The Past Within - Mialotte - TNN

Question

Mia stood on Steph's front porch, the warmth of the late afternoon sun juxtaposed against the chill of her anxiety. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and trepidation. This wasn't how she'd imagined this moment—she'd pictured a more private, intimate setting for such a significant conversation, but here she was, feeling compelled to seek counsel from Charlotte's sister.

Steph answered the door, her expression shifting from surprise to concern as she took in Mia's troubled demeanour. "Mia, what's wrong?" she asked, her voice laced with worry. She stepped aside to let Mia in, guiding her into the cosy, sunlit living room.

Mia took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I need to talk to you about something really important," she said, her voice trembling slightly as she sank into a seat on the couch. "It's about Charlotte and me."

Steph settled across from her, her gaze encouraging. "Of course. What's going on?"

Mia ran a hand through her hair, trying to gather her thoughts. "I've been thinking a lot about our future, especially after everything we've been through—the miscarriage, the attack, the challenges we've faced together. And... I've come to realize that I want to spend the rest of my life with Charlotte. I want to ask her to marry me."

Steph's eyes widened slightly, her surprise quickly giving way to a supportive smile. "That's a huge step, Mia. But you seem unsure. What's holding you back?"

Mia sighed deeply, her gaze dropping to her hands. "I'm scared. I mean, we've been through so much already. Part of me feels like it might be too soon. What if asking her to marry me adds more pressure or makes things more complicated? I don't want to rush into anything or make her feel overwhelmed. But then again, maybe that's exactly why I should ask her. We've proven how strong we are together, and how much we support each other. I want her to know that I'm committed to her, through everything."

Steph leaned forward, her eyes softening with empathy. "Mia, it's normal to feel this way. You've both experienced so much and shown incredible strength in supporting each other. Sometimes, in the midst of all the hardship, it becomes clear how deeply you care for someone. If you believe that asking Charlotte to marry you is the right step, then it might be exactly what you both need."

Mia looked up, her eyes meeting Steph's with a mixture of hope and uncertainty. "But what if it's too soon? I don't want to make things harder for her or add to her stress. I want this to be something that brings us closer, not something that feels like another challenge."

Steph placed a comforting hand on Mia's arm. "Charlotte loves you deeply and knows what you've both been through. She'll understand the intention behind your proposal. It's a big step, but it could also signify a new beginning, a chance to build a future together despite the hardships."

Mia nodded slowly, feeling a wave of relief and determination wash over her. "Thank you, Steph. I needed to hear that. I just want this to be right for both of us."

Steph smiled warmly. "You're welcome. If you need any help with the proposal or just want to talk more about it, I'm here for you. You don't have to go through this alone."

Mia stood up, her resolve solidifying with each passing moment. "I appreciate that more than you know. I think I have a clearer idea of what I want to do now. I just needed someone to remind me that it's okay to take this step, even after everything we've been through."

As Mia left Steph's house, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. The conversation had helped her see that despite the challenges, the love she shared with Charlotte was strong enough to withstand the test of time. She knew what she needed to do next—ask Charlotte to marry her and embrace their future together, no matter what it might hold.