This is the sequel to Heart Ain't a Brain. If you haven't, read that first!
They say don't fall in love, it's a mistake.
The trajectory of one's life can change in the blink of an eye. So what happens when a series of tragic events changes the cour...
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Raelle
This time next year I'll be home lighting candles Trying to just get on with my life And this time next year hope I'm through with the hurting Trying to get you out of my mind
The scent of lavender and sandalwood clung to the air, mixing with the soft instrumental music playing in the background. Sunlight streamed through the massive windows of the yoga studio, casting golden beams across the polished wooden floor. The room hummed with the quiet chatter of people unrolling their mats, adjusting their leggings, and settling into place for the session.
Mari, Carlos, and I found a spot near the back of the studio, rolling out our mats as we stretched lightly. This whole thing had been Mari's idea—she'd recently discovered a yoga studio not too far from her and Chris' penthouse, so she had convinced us to tag along to a class advertised on their website.
Carlos, of course, had been resistant from the start. The only thing that got him here was the promise of margaritas afterward. He was nothing if not a man of priorities.
I had been looking forward to this class—not just because I enjoyed yoga, but because I desperately needed a distraction. Since arriving in Boston a few days ago, my mind had been heavier than usual. Being around Mari, Chris, and Krystal helped, but the holiday season had a way of yanking old memories out of the dark corners I tried so hard to keep them in. No matter how much I tried to push them back, they resurfaced—loud, demanding, relentless.
This time last year, I had been hopelessly in love with Dominic. We had been planning to move into a bigger apartment, excited for the life we were building together. I had been pregnant and hadn't even known it. And now? Now I was here, spending Christmas without him. Without the life we were creating. And no matter how hard I tried to pretend otherwise, my heart felt emptier than I wanted to admit.
Before my thoughts could drag me down further, the instructor's soothing voice cut through them, grounding me back in the present moment.
"Alright, everyone, let's begin in Child's Pose."
Carlos blinked, glancing around at the class like the instructor had just asked us to recite the alphabet backwards. "What the hell is a Child's Pose?" He muttered under his breath.
I bit back a laugh, already easing into position. "It's a stretch," I explained. "Just sit back on your heels and stretch your arms forward. Like this."
Carlos eyed my posture suspiciously before attempting to mimic it. Mari followed, sighing in relief as she sank into the pose. She had gotten a lot better at yoga since we first tried this together a few months ago.
"Okay, this isn't too bad," She murmured, her forehead pressing against the mat.
"Nah, this shit is harder than it looks," Carlos grumbled, shifting uncomfortably, his hips refusing to lower.
