Affairs of the Heart

prologue

Desiree Dumonde reached in her purse for her house keys.It was a long day at school and all she wanted to do was sit back and relax.How could she not,when her ultimate summer would begin in a couple days. Sixteen and free she thought.

"Mom,I'm home!" She echoed,sounding cliche considering she said it on a daily basis. When Desiree heard no reply she shrugged and scampered off towards the kitchen.

"Mom,I'm home,where are you?" She asked now,getting worried. She heard nothing.

"Mom?" She said softly

"Oh honey I'm here" she said breathlessly "was out back" the blonde hair woman said pulling Desiree in her arms and planting a kiss on her forehead.

"Hey mom" she said,relief evident in her voice.

"Dinner will be ready soon" Jackie said pulling dirty gloves from her hand.

"O.k I'm going upstairs,call me when it's done". Desiree ran upstairs and went immediately to her e-mail.She talked a bit then took a quick shower.She was getting dressed when Jackie called.

"Coming mom!" She shouted,quickly pulling on a baggy pair of pants.

**************

They both sat at the tiny dining table eat silently. Desiree missed the dinners they once had,with her dad present,but now he only had time for his business trips and not for them.

"Honey, we've got to talk" Jackie said wiping at her mouth.

"What about?" Desiree asked,cutting into a piece of steak. Jackie cleared her throat

"Ummm...your dad,as you know he's often busy with work and his constant trips and it cuts family time..." she trailed off.

Not knowing where the conversation was heading, Desiree continued to eat.

" yes so..?" She asked blankly

" we have to move" Jackie said quickly.

The steak Desiree was eating suddenly seemed stuck in her throat.She swallowed and whispered a barely audible

"What?"

"Yes hon,I know but with his work and new promotion,it's the only way we can be together,Chicago will be best for the family" Jackie said sadly

"Mom, we can't move to Chicago !" Desiree said,shoving her almost empty plate from in front her.

"Honey,I know it's hard but it's the only way" she said softly

"When do we leave?" Desiree asked bewildered

"Sunday"

"Sunday!" Desiree spat out,in disbelief "Mom that's a day from now,w-what about my friends?" She fumed,open mouthed.

Tears gathered in jackie's eyes "Hon,I'm sorry you'll have to say your goodbyes tomorrow"

Desiree hissed then pushed away from the table,standing up.

"Mom" she whispered barely audible,face made up for a shower of tears. Jackie ran to her and hugged her,massaging her head.

"Oh darling,I know,I know" she comforted.

"Dominic"she whispered "how will I tell him I'm leaving mom,it'll tear us apart" she sobbed." Can I invite him over to talk mom,please?"

Jackie hesitated for a moment.

"Sure"

Desiree pulled away from her and ran upstairs to dial Dominic's number. How could she tell the love of her life she was leaving and probably,never coming back. They had known each other for two years. A tear slipped from Desiree's eyes as she heard his voice.

"Hello?",he answered in his same old monotonous but sexy tone.

"Dom,it's Desi-"

" I know it's you baby, what's up? You ok?",he said concerned.

" Ummm,can you come over,it's important" she sniffed

"Babe,are you...."

Desiree closed her eyes, trying to get a cap on her emotions. "Just come over,I'll explain" she said cutting him off.

"Ok,I'll be over in a couple minutes"

"Ok". Desiree hung up then broke off crying. It was the hardest thing she had to do. She loved him so much. They hadn't even had sex yet during the two years they knew each other. He always told her he wanted to make it a perfect moment when she was ready and had left school. She was planning on this summer but that was now ruined. Desiree went to the bathroom to refresh herself. She cried for minutes then washed her face.

"Des, Dom is here!" Jackie said from downstairs.

"Send him up mom" Desiree echoed hoarsed.

Desiree heard a knock on her bedroom door in a matter of seconds.Dominic peeked his head around the door and whispered, " Is it safe?"

Desiree couldn't resist a smile,he could always make her smile. He came in and moved towards the bed, where Desiree was sitting.

Hon,you ok?,he asked,using his hand to clasp her waist in a tiny squeeze.

"No,I've got something to tell you", Desiree said with puffy eyes.

"What is it?" Dominic asked

"I- I'll be leaving for Chicago Sunday" she whispered.

Dominic's hold on her waist suddenly loosened.

"W-what?"

Desiree sniffed "Dad wants me and mom to move closer to him", she said,her eyes suddenly burning.

Dominic ran a hand through his thick mass of hair,then ran his tongue over his lips.

"Fine,let your mom go, you stay,we can li- you can live with me" he babbled,wishing she would agree.

"Dom,I can't do that",she said,a smile etching through her tears.

He held her by the shoulders,staring into her eyes.

"You can Desiree,you can't leave me" he sniffed

Tears ran from Desiree's face, "Dom..." she whispered,trailing off. Dominic grabbed her and gave her a hard hug. Desiree felt something wet and warm drop on her shoulder,and knew he was crying. Her heart felt like it was being removed with a sharp knife. She tightened her hand around him and they both cried together.

"I love you", Desiree whispered.

" I love you more...forever" Dominic said, placing a kiss on her wet cheeks.

"Forever!" Desiree cried.