AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Have you ever really allowed yourself to make choices based on what you truly want, rather than what others expect of you?"
Her heart quickened as she considered his words, her thoughts tumbling like stones caught in a relentless current. The truth was, she couldn't recall a time when she had made a decision solely for herself, without seeking validation or approval from others.
"I... I don't know," she admitted, the vulnerability in her voice betraying the depth of her struggle. "I've always been so focused on fulfilling the expectations of those around me – my family, my friends, even my husband."
Simon nodded thoughtfully, his brow furrowed with concern. "There's nothing wrong with wanting to make others happy, but sometimes it's important to look inward and consider our own needs and desires. It's an essential part of self-discovery and growth."
"Self-discovery..." she mused, tasting the unfamiliarity of the word on her tongue. "I suppose I haven't given myself the opportunity to truly explore who I am or what I want."
The lights of the inn grew nearer, casting a warm glow upon their faces as they approached. Simon's voice broke through her thoughts, his concern etched across his rugged features. "You've gone quiet again. Is everything alright?"
She glanced at him, taking solace in the warmth of his eyes. "I'm just... trying to process everything," she admitted, her hands wringing together. "It's not easy, realizing I've spent most of my adult life seeking validation from others."
"Learning to trust yourself can be difficult," Simon acknowledged, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Even for mermaids.”
"Small steps..." she said, chuckling a little under her breath, attempting to grasp onto the concept. A part of her longed for the simplicity of her previous life, where she relied on others to make choices for her. But another part yearned for the freedom and autonomy she had been denying herself for so long. It was this internal struggle that made her heart race, her palms sweat, her breath come in shallow gasps.
"Like choosing what to paint next," Simon suggested gently, his eyes searching hers for understanding. "You do that all the time, right? Or deciding which path to take on a walk. Start with the simple things, and eventually, you'll build up the courage to tackle the bigger decisions."
As they ascended the creaking staircase, Charlotte couldn't shake the sensation of standing at a precipice, the vast unknown stretching out before her. Every step she took felt both exhilarating and terrifying, as if she were venturing into uncharted territory. As she reached the front door, she paused, turning back toward Simon.
"Goodnight, Simon," she said hesitantly, her voice wavering with apprehension.
"Goodnight, Charlotte," he replied with a reassuring smile. “And I look forward to date number three.”
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
Charlotte bolted upright in bed, her heart pounding and her breath coming in short, heavy gasps. Sweat beaded on her forehead, and her hands trembled as she attempted to steady herself. The nightmare had been so vivid, a tangled web of painful memories and haunting images that seemed hell-bent on tormenting her.
She lay back down, pulling the covers up to her chin, as if the thin cotton could shield her from the lingering emotions of her dream. Her chest heaved, struggling to catch her breath as the terror slowly ebbed away, only to be replaced by an unsettling sense of unease.
"Deep breaths, Charlotte," she whispered to herself, trying to shake off the remnants of her nightmare. "It's just a dream."
But as she stared at the ceiling in the dark room, listening to the soft rustle of the leaves outside her window, she couldn't deny the overwhelming sense of dread that tightened its grip on her heart. She should have rested peacefully after spending such a lovely time with Simon, but instead her mind had conjured the jeering faces from the art gallery back in New York and Daniel, his own face full of distaste as he ran down every weakness and fault she had. The dream had dredged up fears and insecurities that she had spent years trying to suppress, and now they threatened to consume her.
"Get a grip, Charlotte," she chided herself, her voice barely audible.
But in the quiet stillness of the night, with only the shadows for company, Charlotte wondered if that were true.
As the darkness of the room pressed in on her, Charlotte's thoughts began to race. Nightmares were one thing, but deep down, she knew her subconscious was trying to tell her something. These weren't just random fears or anxieties; they were a manifestation of all the unresolved issues she had been avoiding for far too long.
"Enough," she whispered resolutely, sitting up in bed. She couldn't let herself be paralyzed by fear any longer.
"Daniel deserves better?" she laughed and mused aloud, thinking of her husband and their strained relationship. "And so do I. So I’ll give him his divorce…"
With newfound courage, Charlotte reached for her phone, her fingers trembling slightly as she navigated to the airline's website. Each tap of her finger felt like an affirmation – she would return home and confront the challenges that had been looming over her for years. It wasn't going to be easy, but she needed to take control of her life, no matter how frightening it seemed at first.
"Come on, Charlotte," she murmured, her voice wavering with a mix of hope and anxiety. "You can do this."
As she scrolled through the available flights, her stomach twisted into knots. But she refused to back down, her actions fueled by the knowledge that only she could make the changes necessary for a happier, more fulfilling life.
"Let's just pick a date and go," she whispered, taking a deep breath before finally selecting a flight that would take her back home in just a few days. This decision, though terrifying, felt oddly liberating. For the first time in what felt like forever, Charlotte was taking charge of her own destiny.
Charlotte's finger hovered above the "Confirm" button, her heart pounding in her chest. But before she could press it, an error message appeared on her phone screen, indicating that there was no cell service. She stared at the screen, a wave of frustration and disappointment washing over her, making her feel trapped in her current situation.
"Of course," she muttered, shaking her head in disbelief. The one time she mustered up the courage to face her problems head-on, and she couldn't even book a flight to do so. It seemed as though the universe was conspiring against her, forcing her to remain stuck at Chesham Cove.
"Maybe it's a sign," she whispered to herself. "Maybe I need more time to think."
