Cold Water

THIRTY SIX

                  ♥︎BRANDON♡

   As I sat there, Athalia's reassuring words still echoing in my mind, I began to remember a promise I made to myself and her.

  I had told her that I was going to try to be better, not just for myself, but for us. It was a promise I had taken seriously, but in the face of everything that had happened, it felt harder to keep.

  I thought about the times I had slipped into old patterns of self-doubt and pain.

  But Athalia's presence had been a constant reminder that I had someone who cared deeply about me.

  I wanted to be the person she deserved, someone who could face the future with her without being weighed down by my past.

Her earlier words about facing challenges together made me reflect on the steps I needed to take.

  It wasn't just about my own struggles anymore; it was about our future and how I could contribute to it. I had to honour that promise I made, not only for her but for myself too.

  Athalia shifted slightly, resting her head more comfortably against me. Her trust and support were like a beacon, guiding me through the fog of my insecurities and struggles.

  I realized that while I couldn't change the past, I could work towards a better future.

  It meant facing my fears and being open about my struggles, but it also meant making a conscious effort to be the best version of myself for her.

  I had told myself that I wanted to work on my issues not just for my own sake but for the sake of our relationship.

  Athalia had chosen to be with me despite my struggles, and that was something I valued.

I wanted to be someone she could count on, someone who could offer her the stability and love she deserved.

   Thinking back to our conversation in the park and the promise I had made to her that night we became official, I felt a renewed sense of determination.

  It wasn't just about managing my own problems-it was about creating a future where we could both be happy.

  I wanted to show her that despite my struggles, I was committed to making things work and being the best partner I could be.

~~~~~~

  I stayed quiet as I walked into the kitchen, and my mind still wrapped around the promise I made to myself. I turned to Athalia and smiled softly, "You hungry?"

  She looked up at me, her eyes soft and full of warmth, "Yeah, I could eat."

  I began pulling out ingredients from the fridge, making lunch while Athalia sat on a stool nearby, watching me.

  As I worked, a comfortable silence settled between us, filled with the gentle clinking of dishes and the occasional scrape of a knife on the cutting board.

  "You know, you're not too bad at this." Athalia teased, breaking the silence.

  I chuckled, shrugging, "Gotta keep you impressed somehow."

  As we sat down to eat, I watched her closely.

  She was calm and smiling, and even though the day had its rough patches, she still carried this lightness with her, which made me want to try harder.

  We ate together, sharing small conversations and laughing at little jokes, and for a moment, everything felt normal.

  Just two people enjoying each other's company. No weight of the past hanging over us. Just us, in the present, making memories.

  As dusk began to creep in, casting an amber hue across the sky, I knew it was time to take her home. "Ready to go?" I asked quietly, standing up from the table.

  She nodded, and I gathered her things. The drive to her house was quiet but not uncomfortable.

  We held hands the entire way, her thumb gently tracing the back of my hand, grounding me in a way only she could.

  Her head rested gently on the car window. Her eyes blink slowly as if fighting sleep.

  My girl's exhausted.

  I pulled up to her house and gently shook her shoulder.

"We're here." I said softly, not wanting to startle her.

  She blinked her eyes open, a sleepy smile spreading across her face as she looked up at me.

  "Already?" she asked, I nodded.

  I got out to walk her to the door. As we stood at her front steps.

  "Goodnight." She said, her voice sleepy.

  I leaned in and kissed her forehead gently.

  "Sleep well, my beautiful fighter." I whispered teasingly.

  She rolls her eyes but a smile on her face.

  "Trust me, I will." She joked.

  She leaned in and kissed me. It was quick, just a soft press of her lips against mine, but it left my heart racing all the same.

  Athalia smiled up at me, squeezing my hand before pulling away to open the door. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

  "Yeah." I nodded, watching her as she slipped inside, giving me one last smile before the door closed.

  I stood there for a moment, taking in the quiet of the evening. I felt lighter, like the dark thoughts from earlier had loosened their grip, at least for now.

  And with that, I turned and walked back to my car.

♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎