Jake Carter

Jake.. I've been think about it. *I sit up and wrap myself in blanket. ready for the serious discussion* Look, I know moving in together is a big step, and with your career in London and mine in New York... it's complicated. But... *She pauses, my gaze meeting yours*

*I looked at you, my heart pounding in my chest. I could tell that you were about to say something important, and I was ready to hear it. I sat up as well, my hands resting on my knees as I waited for you to continue.*

*I took a deep breath, my eyes searching yours* I want to be with you. you know I do. But my career... everything I've built in New York, it's my dream come true. And you're thriving in the UK. your career's taken off too. *I paused, gathering my thoughts before continuing with renewed determination* But what if we don’t have to choose? *I smiled hopefully*

*We walk back inside, our parents looking up from the couch. They smile warmly at us, their eyes filled with joy and pride. It's clear that they've been waiting for this moment, for us to finally work things out. They look at us, their eyes filled with love and affection. They know that this is the beginning of a new chapter for us. They know that we'll be okay, and they're happy for us.*

*I look at our parents, my heart pounding in my chest. I can't believe that they've been waiting for this moment. I want to thank them for their support, for always being there for us. I look back at you, my eyes filled with affection. I want to tell them that we're going to be okay, that we're going to work things out. I want them to know that we're going to be happy together. I take a deep breath, trying to keep my composure. I look back at them, my voice trembling.* Thank you for always being there for us. We're going to be okay.

*We all sat in a circle on the couch, our parents holding our hands. I held yours tightly, finding comfort in your touch. Dad's voice broke the silence, calm yet heartfelt* Dad: I know our blended family hasn’t been easy. You’re not related by blood, yet the bond you share only grew stronger over the years. We’re sorry for expecting you both to simply stay step-siblings without considering your feelings. You've both grown into remarkable, successful adults.

*I watch as Charles steps outside, his cigarette dangling from his lips. I can't help but feel a wave of resentment wash over me. I want to go after him, to confront him about his feelings for you. But I know that it's not the right thing to do. I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. I walk over to you, my voice trembling.* Can I talk to you for a moment?

*Charles glanced at you and nodded* Charles: Yeah, yeah sure... we can talk. You smoke? *Despite your history. once best friends in high school who always clashed when it came to me. there was no hostility now. Just two men, older and wiser, standing on common ground. The tension from the past lingered faintly, but maturity had shifted the way you both carried it.*

*Charles turned around, glancing at me through the window as I focused on my laptop. Then he shifted his gaze back to you* Charles: I heard you called off the wedding with Lucy... why, Jake? I thought you were happy with her. *He tried to sound casual, but his tone carried weight. He didn’t want to bring up the obvious, me. yet deep down, he suspected it. Every time he thought he had a chance with me, it felt like you were always there, standing in the way. Like it was personal.*

*Our kiss lingers on my lips as I pull away, my fingers gently cupping your face. I take a moment to admire you, the same boy I fell in love with, yet now a man with sharper features and a stronger presence. My eyes trace your defined jawline, and I can’t help but chuckle softly.* You need to slow down, Jake, *I tease, my voice tender yet firm* Not while Lucy’s still here.

*I look at you, my heart pounding in my chest. I can't believe that you're teasing me. I can't believe that you're calling me out on my behavior. I look at you, my eyes filled with love and affection. I lean in close, my voice trembling.* I know, I know. I just can't help it. I can't believe that we're finally back together. I want to be with you. I want to make up for all the time we've lost. I want to marry you. I want to have children with you. I want to grow old with you. *I lean in close, my lips just inches away from yours.*

*My heart skips a beat at your words, the realization sinking in that this is not a dream. I lean in and press a tender kiss on your forehead.* I want to marry you, too, Jake. But not while Lucy is still here. *I whisper, my eyes brimming with a mix of love and concern.* Let's keep this between us for now, okay? We can be together soon, but not now. *I take your hand, squeezing it gently, a promise of our future.*

*I watch her walk away, my heart breaking with every step she takes. I feel like a part of me is being ripped away, like a piece of my soul is being taken from me. I sit down on the bed, my head in my hands. I can't believe that this is the end. I can't believe that I'm losing her. I close my eyes, trying to hold back my tears.*

*As I walk down the hallway toward my room, I notice you sitting there, your face buried in your hands. Tears streak down your cheeks, and my heart tightens at the sight. I pause at the corner, hesitant yet concerned. In a soft whisper, I call out* Jake? Are you okay? *Even now, in my mid-20s more poised, refined, and changed by time. I still resemble the girl you once knew and loved. Despite everything, despite the hurt... I still find myself caring*

*I look up, my eyes red and puffy from crying. I see you standing at the corner, and my heart breaks even more. I want to run to you, to hold you and never let go. But I know that I can't. I take a deep breath, trying to compose myself.* I'm fine. I'm just... I'm just thinking about everything. I can't believe that this is really happening. I can't believe that I'm losing her.

*I walked out of the room, my heart pounding in my chest. I was going to tell Lucy the truth, and I was going to face whatever came next. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. I knew that this was going to be hard, but I knew that it was the right thing to do. I walked down the hall, heading towards Lucy's room.*

*As you enter the room, you find Lucy sitting on the bed, clutching a Polaroid photo. a picture of us from high school, wrapped in each other's arms, smiling, kissing... completely in love. Her voice trembles as she speaks, her eyes wide with disbelief* Lucy: The girl... the one you told me about — the one you’re still in love with... it’s Rose, isn’t it? *Her voice cracks, and in that moment, she understands why you've always felt so distant... why she could never quite reach you*

Lucy: I never stood a chance, did I? *she whispered, her voice breaking. she felt like a fool, like she had been a fool to think that she could ever compare to me. she felt like she had been used, like she had been nothing more than a placeholder until you could be with me. She looked at the photo, her eyes filling with tears.*

*My mother noticed your eyes glistening as you watched Charles and me talking on the porch. Quietly, she guided you to the guest room, closing the door behind her. Sitting you down on the bed, she gently took your hand in hers* Mom: Jake... are you okay? *she asked, her voice soft and filled with concern*

Mom: You know, you don’t have to pretend with me. *Her words hit a tender spot, and your grip on her hand tightens slightly as you exhale shakily*

Mom: Jake... I know it's hard. I know you're still in love with her. *She squeezes your hand, her eyes filled with understanding and guilt. she can see how broken our heart is. she knew it all along. you and I were meant to be. but because of their marriage, we couldn't be together. they wanted us to be steo-siblings, to bury those feelings. But they were wrong. I was the only person who made you feel so alive. We are soulmates and nothing can change that*

*The other night, I felt an overwhelming need for someone to talk to. I knew Charles was still hoping. still waiting for a chance. Knowing you were getting married, I wondered if maybe it was time to let go and give Charles that chance. We sat together on the porch, talking quietly. He knew how hurt I was, and without saying much, he tried to be there. to fill the void you left behind. I could see it in his eyes. he wanted to take your place, to be the one I could lean on*

Charles: You know, Rose... you're still as beautiful as the day I first saw you in high school. But now... now you're even more stunning. You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. *His words softened me, and I couldn't help but offer a gentle smile. the kind that once belonged only to you. A faint dimple appeared, and Charles blushed deeply, clearly flustered to finally witness that smile he'd long hoped to see.*

*Charles's words were gentle yet sincere, and for a moment, they seemed to soften the ache in my heart. I gave him a soft smile — the kind I hadn't shared in a long time. My dimple peeked through, and I noticed the way his face flushed red. He looked stunned, almost mesmerized, like he'd been waiting years to see that smile again. The warmth in his gaze was comforting, yet bittersweet — a reminder of how that smile once belonged to someone else.*

*A month later, I received the news from our parents. you were getting married. My hand trembled as I clutched my phone, the words echoing in my mind. I was walking the busy streets of New York when my knees suddenly gave out beneath me. The phone slipped from my grasp, my umbrella clattering to the pavement. I didn’t care. The rain poured down, mingling with my tears as I sat there, frozen in disbelief. Four years apart... and now you were gone. truly gone.*

*I had been so caught up in the planning of the wedding that I hadn't even thought about how it would affect you. I hadn't considered how you would feel when you heard the news. I had been so focused on my own happiness that I hadn't considered your feelings. I felt like the worst person in the world, and I didn't know how to make it up to you. I wanted to reach out and apologize, but I didn't know what to say. I felt like I had ruined everything.*

*I didn’t want to attend your wedding, but our parents insisted I help you and Lucy with her dress. after all, I was now a renowned fashion designer. Lucy had no idea that the girl you couldn’t move on from in high school was me. your own stepsister. She was thrilled when she heard I’d be designing her gown, gushing about how honored she felt. When I arrived home in London, I went straight to my room, avoiding you at all costs. My heart ached, shattering into pieces all over again.*

*I looked at her, and I felt a wave of love and gratitude wash over me. I loved her, and I knew that she loved me. I didn't want to keep anything from her, I wanted to be honest with her. But I also didn't want to hurt her, and I didn't want to ruin what we had together. I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. I didn't know how to tell her the truth, but I knew that I had to. I looked at her, and I said* Lucy, I have to be honest with you. I have a secret I've been keeping from you.

*Lucy looked at you, her eyes filled with concern. She could tell that this was important, and she wanted to hear what you had to say. She took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. She didn't want to jump to conclusions, she wanted to hear you out. She squeezed your hand, encouraging you to continue.*

*I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. I didn't want to hurt her, but I knew that I had to be honest. I looked at her, and I said* I've been keeping this secret for a long time, and I know it's going to be hard to hear. But I need to tell you the truth, because I don't want to keep hiding it from you. *I paused, trying to find the right words to say. I didn't want to hurt her, but I also didn't want to lie to her anymore.*