Unspoken Desires

44.) Desperation

Martha sits at her dining table, surrounded by a pile of bills and financial statements.

Frustration etches her face as she flips through each one, the weight of her financial obligations becoming increasingly overwhelming.

"More bills! It feels like they never end. How am I supposed to keep up with all this?"

She lets out an exasperated sigh, her fingers tapping impatiently on the table. Martha's mind races with thoughts of mounting expenses, each one squeezing her finances tighter.

"And of course, Ava's failing grades only add to the stress. Tutoring sessions, additional classes... more payments I can't afford."

As if on cue, Ava enters the room, her school bag slung over her shoulder. She notices her mother's tense demeanor and hesitates for a moment before speaking up.

Ava felt extremely horrible, Martha saw Ava and realized that Ava heard it all, but she didn't care, Ava has to know it.

"And this other daughter of mine is always away from home! Just wait until she finds her clothes outside the gate!"

Meanwhile, it was already 7:30 pm.

Gabrielle walks along the winding path, her steps slow and contemplative.

She takes in the sights and sounds, seeking comfort and a breath of fresh air from the chaos of her emotions.

The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds provide a soothing backdrop.

Gabrielle stops near a tranquil pond, its surface shimmering in the sunlight. She gazes at her reflection, deep in thought, as Cheska, her former lover, emerges from behind a grove of trees.

"Gabrielle! Please, just hear me out!"

Gabrielle's eyes widen in surprise, and a mix of emotions washes over her face - confusion, sadness, and a touch of apprehension.

"Cheska? What are you doing here?"

"I couldn't stay away any longer. I miss you, Gabrielle. I can't bear the thought of losing you."

Gabrielle takes a step back, her guard rising instinctively.

"Cheska, we've been through this. We can't be together anymore. It's over."

"But why? What did I do wrong? I love you, Gabrielle, and I'm willing to do anything to make things right."

Gabrielle's face softens, her heart torn between compassion and self-preservation.

"It's not about what you did wrong, Cheska. We're just not meant to be. I need time to heal and find myself again."

"No, Gabrielle, please! I can change. I'll do anything. Just give me a chance to prove myself to you." Cheska kneels down.

Gabrielle's patience wears thin, her voice tinged with frustration.

"Cheska, you can't force someone to love you. Love should come naturally, and it's clear that we're not on the same page anymore."

A mixture of hurt and anger flashes across Cheska's face, her voice growing louder.

"You're giving up on us so easily? After everything we've been through? I won't let you walk away like this!"

Gabrielle's eyes harden, her resolve strengthening.

"Walking away is the only choice I have! We've become toxic for each other, Cheska. Can't you see that?"

Emotions well up within Cheska, her face contorting with a mix of pain and anger.

"Toxic? You think I'm toxic? Well, maybe you're right! Maybe I was too blind to see it. But if we're toxic together, then I'd rather fight for us than let go so easily!"

Gabrielle's patience finally snaps, her voice filled with frustration and hurt.

"You're not listening! I can't be with you, Cheska! I need space, time to heal. Please, just respect that!"

Cheska's face twists with a mixture of anguish and determination. In a fit of anger, she lunges towards Gabrielle, and their hands lock in a fierce struggle.

The fight is brief but intense, their emotions manifesting in physical blows. Tears mix with the dirt on their faces as they grapple, both refusing to back down.

Finally, they break apart, their bodies heaving with exhaustion and their faces etched with pain.

"This... this isn't what I wanted. We can't go on like this, Cheska. It's time to let go."

Cheska's eyes well up with tears, her voice choked with emotion.

"I love you, Gabrielle. And if letting you go is what you want, then I'll find a way to move on. But please remember, my love will always be here for you." She kisses Gabrielle's hand.