She's With Me

1

For as long as I can remember, it's only been Poppy and I. We haven't had family in our lives since we've been together. Hers don't accept her sexuality, and mine are mostly dead. I've got an aunt in England, but we don't communicate much. And Poppy, she's got family, but unfortunately, she hasn't heard from them in years.

It's not something that she likes to talk about, and I respect her wishes. But I know that it hurts her, and I wish that there's something that I can do—anything really. I'd love to meet them someday, or even for a quick second. They don't know about me, and probably never will. They don't even know Poppy's whereabouts ever since she was seventeen and was kicked out.

In two months, it will be our tenth wedding anniversary, and I want to give her something special—something that is not materialistic and would mean the world to her.

We've been in New York for a while now, but move around constantly to tend to my various companies around the world. My line of work entails a lot of travelling, and thankfully, allows me to spend a lot of time with my wife. I'm an investor in many businesses, and I buy over companies to turn them into something more profitable than the previous owners could ever finance. Poppy's like my business partner. I can never make a decision without her guidance, mostly because she actually went to college, unlike me.

"Baby, what are you thinking about?" I'm sitting up in bed, unable to sleep. She always worries about my sleep patterns. We've consulted a few doctors about it, but no pills seem to help. The only remedy is her warm arms wrapped around me, but right now, I don't even think that will help.

"About you," I look down at her, brushing the loose strands of her hair behind her ears. If it wasn't for that cold, November afternoon all those years ago, I don't think the two of us would have ever crossed paths. And I thank god everyday for bringing her into my life, and giving it meaning. Before her, I was too numb to care for anyone around me, even myself, and I've never been able to truly repay the favor. How can I beat what she's given to me? She gave me life, and continues to everyday. I just hope that there's someway to give her the happiness that she deserves, not romantically speaking, but when it comes to her loved ones.

"Cuddles?" She runs her fingers over my abdomen, and rests her head onto my lap, "tomorrow is my big brother's birthday," she sighs, causing my chest to tighten. They were once so close, yet he doesn't even care to know if she's still alive. It's strange how family can just disown you in an instant, just because you're not what they want you to be.

"I have to be in Tennessee by the end of the week. It'll be for a few months," I change the topic.

"So soon, babe? I thought we weren't relocating till the end of the year?" Initially, that was the plan. But I need to speed my plans up.

"I know, but we'll learn a new accent," I look goofily at her, "and we've bought the most beautiful condo there. You loved it there when we took a trip last time," she turns over, the back of her head against my thighs.

"I know, I just hate travelling so much. We just came back from our trip to London. Why can't we stay here just a little longer?"

I lean down and place a kiss on her forehead, "we'll be back here before you know it. And you love travelling. What's wrong?" We've been trying to get pregnant for the past two years, but nothing seems to be working. My ovaries are fired and hers are abnormal. We've decided to adopt if this last batch of IVF doesn't work.

She's frustrated all the time, and I want to end her misery, but she so dearly wants a biological child.

"I can't just change doctors now, babe. I want to give our best shot at this last one," I've considered that, but I thought she'd be more open to finding a replacement. I sigh. She's right. We can't just switch doctors now.

"What are we going to do then? I need to be there soon."

"You do, I don't," she looks at me with those big, brown eyes.

"Are you trying to say that I should go without you?" She pouts, and I lean down to peck her lips.

"Just for the first month, please? I really don't want to move yet," I frown, "I'll call you everyday, and text you every time I get the chance."

"Is this what you really want?" Maybe it's a good idea for her to stay behind for a while. It'll help me get my affairs in order.

"No. I hate being away from you. But it's a sacrifice that I'm willing to make," she places the palm of her hand onto her stomach. I can't wait for there to be an actual fetus in her tummy, if it's possible. I'll love that kid more than anything in the world.

"As long as you can survive without my kisses," she giggles uncontrollably as I smother her face with my affection. Her laugh soothes the damage inside of my heart, and my commitment to her soothes hers. Together we are stronger than anything, and no one can tear us down, at least no one has ever managed to yet.