Realistic or Modern Anchored by Love (Draft Four... lol)

[isax]

Isabel​

When Amelia told me to stay in the car, I was perplexed but when I looked in the same direction she was, I saw him. Dawson was angrily striding over toward the car, hands fisted so tight his knuckles were white. I knew he was livid, more than that, and I needed to stop him from whatever the hell he thought he was going to get away with. Ignoring Amelia telling me to stay in the car, I got out, listening to every word Dawson said to Amelia and before Jayden could move or say a damn thing, I was already in between the two, shoving him back away from her.

"Quit your shit!" I exclaimed, pushing him back again when he moved forward. "Stay where you are because I swear to god, Dawson Nicholas Covington, if you step any closer to her I will not hesitate to kick your ass before Jayden gets the chance. I'm not scared of you and I know how to fucking hold my own."

When Dawson met my expression, I didn't falter. I didn't flinch, I didn't move. I wasn't letting him talk to my best friend the way he just did. If anything, his words alone made me not want to marry him even more. If he couldn't accept Amelia, despite what happened, then he and I were just never going to be a thing.

"You will never speak to her like that again, do you fucking understand?" I began, not taking a single breath as I felt my face get hot and my hands begin to shake. I was livid and this was a side to me he never saw before, a side I never wanted him to see before but it was too late now. "She doesn't control my life, she helps me and if you weren't so fucking stupid and oblivious and close-minded, you would know that. Amelia has been there for me during everything. So fucking what if we had a falling out for seven months. Want to know what's interesting about that Dawson? It's the first one she and I have ever had in the twelve years of being in each other's lives. She's literally the reason I'm fucking here right now, the reason I'm breathing, and yet you have the fucking audacity to call her a manipulative whore? If I remember correctly, it was your best friend who fell for mine first, so back the fuck up with your bullshit accusation that you just made out of spite. Amelia is EVERYTHING to me, do you understand? She didn't ruin shit. If anything she was just trying to help me from embarrassment in front of your family because the truth is I would've said no straight to your face without her telling me anything before hand."

When I saw Dawson's angered look quickly turn to confusion and hurt, I knew I got through to him and now he was actually listening.

"You heard me. If Amelia didn't ask me if this was what I wanted, and you actually got on your knee and proposed, I would have flat out told you no and your entire family would've been appalled while I would've been embarrassed for turning down one of Fort Worth's richest bachelors. I'm not ready for that step, Dawson. I don't even know how you thought this would be okay, let alone propose on my birthday. If you really knew me, actually took the chance to listen to me rather than hoping I would conform to what you wanted, you would know that I never wanted anyone to propose to me on my birthday. It's disgusting." I couldn't stop myself, I had to keep going. "Plus, in what world do you think you and I are ready for that step? Is it because I'm happy? Because I'm finally radiant again? Because I'm actually dressed in a jumpsuit and not a t-shirt hugging a bottle of whiskey? If you thought you were the reason I'm smiling again, I would rethink that."

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

His words rang in my ears so hard I missed whatever Isabel had to say. I heard her voice and I knew she was infuriated but Dawson's last words continuously played over and over in my head, his look of wanting to kill me with his own bare hands, encrypted in my memory forever, left to keep me up at nights in my weakest moments decades from now.

A manipulative whore is what you are. Thanks for that.

I was so deep in the corners of my own head, I forgot about Isabel and Dawson, oblivious to their brawl, my ringing ears were now burning, forgetting how to breathe, I stood there in a trance.

Is Jayden really going to think I used him to get to Isabel? Panic.

Once I remembered where I was, I looked for him, I prayed he didn't hear what Dawson had to say, but I knew he probably had. I needed him to know the accusation his best friend made was the farthest thing from the truth. The intimate moments between us were genuine and I never once pondered the idea of using Jayden as a bargaining chip. I told myself he was the one who pursued me, but now that it was the possibility was spoken, I couldn't escape the death grip Dawson's words had on my thoughts.

The rest of what happened was a blur to me. I think Brett came out and conjured Dawson inside, and when Isabel approached me and took me into a tight embrace, I let myself go limp in her arms, expressionless.

"I need to leave," I replied adamantly when Jayden approached, and before either he or Isabel could react, I was already back in the car, still lost, not completely a part of reality.

 

[isax]

Jayden​

Everything was a mess and the minute it blew up. The only thing I could see was red considering my best friend took it upon himself to talk shit about the woman I loved. It was unacceptable. I would never talk about Isabel that way but even she was going off on the Covington man. Essentially, Isabel's birthday was a complete disaster and now she would most definitely be the talk of the town for the people in Fort Worth. She denied the richest bachelor her hand in marriage. That was unheard of and all the ranch hands who came from old money were going to flip their shit.

I didn't say much to Dawson, only focusing on needing to help Isabel and Amelia right now. I knew they were both in their own heads, each for a different reason, and I wanted them both to be happy so I decided to take them back to my apartment despite Isabel protesting that she wanted to go home. I knew she wouldn't survive her own thoughts if she was alone, even more so if she happened to have possession of a bottle of whiskey.

After Brett took Dawson inside, everything else was a blur and I had no clue where I stood with Dawson. I couldn't really say that I actually cared considering how quick he was to degrade my vix simply because he didn't get what he wanted. Why he hated her was beyond me. I knew she and Isabel had the falling out but he never saw her side of it. He didn't see how much she beat herself up over it. How she so quickly left the country only to suffer from PTSD shortly after.

When we got to the apartment, I let the girls walk up to it first, grabbing the wings we grabbed from Wingstop before making it up the stairs to my home. When I walked in, I found them both sitting at the couch and all I did was set the food on the coffee table, turn on the TV to the Hallmark station, and go to the kitchen to grab them both a glass of wine.

They need it.

I knew after Isabel passed out, Amelia and I were going to have to talk everything out. That was the only way it was going to calm her anxiety and after we all ate, watching sappy romance Christmas movies, passing time in a cheerful and more optimistic manner, I watched the girls as Isabel began to fall asleep. She hadn't cried the entire time and that was my goal. Seeing her cry always made my heart sink because she was such a strong woman.

Grabbing Amelia's hand, I smiled at her softly, helping her stand up before I pulled the blanket Isabel was using further over her.

"Come with me. We need to talk." I whispered to Amelia, taking her hand again while I lead her to my room, silently shutting the door behind us. As we sat on the bed, I released a soft sigh, rubbing my thumbs over the back of her hand. "You know I don't believe what Dawson said, right? I know what you and I have wasn't so that you could get to Isabel. You're not like that. What we have is genuine so please, don't let what the douchebag said have so much power over you. You're an amazing woman, Amelia who literally does so much for her best friend. It's Dawson's fault he chooses not to see that. Isabel's going to be okay. We just have to be there for her and you, I'll always be here for you, even when you get tired of me."

Winking at her, I cupped the sides of her face gently before leaning forward and planting a soft kiss on her forehead.

"You're my girl, Amelia and I don't want you to be upset about his stupid words because you're not a whore. You're an independent woman who is stronger than anyone I've ever met, with such a giving heart and gentle soul. You're beautiful inside and out." Moving closer, I kissed her in a different manner than ever before. I kissed her lovingly, hoping she didn't catch on.

 

[Lexus]

OOC: "You're my girl." I am...WEAK Damn you, Isa.

Amelia​

This was all my fault. Isabel had yet another disastrous day, any other time it would have been me consoling her through it, but now I was the center of all the chaotic drama that turned her day of getting her life back and living in the moment into one of the shittiest days of her life. She loved Dawson, I knew the way she defended him to me before I friendship derailed, he made her feel the way she once dreamed of, and I was afraid that was over now. Dawson let his anger get the best of him and was left to handle his distress with neither his girlfriend or his best friend abandoned him, leaving with a woman he now made clear he despised. Despite the insults he spewed at me, I still felt guilty for yanking his support system out from under him. I wanted to hate Dawson Covington, but because of the love Jayden and Isabel had for him, I was incapable.

Refusing to let Isabel go home alone, I was relieved when Jayden didn't bother to entertain the idea. Though I remained silent, I took notice to how Jayden was handling this horrible situation and I was speechless.

There is no way this man can be real.

As I was curled up in the couch with Isabel nodding off next to me, Jayden and I continued to share gazes with each other. I was trying to read him, I was afraid he was masking his hurt with kindness, but he never once turned away from me, just kept the same calm demeanor that radiated toward me from across the room. I wanted to believe this was real, that we were okay, but I couldn't let go of the things Dawson said. They had to mean something to Jayden.

When he took my hand, I held my breath, following him into his room, I sat nervously on the bed, struggling to hold back the tears I was harboring now that it was just him and I in the same room together. Biting my lip to distract myself with self-inflicted pain. I avoided eye contact and the urge to immediately pull away when he grabbed my hands.

This is it. We're over. The thought, terrifyingly enough, made me regret whatever I had done to lose Jayden. I panicked at the thought of not having him in my life and just the sound of his voice breaking the silence was enough for me to break. I started sobbing before I heard what he said. I was still in my own world.

"Jayden, I'm so sorry," I said over him, the feeling of his fingers against my hands was triggering but comforting at the same time. I didn't understand it. Catching the sob that turned into an unattractive hiccup, I began to realize, he wasn't ending whatever this was, he was defending me.

"Don't say those things about your best friend, Jayden," I protested, wiping my own tears from my eyes with the sleeve of my sweater. That's when he said it.

"You're my girl, Amelia."

He's so fucking slick.

Nearly gasping at what Jayden said, I didn't have time to react before he kissed me fully on the lips, leaving me speechless again, this time in the best way. Upon pulling away, I looked up at him, tears still glazing my eyes, laughing softly at his gesture. I couldn't resist anymore. I didn't want to fight him any more. Not when he made me feel safe.

"Jayden, I love you."

 

[isax]

Jayden​

I wasn't sure that I heard Amelia correctly when I heard her say she loved me. I never expected to hear those words come out of her mouth before they did mine. All I could do after we pulled away from the kiss was stare at her in awe, comprehending what she just said.

She said she loved you you idiot.

Smiling widely, I chuckled before I leaned forward, kissing Amelia lovingly yet again, holding it longer than the first. When we both needed to breath, I pulled away, sighing contently as I rested my forehead against hers.

"I love you too, Amelia."

Isabel​

Today is Christmas and I can't say I was as thrilled and cheerful about it as I usually am. Considering what happened on my birthday, I opted not to host a party at my apartment after all. I couldn't bring myself to do it when I was literally in a slump. After Jayden and Brett intervened and protected me from Dawson, I said something I was starting to regret every time I saw a couple.

"We're over, Dawson. I can't be with someone like you."

Shaking my head, I groaned, grabbing the pillow next to me as I put it over my face. I was such an idiot but I knew this was for the best. I couldn't be with someone who thought so little of Amelia and called her what he did. He was being an asshole and that man wasn't the Dawson that I knew. That's the saddest part.

When I heard my phone go off, I groaned, reaching over to pick it up, answering with a short hello. I didn't even look at the name but when I heard Amelia's voice, I sighed, listening to her as she invited me to Jayden's Christmas bash. I didn't want to go. I didn't want to do anything today.

"Thanks for the invite, Best Friend, but I honestly just want to stay in today-"

"We'll be in Fort Worth by five to get you. It'll be fun, Isabel. Most of the crew will be there and we all know how much you love meeting new people." I heard Jayden say. quickly cutting me off. "We're even doing a white elephant."

"I didn't buy a gi-"

"Already got you covered. We'll see you then."

When the line went dead, I shook my head, releasing another sigh before I let out a laugh. Jayden was persistent about not letting me be alone long and he also refused to let what happen ruin my holiday spirit. Sitting up, I looked over at my coffee table, freezing the minute I saw the neatly wrapped box perched on it.

Dawson's gift.

I didn't know what to do with it. I knew I had to give it to him, despite every rational bone in my body telling me no.

They are his.... It's technically his.... You have to give it back to him.

Opening a text thread on my phone, I typed Brett's name, shooting him a quick text.

"Hey, Merry Christmas. I have a favor to ask. Can you come over?"

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

I didn't go home for Christmas this year. Work asked me to come in on Chrismas Eve and I couldn't object considering I was still fresh in the newsroom. I couldn't complain about it though, because there was still Jayden. Now that we were official, there was no more resisting the temptation to be near him, there was just pure excitement. I didn't spend much time at my apartment alone with Roo, rather, we were with Jayden and it all seemed like everything was falling into place, for the first time in close to a year, I was actually happy, almost all of the time, and that was so foreign to me it almost felt fictitious.

I wasn't the most spirited person when it came to Christmas, but it didn't take long to notice, Jayden had enough spirit for the both of us. When it came to Christmas, he was very much a child at heart and I secretly adored it.

He didn't give me much of a choice but to go to his Christmas party considering somehow we both managed to no be at work, at least for now, that was always tentative given what could come up throughout the day, but I was milking the moment. When Jayden insisted I call Isabel to invite her, I knew she would decline, but his unwillingness to let her win was something I had never seen before besides in myself, and it honestly turned me on to him more.

Taking him into a hug after hanging up the phone, gave him a kiss, scrunching my nose at the bitter taste of his black coffee still on his lips.

"Thank you," I whispered before he all too eagerly returned the kiss, Roo coming between us after my unanticipated loud giggle set her off.

"Shhhh that's enough girl, you're going to make the neighbors hate us and then we can't come here anymore," I teased. "C'mon let's show Jayden what we got him," I whispered again when I crouched down to pet her before retrieving an envelope from the tree with his name on it. Inside was a gift card for his coffee fix, the gift I got him before our relationship came into existence.

"There ya go, that's all you get. I hope you like it." Handing it to him, I kissed his cheek playfully.

Brett​

After what happened between Isabel and Dawson, I kept a distance from my cousin, after seeing him go completely insane on the woman he was supposed to be asking to marry him and spend the rest of his life with, I lost respect for him. If that was how he planned on treating Isabel and her family after he put a ring on her finger, then he didn't deserve her to begin with. Despite my distance from Dawson, I supported Isabel from afar, knowing she had Amelia and Jayden, I kept my boots out of anything she didn't tell me about herself. But when she texted me Christmas morning, I was shocked. I didn't expect to hear anything from her until she and Jayden came to get her stuff from Dawson's later on in the week when he was on base and not around.

"Merry Christmas to you, rider, I can try to come by today. Whatca need?"

 

[isax]

Jayden​

Grinning at the kiss Amelia and I shared, I couldn't help but feel like everything was how it was meant to be. Amelia and I were finally a couple, something I had been praying and hoping would happen since the beginning when we simply just passed notes. I felt horrible about Isabel and Dawson not working out but I knew Dawson didn't deserve a woman like Isabel with the way he's been acting lately and Isabel sure as hell didn't need to be putting up with that bullshit.

Considering I knew how much Isabel loved Christmas, I wasn't going to just let her stays at home all day long, even more so considering she didn't go home. I was kinda glad that Amelia didn't either because it meant I could drag her to my party, something I enjoyed putting together for the crew. It started the first year I moved to Dallas and just became a tradition after that. Christmas was my favorite holiday and I knew it wasn't really Amelia's favorite but I sure as hell loved it enough for the both of us.

"You don't have to thank me. She's my friend too and we just gotta be there for her through it all, right?" I said softly, chuckling when Roo came between us. The boxer was more than a companion, she was a protector and always did her best to ensure that Amelia was okay.

At the mention of a gift however, I looked over at Amelia, curious as to what she could have possibly thought to get me. I had her gift but didn't want to give it her just yet but I suppose I could considering she was giving me mine.

"I wonder what it could be." I said with a smile, taking it from Amelia before I opened the envelope, laughing when I saw what it was. It was a small but touching gift that gave me a reminder of where it all began. “I’m not complaining. Thank you.” I said softly, kissing her cheek before I went to grab her present from my room, handing it to her.

“Merry Christmas.” I said with a smile. Inside the box was a small notepad and inside were small notes that I had been writing down for her since the beginning and a couple of quick sketches. “It’s not much but I know you will enjoy reading them.”

Isabel​

Maybe this isn't a good idea.

Biting my lip, I let my thumbs hoover over the keyboard as I thought about what to say to Brett without giving too much away.

They're literally his, Isabel. You have to get them back despite what you did.

Groaning before I let out a defeated sigh, I texted Brett back, hoping he could stop by today so I no longer had this possesion that belonged to Dawson. I couldn't wait to put all his shirts back later on in the week when Brett gave us the okay while Dawson was going to be on base.

"I have something you need to give to Dawson, not that he actually deserves it but they're technically his. It was supposed to be his Christmas gift. You can choose whether or not to give them to him but I just need them off of my nightstand and out of my presence honestly. I'd offer to stop by and drop it off but we both know that's not a good idea."

Sighing, I debated on asking the one question I wanted an answer to.

"Has Josie wiggled her way back into his life yet?"

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

I knew a gift from Jayden had to be a given, given his generous personality and eagerness to please me in an attempt to swoon me. Despite this, I still looked at him preplexed when he passed off his gift to me. Grinning sheepishly, I took the gift, worried as to what it might be. Taking notice to the fact that it was a notebook. Gripping the pages carefully, I skimmed through them carefully, gasping at Jayden's sketches. I never saw his simple doodles before, I was completely unaware of his artistic talent until now. "You did this?" I asked in denial, when he nodded, the oxygen that escaped my lungs, slowly replenished.

"They're so beautiful. I love it, thank you. Why didn't you tell me you could draw like that?"

Brett​

I wasn't surprised by Isabel's request, I sutspected when she reached out, it had to be in regards to Dawson. Quite frankly, after the disaster that occurred four days before, Dawson let himself fester in his anguish. He hadn't left his house on the corner plot of the ranch since Isabel left in tow with Jayden and Amelia. In his mind, this was valid, and not having the energy to argue his irrationality, I let him bask in his isolation for now, knowing it was the best thing for him with the wound still fresh, there was no point in trying to argue Dawson's faults in situations like this. I had to agree that Dawson was in the wrong for acting like a lunatic over Amelia trying to ensure Isabel's happiness. She was trying to make up for lost time, and Dawson being too plagued by his infatuation of being in love, didn't see what was wrong with building a future with Isabel without acknowledging Isabel's independence being part of her happiness. However, what was happening between Isabel and Dawson was between them, and I didn't want to sabotage what was meant to happen by melding between them. So, in hesitation, I replied to Isabel.

"I can come get it if ya want him to have It but that's up to you. I don't want to get in the middle of it so you let me know. Merry Christmas."

 

[isax]

Jayden​

Seeing Amelia's reaction to my quick sketches felt good, reassuring me that what I gave her for this Christmas, though small, touched her heart and that was the goal. I didn't know how to answer her question, however. I never really told anyone about my artistic side, mainly because at one point it was more of an escape and just for myself rather than everyone knowing and asking me to create something for them. Plus, how many people like myself do you know are actually skilled at drawing? None and I wasn't good at just drawing. Painting and sculpting is included in that. Shrugging my shoulders, I put my hands into my pockets, smiling gently at her.

"I can do more than draw but I don't really like to bring it up to people. I can't really tell you why but what I can tell you is that it's always been something just for me but now I have you to share it with." I only hoped that response wasn't too sappy for the journalist that stole my heart. I knew she would understand though, considering her love for writing and being a creative was so deep. I didn't consider myself one. It was more of just a hobby that I picked up on.

Isabel​

Releasing a deep sigh, I bit my lip, instantly knowing the favor that I had asked of Brett was something I shouldn't have mentioned in the first place. Laying back on my bed, starring at the ceiling while soft music that I couldn't make out played in the background, I pinched the bridge of my nose.

Should I really give them back? Is it worth it? It's not like he deserves them.

Looking at my phone again, I opened the text from Brett. "Actually, it's okay. Sorry to bother."

Ending the conversation with my ex-boyfriend's cousin as quickly as I could, I scrolled through my messages, starring at Dawson's thread for a bit before I shook my head, setting my phone on the bedside table, along with his present, before I closed my eyes in an attempt to just nap before I was dragged to Jayden's Christmas party.

You're a mess, Isabel. Dawson isn't worth your time or thoughts and you know it. Let's just get over this stupid part of grieving and move on. You have other things to be worrying about.

 

[Lexus]

OOC: Im sorry the layout looks like trash, I did this from my phone.

Amelia
Jayden’s answer confused me and I knew my expression made that evident. I felt my face distort into dissatisfaction by the tone of his voice and the way that he was acting now that I knew about his purposely hidden talent. It irked me to think this was something he didn’t have a right to express about himself to everyone. It was obvious with how impressive his art was he had been honing these skills for years, practicing them to perfection as a way to accurately express whatever emotion he wanted to tell through his art.

“Why can’t you tell me?” I asked curious and a little caught off guard that he still wanted to guard such a secret. “I think you should be proud of this, and want to show it off. It’s part of who you are and despite whoever criticized you for it in the past to make you feel like you should want to hide it for fear of getting judged, is honestly an idiot. You can’t let people do that to you, Jay. It’s not worth disconnecting from your passion to please people. I would know.”

Brett
“Are you sure? I can bring it to him if ya want but I haven’t heard from him since everything went down I’m not sure what he’s up to.”

I decided to give Isabel a little more entail at the last moment, knowing full well by her reply she was falling into the deep thoughts we all previously worked hard to yank her out of. I had faith in her tenacity that she could make it through this after she gave herself the time to regain her life without Dawson in the picture, and when she did, I hoped all the best for her, even if this was the end of the line with my Covington cousin. Isabel deserved to feel like she owed nobody and the world was hers to chase. Her Spirit was too ferocious to be tamed, and I prayed it never would. It was the same spirit that taught all the Covington men that a woman was not to be expected to conform, that this old way of living we all grew accustomed to over the centuries wasn’t conventional anymore, and Isabel opened out eyes to that. That’s why I grew to love and respect her more than I ever thought I would from the first time she chased me down for an interview after a chaotic stint at a rodeo. It wasn’t had to noticed how her strong-willed personality carried her through a room. If Dawson could let go of the comfort of tradition, that’s when things would flourish between them. Unfortunately, I was unsure if Dawson ever would let go of the traditions we were raised in despite him constantly expressing his desire to be known as someone successful, not for the old wealth he was born into but his own work ethic in the Navy. I wasn’t sure how this principal got lost in his relationship with Isabel, but it had and now, he was left to face the consequences on his own.

 

[isax]

Jayden​

I couldn't stop myself from chuckling at Amelia's quick response to the answer I gave her. I expected nothing less from the woman who stole my heart. She was never satisfied with an answer as short and unfulfilling as the one I just gave her but her words touched my heart. Knowing how she viewed my artwork and scolded me for not showing it to more than just her was touching in its own way. I couldn't really pin down why I didn't show it off and I knew for as long as that the was the case Amelia would be flustered but that was the honest truth.

"I am proud of what I do, trust me. It took a lot of patience and practice to even reach the skill level that I have but I'm being honest when I tell you I can't really give an explanation as to why I kept it to myself. The only person who ever looked at my work before you was my mother and she loved everything I produced. I think in this department I can say I was my biggest critic. Plus, painting and drawing was just an escape for me when things became too much to handle. Some things that I created were too much for another person to look at, the feeling was too deep so I just kept it to myself."

Shrugging my shoulders again, I released a soft sigh. "I know that isn't what you wanted to hear but it's true. Maybe one day you'll help me figure out why I actually hid it from everyone but as for you, you're doing what you love now, your passion, that's what matters and I'm still forever grateful you were given Isabel to help push you in the right direction because you've touched so many lives in doing so."

Isabel​

When I heard my phone buzz on the table beside my bed, I released a sigh, reaching over for it to see who it was. When I realized it was Brett I figured he replied because he knew I was going into my thoughts yet again, and boy I couldn't wait until the day I no longer would. I was ready to be over this chapter of grieving in my life over the one and only Dawson Nicholas Covington. I was ready to just live life how I did before he came into it and turned it upside down. Now knowing his true colors, he wasn't worth giving anymore thought but I knew being how I was, I needed to feel all these emotions before I could finally come to terms with how it ended and move on to thriving how I hoped I would.

Knowing Dawson hadn't spoken to anyone since I broke it off , however, was unsettling, and now I knew I would be lingering in my thoughts much longer. I didn't know how the pilot felt about everything. I didn't give him the chance to explain why the hell he did what he did but I don't think I want to know.

"It's alright, promise. I don't think I should give it to him. Thanks though."

After sending the text, I set my phone aside, turning so my back was facing my phone before I closed my eyes and forced myself to sleep, thinking about the one man who made me feel the way he did.

Where did we go wrong?

 

[Lexus]

One month later...

Brett

Things went from bad to worst. Since Isabel’s refusal to marry Dawson, he completely lost all ability to act rationally. We all knew better than to ask how he was because we all feared it would throw him into a similar rage from when he confronted Amelia, but watching him sit in solitude on his front porch or through his kitchen window with his glass of Whisky, gazing off into nothingness, numbing his pain, I couldn’t help but be concerned. Dawson had always been one to hold a grudge. When we were kids, he didn’t talk to be for two weeks because I learned how to saddle a horse quicker than he did. He wasn’t a man who could handle his pride being hurt in stride. But that’s just who he was, but he never went this long with isolating himself. It confirmed in his own one-sided way, he loved Isabel and was devastated that he lost her. No matter how hard he tried, the Whisky he never used to touch, wasn’t enough to make him forget how stupid he was for losing her, and then not going after her, and just when I thought he reached his peak of ridiculousness, two weeks after Isabel left, I watched curiously as Dawson packed his truck in his full Navy uniform, feeling my knees tremble, I ran straight for him. The silence had to end now.

“What’s goin’ on here, Dawson? What do ya think you’re doin’” I asked adamantly, my stern tone disguising my dismay.

Turning toward me, Dawson’s glare burned through the shallow depths of my soul. Watching his jaw clench and his fists form, clenching white as they had two weeks before, I watched him struggle to take a breath before his expression seemed to soften and his voice went flat

“I’m leaving, Brett. There’s nothing left got me here.”

“You’re leaving? What do you mean?”

“Don’t play stupid! You know what I mean! I requested to be sent out and they agreed. I’m going to serve, since there’s no reason to hold back, might as well. The Blue Angels was just a commitment I made for further down the road but I think that went to hell.”

 

[isax]

Isabel

Since the day I cut it off with Dawson, I spent about a good two weeks in my thoughts and feeling almost every emotion you could possibly think of. Going through it all is the only way I can ever get over something and trust me, it is more than exhausting. Now that I was doing more investigative work, I was making more than enough money to provide for myself and how much work I needed to put in for every story was a great distraction from the realization that Dawson and I were no longer a thing. There were days I wanted to call or text him, just to check up on him and see how he was doing, but I always stopped myself. Why I left was a valid reason. Yeah he didn’t explain himself, nor did I really give him the chance to, but every thought about my future being spent with someone else was filled with him in it, despite what we went through, and it was frustrating. It was frustrating because he was the only man I saw a future with and now I didn’t think anyone else would ever make me feel the same way.

On my way to work, I stopped by my usual cafe spot but rather than ordering some caffeine, I felt like I needed one of their juices. After paying for it and leaving, I got into my car and drove straight into Dallas, attempting to get myself ready for another day in what we call out Bat Cave. I parked my car in the usual garage before getting out and walking towards the DMN that was just a few feet away. When I arrived, I wasn’t expecting to see Josie sitting right in the middle of the lobby. My stomach instantly dropped.

What the hell is she doing here?

When our gazes net, she quickly stood up and all I could do was smile and walk towards her, trying not to make a scene in my workplace.

“Hey. What’s up?” I asked as casually as I could with no malice attached.

“I came here to let you know Dawson left two days ago.”

“Oh? Left where?”

“Are you stupid? God, I’ll never understand what he sees in you. He left to serve, Isabel and it’s all because you refused to marry him.”

I instantly felt my knees shake in an attempt to give out. Setting my hands on the top of one of the lobby chairs, I steadied myself, trying to wrap my emotions together and put them all into one box until I could actually get to handling them. Refusing to marry Dawson wasn’t so that he could leave and turn his world upside down. It was because I wasn’t ready and now the more I thought about it, the more selfish I felt.

But your feelings are still the same. You’re not ready for marriage.

Releasing a heavy sigh, I looked over at Josie before smiling weakly.

“Well that’s shitty news to hear but I can’t do anything about it now can I? I’m sorry, Josie. Thanks for letting me know. I have to get to work.”

“So that’s it? You just don’t care? The only man I’ve ever loved went for a girl who just doesn’t care about him! A girl who refused to marry him. A girl who in the end only really kept him when she needed him.”

Bitting my lip, I turned to look back at the woman before I went into the main area of the office.

“You’re not the only one that still loves him, Josie.”

With that I walked into what lied ahead for my team today. I wasn’t going to let this bother me but it was too late. Any thoughts were already too much to handle.

 

[Lexus]

OOC: Y'all, Izzzy is too HYPE for what we've been discussing in the last week for this thread. I'll let her tell it.

Dawson​

I left without telling Isabel because she didn't need to know. Not for the reason one would assume, because I was holding resentment and still wallowing in my bitterness after she rejected my proposal for our eternity together, but really, I didn't tell her because I knew what it would do to her if I worked up the guts to confront her and tell her what I decided. I knew the guilt would consume her in thinking my decision to go off and serve was solely because of how things ended between us, I didn't want to interfere with whatever growth she was finally indulging in. She deserved it. I wished her all the best now that we parted ways now that I had time to self reflect and realize the deep-rooted, unignored love I had for Isabel was still shaking my veins, but it was in my lowest moment, finishing off the polished Whiskey bottle Isabel left behind, I realized, I was too dependent on the love we shared. Over the year we traveled the country together, fantasizing a life where it would always be just the two of us, thriving together, not worrying about anyone else in our love equation, but now I knew, that was ignorantly unrealistic. To get over it, I knew i had to make a move to move on in my own life, and this, was my move. I hoped over time, everyone else who meant something to me in my life would come to understand that my decision was not another bout of immaturity when things didn't go my way, but rather, I considered it, the first mature choice I had made in the year and a half I got to call Isabel mine, other than committing to her in the first place.

Over the last two weeks, I was adjusting to life away from the ranch, trying not to let Isabel consume nearly my every thought, but it was a fail. So, to calm my thoughts, I decided to write her a letter, my final farewell, I wasn't much of a writer, not a true sap like Jayden, but it seemed appropriate, but I was still indecisive on whether or not to send the letter, I was afraid to send it for the same reason I was to tell Isabel personally that I was leaving, that it would set her back in whatever progress she was making that I only ever prayed she would make when we were together. So, until I decided whether to bury the letter in the middle of nowhere, burn it to ashes, or send it to Isabel, I carried my confessions in my breast pocket where i hoped my promises to the only woman I really loved would keep me safe.

 

[isax]

OOC: Lol, she's not lying. Being together has done so much for the plot of this rp and I am here for it.

Isabel​

I let all the work that . began piling up in our bat cave distract me from the news that I found out this morning. Hearing from Josie, Dawson's should've been wife, that he left the country to serve was more than a hard blow. I couldn't bear the thought that he left because I refused to marry him and continue the life that he and I only ever fantasized about in the year and a half we were together. We had gotten comfortable, relying on one another and the love that we built from the ground up. It slowly made me lose sight of who I was before it all. Isabel. The Hispanic woman who worked her ass off to get where she is in life. The woman who didn't give two fucks about what anyone said or thought. Me. I forgot about who I was deep down and leaving him was something I wouldn't regret, because it was the start to finding myself all over again. Growing, thriving, living.

Over the span of two weeks that I was no longer glued to Dawson's hip, I was able to go out places all over again. I was able to meet with friends that I had left behind when I moved to Fort Worth. I was able to throw myself into my career, focusing on telling the stories that needed to be told, the ones that took more than a week to create. I was now part of a wonderful team who refuses to give up when the going gets tough for us and I finally achieved my goal of living in the Bishop Arts District, just a few blocks away from my coffee spot. Life had never been better than now but the wish of having Dawson going through it all with me was there. I wished he and I could've done this together but maybe this is how everything was meant to be.

During lunch, I left the newsroom to sit by myself at Overeasy, a cute little brunch spot located right next door in the Statler. It was where I brought Dawson to eat when he wanted more insight as to why I was such a city girl. It was great getting his country ass in here, and everyone that stared because he stuck out like a sore thumb brought the biggest smile on my face. He didn't let it bother him and this place soon became a spot the two of us indulged in.

Sitting in the usual booth, I released a soft sigh as I set my phone down, no longer feeling the need to scroll through Twitter. Opening my purse, I reached for the envelope I tried getting rid of on Christmas, the one with Dawson's present inside. Taking a deep breath, I opened it, ignoring the letter that I had wrote for him. Reaching inside, I pulled out the chain that was bunched up in the corner, smiling gently when I saw what I had been looking for. His dog tags. Brushing my thumb over them, I turned them over, looking at our initials engraved in the back.

"Stay safe out there, Six."

Putting the tags around my neck, I hid them under my shirt, finding the strength to continue on with my day. That same night, I met up with Amelia and Jayden for dinner at Spaghetti Warehouse, the best spot in Dallas to get Italian food. After paying for my parking, I walked in, quickly spotting the journalist and police officer. Smiling, I walked over, hugging them both before I sat down.

"How was y'all's day? Any tea to spill?" I asked them with a laugh, ordering a glass of wine. I wanted to ask Jayden if he knew about Dawson leaving but I was sure he already knew. They were best friends after all.

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

Over the last month, I kept an eye on Isabel, worrying that she would take the loss of Dawson harder than she should. She made the right decision to step away from a commitment she wasn't ready for, and anyone who had anything negative to say about it, didn't respect Isabel for the woman I knew her to be. Looking back on it, I was relieved that I didn't get up and leave the city of Dallas after out fallout, being close by gave me more reassurance that Isabel was genuinely okay and not just telling me what I wanted to hear from wherever i was that I always deemed to be too far in times like this.

She seemed to be handling the separation well, diving back into her work and spending her free time between going out with me and her other friends from the newsroom, if something was wrong, it was difficult to pick up on and she hadn't broke to me yet so I was reassured, for once, she was moving on without any major complication. Or so I thought until I watched her make her way to the table, I knew something was wrong. Accepting the hug she offered, (Must be nice Lol jk mucho love) I grinned faintly. I didn't ask what was wrong because I didn't want to draw attention to it for Jayden to pick up on. Isabel would tell me when she was ready to confess, until then, we shared a look to let her know i knew something was up.

Taking my seat again, I sighed shrugging my shoulders casually.

"There isn't anything interesting for me to tell, maybe Jayden has the excitement you're looking for."

 

[isax]

Jayden​

In the month since my best friend decided to act irrationally when the woman he loved said no to his proposal, I hadn't talked to him much, mainly because I was one of the ones who supported Isabel and her decision to not agree to something we knew she wasn't ready for. Two weeks ago, however, I drove out to the ranch because Brett and Shelly had expressed how worried they were about the cowboy and when I got there, it was moments before he decided to leave for war. Catching him in the act of packing pissed me off. I was more than thrown off by how quick he was to just leave everyone behind to serve all because something didn't go his way. He insisted that wasn't the case though, and after a good thirty minutes of talking it out with him, I came to understand where Dawson was and why he chose to leave. My best friend was taking this step because he genuinely believed it was the right one to make. He felt as though it was what needed to be done in order for him to grow independently. Who was I to tell him he was wrong and deny him that?

When we arrived to the restaurant, Isabel looked a little off, but I didn't think much about it because this entire month she seemed to be growing and thriving like she wanted since the day she broke down and threw herself into a slump. I didn't want to draw attention to whatever she had in mind for fear that it would put her into her thoughts. She was doing so well and didn't deserve to be in them yet again.

Chuckling, I shook my head when Amelia passed the conversation on to me, taking a sip of the water that I ordered for myself.

"Sorry y'all but I don't have much to spill today. It was a slow day at work and all they've been having me do this past week is patrol an assigned neighborhood. What about you, Investigator? What kind of tea do you have?"

Isabel​

The look Amelia and I shared let me know that she knew I was thinking about something. All I could do was smile in return to her small grin, giggling at what Jayden said in an attempt to hide what I was so far failing at. I didn't want to mention Dawson leaving to the couple, mainly because I didn't want to think too far into it, but considering neither of them had much to bring to the table, I bit my lip, debating if it was something I should bring up.

They probably already know.

"You know I can't tell you about anything I'm working on, Acciolli. You'll just have to wait for the story when it comes out, although that won't be anytime soon," Smiling at the two, I thanked our waitress when she brought my glass of wine, taking a sip of it. "But it's sad that y'all have nothing to dish. Has life been that boring for y'all? What a shame."

 

[Lexus]

Amelia
“Not all of us are investigative reporters, Bel. But if you want to drop the scoop when Jayden isn’t around, I’d love to hear about it.” I teased, wrinkling my nose playfully. My grin widening again when I saw another familiar face make his way to the table.

“Ahhh Maybe Nick has something interesting to share with us, given Jayden is a snooze this week, succumbing to retired work,” I replied getting up to greet Nick.

“Best friend, this is Nick Wells, he’s one of Jayden’s friends from work. He invited him for dinner because he’s a straggler,” I teased again, taking my seat and sipping my wine. I hoped Nick had something interesting to contribute to this dinner conversation because I knew the three of us were all avoiding the elephant in the from, the fact that Dawson left the United States the second he got the chance. Jayden said after visiting him, Dawson reassured him it was for a good reason and not because of Isabel’s decision to hold off on marriage, but I wasn’t convinced. Dawson seemed like the type to hold a grudge for as long as he felt necessary. He wasn’t off the hook from me yet.

Nick

“Jayden’s never been much of daredevil, he just likes to act like it because it gets the attention of the ladies, but he doesn’t need that anymore considering Amelia is both lovely and insane enough to put up with him..” smirking at Jayden, I turned my attention towards Isabel and held out my hand firmly in greeting.

“It’s nice to meet you, Isabel, I’ve heard a lot about you, all good things of course.”

 

[isax]

Isabel​

I wasn't expecting someone else to join us for dinner, especially not a coworker of Jayden's who just so happened to be more than attractive in my book. The minute I saw him, I lost all thought of Dawson and everything I was previously thinking of. That's shitty. Considering I was still very much in love with the runaway cowboy, seeing how easy it was for me to forget about him for the remainder of the night was disgusting. I was intrigued by Nick nonetheless. No matter how whorish it made me feel.

Laughing at what Nick had to say about Jayden, I smiled at the officer with a genuine expression, happily taking the hand he held out for a greeting. Shaking it firmly, I nodded in response to what he said.

"I'm glad you've heard nothing but good things. Most times that isn't the case. I can't say that I know much about you though. Jayden never seems to bring you up." I said with another laugh, looking at the other officer who rolled his eyes in response.

"I'll have you know, most of my shifts are full of action but you're right, Amelia. I've been doing retired work lately but you know why," I heard him start before he finished. "And I am too a daredevil. I'm going to kick your sorry ass, Wells."

I couldn't stop myself from laughing at the two as they bickered while Nick sat down next to me. Everything felt so lighthearted and not heavy for once and I didn't want this to end.

"Okay Acciolli, no reason for you to get so defensive. You already have Amelia, you don't have to keep lying to impress her."

As dinner carried on, I caught myself focusing more and more on Nick, forgetting about everything else that I had previously kept locked in a box. The more we talked and laughed, the more lighthearted everything felt and it was the happiest I had felt in quite sometime. The only thing that reminded me of my cowboy was the brushing of his dog tags against my chest when I moved to reach for my purse hanging on the side of my chair when the checks were given to us. The painful reminder of Dawson made me cringe, instantly drawing back for just a second before I let out a soft breath, looking back at everyone gathered at the table who had their eyes on me. Smiling sheepishly, I continued with what I was doing.

"Why are you guys acting so serious? Are y'all down to go grab some pie?" I asked them, folding the receipt with my card in between so that the waitress could take it.

 

[Lexus]

Amelia

“You know we can only get pie if there’s parking, which is rare. Unless you want to go to the sketch location which I’m equally down for for, but I don’t know if they are,” I replied glaring playfully in both the uniformed officer’s direction, knowing they wouldn’t have the slightest idea what we were referring to. But now that Isabel had mentioned pie, there was no retracting from the impulse now that it was a seed in my mind, there was no letting it go until my horrible sweet tooth was satisfied.

“Unless Jayden wants to abuse his privilege to find us a spot. But I’m not riding in the patrol car.”

Nick

“Well, I don’t know about Jay, but if he doesn’t make arrangements to guarantee this pie, then I will. Let’s go, ladies. Show me where we’re going,” I said, getting up from the chair, I grabbed my jacket, and laid down the cash for the top on the table.

 

[isax]

Isabel​

When Nick offered to help us secure a parking spot at Emporium Pies, I couldn't help but laugh, excitedly getting up once he did, following him out of the restaurant and to his patrol car. When Nick offered to give me a ride in his, I laughed, shaking my head. I had never been in a patrol car before, so naturally I was excited to get the chance to ride in one.

"I'm so down. I just need to be back in an hour or my car faces the risk of getting towed," Laughing, I got into the front seat of the car, curiously looking at everything that was inside of it. It was all a bit underwhelming but I didn't let that show as Nick drove us to Deep Ellum, loving how quickly he got a spot for all of us to park considering he used his privilege despite Jayden refusing to do so.

Once we were inside, I was the first in line, happily ordering a slice of their peach pie before I walked to a table for us to sit at while I waited on the others. Once they joined me, I continued on with the previous conversation we had at Spaghetti House, talking about our parents and what life was like growing up. Don't ask me how we got on that subject.

"If we're being honest, I haven't been home in a few years," Jayden said and I was quick to give him a curious expression, seeing Amelia naturally do the same. My dearest friend wasn't one to talk much about his parents. We all knew he came to Dallas because he needed to get way from Chicago but I was under the impression that he still went to visit his parents when he could.

"Why is that? Don't your parents still live there?"

Jayden​

The topic of family was always a touchy one for me and it wasn't because of the reason I left Chicago. Ever since the say I lost my uncle, I acted irrationally, packing everything up in my grieving state and moved as far away as I could. When I found myself in Dallas, I went through the academy, passed and was quickly offered a position as an officer. I took it, never one thinking about Chicago and the people I left behind. That included my parents. After I left, I never made the effort to talk to them. I didn't really update them on what I was doing in life, who was in it. They knew nothing about me since I left that city and I knew that tore my mother apart but I needed this. I needed to be on my own in order to heal.

You never took into consideration how you hurt them though, Acciolli.

With everyone talking about their families and how they still went home to see them, I felt my heart sinking, realizing how lucky they were to still be in contact with those related to them by blood. It was then I realized that I was keeping myself from my family and I needed to fix it. I just didn't know how nor did I ever want to step foot back in Chicago. I swore I never would again and I planned on keeping that promise.

"If we're being honest, I haven't been home in a few years."

The words came out before I could even process them and now Amelia, Isabel and Nick had insight into my family life that not many did. I never wanted them to know, especially Amelia, but now that I started, I knew they were all curious, the journalists more than Wells. Sighing, I hung my head before finding the right words to say in an attempt to not upset anyone.

"They do, yes. I don't think they would ever leave. I just haven't gone home to visit them. You all know why I moved here, well, that's part of why I haven't gone back. I kinda refuse to and getting them to come here is a job in itself." Liar. If you actually invited them, you know they would come. "So it's been awhile since I've seen them but it's okay."

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

It was a good night until Jayden dropped a bomb I had no idea he was carrying. I knew about his longstanding grief for his uncle because he briefly mentioned it when we were still just friends but I didn't press him over it because I could tell it was a sensitive subject, he preferred to avoid, and back then, he had a right to. However, knowing now how deep Jayden's personal grief ran after being together for over a month, I felt the frustration climb up the back of my throat as I attempted to keep composure at his confession, Now wasn't the time to get into a disagreement when we were enjoying our time with our friends, eating an assortment of pies and laughing, and not to mention, Jayden, being who he was, revealed something personal and if I tried to confront him about his wrong in his confidence, he would feel as though he didn't have a right to confide in me for fear of judgment and I didn't want that to be a point our relationship was built around, so for now, I kept most of my thoughts to myself. I just couldn't understand how a man like Jayden thinking completely isolating himself from his family was okay, he didn't seem like that kind of guy, not after how persistent he was to swoon me. There had to be something there he wasn't telling and I was going to ask him about it later when it was just the two of us.

"Well, how am I supposed to meet them?" I asked gently, offering a genuine smile when Jayden looked up at me. "I want to meet the people responsible for such a softy," I teased, rolling my eyes when I watched Isabel lick her fork out of the corner of my eye. It was one of her habits that managed to set me off, and there wasn't very many of them.

"Isabel stop! That's so nasty!" My detest rolled into a laugh when she glared at me in return, shrugging her shoulders.

Nick​

"What's wrong with licking the fork though? You have a sweet tooth, Amelia, you should know that's the best way to get every last bit of the flavor," I replied, licking my own pie crumbs from the fork, licking it clean, holding it out for Amelia to see to validate the point.

"See, not a crumb left behind," Looking over to Isabel, I winked playfully in her direction. "I got your six, Isabel."

 

[isax]

Jayden​

I knew by the way Amelia phrased her question, she was more than irritated with the information I just dropped. I didn't mean to. It just slipped out but I didn't want her to think I was keeping anything from her. I knew we had touched the subject very lightly back when we were friends, but considering how real and serious what we had now was, I didn't want her to feel like I couldn't trust her. I did. More than anyone else, but this subject was still rather touchy for me.

Laughing off her question, and not-so-subtle attempt at calling me a softy, I was quick to respond to her before she became annoyed with one of the many habits I noticed Isabel had. I didn't see the harm in it but Amelia always mentioned how she disliked it.

"You'll meet them, I swear, and I know they'll love you just as much as I do." Winking playfully in Amelia's direction, I watched as Isabel shrugged at Amelia when she called her out, laughing at Nick's attempt to help Isabel out. It might have just been me, but I saw the way the two were looking at each other and now I was curious as to what would unfold between them.

Isabel deserves to be happy, Jay. Dawson said it himself. Even if it's not with him.

Isabel​

Nick having my back and covering for me made me feel all sorts of giddy inside. I hadn't felt like this in quite sometime, and I loved it. Laughing softly, I smiled gently at the officer before biting my lip. Catching myself, I stopped as quick as I could, hoping no one noticed before I looked at Amelia while tucking my hair behind my left ear.

"See Best Friend, I'm not the only one," Sticking out my tongue playfully, I laughed for the countless time tonight, letting myself truly enjoy being out with friends. I knew I deserved this and so much more. I was ready to take on the world all over again and embracing the freedom I thought I once lost.

 

[Lexus]

OOC: After much contemplation, a physical fight at Izzzy's birthday dinner, an aggressively drawn web map of what could happen, and some liquid courage, we're time skipping upon Izzzy's request. I'll probably regret this in the morning, but pop off future me, you did this to yourself, sis.

This one's for you, best friend.

A WHOLE YEAR LATER
(I think it's January, idk, y'all.)
Dawson ​

A year to the day I frantically packed up my truck in a hurry to get the hell out of Fort Worth after watching what I thought my perfect life was going to shit after the woman I loved more than my own life, walked away from me, breaking my heart, before I could realize, I broke hers first. In the last year, I spent in isolation from friends and family, only telling them in letters what I wanted them to know, but truth be told, I didn't confess much of anything. It was too much for me to think about, let alone write down on paper, it wasn't something I wanted to confess to the people I loved, it was too traumatic for civilians to comprehend. Originally, I thought I would be deployed longer than a year, but given the circumstances, the discharge was much against my will. There was nothing I could do about it though, and now that it was done, and I was headed home, self-reflection made me begin to realize I was a much different man than the one who had left in a fury the year before. Before I had a point to prove, a new chapter to start, I believed I was a strong, invincible man who needed to reinstate his masculinity after being blindsided and knocked down to my knees in what I felt was out of the blue; but the truth was, I deserved what was coming to me. Now, I was a man who wasn't so quick to include his often snide opinion and I spent a lot of time in my own head, a lot more reserved, but commanders instilled in me humbleness and reserved nature, one I was sure my momma never thought would embody me.

Walking into my parent's ranch home, I smiled, greeted by the smells of home, fresh coffee, and lavender laundry detergent, i removed my cap and held it to my chest, chucking when my momma came to greet me eagerly. She pulled me into a tight embrace, eyes overflowing with tears, the relief on her face evident that her only son made it back from combat in one piece. My father standing close behind her looking at me with nothing but pride, he saulted me when we made eye contact and I nodded respectively.

"Hi, how are y'all?" I asked, not letting go of my petite mother as she gripped me tighter. "It's nice to see you."

​

 

[isax]

OOC: Y’all, she highkey did this when she knows I have to leave for church but lucky for me, I have a couple minutes to spare.

Shelly​

When Brett told me Dawson was packing and planning to leave so he could be deployed, my heart broke just a little. I never expected my son to take that step. I always assumed he would stay a Naval pilot for the Blue Angels until he no longer could. He didn’t tell his father and I about his departure until the absolute second, literally two minutes before he left the ranch for an entire year. It hurt more than it should have, but I knew this was something he had to work through himself. I knew deep down, after he let a woman like Isabel walk out of his life, he needed to figure out where he was destined to go from here and I could only hope my son found himself through this experience.

I prayed everyday that he would stay safe, hoped and begged that no harm would come to him while he was out in combat. I wanted my son to come back in one piece. I wanted him home so we could all be together again.

When I received word that he was going to do just that, I was more than relieved. I was thrilled. The year since my son left was hard and when he walked through that door, I couldn’t stop myself from throwing my arms around him while I cried. I refused to let him go, even when he asked how we were. I just wanted to hold my baby boy for as long as I could, because any time during this year I could have lost him, and I was thankful that I didn’t.

“We’re fine but dear god, how’re you? You just up and left, without telling any of us until the last minute, and while I’m proud of you, you had me worried sick,” I said through the tears, pulling away from the hug only to cup my sons face in my hands, shaking my head. “You’re still as handsome as ever but this haircut doesn’t suit you.”