“Hannah, are you done yet? We must leave in ten minutes! I'm nervous.” I say. “Almost.”She walks down the stairs, trying to put on hoop earrings. “Nervous? It’s the Jones family, we have known them since we were kids. Don’t be nervous, I’m starving. I remember Jack’s mom was a great cook too!”“Yes, I know. But that was back then Hannah, Jack and I weren’t dating back then.”“Breathe, Carol. Relax, I'm with you. They are going to love you even more now, you're the nicest person I know and you're super smart. Sometimes I’m a little jealous myself, I wish I could be more like you!”“Thanks sis. Okay, I feel a little better now, you’ve given me a bit more courage. Alright let’s go before we’re late.” I say.As we approach the house I can remember playing in the front yard when I was a kid. Tanner and Jack were so close, he should have been here. I hope he’s okay. Okay Carol, chin up, it’s showtime.“Carolina! You’re even more beautiful than when I last saw you. Hannah, you are too. Wo
Stupid parties, I hate going to these things. I should just tell Chase, but our relationship isn’t the same anymore. It’s like he fell out of love with me. Now he’s ditching me to spend time with that Tanner kid. I thought we’re good together. Maybe I’m just not enough for him. “Ready yet!” Chase says walking into the bathroom. “No.” I say.“What’s taking so long?”“Being a woman. Five minutes, please. Now can you go wait outside?” “Fine.” He says, then walks out. As I glide my red lipstick on my lips and look into the mirror, I start wondering. Is it all worth it? Will we even last? Should I just come clean and tell him how I feel? I shake my head a bit to add some volume in my hair. Then, I walk out into the hall to meet Chase. “Done.” I say“Great, now let’s go.” He says, in a deep voice.“Why are you showing me attitude? Seriously Chase?” I say angrily. “Shall we go to the party or stay here and have one of your dumb diva moments?”“There aren’t any diva moments. It’s fine,
“Carol, have you seen my slippers? You know the Burberry one. It’s one of a kind!” Hannah says.“Have you checked behind the couch downstairs?” “Yes. It’s not there.” “Check again. This time move the couch.” I say.It’s been a few months since Jack, and I were dating. It's so ironic how fast time went by. I was only planning to stay here for the summer but now this place feels like home. “You know Jack’s taking you out tonight. That means I can hang out with Max,” she says.“You two are getting pretty close. Aren’t you? Now inviting him over to the house, wow, that’s a step up.” “Yea. He’s smoking hot.” She says.“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear the last part of what you just said.” I have my blush pink dress hanging up on the door of my closet. Jack told me he wants to take me to see a fountain near the same lake we went by when he first kissed me. “Dang it’s hot.” I say.“See I told you.” “Not stupid Max. Eww no. I meant my curling iron. Hannah, can you come help me curl m
I’ve been so exhilarated ever since the proposal. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to call mom and dad to let them know the big news. My parents are beyond picky about who I choose, it’s all about reputation this and reputation that. My ex was quite wealthy, however, his attitude reeked. I guess maybe mom is different now and she’ll understand that I’m happy with Jack. Maybe she'll help me with the wedding. Okay that’s it I need to call mom and tell her the truth. I gulp as the phone starts to ring.“Hello.” Mom says.“Mom hi, how are you doing? I miss you and haven’t spoken to you in a while. Just thought I’d checkup making sure you and dad are okay.”“Carol, sweetie. It’s so good to hear your voice. Your father and I are good, the same as normal.” “Hannah and I were planning to come see you guys for the holidays.” I say. “When? I must check my schedule making sure I’m not booked up with work. Your father has those seminars too, you know! I’ll have to check with him and let yo
“Hey, ho, say hey ho!” Tanner walks into my room singing. “Hey, ho, say hey ho!” I say.“Yo, get up my wifey made breakfast downstairs, she wants to be extra kind to you because you're the soon to be bride thingy.” He says.“You’re never a morning person Tanner, ugh. Go back to bed.”He gets on top of my bed and starts jumping. “Jack and Carolina sitting in a tree, K. I. S. S. I. N. G. First comes love, next comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage.” Tanner sings.“Okay. I’m up. I’m up already.”“Yay.” He speaks.“Chelsea. She seems sweet. How did y’all meet?”“Umm. Long story and can’t tell you that’s confidential. I wouldn’t tell you anyway because you made your last sentence rhyme.”I finally get out of bed and make my way over to the bathroom to rinse my face and brush my teeth. Hannah is right, mom and dad can’tbe telling me how to live my life anymore. This has gone on for way too long, enough is enough. I need to start standing up for what I believe in, it’s m
Part 1 It’s so worth it. Everything, moving out here with Hannah, going on the motorcycle with Jack, Tanner going to LA. “Places people! Jack isn’t here yet, but we must have a rehearsal. Carol you over here, Tanner you here, Chelsea and I are going to walk down the aisle first because we’re bridesmaids.”“Wait, who’s going to give me away? You know. Who will walk with me down the aisle?” I ask.“I volunteer to do the honors ma’am.” Tanner says.“You can’t Tanner, you're already Jack’s best man!” Hannah says. I’m happy that we’re having a small wedding, nothing major. It's more special this way, we can form more memories because everyone I’m surrounded by are people that are so valuable in my life. “The bridesmaid dresses are gorgeous, Carol. Hannah and I love it.” Chelsea says.“That’s nice to hear, you all look beautiful by the way! Even you Tanner. You look like a Barbie.” I say and laugh.“Hey. Wow, such a wonderful compliment. Thanks Carol.”“Sure. Little one”The wedding is
I feel the rapid beating of my heart against my chest, while sitting on the bathroom floor. I try biting my lip to stay calm. This is the second pregnancy test I’ve taken today. The first one showed two lines, which indicates positive in the directions. I just needed to take another to be sure before breaking the news. It feels like forever to wait for the results in the test because I’m so anxious. I look in the mirror and think back about how wonderful the past few months have been. Marrying Jack was unbelievable. It all happened so quickly for us. Falling in love, getting married, and now if this is real, then we could possibly be on the edge of having a baby, nine months from now.I look down at the counter to see if the test has been completed. “Negative. How could it be negative now?” I whispered. I should just tell Jack because I feel so sick. I even threw up yesterday morning. Hannah doesn’t know anything, and I don’t know how to tell her. She recently got fired from her pa
“Hello.” As I say, while answering my phone.“I’m calling to speak with Hannah Cooper, is she available?”“Yes. That’s me, how can I help you?”“Hannah. Great, I’ve been trying to contact you. My name is Maleficent, I work for Cosmos Magazine.”“Wow. That’s cool!” I say.“Uh huh. It’s cool here, I’m happy to hear your enthusiasm about the business. Tiffany sent me over some of your work while working at the salon. Those clients seem happy. I can tell you have photography skills, and I would like you to pursue this talent with us, here at Cosmos.”“Are you serious? Really. This is incredible, I would be honored to work for your company!” I say.“Awesome, so it’s set. My office is at Melrose.”“Wait. Melrose? Do you mean in California?”“Mmhmm, indeed.”I think to myself for a second about being jobless now and how appealing this opportunity is for me. What do I say to Carolina? She’s married to Jack and she’s pregnant. I’m her sister, I need to be here for her. Gosh, but the opportunit
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