WHAT IF???

Chapter 65: Blood Ties

As Sam arrived at her house, a wave of stress washed over her, her shoulders tense with the weight of everything she had been through. With weary steps, she made her way to the living room, sinking into the familiar comfort of the couch.

Settling into the cushions, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at her insides. Each passing moment felt heavier than the last, the weight of her worries pressing down on her chest like a suffocating blanket.

With a heavy sigh, she closed her eyes, trying to push aside the relentless tide of thoughts that threatened to overwhelm her. But no matter how hard she tried to find solace in the quiet of her surroundings, the stress lingered, a constant companion in the tumultuous storm of her mind.

Sam's tranquility shattered at the sound of Mon's voice calling her name. Her eyes flew open, wide with surprise and confusion, as she watched Mon hurriedly collecting and packing her belongings.

"What's happening?" Sam asked, her voice tinged with concern as she rose from the couch to approach Mon.

Mon's movements were brisk and determined as she avoided Sam's gaze. "I just need to protect myself," she replied, her tone strained with emotion. "It looks like you're doing it again."

Sam's heart sank at Mon's words, a surge of guilt washing over her. "Please, Mon," she pleaded, desperation creeping into her voice. "I just need time for Grandmother. I promise I'll explain everything."

With a heavy heart, Mon faced Sam, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Sam," she began, her voice trembling with emotion, "I think we need to break up."

Sam's heart skipped a beat at Mon's words, her eyes widening in shock and disbelief. "No, Mon, please," she pleaded, her voice cracking with desperation. "I love you. I can't lose you."

Tears welled up in Mon's eyes as she looked away, unable to bear the pain in Sam's gaze. "I know you love me, Sam," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "But it feels like you're choosing your grandmother over me again and again. I'm tired of fighting for you, Sam. Every time I hope things will change, but they never do."

Sam's chest tightened with anguish as she reached out to touch Mon's arm, her voice filled with sorrow. "I'm sorry, Mon," she choked out, her words laced with regret. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I just need time to sort things out with my grandmother."

But Mon shook her head, her resolve firm despite the pain in her heart. "I can't keep waiting for you, Sam," she said softly, her voice filled with finality. "I deserve someone who can choose me without hesitation. I hope you find the peace you're looking for."

Tears brimmed in Sam's eyes as she gazed at Mon, her voice trembling with raw emotion. "I love you, Mon," she confessed, her words laden with the weight of her heartache. "You brought happiness back into my life."

Mon's expression softened momentarily, but her resolve remained firm. "But what about me, Sam?" she countered, her voice tinged with sadness. "How can I find lasting happiness when I know that you'll always prioritize your grandmother over me?"

Sam's heart clenched at Mon's words, the truth of them piercing her soul like a dagger. "I promise, Mon," she pleaded, desperation lacing her voice. "I'll try to make it work. I'll choose you over her."

Mon shook her head, her eyes filled with sorrow as she took a step back. "I can't do this anymore, Sam," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "As much as I love you, I can't live in constant fear of being abandoned the moment your grandmother calls."

Tears streamed down Sam's cheeks as she reached out to Mon, desperation evident in her voice. "Please, Mon," she implored, her words choked with emotion. "Don't make me choose between you and my grandmother. I love you both."

Mon's gaze softened momentarily, but her resolve remained unwavering. "Sam, there's always a choice," she replied gently, her voice tinged with sadness. "And for you, it's always been your family."

Mon's voice quivered with emotion as she spoke, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "Sam, I've given so much to you," she began, her tone heavy with sadness. "But I can't keep putting myself in a position to be hurt again when the time comes."

Sam listened, her own heart breaking with each word that fell from Mon's lips. "I understand, Mon," she replied softly, her voice thick with emotion. "I'm grateful for everything you've done for me. And if this is what you want, I'll respect your decision."

Tears welled in Sam's eyes as she continued, her voice trembling with regret. "I can't blame you for not trusting me after what I did," she admitted, her words heavy with remorse.

Mon reached out, her touch gentle as she cupped Sam's cheek in her hand. "I just want you to be happy, Sam," she whispered, her voice filled with love and longing. "Even if it's not with Kirk, but with your child. Your child will be the only person who will truly love you."

Sam's heart ached with the weight of Mon's words, her own longing for happiness mingling with the pain of their impending separation. "I wish for your happiness too, Mon," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mon met Sam's gaze, a sad smile playing on her lips. "I'll be happy, Sam," she reassured her, her words infused with a quiet determination. "Maybe not now, but I will be."

The weight of Mon's words hung heavy in the air, a painful reminder of the insurmountable barrier between them. With tears streaming down her face, Sam watched as Mon turned away, her heart breaking with the finality of their goodbye. In that moment, they both knew that their love was not enough to overcome the formidable obstacles that stood in their way.
Despite the love they shared, sometimes letting go was the only way to find the happiness they both deserved.

Sam sank back into the couch, the weight of her grief pressing down on her like a leaden blanket. With a heavy heart, she closed her eyes, allowing the tears to flow freely down her cheeks. Each sob wracked her body, a physical manifestation of the anguish that consumed her soul.

Leaning her head back against the soft cushions, she let out a shuddering breath, the pain in her chest almost unbearable. Memories of happier times with Mon flooded her mind, each one a bittersweet reminder of what they had shared.

In the silence of the room, the only sound was the sound of Sam's broken heart, echoing in the emptiness around her. She wished for the pain to subside, for the ache in her chest to disappear, but she knew that healing would take time.

For now, all she could do was allow herself to feel the depth of her sorrow, to grieve for the love she had lost. And so, she cried, her tears a testament to the depth of her pain, as she mourned the end of a chapter in her life.