Max is Hannah’s old friend back in Pennsylvania. He comes to visit us for a bit, out here in California. Personally, I think they’re secretly dating, and she doesn’t want me to know anything. Not sure why, we usually tell each other everything. Only time will tell, Hannah is a very ecstatic girl. She’s so friendly and always knows the right words to basically convince anyone. We’re all together having lunch at Crystal's restaurant. One of the best restaurants here in Hollywood actually. The waiter walks over ready to take our orders. “What can I get for you all.” He says.“Hannah and I will have the chicken caesar salad.” Chelsea says. “I’ll have the steak specialty.” Max says.“I’ll order a chicken sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries.” Tanner adds.“I’ll have what Tanner is having.” Jack says. I don’t know what’s wrong with Jack; he's been acting up all afternoon. I don’t know what’s bothering him. Ever since he went to that party, he’s not acting the same. “And what can
I’m currently at work, trying not to stress over Jack. He's now working at Stella Lounge with Adriana. It’s a bar actually. The job offer Jack accepted was to become a bartender. It just doesn’t sound like him, he was never into these things back in Pennsylvania. I know he doesn’t want to be sitting around, he’s a hard worker after all. It’s just this girl Adriana. She makes me feel anxious knowing that my husband is with her. “Carolina, can you please watch Christopher for an hour? It’s an emergency.” Victoria says. I was right about Victoria and Paul being married. It’s kind of cool actually. Their son, Christopher, is so adorable! “Sure, absolutely. I would love to.” I say.“I’m so sorry for the trouble, I promise I’ll be back in an hour to pick him up.” She says.“We’ll both just hang out here for now. It’s no trouble at all.” “Thanks so much Carolina.”“Bye Christopher sweetie.” She says.“Bye mom.” Victoria walks out of my office. I’m beyond excited to watch Christopher fo
“This might feel a bit cold at first. Just relax, okay Carolina.” The doctor says to me.“Okay.” I say.I’m at my ultrasound appointment. I think my doctor will let me know the gender of my baby. Fingers crossed, I’m also so exhausted. I’ve been working so hard at work the past few days. Having deadlines is more stressful than I remember, back when I was in college.“I have some exciting news. I can see your baby; would you like me to tell you the gender today or would you like your husband to be here with you?” The doctor says.“It’s okay. You can tell me now.” I say.“Well, according to what I see here, you’re going to have a baby girl.” She says. “A girl? Aww. That’s wonderful, thank you so much doctor.”Jack loves kids. He has been so happy ever since he found out I was pregnant. If I tell him I’m having a girl he’s going to be more thrilled. I could remember him mentioning if he ever had a baby girl, then, he’ll name her Lilly. “I can’t wait to tell Jack now once I get home. Th
As I grab a glass to make a martini for one of the customers, I can’t help but keep thinking about Adriana. Every time she passes me in the bar or talks to me I just feel so attracted to her. I shouldn’t be thinking like this, I’m married and a soon to be father.“Jack, do you need some help?” Adriana says.“I think this is the right way to make the martini, isn’t it?” I say.She comes over to see what I’ve been doing and puts her hand over mine, showing me that I’m supposed to add a slice of lemon inside the drink. As her hand touches my skin, I feel some sort of electricity flowing through my entire body. “This is how it should be done. Pay attention.” She says.“I am, trust me.” She looks at me and bites her lip. She then starts fixing my tie.“Okay, now that’s more like it.” She says. “I know my shirt and tie are a bit messy, I didn’t have much time. I actually rushed out of the house.”“It’s a hot kind of messy, but I think it should be a bit neaterwhen you come here.” She sa
Hannah has been planning my baby shower for the longest time. All she’s been waiting for, is knowing the gender of my baby. “Pink or blue?” She says. “Pink of course sis.” I say.“I’m inviting everyone tonight for the baby shower. Meaning, Max will be here too.” She says. “Cool, the more the merrier, right.” I say. Everything is starting to look lovely around the mansion now for some reason, it’s all starting to look better. I can't believe we have to move out soon because our lease is almost up. We’ve only rented this Airbnb for seven months. “You go upstairs sis, get ready, rest, eat some snacks. I need this to be a surprise for you.” She says.“Sure thing sis. I will stay tucked under my bed till it’s all ready. Jack went out to buy smoothies, for some reason I’ve been craving anything strawberry.”“It’s a girl y’all!” I say screaming. Jack’s standing next to me and he looks so happy. I’m happy he’s here with me. It feels so amazing just being married to him and now we’re hav
Hannah and I decided to visit mom and dad in New York. I feel like I’m at the lowest point in my life and I just need to hug my parents. I should have listened to my mom when she was yelling on the phone, right before the wedding.Hannah and I finally arrive and we’re waiting outside the door. We ring the doorbell, and my mom comes to open the door for us. “Mom.” I say, in the softest voice.“Come here.” Mom says, while pulling me close to her for a hug.I start crying so much. Mom knows exactly what happened. Before we got here, Hannah explained everything over the phone.“Wipe those tears darling. Let’s all go inside.” Mom says.“Omg my baby! It’s so good to be home.” Hannah says to our new family puppy, Teddy. “Hannah, stay here with Carol. I’m going to make some tea for you both.” She says.“Sis don’t cry, he’s a jerk anyway. He wasn’t thinking.” Hannah says.“I loved him with all my heart. He was my second half. I've been feeling so crappy recently.” I say. “Do you think the
I open my eyes and start breathing so quickly.“Jack, where are you?” I ask. I look around and I see my parents, Hannah, Tanner and Chelsea. They’re all surrounded around my bed. My mom fixes my hair.“Sweetie, Jacks not here. They just brought you out from the c section.” Mom says. Turns out it was all just a dream.Tears start to form in my eyes. “He’s not here? He didn’t come?” I ask.“I’m afraid not darling, I’m so sorry.” Dad says.I look over at Tanner. He's holding a blue Teddy bear and Chelsea has balloons in her hands. “Why is the teddy bear blue Tanner? Where did Hannah go?” I ask.Tanner and Chelsea look at me and smile. Tanner moves his head to look at the door.“Carol. There’s someone I would like you to meet.” Hannah says, while holding my baby and walking into the room. I look at my baby and realize it’s a boy. I reach out to hold him. He starts crying a bit. “Waaaaaa.” “Shhh my precious darling, you’re such a handsome little one. I love you.” I say in a quiet
The house is completely empty as I step inside. No sign of my wife, her sister Hannah, her brother Tanner, or anyone from the baby shower for that matter. The house is so silent I can hear a pin drop. As I make my way upstairs to the room. I see a note on the bed. I rush over to read what it says. It’s from my wife, Carolina. "Dear Jack,I guess we can agree that we have both come a long way together. When I first moved to Pennsylvania, I never thought I’d meet a dashingly handsome and loving guy like you. It all happened so quickly for us. It’s like our souls have collided into one, after seeing each other again from when we were kids. Did you ever think it all happened too quickly? Did you ever feel a source of regret? Apparently, I can answer that question for myself now after seeing you hook up with Adriana in the car. Jack, since we both moved out here to LA it has changed everything. I wish you all the best with Adriana. Always remember I love you. Bye Jack. -Carolina"My fac
The seconds ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity as I anxiously observed the conversation between the tattooed man and me. My mind raced with worst-case scenarios, unable to comprehend the danger we had stumbled into. The silence outside the car was deafening, broken only by the distant sound of passing traffic."What do you want from me?" I finally spoke, my voice filled with a mixture of frustration and apprehension. I strained to hear our exchange, my heart pounding in my chest.The tattooed man leaned in, his voice low and menacing. "You know exactly what I want. Don't play dumb with me."My eyes narrowed, my face a mask of defiance. "I told you I'm out. I'm done with that life."The man's lips curled into a sinister smile, revealing a set of yellowed teeth. "You think you can just walk away? We had an agreement. You owe me."A knot formed in my stomach as I tried to piece together our cryptic conversation. What agreement? What was I involved in? The man's words hinted at
The car trailed closely behind us, and a wave of fear washed over me. This was undoubtedly the most terrified I had ever been in my entire life, and it was difficult to comprehend that this was actually happening. Just as I was starting to find a semblance of happiness, everything had to go awry.The sound of impact reverberated through the air as the person behind the wheel repeatedly rammed into our car. Panic consumed me, and I couldn't help but scream out Jack's name in desperation. Jack glanced up at the rearview mirror, and the expression on his face confirmed my worst fear - he knew who was pursuing us. "Would you relax already?" Jack's voice attempted to calm me down, but my heart pounded in my chest as I clung onto the leather seat, seeking some solace."Calm down? Really, Jack?" I retorted, my voice shaking with fear.Another crash resonated through the vehicle, intensifying my anxiety. I couldn't help but question the motives behind the relentless assault. "Why is he doing
The living room of the ranch house in Pennsylvania was now filled with tension, despite the twinkling lights and festive decorations. The air felt heavy with negativity, as my mother, Emily, continued her relentless efforts to drive a wedge between Jack and me. I couldn't help but feel a mix of frustration and sadness, knowing that this Christmas gathering was turning into a battleground.As I hurriedly set the table, my hands trembled with anxiety. Jack, sensing my distress, approached me with a worried expression."I can't believe how much your mother is trying to sabotage our relationship," I whispered to Jack, my voice filled with a sense of defeat. "I don't know how much longer I can endure this."Jack placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, his eyes filled with determination. "Carolina, we won't let her tear us apart. We'll stand strong and show her that our love is unbreakable."Just then, Emily entered the room, her face contorted with a malicious grin. "Oh, Carolina, dear, I
Jack and I have been talking all evening, while sitting by the fireplace and listening to Christmas songs. Suddenly we hear the sound of the doorbell ring. “Baby stay here with Leland, I think I know who it is. It’s actually another surprise.” Jack says. “Babe you’ve already done so much! This is the best Christmas Eve ever; I couldn’t be happier!” I say while holding Leland in my arms. I hear so much talking, when I turn around, I see my parents, Jack’s parents, Hannah, Max, Tanner and Chelsea all standing there! My eyes open wide. “Oh my god. You’re all here!” “Yes indeed, it’s Christmas Eve after all.” My mom says. “It’s like a blizzard out there!” Dad says. “Leland!” Jack’s mom says, running up to hug me. She holds my face and looks at me. “You know every time I see you Carol, you're even more beautiful.” She says and smiles at me. “Let me see my grandson.” Jack’s dad says. I hand Leland over to Jack’s mom and she holds him. They’re both so excited, it’s their firs
After cleaning up the ranch house, I end up having so much trash laying around. I put everything into a garbage bag. That evening I opened the door to take the trash outside, it’s freezing here. But it feels like the holidays even more when it’s cold. It’s Christmas Eve so it’s normal. I think it’s even snowing a little as well. Snow makes everything more magical.I lift my head up and realize Jack is standing right there in front of my house. Is that really Jack? How is he here? Oh my god, it is him. His face looks so red, how long has he been standing there? Is so cold outside. I drop the garbage bag on the floor and run straight up to him. “Jack!” I say loudly, while running up to him.I hug him so tightly, like I never want to let go of him. Then I look into his eyes and kiss him. We both start crying, we’ve been through so much together. It was some adventure! “Carol, I love you so much, I never want to lose you.” Jack says.“I love you too Jack!” I say.“I’m so sorry for e
“Okay that should do it. Wow, wait, no, ahhhhhh.” I say, as I fall from the ladder.“Ouch.” I say.“Okay well I guess it’ll have to do after all.” Richard says.“Thank you, dad, the sleigh is perfect, just in time too.” I say.“Yep, Benny from the mechanic shop is one heck of a good helper.” He says.“Well, whatever you did, thank you so much!” “The house looks incredible son, honestly.” He says.“I’m so lucky I finished it in time too.” I say.“Well hard work pays off son. You know, I think it might even snow later this evening!” He says.“Awesome! The house looks incredible now but wait till tonight, it’s going to look even more beautiful because of all the lights.”“I know, it definitely will be gorgeous.” He says.The rest of the afternoon goes by and it’s starting to get dark. I think it’s even snowing lightly outside. I miss Carol so much; she’s probably having the best time in California with her family. I just miss her and miss my son. I want to meet him so bad. I walked dow
I finally arrived here in Pennsylvania again. As I walk inside the ranch house with Leland, I start to remember the moments when Jack and I first met. When he first picked me up and took me to the lake, when he threw pebbles at my window, when he proposed. It all happened here in Pennsylvania;I wasted my time moving with him to California. Being with him was the happiest moment of my life.I sit on the couch with Leland and look around, I just start crying. I miss him so much, how did we get here? Why did I move to California to begin with, Jack and I had everything here this entire time? I unpack my things and I see all our wedding pictures hanging up on the wall. I take out a framed picture of holding Leland in the hospital and hang it up on the wall. If I could talk to him again or see him again, I would just tell him thank you for everything because we did have special moments together. Moments that I could never forget. He showed me what it was like to feel loved by someone. G
“Finally, I think this is the perfect house. It's lovely. I’ll take it sir.” I say.“Great, it's all yours. Please sign here for me!” The real estate man says. “Sure.” I say. I skim all the paperwork and sign all the documents.“Great, the key is all yours now!” “Thank you, sir.” I say.As I enter the house it looks like it was made for us, Carol and Leland will love it. It’s so lovely and cozy for us, it feels like home. I don’t waste time at all, I get all my things ready to start decorating and designing it like a beautiful Christmas house. I have an image in my head, I want this house to be perfect. I want it to impress Carol, after all I need to win her back and I think this is the only way I can. I need to prove to her I love her and I love our son with all my heart. I pick up the hammer and start adding nails to the walls for the Christmas green garland. I’m also going to fill the entire house with holiday lights, starting from the front entrance and continuing. Wait, I
This is my favorite time of year. It sucks that it doesn’t snow here, I know Hannah tried her best making it her style for the holidays but it’s not the same without snow. Leland needs to experience his first holiday with white snow. I’m so lucky to have him with me but something inside me just feels completely empty. “Guys I need a vacation.” I say. “You’re leaving, great I’ll help you pack!” Tanner says. “Seriously Tanner, stop it.” Chelsea says. “Carol, why are you leaving?” Hannah asks.“I need Leland to experience the holidays with snow, I think I’ll just go stay at the old ranch house in Pennsylvania for some time.” I say looking at everyone. I don’t see anything but sad faces in the room. “Are you sure you want to go?” Chelsea asks.“Yes, I’m positive.” I say.“I’ll go with you.” Hannah says to me.“No sis, you have all done so much for me already. I just need to go by myself with Leland.” I say. Everyone gets up to give me a hug. We all form a group hug together. I can