IN HIS HOME
My chest was encircled by a smooth, black blanket that hid my breasts and everything below. Derek was still covered, but he raised his torso to the surface Little Story. I could see the treasure trail that ran down his stomach, his well-defined abs, and his n*ked arms.
However, he had his face scrunched as I glanced up at it. He said, “I can’t keep doing this.”
I only chuckled while reaching for my bra and putting it on. I then got to work getting into my panties. Could you possibly be more clichéd? You have the voice of a soap opera actress.”
“I really do. Permit me to take you out on a date.
I let out a nervous breath. “No.”
“We already spend a lot of time together. We’ve visited the restaurant, the mall, and the movie theatre. The only thing that will be different this time is that we’ll set a date. It’s not a huge deal.
In order to get into my pants, I slipped off the bed. “We won’t continue if you can’t.” I’m going to stop by.”
“It is not what I desire. All I want to do is flaunt you. Make it a formality. Give me a call, girlfriend.”
“I’ll never be your girlfriend.”
“Why?”
due of my father’s adultery with my mother. as dad had split from her when I was just a few years old. because I had little faith in men. because I didn’t think love existed.
Yet I was unable to utter any of it. I said, “Because I’ve been sleeping with someone else,” because I needed a lie to get him to stop calling.
IN MY HOME
for two weeks. It had been two weeks since Derek had phoned. I didn’t understand why I wasn’t sleeping and couldn’t eat breakfast without feeling like I was about to throw up when it was exactly what I’d wanted.
My mother entered the kitchen after I opened a couple drawers with a little too much vig*ur. “It’s okay,” she remarked in a lighthearted tone. “What is the issue? You’ve spent days behaving like a brat.”
“You’re my issue.”
Her gaze flitted. “Excuse me?”
“Why’d you leave dad?”
“because he had an affair with me. The next query.”
“Why do you date other men?”
A break. “I don’t understand.”
I couldn’t comprehend how she was able to date after her father’s incident. Although I could see why she would spend some nights with random males, I was unable to understand how she could be dating some of them for months at a time. At least a year had passed since she last saw the one she was seeing.
“How can you date other guys after what dad did to you?” So I did.
Her mouth opened wide, but her eyes narrowed. I was not harmed in any way by your father. We were content. We tied the knot. We gave up on happiness. We separated.”
“And you’re fine with that?”
“I wasn’t initially. Naturally not. You do understand, however, that I don’t regret the time I spent with him because…
“Because you had me.”
“Well, that too.” She pulled a cup from the drying rack with a sly smile. It was a gift from her father. I’ve never understood her continued usage of it. “However, I was going to mention that I went to France with him.” When we went camping, he showed me how to build a fire. When we went up to that wonderful cottage I adore, I taught him how to ski. None of it is anything I regret. It’s a pleasant memory.
My eyes were full with tears, but I made an effort not to let them fall. “So you’re not the least bit upset your marriage failed?”
“You were sad to graduate from high school, but you were happy to get into college and are now having a terrific time. However, this does not imply that you regret your high school years simply because you are enjoying yourself at college.”
Even while her analogies were usually absurd enough to make me giggle, it didn’t lessen my anger.
When I finished wiping my face with a piece of paper towel she said, “Are you moping about Derek?”
I remained silent. I only blew my nose.
“That’s a yes.” She gave a quiet sigh. “Listen, whether you’re in a relationship or not, you may still experience heartbreak. You’re sad and single right now, is that correct? If he crushes your heart in a few months, what difference does it make then? Now your heart is shattered. Therefore, rather of wasting time moping, you may as well date him and gain experience.”
“That was pretty good advice, wasn’t it?” she said, her lips brushing against my face.
“Yes, indeed. A+ mothering, I said, evoking her lighthearted demeanour. “Give yourself a pat on the back.”
She just chuckled and walked out of the room to give me peace while I apologized to Derek and asked him out on our first formal date.
That concludes this story, people! I hope it was enjoyable!