"You doing okay there, Slayer?"…"After your chat with Mom and Alex? Definitely.""I'm proud of you.""Thanks, Buffy. I'm proud of myself too."I picture Buffy flashing one of her signature smiles, and then my thoughts slip into silence. That silence is a welcome respite now more than ever.There's a limit to how many tears one can shed before the accompanying headache becomes unbearable. I reached my limit exactly two hours and thirty-eight minutes ago—a new personal record."New" because I've never cried consecutively for that long about him, and "last" because I won't ever allow myself to cry for that long again. I won't say I'll never cry over him again, period, because I'm only human. An occasional tear may escape down the road, something I can't physically control.But what I absolutely won't permit him to do from this day forward is haunt my mind and heart. Eighteen years have been enough. It'll be challenging, and I'll fall more times than I can count, but I refuse to let him
"After that incident, she became a frequent visitor at the local hospital, offering excuses like 'I fell down the stairs' or 'I didn't see where I was going,'" I mutter again, still struggling to accept the harsh reality, even though I've recounted this story before. "That's the grim reality when you reside in places like Riverdale, Philippines. People are either too terrified or too corrupt to demand the truth, even when a pregnant woman is involved, so they choose to accept whatever story she provides. He eventually dragged my brother into the physical abuse as well, although thankfully not to the extent of sending him to the hospital. But that doesn't mean it hurt my brother any less."I take yet another extended pause, my longest one yet, because once I resume, I don't intend to stop until I've shared the entire tale. Failing to do so...well, I can't even begin to fathom the consequences."When my mom reached her sixth month of pregnancy, he came home in the most intoxicated and d
"That's the absolute truth," Buffy chimes in, concurring with my sentiments."I'm genuinely sorry that I didn't realize it sooner, especially back in the janitor's closet when you tried to tell me how you felt," he says, releasing my hand momentarily to gently lift my chin with his thumb."It's water under the bridge now," I reply with a casual shrug, diverting my gaze back to the mesmerizing scenery before us. What's done is done, and there's no use dwelling on it further."But it's not," Max insists, once again grasping my chin to redirect my attention to him. "There are so many things I wanted to say tonight, but I chickened out at the last moment. Like the fact that after the last two times we were together, I couldn't get turned on by anyone else, no matter how hard I tried. And that the only reason I was with Piper tonight was to fend off Ryan about you. Not to mention that I only kissed her because he was right there, and he was about to catch me staring at you during that brie
When Max explains his perspective, I can't help but see the reasoning behind his actions. I know people who regularly use even the most dangerous street drugs but wouldn't struggle for a moment to quit if asked.As a teenager, I quickly learned that the mind and body operate in complex ways. That's just the nature of science—overly intricate and always evolving."I occasionally get high just for the thrill of it, but never to the point of addiction to any substances. I could never do that to Riley, nor to myself. Both of us deserve better than that. That being said," Max says, resting his thumb on my chin for a moment, "I was more than relieved when you explained that you only tried heroin once.""So, then you didn't step out of Drew's Halloween party just because 'Heroine' by Sleeping with Sirens came on?" I ask, and he takes a moment to recall that night."Honestly," he replies, "if I stepped out, it was probably because I got a phone call or something, definitely not because of the
"Look at them, UP's newest power couple!" Avery exclaims as we meet her and Kalix outside Manzanita Village. Despite her radiant smile, the dark circles under her eyes betray a sleepless night."I see the hand-holding has already begun," Kalix chimes in, motioning towards our intertwined fingers as Max and I approach them.Avery and I share an enthusiastic hug as soon as we're within hugging range."I love you, and I'm so proud of you that it hurts," she whispers into my hair, holding me tight. I reciprocate the embrace with equal fervor."I love you too, and thank you for everything," I murmur back before we finally release each other.Kalix, on the other hand, extends his arms toward Max with a raised eyebrow."I guess it's my turn to give you a hug," he says, fully embracing Max despite Max's initial resistance. Eventually, Max gives in with a heartfelt laugh, reciprocating Kalix's brotherly affection."I'm proud of you, man," Kalix tells Max genuinely, finally allowing him to brea
Each person has that one special individual whose hugs hold a unique place in their heart. For me, that person has always been and will forever remain my older brother. Despite the twists and turns life has thrown at us as we've grown, our bond remains as resilient as the roots of an ancient tree—ever-expanding yet profoundly interconnected. From the moment we first crossed paths to the day we draw our last breaths, and even if there exists an afterlife, our fates will forever be intertwined...."If you spin me around any more, you dork, I'll end up spewing all those Sour Patch Kids I devoured during my flight!" I playfully warn him, evoking a chuckle."Brace yourself, mini-me. The 'I missed you' feeling will wear off in about five minutes, and then it's back to our prank war," he teases, finally setting me down with a shared laugh. Then, my hoodie conveniently obscuring my face, he tugs the drawstrings in opposite directions, instantly turning me into a walking, talking marshmallow.
Twin #1: That's a tradition, so we're in.In the next couple of minutes, we all express our agreement by liking William's text, confirming our commitment to engage in train hopping on the outskirts of town. This Thanksgiving tradition involves us perching on the rooftop, our legs dangling, as we share a bottle of the same drink that has symbolized our enduring friendship over the years: good old Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey.SuSpence: It's my turn to bring the bottle this time, so I'll make sure to get the 1.75 L one. It should be enough for the entire trip around town.We all like Samuel's message as well and then exchange goodnight wishes before ending the chat. After responding to my other texts, I focus on Max's last message. He had replied to my "landed" text a couple of hours ago, so I decide to check in and see if he's still awake, sticking to our promise of a morning text and a nightly call from earlier in the day.Me: Are you still awake?Instead of a text response, my phone imme
The most enjoyable aspect of waking up in the morning remains an enigma to me."Hey! You should express gratitude for being able to start a new day," Buffy swiftly counters."Yeah, I'd certainly be more 'thankful' if Alex hadn't 'forgotten' to close the blinds again. I'll have my revenge," I mutter.I push the covers aside to find a comfortable position, and that's when my phone chimes twice, indicating two new messages. Rubbing my eyes with my right hand, I reach for my phone on the nightstand with my left hand. With one eye half-open, I don't mind waking up to something like this:Message: Just thought I'd share how my day's been so far:9:10 a.m. - Woke up with a smile because I dreamt of you calling my name.9:35 a.m. - Took a shower while thinking of you, moaning my name.10:00 a.m. - Had breakfast with Riley at a local diner.10:42 a.m. - Returned home, while Riley hung out with friends, I joined a soccer pickup game.11:56 a.m. - Started writing this message for you.11:59 a.m.
Isabella "Dear friends and family, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of our very own Isabella Vega and Max Blackwell," Father Raffaele begins as soon as the choir finishes off the song. Words can't describe how I felt when I first heard it playing behind the closed doors. Max has really outdone himself this time."In the years they have been together, both on and off - we all chuckle to that - "their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured, and now they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife." A few 'about time's' fire through the crowd, making us chuckle some more.Soon after, Father Raffaele announces that Max and I will be reciting our vows to one another, motioning for Max to begin with his. My man clears his throat ever so vigorously, earning his overdramatic ass another round of chuckles from the rest of us before he briefly turns to Father Raffaele."Sorry in advance, Father," Max warns him, and then he turn
MaxI only saw her ten minutes ago, but damn, my jaw still drops when the chapel doors open, revealing her in all her glory. I proudly watch as my mother-in-law and brother-in-law join her on each side, slowly walking her down the aisle. What makes me smile even more is the moment Isabella's already beautiful face lights up in recognition at the song I've chosen for the processional. She's absolutely breathtaking, in every sense of the word.I could go on describing the details of the goddess walking towards me, but given that my dick is already as solid as a rock and we're inside a church, I'd rather spare all the witnesses here the image of me ejaculating on the spot. So, for the sake of all the guests, especially Father Raffaelem, who happens to be standing closest to me, let me just stop at she's absolutely breathtaking.Her arrival at the altar can't come fast enough. As the agonizing distance between us gets shorter with each ascending step, I take a moment to revisit some of ou
Isabella"Come on, Isabella, get a grip!" I scold my nerves, taking another swig of the bottle without letting any tequila spill on my expensive dress. I wipe the liquid from the side of my mouth with the back of my hand. "Why are you so nervous? It's just a wedding, and it's Max. He'd laugh if he saw you like this."Girl, if you don't calm down..., Buffy interjects, breaking through my nervous thoughts. Your back-and-forth pacing is giving MY conscience's conscience a headache. I take a deep breath before another swig. Pull yourself together! Max is probably as calm as ever while you're freaking out for no reason!As I'm about to bring the bottle to my lips again, a determined knock on the door interrupts me. Damn it! Where's a packet of Sour Patch Kids when you need one?"It's unlocked," I call out, turning around to take one last gulp. The door creaks open and closes, but the visitor remains silent. Then I hear the lock turning, slowly."Alex, if this is one of your lame attempts t
Isabella "Are you alright, bro?" I inquire as I approach Alex on the porch swing of the Carters' old house."I've never been better," he replies, patting the seat beside him. "I just wanted to talk. Even though we FaceTime every night, it's never quite the same as being together in person.""I completely understand," I say, taking a seat next to him and resting my head on his shoulder. He rests his head on top of mine, and we stay like this for a while before he breaks the silence."Do you remember that time when you tried to be Spider-Woman and fell down the stairs?" He asks suddenly, instantly bringing a smile to my face. "You scraped your knee, but you didn't want Mom to find out because you knew she would scold you for not being careful. So instead, you came to me, begging me to fix the cut before she came home.""Yes," I chuckle softly. "I think I was around seven years old, right?""Seven and three months," he responds with a soft chuckle of his own. "And then there was the tim
~Five Weeks Later-MaxAfter five years of living on and off with Isabella, you might think I'd grow tired of waking up before her, but no, not at all. Despite both of us not being morning people, the days when I'm up before noon are special because I get to wake up my fiancée. The mere thought of our new reality makes me smile like a lunatic.With that smile on my face, I grab a coffee tray filled with Isabella's typical breakfast and head down the hall to the master bedroom. Once inside, I place the tray on a nightstand before slowly hovering over Isabella's sexy sleeping figure. Knowing she doesn't wake up when I initially touch her, I let my fingers graze her waist as I slide the silky covers off her bare body.She's always been breathtaking, from the moment I first laid eyes on her. Starting with her right leg, bent at the knee, I position myself over it and begin to kiss every inch of her, starting at her toes.My lips move up her sole to her heel, gradually reaching her calf, t
~At the Penthouse Suite~IsabellaUpon returning to the penthouse suite with our bags of groceries, Max poses a question."What did the savage mother say to her son when he informed her that his girlfriend was pregnant?" he inquires as we enter, closing the door behind us."You should've used protection?" I jest."Good one, but no," he chuckles. "She instead apologized, asking him who the father was.""Daaammmnnn," I laugh, conceding that it was one of the better jokes. Surprisingly, our banter, initiated at the grocery store, continues to be amusing. "Alright, my turn," I say, placing my bags on the expansive kitchen island. "To make this scenario work, I'll play the mother, and you'll be the son. We'll engage in a short conversation about you seeking permission to hang out with your girlfriend. Other than that, your responses won't impact mine much, so feel free to unleash that creative mind of yours.""Sounds good," he chuckles, depositing his bags on the island. "Ready when you ar
After a few seconds, Caleb thanks Max for something simple, even though my boyfriend just stated the obvious. Hopefully, Caleb won't feel the need to hide himself after tonight."You can thank us both by asking that Jaxon kid out," Max suggests, handing Caleb a hundred-dollar bill."Okay, forget what I said about Caleb being irresistible; he's beyond that. I can't find words to describe the guy I'm sitting on, who doesn't realize he's making Caleb's night."Caleb, feeling shy and surprised, tries to return the money. He thinks it's too much, but Max insists and places it in Caleb's shirt pocket."I wasn't asking," Max states firmly, ending further discussion.Caleb breathes out in disbelief, scratching his head in embarrassment. "Thanks, man. I mean, I don't know what else to tell you," he says, shrugging helplessly.Max smirks, silently signaling Caleb not to worry. With a nod and an appreciative smile, Caleb goes back inside, probably to find Jaxon and ask him out.Turning to Max, h
Later That Day"Five more minutes, I promise," I call back, securing the last bobby pin to keep my wild hair in check. I'll be surprised if they manage to hold anything given where we're headed tonight, but hey, I'm too lazy to take them out now."Take your time, I'll be in the living room!"Once I've tucked away the last bobby pin in who knows where, I check myself in the mirror one final time before joining Max."Sorry I took so long," I grimace when I find him on the couch engrossed in Real Housewives of Atlanta."No worries, ba—" His words vanish into thin air the moment his eyes land on me. I can't help but smile when they're replaced with a groan as he bites his fist."How does it look?" I ask, walking over to the door to slip on my white Converse."Like I'm not going to last long tonight," he replies smoothly, turning off the TV to stand up and join me at the door. "Holy fuck, I'm the luckiest motherfucker alive."Melting in his arms when he kisses my forehead, I thank my lucky
~Friday, February 14, 2025 - Valentine's Day in Santa BarbaraIsabellaMax and I reached Santa Barbara last night, opting to reserve a penthouse suite for a private Valentine's Day weekend. Yesterday involved exploring the city where our paths first crossed, but tonight promises an entirely different level of intimacy.The evening kicks off with the comical Valentine's Day cards we exchange..."Why am I not surprised?" I chuckle at Max's card, shaking my head at his cheeky sense of humor."Oh, please," he retorts, "like yours is any better." He displays the card I gave him, eliciting another round of laughter."Touché, touché," I concede, winking as I delve into the heartfelt note inside.Here's my love, take it.Here's my soul, use it.Wait a minute....Completing the remainder of the message, I smirk as my initial suspicion is confirmed.I glance up to find Max beaming at me proudly."What? Did it render you speechless with its brilliance?" He playfully raises his eyebrows."You cam