Cassia dusted her face with a pink blush. Combing back her long dark hair, her ladies in waiting came in her room to style it. She smiled a little bit in her mirror, thinking of the face that prompted this new desire to look her best at all times. She hadn't seen him since that fateful night when he saved her from Cato, but he had infiltrated her mind, and now she was always on the lookout for him in the vast halls of the castle. Her dress today was simple, but beautiful, nonetheless. A lavender sleeveless look with a drop waist corset in the same color, and pale pink embroidery on the hem and corset edges. Her jewelry was simple, gold bands around her wrists, and a gold matching necklace. She finally decided on a hairstyle, putting it up into a high bun, letting some strands and pieces fall just so. Still no shoes though, comfort was still one of her top concerns.

She walked out, forgetting that she still had yet another essay from her father to complete, but that didn't matter right now. Walking outside, into the warm sunlight of the late afternoon, she searched for Maryn. Not finding her at the arena, she walked around the outdoors areas her sister frequented, losing track of where she was at one point and beginning to wander. And that was when she stumbled upon the guards training area. Punching bags, sword fighting, and equipment were all there for them to work with and she figured she couldn't be seen from where she was, behind a tall oak tree. She scanned the area, wondering if maybe Damian was there. And to her surprise, (and delight), he was. She watched, dreamily as he worked out. Lost in thought, until a sharp tap on her shoulder scared her. "Checking out the guards?" Maryn teased her, pushing her gently. "Thats not funny." Cassias face was suddenly red, hoping Damian didn't see her. Maryn's face was suddenly softer. "What's up with you? You've been all weird and shy ever since the Valentines left." Cassia wordlessly grabbed her sister's hand, face aflame and ran down towards the back of the castle. Sitting by the pillars she sunk down onto the marble flooring, looking out over the mountains. Maryn spoke first. "Will you please tell me what's going on? Is everything okay?" Tears welled up in Cassias eyes, thinking of the whole story, and it didn't take long for it all to come spilling out, a teary rendition of all of the events that had taken place. "In conclusion, everything is more of a mess than it was before, because now I think I have the tiniest crush on one of the guards." Maryn wordlessly hugged her sister, something soft and accepting in her embrace. "First off, you should have told me about Cato. I would have killed him for you. And second off, I won't tell anyone about your crush on.. Damian, is it?" Cassia sniffled. "Yeah, his name is Damian." "Well, you're secrets safe with me. Although you will be in so much trouble if any of this ever comes to light. Father has always had a plan for our love lives, and I don't think handsome, dashing guards are a part of it." Cassia let out another sob. "I'm well aware." "Listen, I'm not saying I agree with it, I'm just saying that it is the life we were given, and for everyone's sake we should try and follow it as best we can. The advice I would give you is don't pursue him romantically, if you two are every caught he could be executed. Just, respectfully admire from afar." She winked then. "At least, that's what I do." Cassia laughed then, feeling better. The two went back to Maryn's room, where Maryn let Cassia braid her hair and tell her more about her guard.

Damian sat on his bed in the guards' quarters, sore after his training. He still couldn't shake what he had seen earlier out of his mind. Cassia Caldwell, watching the guards from behind a tree. He wondered if maybe she was watching him, and the thought made him feel all warm and strange. The princess was slowly infecting his mind with her pretty smile and soft hair and bright eyes, and he possibly had a crush on her. Hell, it might even be reciprocated, and the thought made him smile before shaking it out of his mind. Of course it wasn't reciprocated, she was going to have an arranged marriage and probably gave Damian little to no thought. He sat on his cot, thinking, when a pillow hit him in the face. "Sinclair!" One of the other guards, Marcus Black ran over to him, holding out a paper. "You've got a letter." Damian grabbed it, excitedly opening it and reading it over.

It was from his mother, telling him about the house and market where she worked. He missed her more than anything else, the royal guards were only allowed to go home once a year, around the holidays. He knew his mother was lonely, his father had died when he was very young, and he had no other siblings. He had only taken this job to help out with the money situation, as the cost of living in the East had gone up dramatically and she wasn't earning enough for the two of them to live on her income alone. Marcus startled him once again. "Who's it from? A girl?" Damian smacked him with the same pillow. "It's from my mother you pervert; she was just updating me on what it's like back home." "Oh. Thats way more boring than a letter from a girl." "I don't have a girlfriend, who would be sending me letters?" "You don't? What happened to Jane?" Damian put his head in his hands, Jane was his past girlfriend, and an unpleasant memory to say the least. "I was told that she was seeing one of the stablemen in my town behind my back, so I broke it off with her." Marcus's eyes went wide. "Oh, man, I'm sorry, I didn't know." "It's alright, she was awful even when we were together. I don't miss her." The two laughed, but it was solemn. "So, tell me, is there anyone who's caught your eye after Jane?" Damian swallowed, nervous to tell Marcus about Cassia, but eventually decided to. "Well, I did have a moment with someone. We talked a bit, and now I can't get her out of my head." Marcus fake gasped, "Let me guess, Cassia Caldwell?" "How'd you know?" Marcus smirked, "I overheard a few of the guys talking about your valiant rescue. But really Damian? It's a pretty big risk just speaking to one of the princesses, let alone having feelings for one." "I'm well aware." "But I support you and her, as long as you don't get yourself killed. Personally, I've always had a little thing for Aurora." Damian laughed then, "She would kill you in a second." "That's what makes her so attractive." They laughed, but the sound was solemn at its heart. Marcus spoke up once more, "Listen, I get it if you think you really have feelings for her, but there are more dangers to her than any other girl in Elaris." Damian put his head in his hands. "That's my problem. I'm sure I'll get over it though." "That's the spirit!" Marcus clapped his friend on the back. "Alright, I'm heading to the showers." "You didn't shower?!? I let you sit on my cot!"

Haze is content.

She can’t remember the last time she felt like this.

Aziza asked Haze to come to her room when the moon was high in the sky. It was a secret meeting. Haze gets it. Aziza’s parents, the Kings and Queen still are wary of witches. That’s the nice way of saying they hate her, but feel obligated to let her stay because she saved Aziza.

So Haze snuck in.

The ethereal princess didn’t tell her how, so Haze took some liberties with that part. Safe to say, Aziza nearly blew their cover by gasping loudly when Haze used her magic to fly up to her balcony like a night owl.

Now they lay on said balcony, having dragged blankets and pillows from the pristine bed outside, staring up at the stars.

Haze has done this so many times with Nova in the Wild Thicket. Somehow the stars look duller here, but she’s just content to be next to Aziza without the hawk eyes on her.

As if Haze is a predator waiting to strike.

“What is the end goal, Haze?” Aziza asks, interrupting Haze’s thoughts.

Shifting so her body is directed towards Aziza, she meets Aziza’s dark, earthy eyes. “What do you mean?”

Mirroring her position, leaning her elbow on a lush pillow, she goes on to explain. “You and your sister strive to convince people to change societal stereotypes and preconceived notions. If that were to happen, what does that look like?”

The silence hangs between them. It isn’t because Haze doesn’t know how to answer. It’s that she is brought back to a very different time. Not one with Aziza or Ward or the castle.

One where she and Nova were much younger, in every sense of the word.

Aziza must take it as if Haze was unsure, so she elaborates further. “I guess I do not know what you are fighting so hard for. It has always been like this for as long as I can recall. How can you fight for something you do not know?”

Listening closer, it actually isn’t silent. Crickets chime a lullaby. A breeze gives a low whistle. The stars twinkle, almost audibly. It is in these noises that she hears a voice. One that Haze won’t ever forget:

“My mother used to tell me and Nova a story,” Haze begins.

She doesn’t speak of their mother often. This might be the first time mentioning her to Aziza. From her widening eyes, that’s probably true. The princess isn’t put off by it though. She holds this curiosity about her. Like a young animal genuinely wanting to explore.

“The story was of how the Oreza Kingdom came to be. It wasn’t a blossom right away, nothing ever is. It had to grow from something.”

Telling the story like her mother used to, Haze barely remembers where she is. The stars twinkle differently, the surroundings morph. The only indication of the time is Aziza’s even breathing next to her.

“My mother spoke of how the Wild Thicket and Oreza used to be harmoniously connected. Nature and man-made collided. Witches and knights coexisted. Stunning flowers grew on vines strengthening the castle’s walls. People’s homes were made in accordance to nature. The food was from what they grew themselves in the Wild Thicket. Nature was everywhere that people were.”

“That sounds magnificent,” Aziza says. Haze knows she means it too. Aziza is genuine. Similar to animals, what she presents is who she is.

Many people aren’t like that. But this princess is.

Shaking her head, getting back to the retelling, Haze continues, “Nova thinks it was a tall tale to give us hope.”

“What do you believe?”

Haze ponders that for a moment. Not many people ask her that. Actually, no one does, except for Nova.

No one not related to her cared about her opinion ever in her life.

“I believe every word. My mother rarely said things she didn’t mean with her whole heart. If she said that this world existed, then it did. And it can again. That is what I am fighting for.”

Reaching in the small gap between them, Aziza threads their fingers together. She brings this warmth, like she is producing sunlight and Haze is a flower.

“Then I will join you in that fight.”

OoOoO

“Do you believe what we’re doing is working?” Nova questions.

Ward turns his head slightly in surprise. They had been silent for while, just stargazing on the roof of the castle.

He knew she enjoyed the stillness of the night, so they simply sat next to each other, heads tilted up, her head on his shoulder.

“I believe so. What do you think?” He asks.

Her response is instant and automatic. “I believe in Haze.”

In times of confusion or uncertainty in her life, that is the one thing she could rely on. Haze. And being in the castle is a big question mark.

Neither of them go to move, so Nova knows he can’t see her face. But she can’t see his either. “That is what I have faith in. If you have such trust in her, then it will work. Eventually.” She imagines the soft smile on his, the uptick of the corner of his lips. Can practically hear it in his voice.

“My mom used to be like that. Hopeful,” she finds herself saying without realizing it.

It actually startles her with how much ease she brings her up.

Ward really is something.

She never thought she would be so comfortable with someone other than her sister.

“You make it sound like a bad thing,” he says, with a teasing lilt, lifting his shoulder up slightly.

Nova takes a moment and stares at the stars. It used to be one of her favorite things to do with their mom. She taught them constellations, using her finger to paint pictures in the sky.

She misses her.

The gentle breeze runs through her hair, bringing her back in time. In another place. “She was…the best person. Kind but determined. Delicate but unmoving. Magical but real.”

“You sound a lot like her.” Being compared to her mom both warms her heart and causes it to ache.

When their mom was here, things just felt easier. More attainable. Without her, Nova doesn’t know.

“I think I am half of those things. Haze is the much better half,” Nova admits. Because she is. Haze is so much like their mom, it hurts sometimes. She is so inherently good.

“I don’t any of those things are negative,” Ward asserts, taking her trembling hand (that she didn’t even know was shaking) in his.

His sun spreading warmth over her.

If she has Starshine as he calls it, he is the sun. Always there to make her feel better.

Gripping his hand, probably tighter than she realized, she continues speaking of her mom. “She used to tell me and Haze this story. It was a tale so grand that it could only exist in one’s dreams.”

Wistful. That’s probably what she sounds like right now. A tone she only has with certain people. Like two. Ok, only two. Haze and Ward.

She’s not quite there with Aziza, but with how close she and Nova’s sister are getting, they’ll get there. Haze doesn’t just fall for anyone.

“What was it about?” Ward interjects. The curiosity that she drew her to him coming out. She smiles, knowing he can’t see her at that moment.

Gosh she likes this guy.

“The Wild Thicket. And Oreza. In her story, they used to be one in the same. And then one day, they were separate.” Haze would make the story more elaborate. More beautiful. But Nova can’t with all the descriptors.

She’s not really a storyteller.

“She never said why or how?”

It is a question that has plagued Nova for a long time. There are many things her mom told them that she wishes she could talk to her about. Get more clarification. Or any.

Maybe things would make sense now.

“Nope. She wanted to focus on the nice part. But she did describe how the Wild Thicket saw it coming. The hatred towards witches. So it became the natural, ever changing labrynth to protect witches.”

It must be the way she said it because Ward catches onto her affection. “That’s why you’re so protective of the forest.”

“Even if I don’t believe in some parts of her tales, that has rung true. The woods have protected us. So I will guard them,” she affirms. Her intention is clear. Or at least clear to her.

The Wild Thicket is alive. They have protected them in times of need. Times that were some of the hardest of Nova’s life. So to repay them, she will do the same.

An unspoken chapter of her story hangs between them. But he doesn’t push. That’s one of the reasons she likes Ward. He knows when to push and when not to.

“Even if she made it up, you and Haze are doing it. You are bringing your mother’s story, her vision, to fruition.” He says it with such conviction that Nova herself can’t help but feel like it’s possible.

It could happen.

They are making it happen.

“You really believe in me?” Her voice trembles and shakes, her vulnerability laid bare for him to view, even though he isn’t looking at her.

She’s never felt like this before. So nervous yet so sure. Riddled with butterflies and moths. The feeling is so warm. Soothing. Stable. Loving.

Ward is her person.

“I do.”

Her sun.

“I think I love you.”

——— (Couldn’t come up with a better title. I’m tired 🙃. Hope you had a good day!)

“I have an idea!” Rachel exclaimed as though she had never thought of an idea before.

“Why don’t we go to the movies tonight?” Rachel asked twiddling her thumbs.

“That sounds like a great idea! I’ve been so bored at home lately. But what should we watch? We haven’t seen anything in ages except for Pocahontas and the Seven Dwarves which just aired on tv.” Jason took out his cell phone from his pocket and began looking up times and shows.

“Hmmm…. how about while you look up the times, I call Freya since she went last weekend with her new boyfriend, Jay something or other? I’m sure she can recommend something just for us.”

And with that, Rachel began punching the buttons on her phone and walked into the other room for privacy.

Freya and Rachel had been best friends since college. Where one went so did the other, so it was no surprise to Jason that was who Rachel decided to call on in her time of need.

Jason wanted Freya, but not in the way he loved Rachel. He loved how Freya had funny comebacks and could laugh at his jokes never taking him serious. They were in fact, almost like sisters- the total opposites. Freya had piercing blue eyes and golden blonde hair that could make even the sun shy away, whereas Rachel’s brown eyes and brunette hair made her mysterious attitude even more alluring. She could be direct, and quite blunt when it came to her job, but she knew how to have a good time. They were best friends after all.

In fact, Freya’s name was also listed as her emergency contact right under his. She was a great judge of character for movies since she’d majored in Film. Rachel on the other hand majored in Acting where she and Jason met.

As soon as Rachel left the room he recieved a notification from Freya. He could tell she was in a hurry typing because her words were jumbled although he could make out the message.

Freya 😘 : “Does Rachul knaw wee went iut last weeknd?” 1/10/25 6:04pm read

Jason: “No just recimmend same movie 2nite. I plan on proposing” 1/10/25 6:10pm

At that precise moment, Freya came skipping in the living room.

“Isn’t it great? Freya recommended we go see The Lover’s 2! She said Jay really loved it!” She plopped down next to him on the couch.

“That’s great honey. We’ll have to get there early since it’s a popular movie.”He got up and tossed his phone back onto the couch so he could get ready for the show.

Bzzzzt. His phone vibrated like it usually did when one of his business partners wanted to get in touch with him at this hour. Usually he was on-call, but not tonight. Freya resisted the urge to take a peek.

Snooping wasn’t a good look on her. She was raised better than that, but they were planning to get married and afterall he was her fiancé. His phone buzzed again, but this time it did not stop until after the third buzz. She bit her lip and turned it over to read:

Freya 😘: I told Rachel y’all should go see Lovers 2. I loved it so I KNOW she will!” 1/10/25 7:05pm delivered

Freya 😘: “If she doesn’t marry you by the time the movie’s over, Jay- I mean Jason (obvi), then I will 😉.” 1/10/25 7:06pm delivered

Rachel looked up from his phone and met Jason’s wide-eye expression. Her blood boiled from the texts she just read. He was struggling to button up his shirt when she crossed the room and stood mere inches from his face. His Duvey cologne wafted in her direction. The smell that comforted her countless times before was now a trigger to her senses. She grimaced trying to not let his toned muscles distract her from being mad.

“So, which is it? Is your real name Jason?” she spat out the last word and wondered if he had ever told her the truth before now, “Or is it…. Jay?” She exhaled.

“Tara, tell me the truth.” Marren says. She’s frustrated. Maybe frustrated isn’t the word. Defeated may be a better description of what she feels. “Is it enough to leave him? Is it enough that he just doesn’t care?”

Marren is pacing through Tara’s kitchen. It won’t be long before she wears a hole in the floor. Tara worries about her best friend. She hasn’t seen her this upset in a very long time.

Tara sighs. “Mare, you can leave a relationship for any reason. There isn’t a threshold on something being ‘enough’ to break up with him. If you’re unhappy then you end it.”

“But how shallow will I look for breaking up with him after 4 years just because he forgot my birthday? 4 whole years. And I leave just because he forgot my birthday.” Marren stops pacing and puts her elbows on the kitchen island. She puts her head in her hands and shakes it.

“Not to add fuel to the fire, but he did also forget your anniversary last year. And Valentine’s Day the year before.” Tara says with a grimace. Elias really is a nice guy. He’s never cheated or lied. He’s never raised his voice or his hand. He’s also never bought flowers just because.

Tara places a hand on her friends, “You know that I’ll support any decision you make. But I would ask, does he love you?”

A tear falls onto the marble countertop. Marren sniffs, “Of course he loves me. He tells me every day, without fail.”

“Then I ask a different question, does he cherish you? Does he love you the way that you need to be loved?” Tara says as she grips Marren’s hand tighter. A sob breaks from Marren’s lips. All she can do is shake her head. “Okay, then I think that you know what you need to do.”

Another sob makes it’s way out of Marren’s mouth. Tara walks around the island and wraps her best friend in a hug. They stay like that until the sobs stop and Marren is left feeling wrung out but firm in her decision.

“I can’t believe she’s pissed at me over one day.” Elias laughs a little. “Isn’t that ridiculous?”

“I don’t know, man. It was her birthday.” Leo almost always takes his best friends side but this time he’s making it very difficult. “It’s also not the first time you’ve forgotten something like that.”

Elias scoffs, “Who’s side are you on here?” Leo rolls his eyes. Elias is defensive because he’s in the wrong and he knows it.

“If you wanted smoke blown up your ass instead of the truth then you should have went to someone else.” Leo stands from his chair and makes his way kitchen. There’s no point in continuing this conversation.

Elias follows his friend into the kitchen. “Your right. My bad.” Elias sighs. “I just didn’t think it was that big of a deal. I still got her a gift.”

“Yeah, a gift that was almost a week late because you ordered it after her birthday.” Leo reminds him. “And I don’t think she’s upset about the gift. To her, you forgetting her birthday means that you don’t care.”

Elias scoffs again, “Of course I care. We’ve been dating for years. If I didn’t care, I wouldn’t still be with her.”

Leo wonders how he ended with such a dumb best friend. “Question, have you ever gotten her a little gift just because?” Elias shakes his head. “How about flowers?”

“Yeah, for our anniversary and Valentine’s Day a couple times.” Elias says. Of course he’s gotten Marren flowers. He’s not an asshole.

“But never just because you thought she would like them?” Leo asks, trying to clarify.

“No, I guess not.” Elias shrugs. He doesn’t see the point of the question. Leo sighs at his response. Elias doesn’t understand that either.

Leo then makes the decision to give his best friend the hard truth. “Marren’s going to break up with you, E.”

Elias lets out a bemused chuckle. “There’s no way. She’s not going to break up with me over one day, man. I know her. She’ll get over it.”

“God, you are such an idiot.” Leo lets out a frustrated laugh. “You don’t get it do you? You say that you care about her but you don’t do anything to show it.”

“You don’t know her like I do. She’s not going to leave.” Elias can’t believe his friend would even suggest it.

“Okay, whatever you say. I have no idea what I’m talking about.” Leo says, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

The conversation ends there because Elias brings up the football game that is happening later that night. A few days later, Marren breaks up with Elias. Elias is shocked and tells all of his friends that it came out of nowhere. Marren finds solace in the fact that being single doesn’t mean being alone.

*This was inspired by the song Tolerate It by Taylor Swift. Hence, the title haha.”

Roman

Why doesn’t he just understand?

He thought Jeremiah was so good at reading him, but not today.

Roman longs for that understanding. But maybe he doesn’t even comprehend what he is even thinking himself.

So he goes to someone who might.

“Dude, what’s wrong? I can see it on your face,” Cross points out, a worrying look in his eyes. Roman doesn’t normally express his emotions out right. With his emotion absorption abilities, he is so used to other people’s emotion. “Is it your parents?”

This is why he has come to Cross. He knows him.

“No. It’s Jeremiah.”

Cross’ eyebrows shoot up. “Oh.”

“Can I ask what you think of the situation? I want you to tell me the truth no matter what. So you can tell me I’m wrong or partially wrong. Or right. You can say that too,” Roman rambles, slumping into the couch.

Cross puts his hand up and ends his nervous chattering. “Ok, ok. Just tell me what happened.”

Taking a deep breath, Roman begins the story, “It was normal. I was hanging out with Jeremiah. Then he ambushed me! He tried to pressure me to come to his family reunion.”

His friend’s eyebrows furrow and he tilts his head. “Didn’t we all go to his birthday party that had a bunch of his family?” Cross questions.

“Yes, but that was apparently only a small fraction,” he answers, thinking back how stressed out he was to meet so many people. And that wasn’t even all of them!

“Wow. So what did you say?”

“I said I felt like it was too soon.”

“How’d he react?” Cross inquires.

Roman hates fighting with Jeremiah. There was no way he thought his response would make Jeremiah act the way he did. Jeremiah is kind and unassuming. But he wasn’t. Not this time. “Not well. He accused me of pulling away and being distant. Is it so wrong to not want to jump right in and meet his entire clan?”

Cross sighs and leans forward, meeting Roman’s eyes. “No. You have every reason to want to take things slow Roman.”

Out of all his friends, he knew Cross the longest. It’s the understanding glint in his eyes that brings a great comfort in Roman. That’s why he came here. They have this connection that goes unspoken.

It makes him feel better for someone to agree with him.

“But…” Cross trails off, emphasizing the single word. Roman winces, “Of course there’s a but.”

Holding up his hands in a fake surrender, Cross says, “Hey you wanted honesty. But do you want to tell me the real reason you don’t want to go to this meeting of the family?”

Roman is stumped. He doesn’t get it. The real reason? He just told him? “What?”

“Come on, dude. We both know the reason you’re upset isn’t because Jeremiah wants you to meet his second cousins, three times removed or whatever. So what is it?”

Cross is challenging him. Wants him to dig within himself. Find that reason.

So he thinks. He wants—needs to figure this out.

But thinking more about their argument only frustrates him more. Jeremiah is normally so in tune with him. But it felt like he just kept pushing and prodding him until he had nothing left.

Suddenly, it’s like a dam is broken and words pour out of him.

“It’s like he pushes and pushes me to give more of myself to others. I don’t need to broadcast our relationship. It’s like my parents. They used to overcompensate and show their best fake selves when behind closed doors they hated each other.” He’s breathing heavier from the rant. It felt nice to release that.

Just as he’s processing what he’s said, Cross points something out, “So this is about your parents?”

That jolts Roman back to the present. “What?” He blurts out, confused and a bit of shock mixed in.

Cross reiterates the detail, “You just compared you and Jeremiah to your parents. You’re afraid of being like them?” He asks that but he knows the answer. Roman is terrified.

“Of course I am! They had a fairytale soulmate romance. And then it completely imploded. I love him so much and I can’t have him hating me!” He feels tears prick at his eyes, practically stabbing at him to get to the surface.

“Roman, you’re comparing a rotten apple to like…well done steak,” Cross says with the most serious expression while saying the most foolish thing Roman has ever heard. It startles a laugh out of him which might’ve been the goal.

“Those aren’t in the same food groups,” Roman states, his laugh still rumbling in his chest.

It feels so nice to chuckle. To just joke with his best friend.

Cross is a pretty chill guy, so when he practically leaps across the couch at Roman, it shocks him. “Exactly! You are so different than them. It’s because of them that you won’t be like them. I do think that you should talk to Jeremiah about this. We both know he’ll understand,” he advises, giving Roman a knowing glance.

“I know. I just don’t know if I know what a healthy relationship looks like,” he answers, lowering his gaze to his hands, fidgeting with the cuff of his shirt sleeves. Everything that Cross says is true. He knows that. It’s just the application that will be tough.

“I know your trust in relationships is a bit broken down, but what you and Jeremiah have is worth building it back up. You can do that together.”

Roman groans and stands up, heading towards the door. Cross doesn’t even question where he’s going. He knows what he has to do.

Jeremiah

The flowers are wilting and leaves are falling off trees. He can’t help but sour his environment.

“Primo, you ok?” Ria asks. Jeremiah just sighs loudly and continues being triste. “Not that I don’t enjoy the one on one cousin time because I do. We haven’t hung out like this in a while. But literally every single thing that used to be green is turning brown.” She makes a wide gesture to her front yard where the grass is indeed turning a yellowish brown.

“I had an argument with Roman,” he confesses, burying his head in his hands.

He can’t see her reaction, pero he can hear the shock, “Seriously? What about? I can’t imagine you guys fighting.”

Rolling onto his side so he can face her, he corrects her wording. Because that’s all he has right now. “It wasn’t a fight. Just disagreeing.” He holds onto the hope of it just being a fight. Something about this felt heavier, weighted diferente than any other squabble. But Jeremiah doesn’t understand why.

“Wanna tell me what went down?” She offers, with absolutely no judgment in her eyes.

It lifts un poco off his shoulders. It’s why he went to his prima. She’ll give it to him straight.

“I asked him to the reunión familiar. And he said no.”

Her uno eyebrow raises, expectedly, she gives him a slightly sarcastic response. Which at this point he welcomes. “Is he not allowed to say no?”

“No, he can. It’s just the reason he gave me! He said it’s because it’s too soon. Does he not feel as strongly as I do? He’s my soulmate. I want him in todo part of my life. I want todo el mundo to know him. As mi soulmate.” He feels like he’s pleading. Just to the wrong person.

“Did you say all that?” She questions. But she knows Jeremiah and he wouldn’t be like this if he had.

“No. I barely got the pregunta out before he was shooting it down. He’s pushing me away! Before he can even give us a real chance!”

She sits up and gestures for him to as well. He reluctantly does, leaving the comforting position of being surrounded by nature. “Miah, you want my real opinion?”

Nodding his head vigorously, he says, “Sí. Very much so. Be as brutal as you want.”

She gives him a concerningly gleeful smile, “Ooh. That’s a lot of free reign.”

It gives him a little chuckle. A weak one but one nonetheless.

“You’re right. I do think he’s pushing you away….like a foot back. And I do think the logical next step is to meet the family. But he probably has a reason. Maybe he’s scared with everything with his parents.”

Roman’s parents are a constant, looming presence in Roman’s vida. He finally fully grasps what Roman means when he says how his parents ruin everything they touch. Their negative relationship became the standard for him.

Running a hand through his hair, Jeremiah wonders, “What should I do? He doesn’t always open up very easily.”

If he could without worry of pain or his appearance, he would just rip his cabello out with how stressed he is.

Ria puts her hand on his shoulder, her presence exuding warmth. “Then you talk. Say what you said to me. That you’re hurt. You feel rejected. And tell him how you wanted to share that with him. It’s important to you.”

Their ojos meet and she can see the unshed tears. “And what if he still doesn’t open up? I love him, Ria. I can’t lose him,” he whimpers. He always thought love was easy, but it is so much more complicated than that.

“I can’t guarantee anything, but I believe that you won’t lose him. You both just need to say what’s on your minds. What is it with men and not talking about their feelings. Typical,” Ria rolls her eyes but keeps her comforting position by his side.

“Hey, not all of us are like that!” He defends, gaining a bit more confidence back in his voice.

She gives him a pointed look, and he blushes rosa.

“This isn’t a good example, but I normally talk about how I feel!”

Shaking her head with a soft smile on her cara, she explains, “Yeah, when it’s about nature or anything else. It’s about the heavy stuff, Primo. You can’t be afraid to tell Roman the important stuff. He won’t break just because he has a bad experience with soulmates.”

She’s right. As always. Thank goodness he has her in his life. Someone that will tell him the truth no matter the scenario.

“Ok, I get it now.”

“That’s good because speak of the soulmate,” Ria says, pointing to the driveway.

“What?!” He bolts up, his spine straightening in record tiempo. It’s surprising he doesn’t get whiplash with how rapido his head snaps.

There he is. The keeper of his heart and the cause of this stress.

They hold their gazes, like unspoken words passing between them.

“Well, I’ll let you to get to it. Good luck, Miah.”

With that she strolls away, leaving Jeremiah and Roman alone for the much needed conversation.

——— (Wow this is long. It’s too long and I’m too sick to edit this.)

"There's something I've been meaning to talk to you about," Max said to his best friend, Marc. "There's something I've been meaning to talk to you about," Sandra said to her best friend, Sarah.

"Ask away," Marc responded with the same comforting smile he always had. "What's on your mind?" Sarah asked, knowing to expect the worse whenever Sandra had a problem.

"I cheated." Max said, looking down in disgust, disgust in himself. It still hadn't settled in, the revolting act that he always preached about. 'I would never cheat, it's unthinkable for me.' he would once say. Now look at him, sitting there, disgusted in himself, confessing to the sin of adultery that more than half of the world commit.

Marc's face turned stern, he knows how disappointed Max must be in himself, the look on his face, his posture, even the way he said the words, "I cheated." He knew to approach the subject with caution, but then again, he is his best friend. "Who would've thought, the great formidable Max would give in to his desires," He joked with a slight smirk on his face.

Max glanced upwards in slight anger and annoyance. "I'm serious man, I don't know what to do." He stood up, pacing back and forth furiously. "I mean, if I tell Sandra, she'll leave me!" He yelled. "I'm freaking out dude, I can't lose her!"

Marc stood up, realizing the seriousness of the situation, He grabbed Max by the shoulders, "Okay, okay, try to relax." He said in the best soothing voice he could muster. He sat him down once again before asking, "So what exactly happened?"

Max thought for a moment about the fateful night a week earlier. "It was with Jess, the girl from work," He began explaining, shame plastered all over his face. "We were at a work party and things got a little heated, one thing led to another and..." He paused he didn't want to finish the sentence, he couldn't. "I didn't mean to, everything just moved way too fast."

"I understand." Marc said, carefully planning what to say next, words of advice? Or comforting words? He'd never had to comfort someone who had just cheated. "Listen, I know how much you love Sandra, you wouldn't be freaking out right now if you didn't. And I know you're scared to tell her, I would be too, frankly she's kind of scary." He joked, laughing on the inside. "But you have to tell her what happened, if you want your relationship to last, you have to be open and honest with her about everything, well almost everything, sometimes secrets are good if you know what I mean." He smiled.

Max's face fell, he had a feeling Marc would say that. Then again, that's the reason he came to him. Marc's the nicest guy he knows. "What if she leaves me?" He finally asked.

"Then it was never meant to be"

"You cheated?" Sarah's face in shock at first, then her lips slowly curled into a smile, as though she was proud. "Was it with Sam?" She said, way to overjoyed to hide her emotions.

Sandra nodded, reluctantly. For some reason, she felt no guilt, she smiled. It was only a matter of time until she cheated. From the start of their relationship, Sarah never approved of Max, she always talked bad about him behind closed doors, always asking when Sandra would finally come to her senses and leave him.

"Oh my god!" She exclaimed, clapping her hands together like a little girl about to buy a brand new barbie doll. "I'm so glad I introduced you to him!" She said. "Now you can finally leave that loser."

"Yeah, I guess so." Sandra barely finished speaking before Sarah started again.

"So tell me what happened girl?" She said.

Sandra took a deep breath in, she hated how proud she was of her actions, she hated the fact that she enjoyed it, she loved Max, but for some reason she enjoyed cheating on him. "Well..." She started as she recollected the events of the previous week. "After you dragged me to meet him and left us alone there, we went on a walk, just talking."

"And then what happened?" Sarah asked, her face full of excitement and wonder, she looked as though she was watching her favourite movie.

"At some point, he randomly stopped and pulled me in, and I... I didn't stop him." She admitted, carefully choosing her words. She didn't want to feel guilty, this is how she told the story to herself over and over, to make herself seem like she barely did anything. "Things escalated from there," She said not wanting to give any details.

"I'm proud of you." Sarah said, holding the same somewhat sinister smile on her face. "So when are you going to tell him?"

Sandra froze. She hadn't thought about that, she didn't want to tell him, she knows what would happen: he would leave her, without a second thought. She didn't want him anymore, but she doesn't want to leave him. "I can't tell him, Sarah, I love him." She finally said, looking down to avoid her best friend's look of disappointment.

For the first time in the conversation, Sarah's face fell. As if she just received the worst news imaginable. She was completely perplexed, genuinely confused as to how someone could love that man. They'd only been dating a couple months, and each time they saw each other, she made sure to point out her disapproval of him. She felt like she had to control Sarah and choose the people she dated. She believed she was worth way more than Max. "I don't understand you, Sandra," She started. "But I know this is a battle I can't win."

"But I'll tell you this, if you don't break up with him now, one day you guys will end." She started.

"I have an eye for these things, you guys were never meant to be."

"Hey, man." I slide into the booth, smiling at my best friend sitting across from me. "How's tricks?" "Pretty decent, can't complain. I got you a beer," he replies, sliding the bottle over to me. I grab it and grin. "Cheers!" We click bottles before both taking a sip and placing them back down in front of us. "Thanks, man." "No worries. So, what did you want to talk to me about?" I grin sheepishly at him, our eyes meeting under the dim light of the bar. "I need some advice on Jessica..."

My glasses steam up as I walk into the wine bar, heat flushing my cheeks. Before the fog has a chance to clear, I hear my name called from across the room and I look around, my eyes fixing on my best friend waving from our favourite table. I head over, barely containing my grin as we embrace hello before sinking into our seats. "I hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty of already ordering us a bottle of white..." her eyes sparkle as she leans forward in her chair, taking the chilled bottle from its cooler and pouring us both a glass. "No, that's perfect. Thank you. Cheers," our glasses clink before we both take a small sip, savouring the sweet tang of the wine. "Okay, spill. I am so excited. I knew instantly why you wanted to meet when I got the text, but I don't want to say it in case I'm wrong. But judging by that huge grin on your face, I'm assuming I'm correct..." Her sing-song voice trails off as she takes another sip of wine. "Hopefully, you know me too well. I'm here for some advice on Jason..."

"Dude. Dude! That's so awesome, man. I totally saw that coming, though. Well, either that or the complete opposite, which probably would have killed me." He grins back at me. I can't help but breathe a sigh of relief. I know all my friends and family love Jessica, but I still welcome every bit of validation I can get. "Man, I kinda can't believe it myself. But I'm totally ready." I take another swig of beer, the cool condensation wetting my fingers. "We've booked a cabin two weekends from now. It's in this little nature reserve. Totally secluded, surrounded by trees, and a short hike away from a swimmable lake. I made sure to book it with her so she thinks it's just a nice, get-away-from-stress weekend. I think she has no idea. I've been colluding with her parents for a while now. I just want to run a few things by you, get your opinion. I really don't want to mess this up. I've already asked her dad for his approval, of course, but you know her so well..."

"I can't believe it, Jess! I can't believe it. He's never going to see it coming." "I know," I sing back, laughing with her. "We booked a trip together for a few weeks' time. A cabin in a forest, with a lake close by. I'm just not sure how to ask, you know? I'm thinking we'll take a hike to the lake on the Saturday with a picnic, and that’s when I’ll do it. But what do you think? That's not too cliché, is it?" "Jess. No. Stop. That's perfect for you both. You know he'll love it. Have you got him a ring, or some sort of jewellery?"

"... and here's the ring." I pull the box out of my pocket, my hands slick with sweat. Man, I'm not even proposing yet, and I'm nervous. I push it across the table over to him, watching anxiously as he opens the box. His eyebrows raise quickly and he lets out a whistle. "Jason, she'll love this. I mean it. She'll fucking love it. It's perfect." He closes the box and slides it back over to me. "How are you planning to do it?" "Well, I was thinking we’ll hike out to the lake on Saturday with a picnic, a few bottles of wine. Share a meal and when she least expects it, I'll take the knee and ask. That's not too lame, is it?" "It's exactly what she'll want. You guys are meant to be together. Man, I'm so pumped for you. I can't believe you're going to get married. She's going to be totally blindsided."

"JESS! That's so perfect, he'll love it!" She exclaims, closing the box and handing it back to me. "I'm so excited for you! I'm going to be your maid of honour, obviously, right? Ah!" She grabs my hand, giving it a squeeze. "I think this is completely the right decision. You are absolutely made for each other. I cannot believe you're getting married! Finally! And you proposing to him? It's so perfect. He's not going to have a single clue!"

Do it this way No that Get a dog Or a cat Had a spat Over a hat

Once upon a time in a small town, there lived a young couple named Emma and David. They had been together for several years and recently got engaged. With their wedding approaching, they found themselves feeling both excited and anxious about the journey ahead. Unsure of what marriage would truly be like, they each decided to visit their closest friends for advice—hoping to find guidance and clarity in their words.

Emma’s Visit to Sarah

Emma’s best friend, Sarah, was someone she had known since childhood. Sarah had been married for five years, and Emma admired the way she and her husband seemed so connected. Over coffee, Emma shared her feelings.

“I love David, but the idea of forever is starting to feel overwhelming,” Emma confessed. “What if things change between us? What if we argue more or grow apart?”

Sarah smiled knowingly. “It’s normal to feel that way, Emma. Marriage is a big step. But here’s something I’ve learned—love changes, but it doesn’t mean it weakens. The honeymoon phase will fade, and you’ll argue sometimes, but it’s about growing through those moments.”

Emma sipped her coffee, thoughtful. “But how do you keep it from falling apart? What’s the key to staying happy together?”

Sarah leaned forward, her voice soft but firm. “There’s no single key. It’s about the little things. Listening to each other, even when you’re tired. Choosing to be kind, even when you’re upset. And making time for each other, especially when life gets busy.”

Emma nodded, taking it all in. “So, it’s not about being perfect?”

“Exactly,” Sarah said with a warm smile. “It’s about being present. You’ll both grow and change, but as long as you’re committed to growing together, you’ll be okay.”

David’s Visit to Tom

Meanwhile, David met up with his closest friend, Tom, at a local pub. Tom was still single, but he had been in and out of relationships and always had a practical approach to life.

After a few minutes of small talk, David finally opened up. “Tom, man, I’m excited about marrying Emma, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared. What if I’m not good enough? What if I mess it all up?”

Tom took a sip of his beer and raised an eyebrow. “Honestly, David, no one’s perfect. Marriage isn’t about being some flawless husband. It’s about being real. If you’re always trying to live up to some perfect image, you’ll burn out.”

David frowned. “But what if things get tough? What if we hit a rough patch?”

Tom shrugged. “That’s life, isn’t it? Everything worth having gets tough. The question is, are you both willing to fight for it? If you’re committed, you’ll figure it out. Communication’s key, man. If something’s bothering you, say it. Don’t bottle it up.”

David smiled. “You’re right. I guess I’ve been overthinking it.”

“Marriage is just the next step in the journey,” Tom said. “And if you’re marrying the right person, you’ll make it through anything. It’s not always about grand gestures—it’s about showing up, day in and day out.”

The Reunion

That evening, Emma and David reunited at home, both feeling a little more grounded after talking to their friends. Over dinner, they shared the advice they’d received.

“Sarah said it’s all about the small things, like being kind and listening,” Emma said, smiling. “She reminded me that it’s okay to grow and change, as long as we do it together.”

David nodded. “Tom basically said the same thing in his own way. He told me not to worry about being perfect. What matters is showing up and communicating.”

Emma reached across the table and took David’s hand. “I guess we’re on the right track then, aren’t we?”

David smiled, squeezing her hand gently. “Yeah, I think we are.”

As they sat together, both feeling reassured and hopeful, they realized that marriage wasn’t about having all the answers from the start. It was about learning, growing, and showing up for each other every day, no matter what. And with that understanding, they felt ready to take the next step, side by side.

Their love wouldn’t be perfect, but it would be theirs—strong, resilient, and real.

“I just don’t know,” she whispered to her best friend as they swung on the porch swing. She stared out at the rising sun. “I just don’t know,” he confessed to his best friend as he cast his line into the still water. “Well,” her friend said. “Well,” his friend said. “You do love him, you know that for sure.” “You do love her, you know that for sure.” “Yes of course,” the girl responded. “No doubt about it,” he told. Both friends smiled. “Then you do know.”