Maybe This Time

025

It had been a week since their getaway at the cabin, and life had returned to its usual rhythm. Lingling, back in her routine, felt a renewed sense of calm and clarity.

The weekend with Orm had been everything she'd needed a time to reconnect, to let go of old fears, and to feel truly present in their relationship.

Then, one afternoon, an email came through that stopped her in her tracks. Lingling had been offered a job a prestigious, once in a lifetime role with an exciting company.

There was just one catch it would take her across the country. The opportunity was something she would have once leapt at without a second thought, but now, as she read the details, she felt a pang of conflict.

Lingling closed her laptop and leaned back in her chair, her mind racing. Years ago, she would've chased this dream without hesitation, but now, things were different.

She thought of Orm, the life they were building together, and the promise she had made not just to Orm, but to herself. Later that evening, she met Orm for dinner, the news weighing on her.

Orm noticed immediately, a gentle concern in her eyes. "You look like something's on your mind, Ling. What's going on?"

Lingling took a deep breath, her gaze steady. "I got offered a job a really great one, actually. But it's across the country. I'd have to move for it."

A flicker of something unreadable crossed Orm's face, but she stayed quiet, letting Lingling continue.

"Years ago, I think I would've jumped at this chance," Lingling said, her voice thoughtful. "I used to think that I needed to prove myself, that my career was the only way I could feel accomplished. But... that's not what I want anymore. Not if it means leaving you, leaving everything we've built."

Orm's expression softened, a quiet pride shining in her eyes. "Are you sure?" she asked gently, though her voice held a note of hope. "I don't want you to feel like you're giving something up for me."

Lingling shook her head, her heart resolute. "It's not like that, Orm. I'm choosing this. I'm choosing us. I want to be here, with you. I'm finally where I want to be."

Orm reached across the table, taking Lingling's hand, her eyes filled with a deep gratitude. "Thank you, Ling. It means a lot to me that you'd make this choice."

They shared a smile, the moment feeling like a quiet triumph. For Lingling, it wasn't about a sacrifice or a compromise. It was about finally knowing what mattered most to her, and for the first time, she felt no doubt or regret.

As they walked home that night, hand in hand, Lingling felt a new sense of peace, a certainty that she had made the right choice.

They walked hand in hand back to Orm's place, the night air was cool and calm. The conversation about Lingling's decision left both of them feeling a sense of peace and gratitude for one another, and Lingling's heart was light, filled with love and renewed commitment.

When they stepped inside, Orm turned to Lingling with a gentle smile. "You know, it's been a while since we've had a night just for us.." she said softly.

Lingling grinned, stepping closer to Orm. "Then maybe I should stay tonight." she whispered, her voice warm and full of affection. She reached up, brushing her fingers along Orm's cheek, and Orm's eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Without another word, Orm leaned in, capturing Lingling's lips in a soft, lingering kiss that deepened with every second. Lingling's arms slid around Orm's waist, pulling her close as the kiss grew more intense, their closeness melting away the outside world, leaving only the warmth and trust they felt for each other.

Their kisses turned more fervent, each one a wordless promise, as they moved toward the bedroom, the gentle glow of the night casting shadows that danced across the walls.

Orm's hands found their way to Lingling's shoulders, easing her out of her jacket and letting it slip to the floor, her touch tender and steady, conveying all the love she felt.

Lingling returned the affection, her own hands exploring in return, feeling the familiar contours she'd missed so much. They moved together in a quiet, unhurried rhythm, taking their time as they let the closeness of the moment wash over them.

As they lay together in the gentle warmth of the night, wrapped up in each other's arms, it felt like the perfect start to this new chapter they'd chosen.

Lingling knew she was exactly where she was meant to be home, in Orm's arms, with a love she wouldn't trade for anything.