AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Nah, I’ll manage.”
“Just give a shout if you change your mind,” she offers before sauntering off with Zack.
“Sure thing!”
Stepping onto the patio, I’m greeted by a breathtaking sight. The porch and rails are adorned with shimmering fairy lights that cast a dreamy glow onto the water. Looking to escape the noise, I descend the steps and head toward the water’s edge.
Seated upon the aging dock, my legs dangle over the edge, mirroring how my heart hangs heavily within me. The ocean’s waves reflect my mind—a whirlwind of emotions all centering around my two dads. My stepdad’s battle with cancer consumes my thoughts, a cruel reminder of his frailty and the gnawing fear that this ruthless disease will claim him. I wish so desperately he could be freed from this relentless torment—that his pain could cease and our lives could escape this constant shadow of suffering.
My biological father’s presence haunts me, a bittersweet phantom lingering in my heart. I yearn for him to break free from his immaturity and be the father I crave. The ache to be truly seen and loved by him cuts deep—an unhealed wound. But I’m powerless over his actions.
As I stand by the water’s edge, the serene landscape surrounding me, tears well up in my eyes. The gentle lapping of the water against the shore invites me to release my pent-up emotions. My face contorts with sadness, my breath quivering as I cry. Each tear that falls into the water carries a piece of my heartache, cleansing me of some of the pain.
The salty tears mix with the cool breeze, and for a moment, I let myself fully feel the weight of my longing and frustration.
Lost in the somber thoughts that bind me, a gentle tap on my shoulder yanks me back to reality. I turn to find Eric—the man I’ve “crossed paths” with—standing there. He gives a small smile and slides onto the dock, settling down next to me. The creak of the wood beneath us breaks the silence as he clears his throat.
“Can I sit here?” he asks, his voice surprisingly warm.
I nod, managing a small smile of my own. “Sure.”
The silence settles, and I feel oddly comfortable. The music from the party is background noise.
“Why skip the party?” he asks, sounding genuinely curious.
“Same reason as you, I guess,” I say, looking out at the water.
He chuckles. “Not a fan of big crowds.”
“Definitely not my thing.”
He shifts on the dock. “Parties make me nervous.”
I get it. “They can be overwhelming.”
He glances at me. “I’m glad I found you. Talking here feels easy.”
I feel my cheeks heat a bit. “Yeah, it does.”
He chuckles again. “We’re like the ‘anti-party’ duo.”
I laugh. “I’m good with that title.”
More silence, but it’s not awkward. He’s watching me, and I meet his gaze. There’s a warmth in his eyes that’s hard to ignore.
“So, how’s your day been?” Eric asks, breaking the comfortable silence.
I offer a small smile. “It’s been pretty good, thanks. How about yours?”
He shrugs nonchalantly. “I’ve been good. How have you been lately?”
My heart flutters, but I force a smile and reply with a feigned cheerfulness, “Honestly, I’ve been great,” even though beneath the surface, a subtle sadness lingers, hidden from his view.
He smiles, that shy yet sweet grin of his. “I’m glad to hear that.”
A pause settles between us, and I find myself caught in the gravity of his gaze. It’s as if he’s genuinely interested in what I have to say, and that is a rare and beautiful thing.
“Honestly,” I begin, my voice slightly hesitant, “it’s been a bit of an emotional roller coaster for me lately.”
