MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND

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

“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

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

It is not worth jeopardizing our partnership and friendship for it. Though friendship might not be entirely accurate; we’re still rivals in a way. We still compete and fight and call each other on our shit.But like yin and yang, we complete each other. Where he’s quiet, I am loud. Where he’s cold, I can be hot-blooded, which makes our partnership extremely profitable.When Dan and I are on a mission, nothing can stop us.Or at least, I thought so until this morning.Until the fucking phone call I had not so long ago.Until I realized the actual danger to my daughter’s life.The daughter I did not think I wanted when she showed up at my door. But one look into her innocent rainbow eyes made me fall in love when I thought I wasn’t capable of the emotion. I never even considered giving her away, I couldn’t. She was a part of me and I knew I had to protect her. It did not matter that I was young and reckless at the time. It did not matter that I knew shit about raising a child.Living wi

My fingers falter and something stings my skin. I must’ve cut myself on the glass, but I do not pay attention to it as I stare at the man whose long legs eat up the distance in no time.Even the way he walks is unique. Only, he does not walk, he strides, always with some sort of purpose. His movements are purposeful, confident, and so damn masculine. Everything about him is manly, hard, and tenacious. It is present in every line of his face, every flutter of his lashes.It is in the way his broad shoulders stretch his tailored black jacket. The put-together look does not fool me, though, because I am well aware of what lurks beneath it.Muscles. Whether it is his chest, abdomen, biceps, or strong thighs. I know because I have watched him box with Dad many times, half-naked, and he gave me my first view of male beauty. I have seen his cut abdomen and bulging muscles. I have seen his fluid movements and quick reflexes.Young girls my age only have eyes for teenage boys and jocks, but I