When Dreams Collide: Y/N and Elizabeth Olsen RE WRITING

Chapter 43: Navigating Co-Parenting

Chapter 43: Navigating Co-Parenting

Y/N sat on the couch, her heart heavy but determined. The conversation that needed to happen with Dua wasn't going to be easy, but it was necessary. The house was quiet for now, save for the faint hum of the washing machine in the next room. River was at daycare, and Elizabeth was at work, giving Y/N the perfect window to address the situation.

Dua sat across from her, her eyes a mix of resignation and determination. The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unsaid words. Both women had been through so much in the past few months, but there was one thing they couldn't afford to lose sight of: River.

"We need to talk about how we're going to do this," Y/N said softly, her voice carrying the weight of what she was about to say. "For River's sake."

Dua nodded, her gaze softening as she heard their son's name. "I know. I don't want this to be harder on him than it already is."

Y/N took a deep breath, preparing herself for the delicate balance they would need to strike. "Whatever happens between us, we have to make sure he knows he's loved. That he's our priority."

Dua looked down at her hands, fiddling with the edge of her sleeve. "It's not going to be easy, Y/N. But you're right. River comes first."

The room fell silent for a moment as the weight of their decision settled in. Co-parenting wasn't going to be simple, not with the complexities of their broken relationship hanging between them. But they had no choice. River needed both of them in his life, and that meant they had to find a way to make it work.

"We'll have to set boundaries," Dua said, her voice firmer now. "And make sure we don't bring our personal issues into this. When we're around him, it has to be about him."

Y/N nodded, relief slowly seeping into her chest. "Agreed. And we should keep his routine as stable as possible. He loves his time with you, and I don't want that to change."

Dua's expression softened again. "He loves you too. It's... it's clear how much he looks up to you."

Y/N smiled faintly, the warmth of Dua's words easing some of the tension. But before she could respond, the door opened, and River ran in, his face lighting up when he saw both of them together. "Mom! Mommy!" he shouted, running over to throw his arms around them.

Y/N hugged him tightly, exchanging a look with Dua. In that moment, they both understood-this was what mattered most.

As River pulled away, his face full of innocent joy, he turned to Y/N and said, "Can we see Elizabeth soon? I miss her."

Y/N's heart fluttered at the mention of Elizabeth. It had been a challenge to navigate her feelings for Elizabeth while also managing her strained relationship with Dua. And now, River's affection for Elizabeth was clear, something she hadn't fully expected but welcomed nonetheless.

"We'll see her soon, buddy," Y/N said softly, her hand brushing through River's hair.

Dua remained quiet for a moment before finally speaking. "You really care about her, don't you, River?"

River nodded eagerly. "Yeah! She's so nice, and she makes the best pancakes!"

Y/N couldn't help but laugh, the sound easing some of the tension that had been building for weeks. Elizabeth had found a way into their lives, into River's heart, without even trying. And as complicated as things had become, Y/N knew in her heart that Elizabeth was the person she wanted by her side.

Dua's smile was faint, but there was no bitterness behind it. She stood up slowly, placing a hand on River's shoulder. "Go wash up for lunch, okay? I'll make you something special."

River darted off toward the bathroom, his excitement leaving an echo of laughter in his wake.

Once he was out of earshot, Dua turned to Y/N, her face calm, almost peaceful. "He's really attached to her, isn't he?"

Y/N nodded, meeting her gaze. "Yeah. He is."

There was a long pause before Dua spoke again, her words soft but certain. "I always knew Elizabeth would be number one for you. Even before I realized it myself."

Y/N swallowed, feeling the lump in her throat grow. This was it-the beginning of their new reality. Dua had accepted what had been building for so long. There was a quiet kind of strength in her voice, a sense of peace that Y/N hadn't expected.

"I'll always be here for River," Dua continued. "But it's time for us to move on from... whatever this is."

Y/N nodded, emotions swirling inside her. "Thank you, Dua. For understanding."

Dua gave a small nod in return. "We'll make this work-for him. That's what matters now."

As they stood in the silence of their shared decision, Y/N felt a sense of clarity wash over her. The road ahead wouldn't be easy, but at least now, they were moving in the right direction. The pieces of her life were slowly falling into place, and with Elizabeth by her side and a solid co-parenting plan with Dua, maybe-just maybe-there was hope for a peaceful future.