Love. Left. Behind.
Chapter 10
"In a child's eyes, a mother is a goddess. She can be glorious or terrible, benevolent or filled with wrath, but she commands love either way. I am convinced that this is the greatest power in the universe."
As the two pulled apart. Serena wiped her eyes. With her hand.
While Suzie started to walk near her presents.
Taking the remaining gift in her hand. And putting it in her lap.
Looking back up at her mother as she started to speak.
"Is this from you.?" The young girl asked. Curiosity peaking in her voice.
Finding her voice again as she spoke.
"Yes, it is I've been working a few hours a day on it."
"Wanting to make it as meaningful as I could."
Serena said.
As she watched Suzie open it.
Revealing a cover.
With a title that read.
Mommy. Daddy. On the top.
Then on the bottom it read.
Suzie.
Excited Suzie opened the book.
And turned the page.
The writing on this page said.
Dedicated to
Our daughter whose is a combination of the best parts of her parents.
And who taught us what it meant to love and sacrifice and trust. Without needing anything else in the world but the privilege of watching her grow.
Smiling as Suzie turned the page.
And read chapter title for herself.
Once a upon a time
On the upper side.
Hours later. As Suzie was being tucked in for bed.
She hugged her dad. And leaned over and hugged her mom as well.
Taking her hand. Before she walked out of the room.
So, they're eyes locked as she spoke slowly.
"Are you going to be here in the morning.?"
Suzie asked. A mix of hope and fear displayed in her eyes and on her face.
"Of course." "I'm not going anywhere ever again."
Serena said as she kissed her daughter's cheek.
Smiling as she laid back down.
Serena turning out the nights.
As she left the room.
Taking a breath.
While she began to walk downstairs.
Her eyes focused on Nate's.
"It went really well."
"She took to you right away."
"See you had nothing to worry about."
Nate said.
Looking to her.
Looking back at him.
Serena spoke.
"She needs to trust that I'm not going to take off again."
"I need to reassure her that I'm home now."
"And that goes for you as well."
She said looking into his eyes.
"You don't need to prioritize me into things."
"You have yourself and Suzie to focus on."
Nate said to her.
Walking away from him as she headed into the guest room.
Minutes later reappearing with something in her hands.
As she took his hand. And looked up at him.
Placing his wedding back on his finger.
"Can you get mine.?" Serena asked him.
Looking him in the eyes. as he went into the bedroom taking out her ring. He had hidden.
Facing her again.
While he took her hand, and placed her ring back on her finger.
Letting it go.
As she linked her fingers with his.
Following her lead. Serena gently opened the bedroom door.
Closing it behind them.
Not taking her eyes off Nate.
As she spoke.
"I want to remember what it means to be close with you."
"But I'm scared that he's always going to be what I picture."
"And feel."
"What should be beautiful and bring us back to normal."
"Is just tainted for me like a ghost that haunts me."
"At every turn."
"What if I can't ever be intimate be vunerable and open and willing to be seen that way again."
"The simple thought of being completely exposed."
"Emotionally or physically just makes me feel sick."
"What kind of life is that for you.?"
"Never being fulfilled in either way for the rest of your life."
"Is that what you really want.?" Serena asked him.
"You are my priority."
"I want to do whatever makes you feel comfortable."
"And safe in this house and this room."
"Even if it means nothing at all."
Nate said to her.
"I can't accept that you putting aside your wants and needs."
"For me just because I'm broken now."
Serena said tears welling up in her eyes.
"Look at me." Nate said touching her face.
"I love you and there is more than one way to show that."
Nate said caressing her face with his hand.
…