Kim and Adam were leaving work hand in hand excited to leave on their first vacation together as a family. Adam was still flying high from the kids calling him dad which had him even more excited about this trip. "How crazy excited are you?" Kim asked unsure how he was feeling. "Totally stoked to be going on vacation with my family for the first time. And stupidly excited to see the ocean for the first time. What about you?" He knew she traveled a lot with the kids but it was normally road trip. "Um excited to get there but not looking forward to the airports and the plane. I hate flying to begin with but with two kids feels like torture." Kim shuddered a bit. "Well the good thing is you have me to be there with you to help. So hopefully it won't be too bad. Either way I'm excited." He squeezed her hand as he drove to the daycare. The kids knew they were getting picked up early and that they were headed out for a short vacation. They were excited to go on vacation with Adam. They had never done that before so they were really excited.
The couple headed into the daycare together to pick up the kids. It was just easier to have both parents helping with the kids. Both kids running towards their parents as soon as they saw them. Kim signed them out and Adam picked them up into a hug. He loved this time with his kids. Kim got their bags and they started to head out the kids talking a mile a minute. They were overly excited to get away and to a new place. Kim had always wanted to go so what better time then now. The car was already loaded with the suitcases so the family head right to the airport. They arrived shortly ready for the trip. They needed a luggage cart to start with having to bring both car seats, plus the luggage and the stroller. Adam pulled up outside the departure area and helped get the kids into the stroller and then the car seats out as Kim grabbed the luggage cart. Neither kid was going anywhere being strapped into the stroller so they weren't concerned. Kim returned loading the car seats and luggage into the car. She entered the airport pushing both kids and pulling the luggage cart as Adam headed out to park the car.
She found a place to sit and wait for Adam to return. At this time of day the airport wasn't that busy but it was still somewhat busy. Once Adam arrived he took over pushing the cart with Kim pushing the stroller. They headed to check the car seats which Kim had covers for so they stuffed a duffle bag in the one car seat before covering it at baggage check. It was just easier and still under the weight limit. Adam rolled the last suitcase as Kim pushed the stroller over to the TSA pre check section. Adam didn't have pre check but she did so they separated to meet up on the other side. Kim was through quickly even with the two kids. They waited by the windows looking out as they waited for Adam. "Hey I need to get that pre check thing. You guys got through really quick." He shook his head watching her smile. "We will work on that once we get home. I think it's like 80 maybe. You just have to prove who you are like when you apply for a passport. And you have to get an appointment. It's not that bad." Kim smiled as they continued to the gate. "Should we grab some lunch before we board?" Adam asked knowing they had to be hungry. "Sounds like a good plan." They walked around finding something easy that the kids would enjoy.
The family sat down to eat breakfast. The kids talking about being excited to be on a plane again. They hadn't been on a plane since they went to Florida with Uncle Michael so they were excited. They thought flying was cool, while Kim was dreading it. But it was a necessary evil considering the distance and the time frame. They finished up breakfast and headed to the gate to board the plane. Thankfully with two small children they were able to pre-board the plane. They got the kids settled with coloring books and crayons as they waited for the plane to take off. Both kids were happy and comfortable as they waited. Adam made sure Kim was comfortable and had her AirPods in before the plane took off. They both knew she could still have issues with her ears but this was the better chance for her. The flight eventually taking off with the kids cheering. People around them laughing at the kids excitement.
It was a fairly short flight into Wilmington NC. Adam noticed Kim looking in pain. He saw her rubbing around her ears and moving the AirPods around. He knew right away her ears didn't decompress as they started decent into Wilmington. She shrugged him off as he tried to ask. She didn't want to talk about it with the kids. She didn't want them to get scared. When they landed they started to pack up the kids items so they could get off the plane as quick as possible. Both kids would need to use the bathroom. They grabbed the stroller on the way off the plane and headed right to the closest bathroom. Kim took both kids in while Adam waited with the suitcase. They switched places once Kim was out with the kids watching the suitcase as he went. "Okay off to get the car seats and then the rental car." Adam was happy to be moving again. They didn't have the most leg room on the plane so he was happy to stretch a bit. Thankfully it was a small airport so they were able to divide and conquer.
Once they got outside Kim was looking towards the sun soaking up the rays. They get the car seats locked in place and then the kids were buckled it. The couple loaded the luggage in the car and headed towards their Airbnb. Adam drove which was fine but the couple were excited to look around the area they had never been to before. They arrived at the little cottage they rented which was just big enough for the four of them but they didn't plan on spending much time inside. "Kiddos let's take dad to see the ocean!" Kim saw them cheering. They all headed onto the deck and started to walk onto the sand. Adams eyes looking around with wonderment and awe. "So what do you think?" Kim asked as she stood next to him. "This is freaking awesome! I'm so excited that we are doing this together. Can we try the water?" He knew it was getting later but he really wanted to test the waters. "Yeah that's fine.we can put our feet in. You might want to roll your jeans up." Kim had already rolled her jeans and the kids. They loved getting their feet wet.
The kids watched as Adam walked closer and let the water run over his feet. "It's pretty warm. Tomorrow we are going swimming!" Adam was smiling wide as he watched the kids running around on the shore line getting their feet and legs wet. "Sounds great! Tonight after they are in bed we can sit on the deck listening to the water." She watched him beaming. "Love it!" He hugged her tight. The kids decided it was time to chase Adam so that's what they did. The laughter was loud and over the top. But they all loved it. It was exactly what Kim always from a family. She took lots of photos and video to share. Only when the kids started to crash did they head for dinner. They found a cute local diner that they could get something quick at. When they returned to the cottage both kids were crashing so the couple held the kids rocking them till they were asleep. It was the perfect evening so far.
"Should we put the kids to bed?" Kim asked watching her children sleeping. "Yeah I kind of want to snuggle up with you right now. Just enjoying the sound of the water together." He watched her smile. "Let's do this." Kim got up as easily as possible following behind Adam. They laid the kids down kissing their foreheads and whispering I love you's before they left for the deck. He pulled her into a hug holding her tight. "I can't wait for tomorrow. Spending the day on the beach with my family. Sounds amazing for sure." They settled on the couch just relaxing together. "I think this is the first family vacation where it feels like an actual family vacation." She knew it was a sad revelation. "It's the first of many! And never again will a family vacation not feel like a family vacation." He just held her letting her process her thoughts and emotions.
"Sounds great! You know family vacations as a kid weren't all that bad. They always made sure we had good vacations to the beach and even Disney. But neither of my parents were emotionally involved. But I know they tried. We would go out to eat, mini golf, trampoline park. They never wanted to try other things. No kayaking, no jet skiing, no parasailing. I want our kids to have those experiences as they get older. I never want them to think that I didn't foster their interest or that vacation was boring. We also only went to the same place every year. We never explored the world, the country. I'm not sure my mom has left the east coast. My dad did when he was working but he would never eat the local cuisine. He would literally find the Pizza Hut or the KFC because he knew what he was getting. That's why I try so hard with the kids getting them to try new foods. See new places. I think that how we grow as people." Kim explained as she stared at the water.
"I'm proud of you for making all these positive experiences for the kids. They are well spoken, well behaved, they eat just about everything that fits around your allergies. They are amazing even with everything they have been through. You did such a great job." He hugged her kissing the side of her head. "My therapist said that I have a great ability to self correct my life. That I see all the negative about my family and went the opposite direction to live. I recognize my faults and work to make changes. I don't think I ever realized those things about myself. I knew I was different than them but I didn't realize that it was a subconscious thing to self correct. She also said that me not deleting text messages or emails was a learned behavior from being made the drama queen or scapegoat in my family." She hadn't even looked up at Adam. "Well that actually sounds about right. Like proof of what was said so it can't be denied. I believe that." He watched her smile a bit.
"It's good that I'm learning these things. But it's very interesting how your mind learns to cope with things. I hope it doesn't get passed down to my kids but who knows. I want to break the cycle. I really just want happy kids you know. That's the goal always." She looked over to see Adam smiling bright. "There are happy. And you are breaking the cycle already. You broke free and the boundaries are set. The expectations are set. It's in her hands now. So let's live in the moment." He watched her eyes darken a bit. "Out here or inside?" He questioned unsure of her thought process. "Inside. It's getting cool out with the sun down." Kim shrugged a bit since it wasn't really cool. It was more of a cop out with her insecurities. "Inside it is. Let's go then!" He led her inside to their room. It was small but comfortable for a few days. They closed the door behind them locking it just in case. He took over undressing Kim before he undressed himself. It was easy, comfortable. "What do you want tonight?" Adam whispered as his fingers roamed her body.
"Sweet, loving, tender." She whispers as she linked her fingers behind his head. "Perfect." He leaned in to kiss her softly, lovingly. Pouring all his emotions into the kiss. He lifted her up placing her on the bed. Allowing her to lay back and get comfortable as he hovered over her. Kissing every inch of her body as he went. Spending extra time loving on her breasts. Her hand holding his head in place as he loved on her body. "Does that feel good?" He knew but she was staying quiet trying not to wake the kids. "Absolutely!" She arched her back wanting him to kiss her again. "Good! I know you don't to wake the kids but you need to let me know how you are feeling. Remember to moan, scratch, dig your nails in. No silence." Some times she just needed to be reminded to let herself go. "I know!" She moved his mouth back to her breast.
He smiled knowing it's what they both really wanted and needed. She started to massage his scalp letting him know how she was feeling. He loved her breasts equally before moving to her tight abs. He could feel her abs clenching under his lips. "Just let go please!" He wanted to bring her over the edge but she was holding back. He never wanted her to hold back and he knew how to make her spasm and quick. Be moved his hand down to her favorite spot. Knowing she loved it and knowing it always created a mind blowing experience. "Oh!" Kim moaned bucking her hips. Adam smirked but didn't let up. He knew that would get her. He massaged her spot while licking her abs. Feeling the trembling starting turning to spasms quickly. She bit into his arm to muffle the moans coming from her as she rode out her orgasm. He didn't wait for her to relax before he thrusted inside her. He saw her trembling again which pleased him greatly. He pinched her clit causing her to orgasm again.
She started to relax again when he started to thrust in and out. It was slow, it was powerful and extremely emotional as the couple came together. The couple had tears in their eyes but they were smiling brightly. Adam relaxed his arms so he was resting in her chest. "I love you so damn much." Kim whispered looking into his eyes. "I love you too, so damn much!" He smiled as he kissed her skin. "This has been a magical night." Kim whispered while her hand rubbed his head. "Agreed. You ready to sleep or talk or go again?" Adam asked looking up at her. "Well you know I could always use more sleep but I'm enjoying this intimate time with you. And I don't just mean sex. Having the deep conversations we have is another level of being truly intimate." Kim watched the soft smile come over his face. "I agree with you. And the things you have opened up about have broken my heart on more than one occasion but others make me so damn proud of you. It's unbelievable you turned out this well with the life you lived growing up. Most people would have given up or ended up in some low level job. Living in poverty. But you got a job, went to college while working full time and then you got a job in your desired field, you are a paid speaker, you have two amazing children. You are down right amazing. A true bad ass!" Adam kissed her again.
"I love that you are letting me in. Talking about therapy. Not just the insight but what you remember and have learned. I'm so proud of you. You are not only trying to heal yourself but you are very actively working the program." He watched as she thought about something. "So it was suggested that I grieve the loss of my family while trying to work towards a possible future with them. I literally was blown away with no idea how to even process that. It was suggested that I write the story of the family I wish I had. The family I didn't have, that I needed. I have no idea where to even begin with that. But I also still need to write letters to my parents and sister. Again no clue where to begin." She sighed but she could see that he was surprised by the homework. "Sounds intense and definitely deep. I wouldn't know where to begin either. But I'm here if you want to share it." He wasn't sure she would but he wanted to offer. "Well I'm not sure it's legible. When I start writing the letters I'm writing so fast that it's super messy and hard to read or understand. But you are more than welcome to try when we get home." She wasn't afraid of him reading it.
"Well I will when we get home. I think it will be good for you and healing for you. It will help me support you better." He moved his body so he could kiss her lips. "Talking about it is healing in a way. Knowing I'm not alone dealing with it helps. I just want to be free from it all. The burden lifted. You know my dad always called me the stable one. That bothers me now. Feels like a burden now. Feels like a noose around my neck. I love that I'm stable but feeling like it was all put on me just feels like a burden." Kim mused as she snuggled closer to him. "Sounds like a burden. Especially with you being estranged from your family. But I guess it's more proof that you were the parent, you were the rock for your parents to lean on. It was never your job but it became your burden. The boundaries you are setting should help some with all this. And if you chose to allow them back in you can set more boundaries to protect yourself from their brand of abuse. Only time will tell if and when she reaches out." He rubbed her back trying to keep her relaxed some.
"I know for sure I made the right call but it's still been hard dealing with it all. Maybe at some point this will all feel like second nature. However the coping mechanisms I've used to deal with life is hard to break. I tend to people please and that's hard as hell to break. But I'm trying. I really am." Her face buried on his chest. "Well you never have to people please with me. We compromise, we trade ideas and we take turns picking things. You never have to do something you don't want just to make me happy. That is not healthy for your boundaries. So we keep the communication open and honest. But we work together as a team. Always." He kissed the top of her head loving the honesty they were having in this conversation. "I'm pretty drained at this point. You ready to sleep?" Kim asked not moving from his chest. "I think that's a good idea. You shared a lot tonight so you need rest now. Tomorrow will be a big day on the beach. So rest my love." He kissed her lovingly. "Good night my love." Kim curled up making sure her head was buried in his chest as he fell asleep. He watched till she was sound asleep before falling asleep as well. His last thought before falling asleep was how much he loved this badass in his arms.