A Chance To Live

" Ready for the date night ? " Kiara asked her husband . She was excited for the dinner . It was her 24th birthday and their 3rd wedding anniversary .

" Yes." He replied back. " Hey , honey I will reach home by only I still dunno whether u understand how much luv u ennanu 9 I have got some work pending here. " he paused to listen to her reaction. " Is that okay ?" He asked " Kiara ?"

Kiara stood silent. She didn't know how to react. The dinner is ready to be served. According to their usual date nights he must be reaching in an half an hour now he s excusing for an hour and half . She didn't say anything. She put a smile on her face. ' Poor soul must be really busy at work. ' she thought and  talked to him . " It's okay . I will b waiting . Come soon " she said and hung up. She had no idea he was trying to escape. 

Kiara went to the study and sat there silently reading a magazine . One side of the wall was completely decorated with their photos together from middle school to their last trip to Vegas . She was taken back to her teenage days.

" Kiara and Ryan met in middle school when they were only 13 . They became best friends instantly.  They had play dates and camps together during summer. They spent most of their time together. But as they grew up it's wasn't just friendship for Ryan. It started to become more and more complicated for him. But Kiara knew nothing . 

They were in highschool when Kiara started getting mixed signals from Ryan Denin . He started to grow more caring and being there for her all the time even when she didn't need him to. He made sure that no guys came near her nor asked her out. Kiara had no idea that even the whole school knew what was going on between them and how Ryan sees her. Kiara was upset at first when was not asked by anyone for Senior Prom and in the end went with Ryan who didn't ask anybody else playing tricks. 

Sooner Kiara knew what was happening. Things changed to romance . But Kiara didn't let him know. She was scared to even to think or tell him when she knew she has grown fond of him over the years. She kept telling herself that it was nothing because her intusions kept telling it would not go right. 

She coldly rejected him and his love and started dating others. He was heartbroken but he never stopped trying to get her . And she never ended her day without talking him because she knew about the cover she was putting around her wearing around her aura protecting both of them from a heart break she kept imagining in her head. Her friends went crazy over here scolding that she should stop talking to Ryan . It was right but she couldn't just stop talking to him since he was a part of her childhood and still being a part. 

They were in college. Everything was new. New place,  new people , new friends , new dates. He didn't move on and she pretended she did . They both dates other people. But nothing worked out. For 8 months they didn't contact each other. But he chased her. She didn't expect him on her birthday in front of her hostel. He came all the way down to New York from Vancouver to wish her and surprise her. That was her best day. Her first day as his girlfriend. She confessed the words the he had been waiting for years. 

And things got fast between them. They found time for each other to spend it together. Both were head over heels in love . He showed that to her very perfectly every time they were together. They fled to Italy during their Christmas break one year not even going home . And he proposed her when they were in Verona. She was happy and glad . Everybody was surprised when they got back with a ring in her hand . Something people thought would never workout and Kiara as a badass never committing type. But the world was wrong. She got what she dreamed. 

But the fear never left Kiara. She had a constant feeling that something is not going to work out between them. But nothing was on their way for past years. 

Kiara walked back to kitchen for reheating her dinner. She got sad that the food will not taste like before when cooked freshly. Someone rang the doorbell as she was arranging the plates. 

She ran for opening the door and there he stood. He checked her out fastly. Her red dress with a wide deep neck she chose intently for this night to seduce him . But this time she failed to. He didn't seem to be in a mood. 

" Let me get fresh " he said and walked inside the room . 

' work must have been hectic ' she thought and returned to her work. 

He arrived dressed in a suit as she poured wine in to his glass. She was waiting to surprise him. She had been preparing for this for over a week now. 

" How was the day ?  " She asked him casually.

There was no much of a reply as she expected him to. 

" Was fine " he said eating his steak and salad. But she was in her good spirits. She didn't mind his foul mood . 

" How do you like this ?  she pointed to the other plate , the Sea food she had prepared ransacking the internet. " Hoped you will want it. "

" Amazing Kiara . It's good . You should cook that more often " he said. She got Happy instantly. 

Kiara let him finish the dinner and then got up waiting for the perfect time to arrive. 

He put on music. Melodies , her kind. 

She put the dishes in dishwasher and came back to the living room. He seemed to have a bit of progress in his mood. "Dance ?" He asked her. She smiling, took his hand and they both danced around the room like for an hour. The tune kept on going. Kiara felt that like he have got to tell her something either . ' Does he know ' she thought. 

She lifted her head from his chest looking into him now . She took a deep breath " hey " but before she even began speaking he started kissing her. So gently and deeply. He seemed to be in a hurry . She pulled herself out to catch up with her breath . "Slow down Captain " She laughed and kissed him again. He lifted her in his arms and walked towards their room. She kept giggling and kissed his jaw. He tore down her beautiful red dress and loved her like never before. And he wondered why he is doing it. There seemed to be so much going on inside him but his love for her made him do this.  It was past midnight and and they were lying in each others arms warm and happy.Happiness for her. And something kept troubling Ryan. 

"Rayn " she called him.

"Hmm" he was playing with her hair pondering over things .

" Do you know what a fool I used to be back in school. "

" Huh "

" When I understood what feelings you have for me , I actually had the same . But I was worried that something is not going to work out . Like we would split. I was in fear. And I kept a distance from you . " She said.

" Did you?" He wasn't much interested in her conversation. He was thinking deep about something else that has been bothering him for the past year. 

" Yeah I mean it was evident that I couldn't keep any distance from you right. Mom told me so even when friends warned me to keep a distance. I didn't. " 

" Mom told you all this" he asked her

" Yes . I was such a fool right. I should have dreamt about this. How we are now. How am lying next to you now but instead. I should have shared your dream from then trusting you and see what you saw for us " she talked in a very low and soft voice constantly keeping a smile and feeling stupid. 

" I wish I saw the things you saw in front Of my eyes " he said.

" What ?" She was surprised. She got up ,put on her dress and sat facing him .

" I am sorry " his voice changed along with his expression.

" Hey. " She took his face in her hands and kissed him . " I know you are under so much stress with works and stuffs. Just don't worry" she consoled him. 

But he moved her hands looked into her eyes. 

" That's not it Kia " 

" What's not it ? " She started to worry."

" Do you feel that it's working out between us ?"

" Why would you ask that now ?" She asked him . " I mean it is working . Ofcourse. I love you so much and you do too Ryan  don't you?"

He hesitated. " No , Kiara I love you, I respect you really but it's not working out. I need a break. " 

" A break ?  From our marriage !? Do You mean divorce ? You wanted this . Don't you dare speak to me this way. I left New York and my higher studies for your sake. I don't go for a job because you did not like me to. Am here because we loved each other. And we still do." She became hysterical .

" No we don't " he told her. " And tell me didn't you want this ? How can you say it's my fault alone. You vowed . " He stopped. 

She smiled with tears in her eyes " I didn't vow what you were coming to say. Do you even remember our wedding vows " 

Ryan furiously opened his mouth but shut immediately. He didn't know honestly. Something he forgot to look up to when they moved to Vancouver. ' Damn it ' he thought and shook his head. 

" I should have know " she got up from the bed fuming. " Is it other girls . Just be honest . Am I boring now. Don't we have nothing to conquer in the world now. " 

" No it's not that . There are no other girls. There was like two years back but no " 

" There was ? Two years back ? While we were newly married ?" 

" Holy shit " he gasped.

" So now you are saying that you were cheating on me " 

" No Kiara no , listen to me " but she was all crying. 

" You promised" she said trying to control her emotions.  " But I should have known you better. " 

"Kiara you misunderstood" he got up walked towards her .

" Don't touch me , you bastard " she pushed him away . 

But Ryan held her as she cried. " It's my birthday and my wedding anniversary , and my marriage has collapsed. Why did you do this to me ? " 

" Am sorry " he apologized 

' should I tell him now ' she wondered . ' no this would be bad , I don't want any sort of sympathy , I don't need his support . Am not gonne give a life away ' she decided. 

She moved away from him and picked up her rest of the clothes. " You are good in hiding and faking " she said and walked out of the room.  He stood there helpless and made up his mind to call her mother and tell her that he is done. 

Kiara went upstairs and cried for a long time slowly falling asleep thinking how her life has collapsed. " Ryan , what has gone wrong between us ?" She wondered . she didn't even notice that it was already morning .

Ryan stood in the door watching her sleep. He wanted to shout out and cry . He loves her so much but he has started to feel that he should be himself with her and not the Ryan Denin anymore. He set the breakfast for her in the bed side table and walked away. 

                                      *****

" Kate am going to tell the truth . I can't stand it anymore . I feel fucked up . " She told Kiara's mother irritatingly. 

" Why did you do this to her ? "

" Really. Is it me ? Or are you the one's hurting her lying to her and staging an award winning drama in her life. Playing with her life " 

" Listen Ryan  , is it money ? " 

"Don't call me that name. And  I don't fucking need your money I asked you to stop writing cheques. "

" Calm down " Kate said

" I can't . She is suffering . Your daughter. She doesn't even remember his face and think everything you told her is right. All the Fairy tales." 

" You made her suffer " Kate snapped.

" I did ."  He chuckled . Am not talking to you anymore. " Bye " with rage he hung up the phone and started walking back upstairs to talk to Kiara. But she was already behind him listening to his conversation. 

" What's going on ? " She asked him . She understood something is serioudly wrong. Something has been wrong for a long time.

" I can totally explain " he tried to connect to her.

She took a deep breath closing her eyes " all you have is one more chance and you are out of here " 

Ryan was surprised and shocked to listen such words from her . " I will " he agreed. " Listen, you deserve to know something . " He paused. She settled down in their breakfast table listening to him . " I am not Ryan Denin "

" What? " She laughed 

He stood there looking at her  till she stopped laughing . 

" Okay sorry continue. " 

" My name is Eric Jayden , Am actually born in Vancouver . " 

" What ? "She looked shocked 

" Here" he put down some of his old photos of his family and friends. " You do remember that you had an accident right ? "

" Yes , two years back " she looked at his face baffled.

" You and Ryan went to Hawaii on June for your first year anniversary there " 

" Are you mad our anniversary was yesterday on my birthday . July 18  " 

" Not ours . You got married in June . June 11." He told her.

" Are you trying to make me go crazy.?" She asked him. 

" No. No just please listen to me." He begged her.she remained silent her brain struggling to remember and pick up any of the things he has said .

" On that trip you went , when you were traveling , a truck hit Ryan , you were walking through the road and you didn't see the truck he pulled you but you both went under and he didn't make it. He was badly hurt. " He blurted out fastly to get over with .

" Woah " she didn't accept what he had just said. 

" You had no damages except amnesia , you forgot who you are were you are from whether you worked everything. "

" I know I have amnesia" she said hardly audible.

She sat in shock unable to believe what she is hearing. " Both of your parents were struggling to tell you the information because you some how understood that you were married with the ring in your hand. That's how I came in. Your parents filled your memory as it is instead of Ryan they made you picture me. "

" You . ?" 

" Yes me. I didn't know this would go this far. I mean I agreed for money because they didn't want to see you broken. The doctors said that you were likely to get depression. So they filled me into Ryan's space .

" Money , you did that for money " she was shivering.

" Let me explain please. " He said. 

" You were going hysterical and you had to be contained. Telling about Ryan would have killed you . Because you both just began a life. And coming to an end would mean an end to you. His parents didn't co- operate but you parents were willing to do anything. So they found me they begged me. They offered me everything. I was young and reckless , I agreed. Am sorry I shouldn't have. "

"You shouldn't have " she said in a low voice her hands in her rubbing her Temple. He knows saying so much truth together to a person suffering from amnesia could be stressful and dangerous but he took the risk anyway. 

" That's when I came in it was your birthday. You kept asking about what happened to Ryan because of the wedding band. And finally your parents took the doctors advise and lied and brought me to you as a surprise. And you easily believed. " 

" Yes I did because I was helpless and trying to remember. " She didn't cry it was evident that she is struggling. 

" And we moved here you were happy. Doctors advised to care you properly and I didn't want to take risk so I asked you to not work and stress yourself. " 

" And you were sleeping with me all this time. You asshole . " she said looking at him 

"Yeah am sorry I had to. See I dated for sometimes and " he went out of words. " And I fell in love . And all our times after an year was very serious to me. " he struggled to say speak his heart .  " The problem was you didn't like "me " you liked  The guy I was pretending to be as your parents told me , and I have started hating that. "

" I understand " she exhaled. " Sorry " she mumbled.  " I didn't mean to hurt you. I didn't mean to. I didn't want any of this. Am sorry " she began apologising madly. 

" No it's ok. It's fine. It's everybody's fault. And you have no part in it . Don't do it. " He said holding her.

She took the the glass pour some water and began drinking water. She started breathing heavily . 

" Are you okay ?" He asked her. She didn't seem okay to him

" Am fine " she said her face buried in her hands. 

" Am sorry " he said again.

" Don't "

" So "

" I don't care. You can leave. Since we were never married and I have been a widow. " She chuckled. " Life is a wonder. Its a game. You will never know what you have in store for you. All it's levels. " She suddenly became philosophical. 

" Kiara " he talked to her  " do I have a second chance. ? " 

" So. ? " She said tears in her eyes. " So all the photos are fake ? "

" I sorry but yes except the new frames of past two years " he said. 

" Second chance ? " 

" Yes" he said " please , as me , as Eric. I love you " he begged her tears whelming in his eyes kneeling down and burying his face in her lap. 

" I need some time " he looked up at her face  as she said it coldy. " I don't even know you."

He didn't say anything . He got up and walked out of the house silently leavING her behind. He knew it was all his fault. When she gave so much of love he didn't give it back properly. Instead and he fooled around with other girls coming back to her for the purpose of money from her parents. But when he fell in love. It was late and he began getting irritated with the play written by her parents. Now he has broken her completely. Saying her about Ryan , her old life Her life with him and what a jerk he had been with her. And ND somehow he hoped that she is never going to love him for who he is. 

Meanwhile Kiara spend her days in anger and in tears dealing with her parents about how wrong they were  , Calling Ryan's parents and being abused and scolded for the play.

She feared more, she began stressing trying to remember everything Eric had told her. But it wasn't helping except losing her mind. She went to see her doctor told her everything and started seeing a therapist.  

Two weeks later 

Eric knocked on the door . He came back as she requested him to come and see her. He looked upset drunk and sleepless. He hadn't been to office for a week . 

Kiara rushed to open the door and to see him.

He stood motionless looking at her. She smiled and hugged him which caught him by surprise. He didn't understand. " Come on in" he invited him in .

" I need to speak with you ." She said .

" Yes " he didn't make an effort to be glad and happy because he knew she is not wrong and has all the right to kick his ass out if her life.

They settled down in the study serving him his favorite decaff and choco chip cookies made by her. He smiled as she set the coffee table. He missed her and will miss her always.

" So ? " He asked her looking out through the window avoiding her eyes. 'She looks better ' he thought ' and I am pathetic ' 

" Am pregnant " she said. 

" What ?" he was shocked and choked . He kept the coffee mug down looking at her. 

" How uh what" he was beginning to get excited.

" Do you want me to explain how ?" She said startled.

" No " he said his eyes  running all the way down to her stomach. She noticed. She took his hands and kept it on her belly.  

" I was meaning to tell you that night " she told him. " But you pulled the trigger. So I didn't want to . You wouldn't have told me what you wanted if I did. " She became emotional. 

They looked at each other and stood there without a word. " Thanks " he said. He understood from her eyes and kissed her softly . He lifted her in his arms and slowly moved towards their room once again. " I promise now and will remember the vow this time for my life.  "  She giggled holding him tightly. " And we should go around the world. " He added. She felt happy in his hands again.

" My feelings never changed Ry.. Eric" she corrected his name. " the person I loved all this year's ever since I woke up was you. I love everything about you. And Ryan " she stopped . She didn't know what to feel. She cried and cried and it didn't help. Now what's best is to move on after all she never knew but lived with him all this time. And will continue to. 

They never talked about the past again. They had many new things to conquer in the world. 

Far Away From Home

" It doesn't feel right . I wanna go. Mommy " Edgar shouted.

"Shhh" Leah silenced him " Calm down boy, your mom's not home. I am babysitting you. You are far away from home.  " 

" I am not a baby " he said scowling. 

" Yes exactly, you are 12 , you are a man " she said kissing his cheek and rubbing his arms. He smiled back. 

" Can we get some ice cream Aunt Leah ?"

"Sure honey , come this way " she lifted him up from the bed walking towards the kitchen. She kept her sweaters in the bed . 

" Mommy never gives me ice cream during Winters. She says I will catch cold and fall sick easily  " Edgar told her. 

" Aww you poor soul. Why would she do that to you. C'mon let's have a box full of ice cream and enjoy."  Leah opened the refregirator and took the ice cream and gave Edgar two scoops and slipped some ice cream on top of her accidentally while serving.  "Oh god ! I should wash up . I am going to take shower . Sit here.  " 

"Okay ." Edgar said

"No , come with me " she ordered him soon and moved to her bathroom.

                                   ******

" Ed wake up , wake up " Sarah woke him .

Edgar was panting seeing a nightmare and shivering and mumbling words. 

"What happened ?" He asked. He was sweating.

" It's okay. You had a nightmare again. " His mom consoled him . " Are you sure you don't wanna a see a doctor about it. " It's been four years. Now it's everyday. "

" Am fine mom , I really am. " He told her irritated.

" No son. You are quite . You don't go out. You don't like seeing people. You'd don't make friends , you are in highschool and still no date. What's going on ? Am worried sick." His mother was at a point of break down, tears whelming her eyes.

" Am fine. Am just not social. Whatever is wrong with you. Leave me alone. " he shouted.

They sat in silence . Sarah looking at him feeling shocked and terrible seeing her son totally going out of control .

" Tomorrow am calling your dad. " Sarah told him

" Don't bother . He is happy with his wife number two . Let him go. " He told her.

"Is that your problem?" She asked him searching for an answer.

" He is nothing in my life mom ever since he cheated on you. " He said angrily.

" Fine " she said thinking for a moment " I'll let you sleep" she took a deep breath  laying his quilt and switched off the lights leaving the door open behind her. 

                                    ******

Edgar Stanton is 16 and an angry young man. Everything around doesn't feel fit for him. His high school, Friends everything for him is such a mess. And he has never talked to any girls except his mother and his aunt. 

Edgar always seems to be afraid of something. Something he doesn't know. Something he is not sure about what to call. 

Sarah on the other hand is struggling with her growing up son. But she handles it best than any mothers of her age. But she feels sure that something is troubling her son, something other children do not go through.

Some days she find Edgar coming home late. And she doesn't know where he goes . He doesn't have such friends to hangout . He is not into drugs nor alcohol but he is late most of the night. Sometimes he is happy and in merry and other times he is too sad to even talk or eat. 

It was Sunday . One day Edgar always looked forward and also dreaded. He heard a car stop in front of his house. It is his aunt Leah. She visits her sister and her son every Sunday. She is 35 and still single. She take Edgar to the nearby hotel for dinner and to the mall every Sunday and buy him gifts. Sarah is very happy about how much her ex husband's sister care for her son . 

" Hello Ed " she walked to his room after and hour while he was doing his homework. But he didn't even look at her face." What happened?" She asked.

"Nothing " he replied 

" Are you sure. ?" She said playfully coming close to him. 

" Yes" he said this time looking at her face. 

"Okay c'mon. Am leaving the town for couple of months for work. Let's get it done before I leave. Where do you wanna go today. What all do you wanna do " she said taking his hands. She could see his jaw tightened. " I promise you once again Ed " she whispered into his ears and laughed.

                                   ******

Edgar was back only by ten past eleven. And Leah said goodbye and went straight to the airport .

" How was today ? What did you buy this time ? " Sarah asked him

 

But He rushed back to his room not minding his mother's question.

"Edgar stop." She called him. " Am asking you"

" Nothing mom " he answered and climbed the stairs.

After a moment he started shouting " where is my diary mom ?" 

"What?"

" My diary ?"

"You write diaries ? I never knew " she said running upstairs . " What happened ?"

" I can't find my diary . Where is it ? I know you took it. You always wanted to know things."

" No I didn't . I didn't know that you write diary. I had no idea. Why would I take it?" She assured him

" If you don't return now, then I will trash this room " he warned her shouting and going out of control. Anger and panic together.

" Jesus Edgar stop being hysterical" she told him trying to stop him from ruining his room.

" So I am mad. So what. I have always been that in your eyes. " He said

" Edgar stop. You are my son noty enemy. What happened? What's wrong? What's in the diary.? She asked 

He paused on trashing his room and pushed her out of the room forcefully. 

" Am your mother Edgar stop " but he pushed out and shut the door on her face. Sarah laid there crying for a long time looking at his door to open. But he never did . But it was silent inside the room meaning he had slept.

Sarah slowly walked down . She drank some water and sat in her usual place in the kitchen table. Her face buried in her hands. 

 

She sent a message to his father " we need to meet tomorrow it's about our son ."  And switched off the phone avoiding calls.

Someone was ringing her doorbell. Sarah got up washed her face and opened the door . It was Mia Morgan from next door. She is in Edgar's class. 

 

" Mia what are you doing outside at this hour.?"

"Mrs. Stanton I came here to tell you something " Mia said.

"Yes please"

" First of all I want you to know certain things. Number one keep it a secret. Number two I come here all the time only to see Edgar because I like him. But he is always quite . "

Sarah looked dumbstruck hearing her neighbor's daughter confessing her love for her son Ed.  " Ok "

" Third , I always wanted to know him more and talk to him. So I always ask help during lunch with calculus but " she started crying .

" What happened ? Oh my god did he hurt you or something ?" Sarah started to get  worried.

"That would have been better Mrs. Stanton but no. I found a diary in his bag. So I took it. I thought when I know what he likes I could impress him. But I want you to read this. " She kept talking along with crying. " I think I know what has happened to him, and why he is always silent and afraid of talking to people. Sarah hugged her and consoled her taking the diary from her hand . But she cried and walked out of the door.

                                     *****

Sarah hesitated to open the diary. She didn't want to intrude in her son's privacy but she wanted to know what his problem was. 

It was dated September 7 2011 

He had scribbled in a poor handwriting

' I love Aunt Leah. She always buys me chocolates'

Next date October 11 2011 

' Today Aunt Leah took me to her apartment and we watched many movies of girl and boy. We had ice cream. It was fun '

October 27 2011 

'Aunt Leah took me to park . She said am a good boy and kissed me.'

April 11 2012 

'Aunt Leah took me to dinner and we had fun '

July 9 2012 

'Aunt Leah kissed me all the time. She loves me more than mom and dad does. '

October 31st 

Halloween. Aunt Leah and I went for trick or treat and went to a room. She taught me magic tricks. 

November 21 2012 

Dad cheated on me and Mom. But Aunt Leah stayed. She took me to her house and she taught me more magic to do with her . I told her it's not real magic . But she hit me for telling that.

" Oh my god " Sarah gasped reading them. She skipped some pages unable to bear what she was reading.

May 19 2014 

Today I understood what Aunt Leah and I do are not magic but something adults to do and I can't even spell it without shame. I am afraid now. I am afraid how people would make fun of me when they know my secret. I am scared to tell Mom. 

August 7 2013 

Aunt Leah and I did it again in her room. But today I am happy because she bought me my favorite bike with gear.

Sarah went pale reading it. That's how her son got his cycle from his aunt . She skipped the pages again. And the handwriting was getting better as he grew older threw the pages.

February 14 2014 

Aunt Leah said she loves me more than anything in the world for being her boyfriend. She considers me as a man and her boyfriend but in secret. But I didn't like that.  But she bought me new clothes.

March 24 2015 

I know exactly what I am going through. I googled . Am being abused by Aunt Leah. She is a bitch. I am more scared . When  I said I don't want this anymore she threatened me to kill and kill mom and tell everyone about us. 

Sarah cried reading it. She couldn't believe her eyes what she was reading. 

There was a date that happened last week 

March 26 2016 

After dinner We did asusual and I was in a verge to kill her after that. I don't want anymore nightmares and worry mom. But I can't ever tell her this. She will hate me if she knows this. She will put me in an asylum. I wanna make friends . And spend more time with people . But am afraid. I want to be like his mom wants me to. I really like Mia so much. But am afraid. Help me.

                                   ******

Sarah closed the diary and lay crying. Unable to handle the shock. It was past midnight. 

She had enough anger to kill Leah for doing this to her son.

She waited till the sunrise. Edgar walked downstairs for breakfast . Sarah was still sitting in the place holding herself not crying.

 He went to fetch his plate not looking to her.

" I need to talk you . " Sarah spoke slowly.

" What ?" He asked.

"Sit down here " she ordered him.

"Okay " he understood that his mother was in a bad mood. He obeyed has she ordered him to. 

" Tell me everything you wanna open up about" she gave him a chance really hoping he would. And this he saved her from a real heart attack. 

"Mom" he sobbing.

She kept the diary on the table. I found this in your bag in the hall she lied. 

" That has everything I wanted to tell you all the time." He told her.

" Promise me this won't happen anymore" 

" I promise mom " he cried 

" We are going to see a therapist . U have informed your dad. He is on his way. We are filing a case against your Aunt Leah she needs lesson to be taught. "Sarah told her plans.

" No don't" Edgar begged.

" Are you scared if her threats."

" Yes " he agreed. 

" You have me . Don't worry about That son." They both cried. She hugged him until he stopped crying. 

" Does anybody know ?"he asked

"No . " She assured him. Saving the truth for some other time trying not to upset him more. They sat there all day talking about his worries and his pain. 

Next day Sarah and his father took his to the best therapist in the town and later filed a case after she let her ex husband read his diary. He grew angry every moment he saw his son and his ruined childhood. He did his maximum to make Edgar happy. 

                                   *****

Two months later Leah Stanton was imprisoned for child sexual abuse. The case was kept a secret without medias to not ruin Edgar's life. He was constantly given classes with his therapist . And after an of work Edgar was finally back to himself normal like a high school kid. Making friends and dating his love Mia who understood every bit of Edgar and happily handled his past. 

Sarah was finally releaved and happy to see her son happy as ever. Leah had ruined his life but he had fought hard against it. Only of he confessed all of them early so many things could have been avoided in his life. Now looking back at the past everything seems to be buried in a dark cloud and that wouldn't interfere again in the new chapter of life. 

Many children in every corner of the world go through this. But only if they have the courage to speak up or given them proper awareness, this could be stopped forever.

To every parents out there. 

It's All In Our Head !

Loneliness is very common in every person's life. But overcoming is what not common. Sometimes you feel too emotional for even smaller things that may have importance and mostly not. Sometimes you get upset for the bigger matters , which actually may not need to be considered super serious and be over emotional over it. After their crisis it may even feel silly. But that strong sense of feelings when you are upset and alone, that moment when you are trembling and about to shed tears, all you will feel is you are not wanted in the world , nobody gives a damn and you feel abondoned and powerless. Its not like that . And we know whatever decisions that we take at those times are actually stupid and reckless. Some people not even realizing that think of suicides. Duh ! That's not right.

That is all some damn feelings. When you are sad , alone with nobody around. Take a moment to look at yourself . Just think of all the good things you have done. How people have appreciated you many times in many ways. How many people have hated you for who your are and for what you are. There may be people or moments to make you feel utterly lonely but remember that's nothing but just one part of your sensitive sense. 

Nobody may like to see someone succeed much more than them on their lives. No matter how close you are there is always a jealousy part inside that may unconsciously work most the time. But that doesn't mean nobody loves you. There are your parents , true friends if you know to choose them,  your partner if he really like for what you are. 

Whatever we think and do during we feel highly low are all mistakes . Never take serious decisions on a temporary mood in your life. For life is not something to play with your mood swings and non permanent emotions but something to be taken seriously and analysed how it is even after you pass certain situations and making sure it's right on track. 

People may make us feel out of the group, out of life and abondon us but they are not to be left just like that but rather make sure of your level with them before you do a thing that either may go right or wrong. 

Every person think differently from each other. Whatever every person go through are way too different and difficult for each other. But every person must have a control over things and know to control their emotions. Sharing may help but sometimes more than that silence may help huge till you wear off from the foul mood . Anger and sadness may drive us crazy and tell people about what is happening with you but also a minute later it may seem foolish if your thing is actually something not up to 10. People may think of you as mad but for some people it may be a great relief. 

Parents are the best people who understand matters. Sometimes friends. But many choose therapists thinking sessions might heel and many cases it does. But when we have a straight head to realize our problem and handle it boldly ourselves nothing is ever an issue. Yes it's all in your head !! 

An Epilogue of Friar Lawrence from ' Romeo and Juliet ' for 450th anniversary of Shakespeare.

After 450 years William Shakespeare is still remembered infact immortal through his magical creations of his plays . He still lives in our hearts often making is wonder how he had written his works in such intense and entertaining at the same time. His plays sort of creates purgation of emotions in us leading to catharsis , Specially all his tragedies.

Every author will have feelings while he/she  writes and create characters and their circumstances . But it leaves us with Shakespeare on how he would have felt like every time when he wrote a play or a sonnet. Also what provoked him to do so or whether there are particular reasons behind all his works apart from pleasing the queen and noble men of that times.

When it comes to his most loved play
" Romeo and Juliet " it may make us wonder more about why Shakespeare had put so much of love and pain into it , how he had made the concept of love tangled with troubles and death be so much alive and create the sadness and the urge to be in love together in a man's heart as he watches it .

Montague's and Capulet 's never lived in peace with each other for over generations of life. They only had brawls , quarrels and murder each other in the streets of Verona always creating issues for the Prince.

Time passed but never did these two families change. Both the lots , family and their supporters were forbidden to enter each other's place , to never attend the parties or balls conducted. If they did it then ended up in a sword fight.

But this one time the rules were all broken. This time a new bud of romance bloomed between the only heir of Montague, Romeo and only heir of Capulet , Juliet. Romeo fell in love at first sight when he entered the masked ball of Capulet 's . The story begins when they both fall in love  with each other and share their first kiss.

After their rendezvous , Romeo and Juliet get married with the help and support  of Juliet's nurse and Friar Lawrence in church secretly.

But god changes the fate of Romeo's life with a row between the two parties . On the duel called upon Romeo , which he denies to duel with but instead Romeo's friend Mercutio gets killed by Juliet's cousin Tybolt. And in vengeance Romeo duels with Tybolt and murders him. Hearing the news about the murders, the Prince of Verona banishes Romeo from Verona and warns him to execute if he ever sets his foot back in the town. But the sad part is that it had only been an hour after the marriage of the star crossed lovers.

After consummating the marriage as Friar advised , Romeo goes for his long exile leaving his heart behind, sadly to a far away place Friar had arranged for him. But the tragedy begins when Juliet's parents force her to marry Count Paris , a man with a good fortune in Verona. To escape from the marriage Juliet seeks the help of Friar Lawrence once again.

Friar plans to make a fake death of Juliet to bring her out of her house and send her with Romeo by giving her a phial to make her fall in a deep sleep equal to death. He then sends the letter to Romeo explaining about his plan.

The twist happens when the cousin of Romeo , Benvolio sees the corpse of undead Juliet being carried to the family crypt if the Capulets. He goes straight to Romeo to inform the news of the demise .
Broken hearted , Romeo gets the poison from a poor apothecary and rides back to Verona to see his lady love cold in her crypt . And he never receives the letter from Balthazar sent by Friar.

After killing Paris who confronted him in front of the burial place , Romeo holds Juliet close to his heart , crying not being aware that she is heavily sedated by the phial she had taken as a part of the plan.  Unable to bear the pain , Romeo drinks the poison to lie with Juliet who woke up suddenly and kisses the dying Romeo . With the difference in a minute of Juliet's rise , Romeo dies in the lap of Juliet . Juliet broken hearted takes her own life with Romeo's dagger.

Friar reaches late and realises that his letter never reached Romeo about the plan but ended up in the death of his beloved children he married off to live happily ever after . After their death , both the families , Montague's and Capulets solve the problems between them that existed for centuries . And Romeo and Juliet lived in the hearts of the people for all these years.

Now I would like to do something , an epilogue of father Lawrence whose project failed and resulted in the lives of two young people . I would also like to present the state of mind Friar would have been in the next day,  his feelings on the death and what he thinks over the matters.

Oh dear God what have I done !
How will I survive the 'morrows.
Romeo , forgive me for what I have
Become responsible for.
I loved thee like my own son,
I wanted thee to have a happy life.
But mine own mistakes has taken
Thine life away.
Juliet forgive me  , I promised
Thee a life with thine Romeo.
Everything went right till Morn
But my failure to deliver the
Letters resulted in thine life.

Oh Jesus ! I trusted thee
And why didn't thou receive my
Prayers for my children ?
My plans has ended in a disaster.
I cannot erase the memory of my
Romeo and Juliet dead in each
Other's hands with the empty
phial beside them and the dagger ,
Bathe in my Juliet's blood.

No . May be I should have told
thine family Romeo and Juliet.
I should have spoken and made
A common decision with our
prince Escalus.
That would've been better than
Having thee dead this young .
I should've denied thine marriage
For thine own life.
Oh god will I ever find peace again
For the deed I have done.
My children trusted in me ,
Confided in me , but what have
I done to them.

I wanted both the Montague's and Capulets reconciled by their only heirs
But that has ended in a tragedy .
How little did I know of thine
Intentions on my Romeo god. My son.

I shall have peace no more.
I cheated people ! I let all the
Miseries happen.
The miseries that never should've
Taken place.
Balthazar , you saved a boy's life,
But that delayed the delivery of the
Letters and resulted in the life of
Other three people, who are dear
To everyone in Verona.

What shall I tell the Lords
Will my sims ever be pardoned .
Will my mind find peace and
Regret no more like before.

Oh god ! Take away my life.
I beg thee to make it happen
So my mind can rest.

I have disgraced thee and become
A reason to the death of my children.
I see my Romeo and Juliet
How happy they were on the day
Of their marriage .
I advised Romeo to consummate
His marriage before he left Verona.
And now I cannot make my mind
Whether I did right or wrong.
What was right and wrong.

Juliet I gave thee the phial
With Good intentions.
I can still see the trust you
Had in thine eyes .
Forgive me again for my failure
of the project .

Oh Benvolio , dear boy you should've
Com'st me before thou went away
For meeting Romeo to tell the news.
Then I could have told thee about
Our plan to the happy life of
Juliet and Romeo and the fake
death of Juliet.
Now it is all over.
And I have no strength .
Here I am lost in despair and failure
Of heart grieving for mine own
Children.
I see the moon dim, the sky
Empty of stars . The winds Moaning
In  a low voice .
I see the nature mourning their
Death Like Verona itself.
Pardon me my lord .
No medicine I have can make me
Forget this dreadful event.
Or I shall find a way to sleep
Forever in peace .

Characters :

Romeo: ( Montague)
Juliet   :   (Capulet )
Friar Lawrence: ( Father in church)
Balthazar  :( Apprentice of Friar)
Benvolio    : ( Romeo's cousin)
Mercutio   : ( Montague , friend of Romeo)
Tybolt        : ( Capulet, cousin of Juliet )
Escalus     : ( Prince of Verona , Italy )

( And for the matter I kept telling about what made him write this tragedy , Shakespeare lost the two important people in his , his only son Hamnet and a best friend . That vibration of pain we can see being reflected here ) 

                                    *****

9 : Lost And Found

' Knock Knock ' The security knocked the door of the cabin.

" Come in " Austin called him in.

" Sir , it's past closing time . Are you staying long ? " The security enquired .

" Oh yes. Yes am done here. Right about time. Just a few more stuffs to cross check " Austin said taking some pending files with him . " Has everyone left ? "

" Yes sir. Far before . It's nearly 9 sir.  You have been here for too long. "  Sam said. Sam has been working for long in his profession and now joined Prodigy under David's instructions.

" Uh huh " Austin walked towards the door to the elevator with Sam. " Bye Sam" he bid farewell for the day as the elevator closed .

Austin felt so much emptiness inside as he walked towards his SUV. He rarely come across such feelings in his busy life and it was a surprise for him. Last month's  break up was all a mess and his biggest break up of all his life. Ella , his Co-star in ' The Rain' movie was his girlfriend for almost an year . The longest relationship he had with a girl . It got late for him to realize that she is not the type he after all wants , not a melodramatic one. But she was already in too deep always tracking him , nagging him and loving the cameras flashing around them whenever they are out. All his previous relationships were pure drama and lust on both sides but Ella was different , more crazy about him . She is one of the top paid actress in Hollywood. But Austin had broke up with her very rudely through a text message saying how empty his feelings are for her and how he doesn't wanna continue with this relationship anymore. She cried but she knew well that it was all useless to waste tears for him because he is David Morgan's son but move on with her glam. They both knew that it was never gonna happen but Ella having prince charming in her hands didn't want to slip him  between her fingers.

The break up has been a real public stunt. Crazy fans being happy to have Austin single while the haters called him various names.

But that had put Austin in a very crucial point. More of a confusion whether he would find any true love in life . More than break up it was his father which bothered him the most.

" What has he done to my life. No family, no love and care when I needed it the most. I never was happy until I started finding them through my fame. But now that's going in an unhappy way too.Why do people say childhood days are the best memories one could get. It's all a lie. Nothing is permanent . Every feeling , everything that you own in yours hands,  nothing lasts forever. " Austin had chain of thoughts running inside his head.

"Oh fuck ! stop thinking " he conversed inside his head as he drove through the city.

The phone kept ringing in his pocket. He took his phone and answered when it was about to go off.

" What are you doing. Can't you just pick up the phone ? " His mother shouted through the phone

" Am driving mom . " He replied patiently.

" OK fine. I will call you later." She said thinking he is lying trying to avoid the call. But he was anyway.

" It's OK. Wassup with the call ? " He asked .

" Can't a mother call her son any time " she joked sweetly to wear him off the mood. She knew well he was having a rough day after meeting his dad.

" You very well can " he smiled. ' am lucky I have you at least ' he thought.

" Okay okay. I just thought may we can meet if you will come home tonight Austin. " She told him the matter.

" Tonight . Hmm " he considered what she said. " Okay I'll be there " . He said. She is the only person he never denies anything in his life. His mother.

" Good. I will be waiting . "

" I will bring something along to eat ". He said. He knows how much his mom loves the pastry stuffs.

"Don't be late son. Now drive carefully ."  He could sense his mother's happiness in the other end of the phone.

" No I won't be"

" Ok Bye" she said and hung up fast to not disturb him while driving.

He threw the phone to the dashboard and accelerated through the road to his favourite pastry shop.

                                  ******

8. Lost And Found

" David he is your son , you must make him listen to you. " Clara spoke loudly audible enough for all the people in the restaurant to hear to . " sorry " she lowered her voice.

" I don't think he'll , unless by someone who can influence him , make him change his mind, someone who means everything to him " David talked very calmly sipping his wine making clear who he is actually meaning to point even though there is a fire burning mad inside worrying about his only heir.  Clara gave him ' Don't be an asshole ' look evidently into his face.

" May be you should try talking with him . he loves you and quite listens to you too. "
David suggested .

" Ha" Clara made the sound. She knew him very well that it would end right here she talking to Austin for him as always.
" Sometimes you know what , he acts stupid and be a real moron just like you. " Clara blurted out smiling at him.

" You mean to say that am a moron. " David got what she meant. Instead of calling him directly she has chosen the words carefully through her son.

" Yes. He has got your blood running through his veins. Like father like son. Stubborn. " she replied eating her salad.

" You want some more drink " David changed the topic swiftly to avoid any conversation further that may end up in a quarrel.  She always knocks him off and he cannot deny most things she says because of its truth,  yet she always talks for him to her son even though David is really a moron.

" No am good. " she said. He watched her as she finished her dinner . Clara took her bags and got up.

" You're leaving ? " he asked. He sounded little down.

" I should be . Got some work and meet up with Suellen " For the first time in his life he didn't want her to leave.

Clara exhaled and sat down. She understood what he was going through .
" I will try David. I will try talking to him , but I cannot assure you so don't expect anything . I'll just give it a try that's all. "  she assured him . She knows very well which she will try pressing it on her son for the sake of her love for David. She got up and gave a peck on his cheek.
" I better run " she said and walked off while David sat there watching her leave and regretting about everything he can remember in his life.

' I have made so much mistakes in my life' he thought ' including her. '

Clara was turning 42 and still looked more prettier for her age. Her dyed caramel hair and those shining green eyes . She lives in a loft in the city running the famous boutique in England with her sister Suellen Bradley.

David felt proud and love about his ex girlfriend after 25 years still seeing her single  and one of the reason she didn't abandon him in her life even though he made her go through all possible miseries.

" Sir " The waiter came to the table breaking his chain of thoughts . " Can I get you something ? . " he asked

" More wine please . " David ordered and continued to go with his thoughts while the waiter did his best serving him to get a large tip from the famous celebrity.

                                ******

7 Lost And Found

" Honey do you trust me ? Will you wait for me ? " He asked her

" I will " she lied.

" Don't you miss me ? " he asked again

" I do " she looked away

" So where is she now ? "

" No one knows , its like she vanished from the surface of earth. " she lied again.

" Sweet pie are you lying to me ? " he asked her back softly with a devilish smile stroking her cheek and lifting up her face to meet his eyes.

" No. I have got no connection with her family "

" It is obvious you cannot anymore. What about friends ? Don't they know ? " he asked

" None seem to. I tried. " she kept on lying and shrugged looking at him. His golden brown hair and turquoise blue eyes surging through her weighing her information.

" I love you " she said suddenly changing the topic thinking of how much she loathe him inside.

" I do too " he gave her that same stabbing smile " Wait till I get out , we will play a damn good game " he said

" Should you ? " it came out of her mouth unexpectedly but he didn't hear it. " Should we ? " she corrected herself fast before he noticed. She got back on worrying the moment he has said what he has on his minds.

" Yes we should . " he talked strongly.

" I don't want anymore trouble. Let's have a peaceful life please " she pleaded.

" So do I want. But what is life without a game . Besides it is to put out a trouble forever"  She understood exactly what it meant. She replied nothing " Now , keep an eye on everything and everyone concerning us. Keep me posted , visit me often or else you know what happens my stupid girl " he teased her playing with her hair.

He was adding up more misery into Natalie's life. He already knows how much she suffers being abused and made fun of now a days .

" But I can't promise you. Am denied everywhere now " she told him

" Oh ! " he already knows it.

" And that little sister of hers is not like what we thought she is. Vicious and smart. "

" We will see about that " he said keeping that smile on his face running his fingers down her neck.

" okay go " he said looking st her for a moment. " time up "

" Okay " she felt relieved.

" Four more months honey " he reminded Natalie.

" I know " she gave him a fake smile " I miss you "

" Time up. Time up " an officer behind him started to shout .

" Bye" she bid farewell fast and walked out while he stood there behind the bars that separated him from the real world observing her long and lean legs , hair all blond put in a braid , her stunning blue eyes and the way she walks. " hot" that was all he thought.