The animosity between two rival kingdoms would finally rest upon the alliance agreed using the unity of the Prince and Princess of another kingdom. The marriage is grandiose in every way possible; the perfect tailoring, the majestic decorations in and beyond castle grounds, variety of food preparations and noble guests coming from neighbouring countries as well as all across the globe.

The marriage was blessed with the perfect clear blue skies. Outside the castle walls, the citizens celebrated it as a sign of good times to come.

For the bride and groom, though, the day was grim as ever. They would tie the knot that would seal their fate. A fate that they never wanted.

For just last night, they had one last honest conversation with their true loved ones.

The Prince, facing a burial ground with an unnamed tombstone, vowed "My heart. It was meant to be for you. I only ever wanted it to be for you." He had wept, his shoulders shaking while his fingers gently caressed the tombstone.

And

The Princess, who had sneakily followed her first love upon arrival from her own kingdom, with her back to the Prince, vowed inside her heart, 'While mine, was yours to begin with. Forever and always.' She gripped her chest, pain at knowing she was not his first choice but convincing herself that this was for a greater cause.

And so, with heavy footsteps, they headed towards the center that would initiate their ceremony. They faced each other with a fixed look. Both knowing their responsibilities and duties, to each other and for their own kingdoms.

The ceremony starts with their vows to love each other.

Their first lie or perhaps, a kept promise, out of many to come.

I’ve never cried like this before. My hands are shaking, my eyes are never running out of tears, and my heart feels like it’s been ripped out of my chest and stomped on.

I can’t believe Davian never told me about the night of the crash. I can’t believe I fell for him, but most of all I can’t believe that right now. In the moment of pain I’m feeling because of him, the only person I want to hold me is Davian.

I stand up off the couch, my hands shaking as I walk into the kitchen. I don’t understand anything, I don’t want to understand. I just want Davian back.

Why does everything have to be this way! Why can’t I just love Davian, why does he have to be the one that killed my mom.

I run my hands through my hair, grabbing it in between my fingers as I try to hold in my anger. I’m mad at Davian, I’m mad at my mom for leaving, and I’m mad at myself for not figuring this out.

I let out a scream, hitting a stack of mail off the counter. Mail that has my mom’s name on it, mail that shouldn’t have come here.

As the mail hits the ground with a loud slap, a piercing shatter follows after it.

I look over the counter to see the scented candle and it’s bright orange flame already burning the letters.

I slide to the ground, my legs no longer have the power to keep me standing. I choke out sobs, breathing in the bitter, black smoke.

I start coughing as the smoke tickles my lungs. I’m not scared, why and I not scared? I cough, my throat already feels like it’s on fire as I wipe my tears away.

“I loved you!” I scream, coughing as more smoke enters my burning lungs.

The dancing flames start coming around me, trapping me in a circle of orange.

“Davian!” I call, my hands trembling as the fire grows taller. “Why did you let me fall for you!”

I fall to the ground, coughing and sobbing at the same time. This is it. I’m finally going to join Mom. My life is done, and I’m read—

“Get up!” Someone grabs my arm, forcing me to my feet. I cough into my elbow my eyes stinging as the smoke floods into them. I can’t see who’s here, but the voice is so familiar, so comforting.

“Davian?” I ask hoarsely, as he grabs my arm. “Why . . . Why did you come back?”

Davian looks into my watering eyes. “I’ve made many mistakes in my lifetime.” He tells me, his eyes filled with pain I didn’t see before. “But the worst would be letting you die.”

My heart melts, and it’s not because of the scorching fire thats flickering around me. Even after everything Davian has done, he’s still him and I still . . . I still love him.

The smoke becomes so thick that I can’t see Davian’s black eyes anymore. But I can feel him, his sweaty hand in mine as he leads me out of my burning house.

I trip, falling hard. I can’t breathe, I roll over onto my back, fighting for air.

Davian kneels next to me, the bright flames circling around us as they climb up the walls. “I got you.” Davian grabs my arm, slinging it around his shoulder as he lifts me off the ground.

I still can’t breathe, everything feels like it should be over. The flames have trapped us inside, so maybe it is over.

I look up at Davian as he dodges the flames. “It’s over.”

Davian doesn’t look down at me, he just keeps moving. “No,” he says strongly. “You still have a life . . . And you need to live it.”

The front door is still open from when Davian rushed in to save me. The darkness of the night has never looked this comforting to me before.

Davian throws me to the door as a loud crash echos through the house. I land hard onto the porch, standing up as I watch the ceiling fall down, right where Davian was standing.

“Davian!” I scream. “Davian!”

My head starts to hurt as I search the hallway. He’s not here, he’s not here.

“Don’t come back!” Davian calls from somewhere in the house, his voice is so faint I can barely make it out over the explosion of orange flames.

“Davian!” I call, “Please come back to me!”

Davian grunts, as another burst of fire explodes in front of me. “Maisie,” he calls softly. “I’m just glad that what we had I know I’ll never lose.”

. . .

I never stopped crying that night. Not after the firetruck came and pulled Davian out, not after he was rushed to the hospital. I knew it was over.

And yet here I am, waiting for the doctors to come out with news that he’s okay.

“Miss,” I look up to see a tired face. “You can go see him.”

I nod, rising to my feet.

I hate me. I hate me I hate me. I hate me I hate me I hate me. I hate me I hate me I hate me I hate me I Hate Me.

Why?! Why am I never enough?! Why can I not just get through this? Why do I have to go around hurting everyone I care about? What’s my problem?

I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry that I can’t do this. I just can’t. I have no excuse, No escape. I am not enough for you, And I just can’t do this. Maybe it’s for the best? Or is that just wishful thinking?

I just can’t. I’m sorry. I just don’t think I’m helping you, And it hurts so much. I’m turning into someone I don’t want to be. It’s not your fault, that’s not what I’m saying. I think we were meant to be together, With how we snapped into place so perfectly. Perfect. That’s what we were. Remember when we started? When we were so happy together. When we arranged every plan to match. When we told our friends about us. When we exploded into the world like fireworks. When “we” was something thrilling and dangerous and new.

Remember us? Cause I do. I remember every beautiful detail, Every day I loved you. You were so many of my firsts. You were perfect.

So thank you. Despite everything, I really am grateful to you. But the things I used to love are dying out. You have to admit, we’re falling apart. We’re falling apart but clinging to each other. I don’t think we even realize the pain we’re causing. But we have to… We have to let go.

We’re both changing, and that’s not a bad thing. We’re growing, Hopefully taller and stronger and better. We just have to let go.

So maybe… maybe it’ll be okay.

“So . . .” Davian trails, letting out a deep breath.

“What’s up?” I ask, turning to my side in the itchy grass.

“Well,” Davian sighs, shutting his black eyes. “I think I need to tell you something.”

I nod, resting my head on the palm of my hand. “You can tell me.” I say. “I’ll listen.”

Davian lets out a small laugh, “I know you will.”

I smile, playfully pushing Davian’s arm. “So what is it?”

Davian’s smile fades as a breeze blows the grass around us. “Maisie, I never wanted this for you . . . For us.”

I shake my head trying to capture the converstaion. Everytime he talks I feel like I’m missing parts of the converstaion.

“You never wanted what?” I ask, “Me?”

Davian shakes his head fast, “No, No . . .no.”

Relief fills my veins, as another warm summer breezes blows my hair. “Okay. So then . . . What?”

“I’m not really sure how to tell you this.” Davian mumbles. “It’s . . . Complicated.”

My heart flutters in my chest as Davian’s blakc eyes meet mine. “Maybe talking’s overrated.” I whisper.

Davian parts his lips, a small smile spreading across his face. He leans close to me, his warm hand brushing my cheek as we kiss.

Davain pulls back, his hand still touching my cheek as he suddnely sits up. “I’m . . . I’m sorry.”

Davian stands up, “Maisie I can’t.”

“Wait!” I grab Davian’s wrist. “You can’t what?”

Davian sighs, “Maisie, I like you. A lot. But it’s—“

I let his wrist go, “Complicated, yeah I know.”

I stand up, keeping my eyes away from Davian’s as I turn to walk away.

It's been months since we talked Yet I still have mixed feelings I overthink things yet I'm overthinking you

I don't know how to trust you Again or if I need to let it go The feelings are numb And you're slowly fading away

I try to forget you yet I can't

It's December now and two days before a package shows up but I know who it's from Dad says I can open it but I choose to wait Mom says “Don't be sad it was nice of her to think of you.”

Yet do I open it or just leave it to sit I don't know anymore

It's just a package

“Where did you put it?” Ken whispered hurriedly at the guy.

“Here.” The guy handed him a small box.

“Thank you for keeping it safe.” Ken breathed with relief.

“No problem.” The guy walked off.

Aji slipped behind a wall when Ken looked her way. She peeked back at him when he looked away. Why would her boyfriend be keeping things from her?

Ken slipped the box in his pocket and walked out of the library. As he did, Aji slipped beside him. He almost jumped when he saw her.

“H-hey Aji.” He laughed nervously.

Aji pulled him close to her by his collar and stared into his eyes. “What are you hiding?”

Ken rubbed the back of his head. “N-nothing. I would never hide something from you. You’re my girlfriend after all.”

“Then what’s in your pocket?” Aji pointed at it.

Ken turned it away from her. “Nothing. Why don’t you trust me?”

Aji sighed and released him. “Fine. I’m sorry. I trust you.”

Ken secretly took a deep breath of relief. “Your house tonight?”

Aji giggled. “You know I’ll say yes.”

Ken pumped his arm excitedly then ran off. Aji shook her head with exasperation and turned around to head down the hall and out of the school. She headed down the sidewalk peacefully.

Suddenly, a voice sounded behind her.

“Aji, wait up!”

Aji groaned but stopped. “Go away Michael.”

Michael ran up beside her. “Let me walk you home.”

Aji growled back at him. “No Michael. I know my way. And I have a boyfriend now. I don’t need you to follow me around anymore.”

Michael gave up after that and walked away, grumbling.

Aji continued her way down the sidewalk until her house came into view. Then she turned down a street and walked to it. —————— Before Ken arrived through the window, Aji looked out and saw him. He was standing in front of another girl, holding out the box he had been given earlier. Aji gasped with hurt. She couldn’t believe him. Giving gifts to another girl. Right in front of her house.

When the girl left with the box, Ken started for Aji’s window. Before he could open it, she locked the window. Ken sighed and faced his back to her. He pulled his phone out of his pocket.

A few seconds later, and Aji’s phone buzzed. She picked it up off her bed. Tears were starting to flow down her face.

‘Can you open the window please?’ It said.

Aji sniffed. ‘Not after what I just saw you doing.’

‘You weren’t supposed to see that. Please open the window.’

‘No.’

‘Aji, please. You’ll see why I did that soon. Open the window.’

‘Only if you promise.’

‘Promise what?’

‘That I truly will know what that was for soon.’

‘I promise. You can trust me.’

Aji wiped her tears and unlocked the window. Ken opened it and slipped inside.

Immediately after, he pushed Aji back and landed on top of her on her bed.

“Right to the point again?” Aji asked.

Ken rolled off her and moved his hand slowly down her shirt. When he reached the bottom, he slipped his hand under and made his fingers move like feet and go up her body. Aji leaned her head back as he did this. When he reached her chin, he touched the bottom. Then he removed his arm from her shirt and lifted himself off the bed before pushing Aji onto the bed farther. He jumped and laid beside her. Aji turned her head to him. Ken kissed her forcefully. He slipped his tongue into her mouth and Aji closed her eyes. He twirled his tongue around hers and forced her to do the same. While they kissed, Ken slipped his hand into Aji’s shirt again and made his fingers feet. He moved them up her body. Then he removed his arm and started to unsnap her shirt buttons.

Aji stopped him. “Not this time.”

Ken pulled his tongue away slowly then his face. Aji left her eyes closed. She knew what came next. Ken got up from the bed and removed his shirt. After, he got back on the bed, and pressed his body to hers. Aji sunk into his warm body. This was the Ken she loved. Not the one who gives other girls gifts.

Ken wrapped his arms around her. “You’ll never have to worry about getting hurt, Aji. I’m here for you.”

“I know you are, Ken.” Aji whispered into his body.

“I have a secret to tell you.” Ken whispered.

“What is it?” Aji asked.

“I love you.” Ken whispered.

Aji pulled away and looked into his eyes. The beautiful blue eyes.

Suddenly, a girl burst into the room. “Aji!” She exclaimed.

Aji jumped up from her bed and stared at her. She glanced down and spotted the box.

“Wait, you’re the one Ken gave the box? Why? You’re his sister.” Aji looked extremely confused.

Ken got up from the bed. “The box?” Ken held out his hand.

His sister handed him the box. Ken grabbed it and fiddled with it.

“Aji, I have loved you from the very start. From the very first time you and I met, I knew I was going to get to do this one day.” Ken got on his knee. He opened the box and held it out. “Aji, will you marry me?”

Aji started crying and put a hand over her mouth. “Oh, Ken. Yes! Yes yes yes!” She fell in front of him and they kissed like they always did.

Chocolate hearts, And melted kisses.

Forgetful parts Of all our witnesses.

Tied up with a rope, No one comes to help.

Seeing you slip away from my grasp, On purpose..

I knew you never cared, But . . .

It was meant to be for you, I only ever wanted it to be for you.

Yet, Even though you never come, When I scream out in pain, I love you. It’s just a curse . . .

Y

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You say you'll come but then you don't You said you'd be back but it's been five years now

Did you forget? No, I don't want to hear its too hard to come back, you just don't want to deal with the mess you left behind, that hurts dosen't it? Not wanting to see your siblings grow up. But I guess the things you're doing out there are more important. And don't try to put the blame on somebody else, and don't say you'll come back. Because I won't be here when you do. Don't say you love me those words don't have any meaning to me anymore. Your are still my hero, even though you lost your mind. But you know all the tears and anxiety won't bring the old you back, it's not that I like the new you it's just the old you cared about family, the new you just wants to hide from everything that reminds you of your past. Right? That was how it is for me but how could you forget someone you loved more than yourself? You can't it's like a funeral even though you never died the sorrow is just that heavy. All my thoughts go to you even if I don't want them to, and what about the fun times we had? You probably don't remember that. I don't want to carry this pain anymore this sorrow, so I'm ending this now I love you but I need to move on with my life it's been five years of me being in your shadow but I can't think about you 24/7 when I go into the military I'm sorry it came to this but I want to protect you but if you move outside the country and war happens ill only spare your life once.

She stood, hands rinsed in blood, gazing at me with her innocent gray eyes. I took a step back, apprehensive as I did not know where the stairs would appear. One false step and I would end up like Sara. She lay on the ground, in the background of the scene, head tilted away in my perspective. I choked back a sob. "Eden," my tongue was on the edge of a scream. Maybe if I alarm the neighbors they could uncover my body. I cursed my mind of its cynical thoughts, and focused on the grin-wearing girl I stood in front of. The bathroom tiled floor began to soak in crimson, some reaching the tan carpet, transforming it.

"I love you."

"No you don't."

  Her face grew dark. She clutched her fist. The rage of this magnitude from the girl that asked if I could state her order to the waiter at restaurants and at the movie theaters shocking me even more than my fiancé's condition. 
  The air was still. I felt a drip of sweat fall down my neck. And in an instant, she forced me backwards, my body attempting the flop forward on my stomach knowing the steep grave I may encounter. I grasped her arms in desperation. She tumbled onto my chest, a shriek erupting from her. We collided into the railing. 

We sat entangled, before I struggled to find liberation and the exit out my home. She pursued after me when I trampled the delicate flowers once planted lovingly around the outskirts of my lawn. 
I reached the adjacent house to my mine, banging on the door met with silence. I pled to be let in while I heard steady footstep behind me.

"You really shouldn't have left the key underneath the pot. Someone could've found it."

Gaylen and Aimee had been best friends since they were children. They grew up in the same small town, sharing laughter, dreams, and countless adventures. They were inseparable, supporting each other through thick and thin.

One sunny afternoon, Gaylen stumbled upon an old, dusty book in the attic of his grandmother’s house. Curiosity sparked within him as he opened the worn pages, revealing a magical world filled with enchanting tales and mythical creatures.

Unable to contain his excitement, Gaylen rushed to Aimee’s house, bursting through the front door with the book clutched tightly in his hands. Aimee, always open to new adventures, welcomed him with a warm smile.

“Look what I found, Aimee!” Gaylen exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement. “It’s a book filled with fantastical stories. I thought we could explore this world together.”

Aimee’s eyes widened with intrigue as she took the book from Gaylen’s hands, gently flipping through the pages. The words danced across the paper, beckoning them to embark on a grand adventure.

As they delved deeper into the book, they discovered a tale about a hidden treasure, said to grant the deepest desires of anyone who found it. Without hesitation, Gaylen and Aimee decided to embark on a quest to find this treasure, their hearts filled with hope and anticipation.

Days turned into weeks as they journeyed through dense forests, crossed treacherous rivers, and climbed towering mountains. They faced countless challenges, but their unwavering friendship and determination pushed them forward.

Finally, they arrived at the fabled Cave of Whispers, the rumored resting place of the treasure. The cave was shrouded in darkness, its entrance guarded by mystical creatures. Fear gripped their hearts, but they knew they had come too far to turn back.

Hand in hand, they stepped into the cave, their hearts pounding with anticipation. The air was thick with mystery, and whispers echoed through the darkness. As they ventured deeper, they stumbled upon a shimmering light, illuminating a hidden chamber.

In the center of the chamber stood a magnificent chest, adorned with intricate carvings and glowing with an otherworldly aura. Gaylen and Aimee approached the chest cautiously, their eyes filled with wonder.

As they opened the chest, a radiant light burst forth, enveloping them in its warm embrace. In that moment, Gaylen turned to Aimee, his voice filled with sincerity. “It was meant to be for you. I only ever wanted it to be for you.”

Confusion flickered in Aimee’s eyes as she gazed at Gaylen, searching for answers. “What do you mean, Gaylen? This treasure is for both of us.”

Gaylen smiled, his voice filled with love and admiration. “Aimee, this treasure represents our friendship, our bond, and the adventures we’ve shared. It was always meant to be for you because you are my greatest treasure.”

Tears welled up in Aimee’s eyes as she realized the depth of Gaylen’s words. The true treasure they had discovered was not material wealth but the unbreakable connection they shared.

In that moment, they made a silent vow to continue exploring the world together, embracing every adventure and cherishing each other’s presence. The treasure they had found would forever remind them of the love, support, and unwavering friendship they had for one another.

And so, Gaylen and Aimee emerged from the Cave of Whispers, their hearts full of gratitude and their spirits ignited with the knowledge that their greatest treasures were each other.