Currently, two incredibly sensual young ladies were relaxing on the marble steps of their educational institution, "Sisu's Academy for Young Ladies." The two adolescent ladies were named Raya and Namaari, best friends and lovers.

Namaari has been comforting her girlfriend for the last hour. Raya broke the news that her parents were getting a divorce, something she wasn't taking particularly well. Namaari wasn't a touchy-feely type of person. Nevertheless, she ventured to console her. "Raya, you can't condemn yourself that your parents are getting a separation.

Despite what some people maintain concerning marriage? That its supposed to be forever or fight for your marriage? The bittersweet truth is some people just aren't meant to be together. Also, some obstacles can't be overcome. More people are more satisfied when they get separated. Consequently, I'm confident you're parents aren't seeking to punish you."

Raya still couldn't stop weeping. "You don't understand, Namaari! I'm more anxious that they're going to get so resentful, I'll be utilized as a weapon against the other one!"

Her girlfriend stayed silent. She recognized what her lover stated was, in fact, true. Divorce these days does come with a territory. The undeniable reality was? Yes, parents would exploit their children against their former spouses.

It wasn't right to put their child in the middle of their spat. However, it did occur more than people cared to admit. Namaari ran her hand through her short hair, exhaling, "I'm sorry, Raya. I would hate to be an instrument to punish someone else. My father died before I could remember him. Hence neither of my parents could use me against the other. I don't want you to be torn in half either."

"What am I suppose to do? The divorce will be finalized by the end of the school year. How am I supposed to circumvent this possibility?"

"My only recommendation is to sit down and talk with your parents. Let them know how their divorce is making you feel. How you wish to be treated after they go their separate ways. Better to speak up now before its too late. Parents shouldn't cut their children in two. I know that for sure. Nevertheless, that's all I can offer you."

Wiping the last of her tears away, Raya nodded. "I suppose that is the most useful advice I can take. I'll let you know what happens. Thanks," before she kissed her passionately.

They finished locking lips before Namaari offered to walk Raya back to her residence. Needing the extra support, Raya agreed. Walking hand in hand, the girls returned to Raya's domicile. "See you at school," Raya called to her girlfriend, who nodded. "Good luck, Raya. Let me know what happens," before she headed back to her own apartment.

Taking a deep breath, Raya strolled inside her home. She anticipated hearing her parents quarreling. She instead heard dead silence. No one was home. Deciding to go to her bedroom to draft some practice speeches, she headed up to her room. For the next several hours, she wrote over a dozen letters and speeches of what she wanted to say to her parents.

Finally, by dinnertime, she felt she'd done it right. Taking a deep breath, she traveled downstairs to the kitchen. Her father and mother were sitting at the table, sipping cups of tea. Again, taking a deep breath, she headed over. "Mom? Dad? Can we talk?"

"Raya? When did you get home?" her mother questioned.

"I've been home for several hours now. However, I need to talk to you both. Therefore can we please talk?"

"Sure, Dewdrop," as her father pulled out a seat for her to sit. Once more, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, Raya took out a piece of paper and then read from it.

"Mother, Father, I love you both sincerely with all my heart. I pray that you love me with all your heart. But, I understand you must go your own ways. I know we will all require time to heal from this situation when all is said and done.

That said, I'd like to make my feelings known. First, I'm unhappy you're marriage is ceasing. Second, even though I understand your logic, I am terrified you won't love me or use me to hurt the other. Third, I do not wish to be cut in two nor used as a knife to cut you both down more.

I don't want to have to choose between you. I don't want to say which of your houses are my home. I don't want to eat two different meals or wear two sets of clothes to make either of you happy.

I want to be treated like a loving daughter. Not made to pick sides. I love you both equally, and I want to know you both love me as equally. So, I'm requesting here and now. Please do not put me in the middle. Could you not make me choose? Please do not cut me in two. I'm your daughter, not a sword or an object which to fight over.

Please remember I love you even if you don't love each other. Please allow me to have my own time to adjust and heal. If you enter another relationship? Would you please give me the time I need to sort through it? I'll come to terms with it in my own time if you allow me to.

I hope you can accept the boundaries I've requested. Thank you for listening." Getting up, she smiled, "I'm not hungry, so I'm going to bed. See you both in the morning.

After their daughter left, her parents talked for hours regarding their daughter's boundaries how they could have a healthy relationship once the divorce was finalized. To ensure they didn't make mistakes within their family while also ensuring their daughter's well-being. By the time morning came, Raya's parents had their own speech ready.

They already promised not to put her in the middle. Nor would they use her to hurt the other. They wouldn't cut her in two. Her parents assured her they were not angry at her.

Nor were they so angry with the other they started a war with each other. They acknowledged they'd a few disagreements that got out of control. Yet, her parents still respected each other.

They were better as friends than then as husband and wife. Neither was Raya to blame for their breakup. Her parents promised her fears were unfounded. They family of three hugged each other tightly. But, while things were about to change, the love the family felt wouldn't.


Your Birthright Is Happiness

You deserve happiness, and your joy will not be born of achievement, money, and material success. Instead, being happy comes from within; it is the lens through that you view the world.

Happiness is the understanding that the world you see every day mirrors what you believe to be true. Happiness is a perspective, not simply a feeling that comes from having things of external value.

The very first step towards being happier is believing that you deserve to be satisfied. Answer these prompts, but without listing your material successes.

"I'm happy because..." "I expect the world to be..." Note where your answers are aligned or unaligned with your inner truth.