𝘖𝘉𝘚𝘌𝘚𝘚𝘐𝘖𝘕// dark romance

00|| pretty woman

                           ᥫ᭡ ᥫ᭡ ᥫ᭡

As I meticulously wiped down the front of my dress, a faded blue piece that had weathered countless memories, I felt the familiar tug of responsibility wrapping around my heart like a warm blanket.

Sunlight poured through the kitchen window, illuminating the table where my six younger siblings were gathered, their small hands reaching eagerly for the last of the biscuits I had baked that morning. "Come on, everyone! There's plenty for all of you. Betty, stop arguing with August!" I coaxed, my heart swelling with love as I watched their eager faces transform with delight at the sight of food.

Amidst the delightful chaos of breakfast, I glanced out the window at our backyard, where the clothesline swayed gently in the breeze, the fresh laundry fluttering like colorful flags against the brilliant blue sky. With a final glance at my siblings, I wrapped up breakfast, filled with the sweet sounds of their giggles and playful banter, before heading outside to tackle the laundry.

The scent of sun-dried linens enveloped me, wrapping me in a comforting embrace that reminded me of sunny days spent roaming the fields, playing tag and hide-and-seek with my siblings.

Was it normal to be this anxious?

Once the last piece of clothing was neatly folded and put away, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the monumental change that lay ahead.

Today was the day I had promised myself would be different—today, I would finally pursue my dreams. With determination, I hurry upstairs to my room, the floorboards creaking beneath my feet as I approach the corner where my small suitcase awaited. I had packed it with care, filling it not only with clothes but also with pieces of my heart: cherished photographs, a worn-out journal brimming with my thoughts and dreams, and a small, soft teddy bear my youngest sister insisted I take along.

With my luggage in hand, I made my way back down the stairs, the sound of my siblings' laughter ringing in the air like a sweet melody.

I paused for a moment at the bottom, taking in the warm scene before me. My parents were busy preparing for the day, my mother bustling around the kitchen with a sense of purpose, while my father leaned against the counter, a proud smile illuminating his face as he watched the younger ones.

"Arielle! You're leaving soon, aren't you?" my youngest brother, James, called out, his big brown eyes wide with curiosity and concern. I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. "Yeah, just getting ready to go."

As I knelt down to envelop him in a hug, he wrapped his tiny arms around my waist with all his strength. "Don't go, Ari! Who's gonna take care of us?" he pleaded, his voice muffled against the fabric of my dress. My heart twisted painfully at his words. "I'll always be here for you, buddy. You know that, right? Just a phone call away."

My mother approached, brushing a loose strand of hair from my face with tenderness. "You be careful out there in the big city, sweetheart. Just remember where you came from," she said, her voice laced with both pride and an undercurrent of worry. I nodded, swallowing hard to push back the emotions threatening to spill over. "I will, Mama. I promise."

After exchanging heartfelt goodbyes with my siblings, I climbed into our family truck, my heart fluttering with anticipation and anxiety. The engine roared to life, and as we pulled away from the house, I glanced back at the fading silhouette of my childhood, my heart heavy with nostalgia and bittersweet memories.

The drive to the airport unfolded with the familiar sights of our small town, the fields stretching endlessly, dotted with wildflowers and the occasional grazing cow.