All The Dark Little Things

Chapter 6: Dearest Dennis Harrison

Note: This is still a chapter of the book. Keep on reading so that you don't get confused. Thank you.

As I opened my eyes, the morning sunlight painted a soft glow across the room. Today was a big day for me—an interview with a Christian media agency. It was a chance to share my story—the story of a woman who had followed her heart. See how simple it sounded? Yeah… not that simple.

I turned to my side and saw my husband, Dennis, still lost in dreams. Gratitude flooded my heart for the man who had always been by my side. I couldn't help but smile, knowing that his love was the anchor that kept me grounded.

I leaned in closer, brushing my lips against his, savoring the taste of our love in that tender morning kiss. His eyes fluttered open, and a sleepy smile spread across his face.

"Good morning, my love," I whispered, my voice laced with affection.

"Good morning, beautiful," Dennis replied, his voice filled with warmth. "Are you ready for the interview today?"

I nodded, my excitement mingling with a hint of nervousness. Dennis’ encouragement always gave me strength and confidence. It reminded me that there was a beautiful life outside my family's home.

We sat at the kitchen table, hands intertwined, sipping our coffee in comfortable silence.

As I prepared for the interview, thoughts of my journey flashed through my mind—the battles I had fought, the dreams I had pursued, and the love I had found in Dennis. Each step has led me to this moment, where I am ready to share my story and inspire others who may face similar struggles.

I glimpsed myself in the mirror, taking a deep breath to calm my racing heart. I was no longer the rebellious teenager who had defied her parents' wishes. I developed my own opinions. I don't know why I agreed to this interview. But they told me I had touched the lives of many girls who grew up in my type of home. What type of home is mine? I don't even know. I am trying to find out the difference between my home with Dennis and the one with my family.

I turned to Dennis, my eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you for loving me and for supporting me even when it meant going against the expectations of others."

Daniel's eyes met mine, brimming with unwavering love and pride. He enveloped me in a warm embrace, whispering words of encouragement and belief in my ear.

I'm at the part where I caused the blast. "I want you to come with me today. You have only known the ones I told you. I want you to hear this part. It's going to be different."

He pulled away gently to look into my eyes. I was avoiding him at all costs. This was the part where I told him about my evil deeds, what I had done, and what pushed me to make such choices. "It won't change how I feel about you."

It forced me to look into his eyes. They were brown, warm, and innocent. Behind those brown pupils was a brave man who pulled me out of the pit of emotions. He is about to hear what I did to survive in the pit. Am I sure he wouldn't change the way he feels about me when he hears of the things I have done? I doubt that very much. "Let's prepare. They will be here soon."

I was glad he didn't say anything about me changing the topic.

As I took my seat in our living room, a familiar sense of excitement and nervous anticipation filled the air. The Christian media team buzzed around, setting up cameras, adjusting lighting, and checking sound levels. It was a whirlwind of coordinated movements and preparation.

One of the makeup artists approached me with a gentle smile on her face. She held out her brushes, offering to enhance my features for the camera. I hesitated, feeling a pang of discomfort at the idea of altering my appearance. My mother never allowed these things into our home. I flinched when Dennis placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder and nodded encouragingly.