Hoops & Harmonies

53.

Monica sat on the back patio, the late afternoon sun casting a warm glow over the yard. She closed her eyes, breathing in the cool breeze that rustled the leaves, and for the first time in months, she felt at peace. It wasn't the kind of peace that came from everything being perfect, but the kind that came from making a choice. A choice to stop looking back and to start moving forward.

It had been a few weeks since their therapy session, and since then, Monica had been doing a lot of soul-searching. She had spent so much time clinging to her fears, letting them dictate her every move. But now, she was ready to let go. Ready to trust Angel in the way she deserved, and ready to release herself from the grip of her past.

Angel stepped out onto the patio, two mugs of tea in hand, and walked over to where Monica was sitting. She handed Monica a mug before settling into the chair next to her. For a few moments, they sat in comfortable silence, watching the kids play in the yard. Laiyah and Romelo were kicking around a soccer ball while Rodney lounged on the porch steps, keeping an eye on them with a lazy grin on his face.

"How are you feeling?" Angel asked softly, her gaze on Monica.

Monica took a sip of her tea, her fingers curling around the warm mug. "I'm good," she said, and for once, she meant it. "Better, actually."

Angel smiled, a small, knowing smile that made Monica's heart flutter. "I'm glad to hear that."

Monica turned her gaze to Angel, studying her face. The woman she loved more than anything had been so patient, so understanding throughout all of this. Angel had given her the space she needed, the reassurance she craved, and most importantly, the time to heal. And now, it was Monica's turn to give something back.

"I've been thinking," Monica began, setting her mug down on the small table between them. Angel glanced at her, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "About everything that's happened. About how I reacted, and how I've been holding on to a lot of old pain. And I've realized... I don't want to live like that anymore."

Angel's brow furrowed, but she didn't interrupt. She just waited, her eyes never leaving Monica's.

"I don't want to keep letting my past dictate my future," Monica continued, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "I've been so afraid of being hurt again, but I know now that I was punishing both of us for something you didn't do. You've been nothing but good to me, and it's time I start trusting that. Trusting you."

Angel's expression softened, and she reached out, taking Monica's hand in hers. "Mo, I never blamed you for being afraid. I understand why you were scared, but hearing you say this... it means everything to me."

Monica looked down at their joined hands, her thumb brushing over Angel's knuckles. "I know you've never given me a reason not to trust you, and I'm done letting my ex and what he did control how I feel about us. I'm choosing to move forward, Angel. I'm choosing to trust you completely."

Angel's breath hitched, and for a moment, the emotion in her eyes was overwhelming. She squeezed Monica's hand gently, her voice thick when she spoke. "I love you so much. You have no idea how much I've been hoping you'd come to this place on your own."

Monica's heart swelled at Angel's words, and she felt the last of the weight she had been carrying begin to lift. For the first time in a long while, she felt light. Free.

"I love you too," Monica whispered. "And I'm ready to start over. Not like we're forgetting what happened, but like we're rebuilding from a stronger place. One where I'm not looking over my shoulder or waiting for the other shoe to drop."

Angel's smile was bright, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "That's all I've ever wanted, Mo. For us to be in a place where we're both secure in this—where we both know that no matter what happens, we're in this together."

Monica nodded, feeling the truth of Angel's words settle deep in her heart. This was the life she wanted—the life they had built together. And while it hadn't been without its struggles, the love they shared was strong enough to overcome them. She believed that now, more than ever.

Angel leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Monica's lips, and Monica kissed her back, savoring the warmth and the certainty of the moment. When they pulled apart, Angel rested her forehead against Monica's, their breaths mingling.

"We're gonna be okay," Angel murmured.

Monica smiled, her heart full. "Yeah. We are."

Later that evening, after the kids had gone inside and the house was quiet, Monica and Angel sat curled up together on the couch. The television played softly in the background, but neither of them was really watching it. Monica rested her head against Angel's shoulder, her legs draped over Angel's lap, feeling the steady rise and fall of her breathing.

As they sat in the comfortable silence, Monica thought about how far they had come. There was no more tension between them, no more uncertainty. The fear that had once consumed her had been replaced by a quiet confidence—a belief that they could get through anything, as long as they faced it together.

"I was scared for a long time," Monica said suddenly, breaking the silence. Angel's hand stilled on her thigh, and she glanced down at her.

"I know," Angel said softly. "But you don't have to be scared anymore."

Monica nodded, sitting up slightly so she could look Angel in the eye. "I'm not," she said, her voice strong. "I'm really not. I trust you, Angel. I trust us. And I want to make this work. I know we can make this work."

Angel's eyes softened, and she cupped Monica's face in her hands. "We will," she promised. "We've got this, Mo. No matter what comes our way, we'll handle it together."

Monica smiled, leaning into Angel's touch. She felt at peace, truly at peace, for the first time in what felt like forever. This was her home—right here, in Angel's arms, with their kids and their life. And for the first time in a long while, she wasn't afraid of losing it.

"I love you," Monica whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

Angel's smile was radiant. "I love you more."

They sat there, wrapped in each other's warmth, as the world outside continued on. But for Monica, everything she needed was right here, in this moment. She had made her choice—to trust, to love, and to move forward. And she knew, deep in her heart, that it was the right one.

They would be okay. More than okay. They would be great.

The next morning, as Monica stood in the kitchen making breakfast, she felt a sense of calm settle over her. The kids were laughing in the next room, and Angel was sitting at the kitchen island, watching her with a soft smile on her face. Everything felt right.

Monica turned to Angel, catching her eye. "I'm really happy," she said, her voice quiet but sincere.

Angel's smile widened, and she stood up, walking over to Monica and wrapping her arms around her waist. "Me too," she whispered against her ear. "Me too."

And in that moment, Monica knew without a doubt that they were finally on the right path—together.