My water breaks."Jim!" I call, my voice betraying a mix of excitement and anxiety. In an instant, he's by my side, a mixture of concern and joy etched on his face.He guides me gently to the car, the anticipation of the imminent arrival of our little one palpable in the air. The drive to the hospital feels like a whirlwind of emotions, the rhythmic hum of the engine punctuated by the intensity of each contraction.Jim's reassuring presence grounds me as we navigate the hospital's corridors, the anticipation building with each step. The medical team takes charge, their efficiency a comforting backdrop to the rollercoaster of sensations enveloping me.The delivery room becomes a san
It’s been two weeks since Jim proposed, and we finally decided to get married.Our families are present here in New Zealand, and my growing stomach a revelation to the family that were about to build together.Jim’s mother and my father insisted that the wedding be done in one of the biggest churches…It’s a night to the wedding and I’ve been too eager to sleepAs the night wraps its comforting arms around us, Kendra and I find ourselves in a room, surrounded by the soft glow of fairy lights. The air is filled with a mix of excitement and tranquility, a prelude to the significant day that awaits us tomorrow, my wedding day."Anastasia, can you believe it's finally here? Your wedding day! I mean if we were to have this conversation years back, there’s no way I would have believed that you’re going to get married before me, but here you are sissy, and I can’t lie, I am so proud of you and of how far you have come in this journey of life, despite the setbacks… I’m always rooting for you,
We freshen up, the anticipation of an evening of elegance and gastronomy adding an extra beat to our hearts.In the soft glow of our bedroom, Jim and I stand facing our wardrobe, selecting the perfect attire for our evening at Le Paragon. I run my fingers over the silky fabric of a deep burgundy dress."What do you think of this one?" I ask Jim, contemplating my choice of outfitJim, a black suit in hand, smiles appreciatively, "it’s Stunning princess, It'll complement the ambiance of the restaurant perfectly.""And what about you, Mr. Dan? Going for the classic black?""Always a safe bet, don't you think?" He teasesAs I slip into the dress, Jim takes a step back, his eyes reflecting admiration."You look incredible, Anastasia." Jim compliments.And the one thing about Jim is that he never forgets to compliment me…. He never forgets."Thank you, Jim. Now, let's make sure you're equally dashing." I say, blushing.We share a moment of laughter as Jim adjusts his tie, the meticulous car
The soft hues of dawn filter through the curtains, coaxing us into wakefulness. As I open my eyes, Jim stirs beside me, his gaze meeting mine in the gentle morning light."Good morning my Prince Charming.""Morning, beautiful." Jim yawns“How was your night?” I ask“It was good, slept like a baby and that’s only possible when I’m with you” Jim replies, making me smile.Our dialogue begins, setting the tone for the day ahead. The idea of a relaxing morning unfolds, and a spark of spontaneity lights up our conversation."What if we start the day with something different? How about a soak in the hot tub?" I suggest"That sounds like a fantastic idea. Let's do it." Jim saysOur dialogue turns into a playful exchange as we make our way to the inviting warmth of the hot tub. The bubbles swirl around us, and the aroma of fresh coffee mingles with the crisp morning air."This is bliss. We should do this more often. Plus it’s so relaxing for myself and for the baby” I say."Agreed. It's the pe
“So pretty, what do you have for me?” Jim asks and I rest against his chest,"Jim, do you ever think about how we got here? It feels surreal." I ask"Absolutely, princess. Remember the uncertainties at the beginning? Now, look at us.""The twists and turns were worth it. This place, this moment, it's a testament to us." I say, my mind racing back to the memories that we shared together.Jim's fingers trace patterns on my back, his touch a silent acknowledgment of the intimacy between us."Every step led us to this. From uncertainty to a haven far from everything." Jim says and I smile because I know it’s true.So much uncertainty from the beginning, but we never gave up on each other, we we’re always with each other, every step of the way, despite the situations that embraced us."It's like we're in a different world here." I say, and I’m happy about it"Our world, away from it all."The dialogue dances between us, revisiting milestones and deepening our connection."Our shared advent
“Oh no!” I say, squealing in excitement.“Do you think you’re ready to spend the rest of your life with me?” Jim asks“I’m ready to spend the rest of my life with you Jim, I’m so happy…. I really am” I say, and I’m unaware of the time the tears flow out of my eyesI give him my finger and he inserts the ring into it, the warm arm and the setting sun bathes the landscape in warm hues, casting a golden glow over our skin, sealing this moment in the skies.“I love you my princess” Jim says, placing a soft kiss on my head, and he uses his fingers to wipe the tears out of my cheeks.“This is a testament of our love and the love that has sealed is even till this very moment” Jim says“I love you so much Jim, thank you for making my life brighter” I say, tears streaming down my faceHe engulfs me in his warm embrace “it’s okay princess” he whispersAs we walk hand in hand, the sand beneath our feet tells tales of our leisurely stroll along the beach. The setting sun paints the sky in hues of
Touching down in New Zealand, the air carries a crisp freshness that hints at the natural wonders awaiting exploration. As we disembark, the airport buzzes with a mix of languages, creating a vibrant tapestry of cultures.Jim grins, his excitement contagious. “Anastasia, welcome to New Zealand! Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?”I mirror his enthusiasm, feeling the thrill of being in a new land. “Absolutely, Jim! The air here is invigorating.”We gather our belongings, exchanging glances that echo the shared anticipation of discovering this picturesque destination. The airport becomes a stage for our initial impressions and conversations about the cultural nuances we notice.The car that has been assigned waits at the entrance and we place our luggage into the car.Arriving at our vacation house, the car door swings open, revealing the picturesque landscape surrounding our temporary home. Jim takes a moment to absorb the scenery. "Anastasia, can you believe this view?"I join him
As we step into the bustling airport, the air is charged with the anticipation of the journey ahead. We navigate through the check-in process, ensuring our bags are properly weighed and boarding passes in hand. The familiar hum of airports surrounds us, a symphony of travelers embarking on their own adventures.After completing the necessary procedures, we make our way to the gate. The overhead announcement signals the impending departure, adding a sense of urgency to our steps. Jim, ever the calm presence, leads the way, his hand reassuringly intertwined with mine.As we board the airplane, I expect the familiar rows of seats that define economy class. However, to my delightful surprise, Jim directs us towards the front of the plane, first class. The realization dawns on me, and my eyes widen in astonishment. "Jim, is this...?"He grins, "A little upgrade for a more comfortable journey. Thought we could use some extra pampering."My heart swells with gratitude, and I can't help but
The next morning, the sun rises on a day filled with final preparations. Conversations about the excitement ahead punctuate the air as we pack our bags and double-check our checklist.As we descend the stairs, the sight of Jonathan in the living room catches us off guard, his eyes lighting up in welcome."Morning, you two! Ready for the journey ahead?" Jonathan exclaims, a cheerful grin on his face."Absolutely," Jim replies, mirroring Jonathan's enthusiasm. "What's the plan?"Kendra joins the conversation from the kitchen, "I thought we'd start the day with a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the trip."Anastasia chimes in, "Sounds like a plan. But Jonathan, any hints on what you're up to today?"Jonathan winks playfully, "Ah, that's a secret for now. But trust me, it'll be a day to remember."As we gather around the table, conversations flow effortlessly. Jim and Jonathan exchange stories from their childhood, reminiscing about shared experiences that evoke laughter and camaraderie. K