Lake story

IT HAPPENED AT THE LAKE

It had been so long since I had been to that pristine lake between the mountains. Yes, I may have loved it more now than I did as a kid. The dock hadn't changed much. It was so serene. How could I possibly not want to be here with my new beau? 

Of course, I chatted up the place. All the adventures I remembered with cousins and acquaintances. It felt like a lifetime ago. And we were going camping.

Really, it felt odd to be a grown-up now. Almost out of college and marriage-bound. Besides, Scott was the camper and loved to rough it. I wasn't sure if I could count on his cooking since he insisted on fishing for supper. 

I made plenty of snacks, from peanut butter and jam sandwiches to plenty of fruit and veg. After all, I felt I needed to treat him like my firstborn. But then again, I slipped in a couple of bottles of wine, his favorite beer hoping somehow I could unwind on this little getaway. 

Luckily, we made camp in no time. A little tent for two. Honestly, it was a first for both of us. I hope this wasn't the end. I did my best to savor the sun at the edge of the dock in my sunshades. I brought some old paperbacks I needed to get through and give to the library booksalw. Yes, I would do my best to be quiet while Scott was one with the water.

But that only lasted, maybe forty-five minutes. Unexpected company arrived and to my surprise it was Zane who I hadn't seen since high school.

It was kind of funny, we were full of pleasantries. Only, that hadn't been the case Senior year. We'd had a falling out over a guy and vowed to never speak to each other. Thankfully, she didn't remind me of what the spat was about. After all, she wasn't with Noah, either. 

While they set up their tent, it crossed my mind how I might have reacted if she had been here with him. I hugged myself in thought.

"I don't think the fish are here," Scott winced in the sun.

"What?" I squinted back at the thought of us moving somewhere sacred for his fishing. My teeth clench. Really, I was happy not to be alone on the lake with him. Sure, I loved US, but not that much when it came to the outdoors. "My friend is here," found myself saying even if Zane was my friend-enemy.

"But, we came all this way to get away from everyone," Scott fretted. He was in a miserable mood ever since he got on at the high school as the Girl's Wrestling Coach. All this time, he just knew he'd be ace if he was coaching the football team.

"Oh, just take a walk and find a spot, will you," I put my hands on my back as if this was the last thing I needed. I really didn't want Zane to see us arguing, either. 

Soon enough, Zane sent Jared off to fish with Scott. We were alone and I hesitated. It was as if my throat was too raw to speak. I felt a little jittery.

"Sara, we have to talk," Zane said.

I nodded. I knew she was right.

"Lets take a walk," So off we went in the opposite direction of the guys. She mentioned no one was here and she was glad. Zane remembered coming here with her grandmother.

"How is she?" I looked at her blankly.

"She passed during the pandemic," Zane pointed to where her ashes were laid to rest. "This was her happy place." She smiled with a shrug. "I'm beginning to think it takes a lifetime to be happy, you know."

Zane said she was between jobs. It had been stressful at the wedding company she'd worked for. 

"I'm afraid Scott will quit before he ever starts his," I confessed. I told her he was a bit timid.

"But he's fit," Zane smiled. I smiled back.

"Jared has been my friend for so long now, we thought we'd try being together," she said she'd been with him longer than her previous boyfriends. "See what happens to you when you work for a wedding company." She laughed.

It was good to hear her kind voice. But she was so adamant about Noah back then. We'd had a fight in the girl's bathroom and both said a few things I knew we regretted. Yet we'd left it with a monumental FINE. Neither of us would date him. We wouldn't be friends either.

Funny, I couldn't recall Noah's face now as I watched her skip a rock a rock across the still water. Why had I wanted to be with him so much? 

Zane helped me along the rocks as we headed back to the dock. It was then we decided it was too hot to stay out of the water so we both made some noise and jumped right into the cool waters. Finally, it felt like a clean break. We were friends again. And this time we would be there for each other.

Jelly update

 

Um, Kenny is history. I know.

Bad me. So yeah, after COVID it was still a bad year. That's what happens when you're on the road for so long. Yeah, Velvet and the girls are history too.

Just my luck, I'm yesterday's favorite flavor. So, I've been waiting tables. I lived in the back of the pool hall for a while. Watched a lot of people get drunk. I did extra stuff you know. Nothing bad. I just had to keep the damn place spotless.

And I won a few games, too. At least I improved my game. Can't say I'm a real pool shark and I wouldn't want to be at it, like this one Granny I know.

God, she is a sad sort. Got busted, just sleeping in her car. It wasn't even on. Just in the bar parking lot. Now she's on probation. She gets tested for Alcohol every few days. She can only have water now with a slice of lemon. 

Well, that was weeks ago. 

I did try to help. I went with her to get some legal representation. Um, not sure it did much good, but I'm no longer living in the back of the pool hall anymore.

Yeah, Charles who I call Chuck, might not be as perfect as he seems. Yeah, it still gives me a good laugh. Who knows, maybe the lad was just being a good Samaritan. But you know, safe to say he's mine now, and we live by the ocean. 

Yeah, I'm moving up. But you know, I got this itch to be on tour. And well, I might not be cut out for the good life anyway.

dk;dc

 

out there somewhere(2008)

Bella wasn't sure she trusted Kal's burgers out on the charcoal grill. Basically, this had been one big camping trip they'd been on. He was so sure he could find something in Dallas with his music, but now they'd moved on to Austin.

"It has to be very well done. For me, anyway." Normally, she didn't even eat meat, but it hadn't exactly been a vegan's vacation. When all said in done, it was cheaper to get a dollar burger from the value menu. Perhaps that's what made her feel so shitty.

"Aw, nothing like a good juicy rare burger, Babe." He was standing there in the smoke out by the grill. All she really wanted was a room with a hot shower, but she didn't see that coming tonight or in the next few days. They were sleeping out under the stars.

Finally, she took the burger on two pieces of white bread. She savored the moment of having something hearty to eat instead of a peanut-butter sandwich. Maybe she would really sleep tonight.

It hadn't been easy adjusting to the road. For the most part, she slept when Kal drove and couldn't sleep a wink at night, especially, last night when they camped in a tent not too far off the highway. It was downright scary, but now he said they were safe in a state park.

"You can rest easy, Babe." He kept telling her, that she did want to sleep after she ate the burger.

"Thanks." She had done her best not to complain. Besides, she'd chosen to be with him, but sometimes, she really thought Gordy would have been a better choice when it came to a dark night like this, alone in the wilderness. She wasn't so sure if Kal could save her from anything.

Finally, she crawled into her sleeping bag. She just wanted to be left alone. Her body ached from all the walking, then the driving, and in the end, not ending up anywhere. She didn't dare ask what they'd do next. She'd wait and hope she wouldn't hate Kal soon.

It wasn't long til she drifted off to sleep, but then she found herself having to watch Gordy with someone else. Delia, the whorish girl from cosmetics at Walgreens. He was seeing Delia. He was kissing Delia. Even Jane was letting Delia hold her. They were laughing. Laughing possibly at Bella. And then Bella saw it. Delia was fat. With child.

Bella woke in a sweat. Her heart was racing. She picked up her cell and punched in Emily's number. Of course, she didn't pick up, but Bella left her a message. "Don't let Gordy near Delia!" She tried to say, but she wasn't sure she said anything at all. She thought she'd lost her voice.

dk;dc

 on the job(2008)

Was it time to clock out yet? Gordy was getting a slight buzz from the energy drink he'd had a few hours ago on his break, but it felt so surreal being here at Walgreens in the wee hours of the morning. He was sure he could hear music in the lighting above. This always worried him that one day he might actually make out words coming from the lights above.

He attacked the boxes of macaroni and cheese with the price gun as he straightened the isle. Why in the hell would anybody buy macaroni and cheese here, he thought. It was double the price here compared to No Frills, the local grocery. And why would this crap bother him anyway? He hated cheese.

He was so alone. There might be one other person in the store, and when he looked up there was Floyd looking somewhat angelic in his very white t-shirt and bleached-out jeans. He was positively glowing.

"What are you doing here?" Gordy wanted so badly to hit Floyd with a price on his forehead, but he didn't.

"Thought I'd get myself a pizza."

"What happened? You get laid or something?" Gordy was a bit familiar with the drill. Floyd would hang around after KFC closed, go home with a new co-worker, get lucky, then come here. He was never into cuddling.

"God, you know me so damn well." Floyd cracked a grin.

"Yeah, cause you're so damn lucky. Just what kind of lines, do you use, dude?" Gordy wacked at some of the boxes with the price gun while they talked.

"I don't know, I'm just myself, what can I say?" He shrugged.

"Yeah, you use that damn rocker bullshit on them, don't you?" Gordy shook his head in disgust.

"If it ain't broke, go for the gold." Floyd chuckled.

"Yeah, after all, you are the man." About that time he noticed there was an old man at the counter wanting to pay for some Tums. Gordy went over and checked him out. It wasn't the worst job in the world, but then they expected him to sweep the parking lot too. Not exactly a thrill at three in the morning.

Finally, Floyd came up with his frozen pizza.

"Seriously, dude, we gotta get together sometime and jam, you know," Floyd was already in his own little shuffle dance.

"Yeah, and you'll want me to find my skateboard too, won't you? It's not gonna happen anytime soon. I don't have precious nights like you do." Gordy rang him up and gave him some change.

"Come on, you gotta have a night off sometime soon," Floyd told him.

"All right, how does Sunday night sound?" Gordy scratched the back of his neck, thinking his luck would be that he'd be needed on a Sunday night here, and he couldn't say no to the money.

dk;dc

 

 

If Not Today (2008)

"Why, why do you do this to me, every-time, B?" Emily was in the middle of painting her nails and her sister would have to call.

"Can't you multi-task?" Bella fumed back.

"What is it this time?" Usually, she wanted her to beg her mother for money. Of course, her mother wasn't going to send Bella anything and Bella certainly wasn't going to ask. "Where are you?"

"Either Austin or Dallas, I'm not sure where I woke up this morning," Bella told her sister.

"I see." Emily seethed with envy. Her sister was off gallivanting around the country with her boyfriend and here she was still in school. "And?"

"And have you see Jane, lately?"

There was a silence. Emily didn't want to talk about that. She really didn't see her niece anymore than her sister saw her own child. A bad taste came to her mouth.

"She's fine. What do you care, anyway?" Emily snapped.

"You can't tell me anything. Nobody sends me pictures anymore." Emily heard her sister's voice ache.

"Why should we? What do you care?" Emily blew on her nails. She then caught a look at her nose in the mirror. God, it had to go, she thought. When could she get a new nose.

"Look, I have to go. I'll send you a picture over the phone when I can. If you're so worried, why don't you come home?" Emily didn't even wait for an answer. She hung up.

She stared at her cell phone then. She thought of Gordy. It made her sad to think he was alone sitting on the couch holding a baby while watching MTV. She pushed in his number.

"Yello." It sounded a bit of a yawn when Gordy answered.

"Are you up for company?" She wondered. His schedule was crazy. She rarely ever got to see him.

"I got a couple of hours to kill before I have to go to work." His voice was sincere, and she closed her eyes for a second thinking how much missed listening to him sing 'Hot Child in the City' with his old guitar while Bella was pregnant with Jane.

"How about if I kill them with you?" She came back to their conversation.

"As long as it doesn't involve money or me moving from this couch," he told her.

"I think I can do that." She smiled then. It was a date. Maybe.

dk;dc

 Maybe if Bella had gotten fat after she had baby Jane, things would have been different. But then again, Gordy wondered if he would have been the one leaving her if that had happened. He'd like to think he wouldn't, but it could have been a different story if it had happened.

Instead, she just couldn't take it. Maybe that's the way it is when you're just sixteen, but he had a feeling Bella would have been like this if she were twenty-six, or thirty-six, or even forty-six. She just wasn't mother material. Well, it looked that way in the beginning. Everyone was happy. He remembered that smile. Her smile. His smile. It was a thrill to have something so perfect they'd made together. Until the crying started. And soon Bella was crying too. And then he was crying. He felt it was all his fault what had happened to Bella. How could she ever forgive him? How could he ever forgive himself, even? The only way to think about it was to think about Jane when he got up in the morning til he went to bed at night. As it was, he didn't get much sleep, anyway. Working the graveyard shift down at Walgreens. Yeap, it was hell to pay. And he just kept paying. And his body kept dragging. And just when he thought the end was near, there Jane would go and do something for him. She started walking by the time she was eight months old. She called his black lab, Rob, Daddy, first. Yeap, she was a happy little girl when she wasn't teething. Gordy just wished Bella was around to see all those firsts.

An on going drama....

 

This is more of a writing prop than an RP kind of thing. Think of it as an inprov. Honestly, I don't want to write bios for the characters..yet, I guess you might need a few facts to inspire you if you want to help guide the story along..scene by scene [feel free to use dialogue...oh dialogue is great!]. I know, it might take too much out of you if you think about it for very long. It's been a long time since I've done anything like this either. But I've wanted to. And well, it's kept me up at night thinking about it..so here I am. 

OK, as I said I will start the story then you write what should happen next and then if someone sees it before I do and wants to ad to it in the comment box then so be it! Oh, and lets keep it PG13. Cause, you never know who we might be writing for. But then again..nobody may like this idea either.

SMED FACTS:

He's twenty-one. Finally out on his own since his rich dad is in the dumps and Smed has to somehow make it on his own. Of course, he's only been in love with himself so it's kind of hard for him to get used to other people in life. He's not aware of too many things. He lives at the boarding house and works in the mailroom at the University. He has a few essentials like his phone, but he doesn't even have his laptop anymore and he's had to sell all his suits and now gets most of his clothes at Good Will and sometimes checks the Half-Priced book store. It's true. He doesn't take as many selfies as he used to.

BECCA FACTS:

She's twenty-six but has felt jilted with life since she was sixteen. She's never gotten over her first boyfriend because he was in college and treated her a whole lot like a Taylor Swift song or two. Sometimes, Becca hates everything. She isn't close to her family even if they keep calling. She has a few friends at the Modern Language Department where she works. She lives at the boarding house too.

OH

1. they don't that they both live in the same boarding house.

2. Becca's first encounter with Smed was at the University Center. He took her latte by accident at the coffee shop. She's been mad at him ever since. He has no idea he even took her latte.

3. They both wait at the same bus stop. They ride the bus together to work, but usually not in the evenings.

A Jelly moment

 

Just what am I going to do with this Boy-Man? Huh?

Kenny's been totally depressed. I dunno if it's just me..OK, it might be me. But I don't want to take all the blame, you know. I mean it's not like we're hitched.

Yeah, we sleep together, but you know it's just sleep.

I know he thinks he saved me from the streets..but could he have done that if he hadn't been with Velvet and the girls? Seriously?

Sure, we have been sort of busy. We got a rush of dates for a party or two. Well, it was gonna happen and then it didn't. Because of COVID. Yeah, there went the holidays. 

Actually, I might not know everything going on. You know, a lot of hookups and even breakups as of late. I don't know what to think. But Kenny is still here. Hell, we even have a room together cause, you know, it's not like we're in a mansion. Just one of those skinny houses close to the park. Thank god, for the ocean air even if it is January.

So I don't know why he's totally disappointed in me. I'm trying my best. It's not like I've heard from anyone back home. The only voice mail I've gotten was someone with heavy breathing and then they coughed. I just laughed. How funny is that?

Naturally, Kenny thinks I should be worried. What if somebody is stalking me? What if they don't like what they see and they come and snatch me?

I swear he can give me the heebie-jeebies. It was probably just a wrong number. But he gets all worked up about the way I dress and who I'm spending too much time with. Why is life so complicated? I didn't think he liked me that much, but who knows..maybe he does.

Kenny's interview

  Kenny: Look, (he's alone now with the interviewer but looks behind him to make sure they are alone) I think Jelly is ..is not who they think she is. (He presses lips tight before he goes on. His hair is a mess and his clothes are black, even in skinny jeans and a black long-sleeved shirt he looks very indie like he could be somebody..other than a band roadie. He lets out a breath) If..if only it could be us, you know. (he shakes head and looks down) It would be so much better. But..but I was the one who brought her in. I was the one who found J. (he winces hard) It's kind of hard to look at what she's become. You'd think it was one big pajama party (He sighs as he rests his bony finger under his nose in thought) I don't like what she's become. Why? Why can't she just be with me? (He then looks straight into the camera) I know we're good together, on so many levels, you know. (He presses lips tight in thought again) It's just sad now. I..I mean nothing to her. And really..I don't know what to do about it (Kenny is practically in tears).

Jelly & Kenny

 KENNY: (obviously he does not want to talk about the band. He looks away as if he might just walk off the set).

JELLY: He doesn't mean it. (she shrugs and looks a bit out of place, but she seems to be talking for him) I don't really know what the problem is, but he's been in a bad way lately. (Of course, Kenny isn't looking at Jelly and he looks really sad) (Jelly wiggles her lips a bit and smiles) First of all, he lives with way too many females, but I didn't think it would bother him, and then (she cracks up with a laugh) He says it's my fault. (Her smile is big and open) I don't believe it of course. Just an excuse you know. I mean, seriously (she cracks up more) little old me. (she presses her index finger into her chest and shakes her head, no. she sighs and tries to get serious as she is sitting in the chair next to Kenny during this interview.) Sure, he's talented and all. And maybe..well, maybe Mercy isn't giving him all the chances she could give him. But you know, he's the band roadie. What's he expecting? (She gives a serious look to the camera).

ON TOUR: A Jelly Tale

 

Hey...you?

Did you miss me?

Yeah, I didn't think so. Um, I finally made it to San Francisco, and WOW loving this dark and funky music scene.

Needless to say, Teena is history. I mean, I was only in it for the money. I'm not gonna lie. Or maybe it's the fact to say I never loved her (even if maybe I did cause, you know..it was quite a ride, but she was a bit of a pink drama queen and I never ever imagined I'd like pink again.)

Think again! I just took a bus and I had enough cash to make it to San Francisco. I mean, yeah there was a time I thought I might live at the library and just stick with the herd of homeless. But then I met Kenny, who is a roadie for Velvet and the gang. Kind of like the Pussycats but industrial punk of some kind.

Mercy is the lead singer. And she is so Poe, at times. A Goth Queen mad about Velvet on keyboard. Certainly, lots of magic going on between those two.

So yeah, I'm living the dream, and um, I've had some fun with Kenny on certain occasions and Delia is quite lovely as well. 

Yeah, living the dream. Learning so much in so many ways. This small-town girl has a family now and yeah, I'm with the band. Playing drums.

[models from Dolls Kills and mehro is a bonus]

WORD OF HONOR

 My favorite duo. Here's to more dramas and fantastic characters!

Never thought I'd have a moment like this

 Seriously, Jelly wanted to get out of this railroad town. It felt as if everything was dragging her down.

First, there was the dead-end job at the grocery store. She was tired just thinking of handling that cash register and then having some old fart tell her not to walk away from him. Yeah, supposed things could be worse.

Jake was being such a pain. He drank too much, but then he could want her so hot that it was a volcano. But she never knew what to expect from him. It could get worse she knew. 

And finally, she'd found playful Teena, a poor little rich girl with nothing to do. Jelly didn't mind having money spent on her. It was a high time in the city with fruity drinks and kick-ass alcohol. Yeah, it felt like summer when she was with Teena. 

There was something mysterious and alluring about Teena, but she could be aloof too. Jelly didn't know how to take it. Especially, she felt she'd been hooked into Teena's life as if maybe Jelly was her one and only. But that lasted a week, with fast rides, some hot nights that turned out just to be a tease.

Finally, Jake came around and it was hot heaven for at least twenty minutes. And then the silent treatment. 

It was enough to make Jelly want to be somebody else. And maybe she was with Teena.

Happy Pride Month!

 My favorite BL Drama!

A Jelly Story

 Foolish me... where do I start? Sometimes, those BTS hangouts can be far more strange than expected. Here I was thinking I was hanging out with some chick who fangirled as much about the boys as I do. I dunno what I was thinking.

Yeah, we chatted online for a bit on the forum but later, realized we were close by. Of course, we texted for more than a month and then the phone calls came. It felt so right. Why not meet up at the bar in the old market. Restrictions were lifted. Summer was practically here. Not a gloomy cloud in the sky. Teena was her name. Although, now I can't be certain of that. After all, she seemed so sophisticated and knew her way around the trendy parts of Omaha. Before I knew it, I was in her little white convertible. Her pink hair blowing in the wind and ever so sexy. Even more, she made me feel as if I belonged there. It might have been a wicked smile at the time, but I was up for anything after that iced tea laced with vodka, lemon, and triple sec. Finally sex and the city in the heartland. But even bad girls like us like cheap motels and old swimming pools.

A Jelly tale

 Name: Jelly Johannas (Real name is Jolene but I could never say it when I was little and they always called me Jelly.)

Age: 25 How do you identify/pronouns: she

Sexual preference?: straight but maybe bi

Who are you? (Fan, media, aspiring artist, etc.): I have always wanted to write songs, but everyone tells me I need to experience more life. And after this last year I just want to escape my life here in the Heartland. I am from Nebraska and I am so tired of being home.

Why did you join the tour?: I don't drive so this is the best way to do it. And I really like the behind the scenes idea. You know, like I might get discovered, or just have a burger with somebody like Alex Gaskarth. I so love that guy. I have always wanted to meet him and I think he could really understand me..if we met. Bio: Um, I was an Airforce brat, but once we got to Offut we couldn't get off it. My parents are divorced. My mom lives with her girlfriend and Dad moved to Florida where he keeps bugging me to move, but I can't do that to my mom. Even so, I know she's tired of me living at home and I feel I have this dead-end job at the grocery store. Life has not turned out as I'd hoped, going the University route. I want to be an artist, but I am not sure I have any potential. Also, I broke up with a guy I have been dating for the last seven years. He wanted to get married and start a family. I'm just not ready to settle down yet. Besides he got really jealous when my best friend Dara was teaching how to really play the guitar. And I found I'd rather be with Dara than him. But, she is seeing someone at the moment.

*Possibly an ill-fated roleplay someone wanted to start. I decided I would go on with it.

Relationships

 

 What was the first thing you liked about your significant other?

RACHEL: He's the whole package (she smiles) of course. I liked his stature. Possibly, a bit oblivious to everything around him, but his smile was quick and oh so cool and I had a feeling we could dance very well together even if I am no dancer, but I can dream, right? JORY: I dunno. (He laughs and then sighs) I really don't. I mean, sure she's got a lot going for her, but the way she moves. Maybe that's what caught my eye. You know, that confidence. (He chuckles more) I was...kind of afraid of her. (He shrugs with a smile). Well, actually I'm still afraid of her. She knows how to keep me..on my toes. (His smile is broad and he nods) Rachel is probably the sexiest woman I know. DAN: Um, I want to say Ivy is the most annoying girl I've met. But..that's not true. I guess, the first time I met her, she was in middle school sitting in her living room in a glammed-up prom dress. And..and it wasn't even prom. I found out from her brother who's a close friend that she'd thrifted the dress and liked to just dress up for no reason. I mean, I did feel kind of sad for her. But then I forgot about it. Fast forward about a decade later and we meet up again and..and she's pregnant. And I begin to think she's really lived life and I haven't. So I guess I envied her. Perhaps. But then she moved in and (he shrugs) she grew on me. I mean, we are so opposites (he sighs) but life is better with her. IVY: Oh, I always knew he was handsome. From the moment I saw him I wished he'd notice me. But then I imagined him being a priest, and then I guessed he was gay. I'd decided there was no chance. Never. But..I've learned..NEVER SAY NEVER. I mean, after all... Dan is generous, he's thrifty, he's kind and I'm thankful he's been there for me. After all this time, I've learned it's real friends who question me, who want the best for me, or the ones who make the best partners. I know that sounds like I've met a lot, but I really haven't. I fall in love easily, but to find your mainstay..well, that's a skill and a lifetime dream of mine.

Ellie

Maxie & Ambs

 

What is your ideal supper? AMBER: Well, I grew up on meat and potatoes sprinkle a few carrots and you've got dinner. But I know I need to be on a plant based diet. So I like more roasted veg these days and a little roasted chicken on the side. MAXIE: Well, Ramen of course (he laughs) of course, who can live on Ramen alone? Seriously? (he gives a serious look and then laughs) Add an egg. Saute some veg. Of course, garlic (he can't keep from laughing) which I know Ambs is not fond of me having. (He keeps chuckling)

Henry & Josie

 Josie swore Henry changed completely after his last seizure which was over a year ago now.

"It's like living with a new man," she smiles now since she's finally adjusted to who he is. "For the longest time, he was so silent. I was afraid he'd have to go to rehab, but he was just quiet Henry. " She laughs, thinking how he used to be. "I mean, he's always so enthusiastic about everything. Always full of surprises." She shrugs, not sure what else she can say about her husband. "We've known each other since high school. I know some think he's the last person I would ever be with, and I guess they are right." Henry takes her hand and holds it as if they are still only going out. He smiles. "You've changed a whole lot too." "Well, we've had two kids, you know," Josie beams, a mommy of girl and a boy. He nods as if he remembers the other one they never talk about. "I always wanted to make her smile. She wasn't in the best situation when we met." Henry remains even lipped. "But, things change. And we haven't given up."

Bentley

 

His first love was a whirlwind sort of girl. She'd never know how happy she could make him with just one smile. Maybe it was one-sided. He guessed. But he missed her so. Especially, when he moved back east to start living on his own. Oh, the things he wished they'd did. Hold hands. Watch TV together. Maybe even have a coffee date. He was glad he didn't know her too well. It might have spoiled everything in his head.