Short Love Stories

You Are My Everything

I don't know where he is. He should have been here half an hour ago. Tonight is our Thanksgiving dinner. And I invited my parents and his parents. This was a chance for both families to be united and get to know each other even more.

I have been dating Jake for five years. We met in a coffee shop and since then we got really close. Jake is a hockey player who plays for San Jose Sharks. Since he joined the team, his career has been a big success. The public loves him and other teams wants him. As for me, I'm a fashion designer. I recently started my own company and I've had my share of achievements.

I try to call him for the umpteenth time and no hope in hearing his voice. It was almost seven and everything was ready. Everyone was hungry. With deflated heart and disappointed, we ate the feast without Jake. I was really down and sad that Jake wasn't here. I was looking forward to having Jake and our parents here together for Thanksgiving.

I wonder where he is. Hope he is okay. What could have happened??

It was time for everyone to leave. I was at the door greeting everyone goodbye. Jake's parents gave me a sympathetic smile and both hugged me. They also apologized for Jake's behavior. But I told them that it wasn't their fault. My parents hugged and kissed me. I closed the door and went inside
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It was ten thirty at night. I was putting away the last dishes from the feast and placing the leftovers inside the fridge. While I was doing that, I heard a click and the front door opened. I went to have a look and saw it was Jake. He looked tired. He had dark circles under his eyes and his shoulders were slumped. But he still looked fine with his muscular body and tall figure.

"Where were you?" I asked.

He sighed, "At practice. I had told you that."

"Yeah, you did tell me that. But you also told me that you would be home by six. We waited for you, but you didn't come."

"You can't actually expect me to be here. I'm a hockey player and I also need to be there for my team. I can't always be home with you and always spending time with you. It's just a Thanksgiving dinner. What's the big deal?" He told me with an annoying look. I was shocked to see him like this. What is wrong with him? Why is he acting like this?

"What's the big deal? You're asking me what's the big deal?! The big deal is that our parents were going to be there and we would have dinner together and enjoy this night. It's Thanksgiving. And we were to be together with our family. How could you put this behind hockey? I mean I understand your career is important, but so is your family. Do your parents not have importance to you? Do I not have any importance to you?" I exclaimed.

"What about me, Jake? You have been so distanced from me for the past couple of weeks. Why is that, Jake? Tell me? Why are you doing this with me? Have I done something wrong? You don't look at me anymore. Nor do you spend time with me. Why, Jake! Why??!!"

" Well maybe because I don't want to think about you right now! Maybe my top priority is my career, hockey. Not everything is about you! And if you can't cooperate with my decision, then maybe we shouldn't be together!!!" He was beyond angry and flaring his nostrils.

I stood there frozen. I didn't know what to say. I never thought that Jake would tell me that. Never. We have been together for such a long time. I couldn't function.

Jake calmed down and widened his eyes, realizing what he said. He looks at me and gives me an apologetic look. I feel something on my face. I wipe it and see it is my tears.

"Baby girl, I didn't mean to say that. I'm s-"
"It's ok. I can understand. Your hockey is more important and I'm creating an obstacle for you."
"No, that's not what I mean. I just wanted to say that I need to give some of my time to my team also. It doesn't mean that I love you le-"
"It's fine, Jake. I get it. You need your space and time. I should go."
"Where are you going? This is your home, baby girl."
"This isn't my home anymore, Jake. It isn't my home. You and I are lost somewhere."

I grab my car keys and leave. Along the way to the door, Jake holds my arm and gives me a look of longing. I release my arm from his clutch and leave. I leave Jake there standing at the door.
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It's been two weeks and I haven't contacted Jake since then. I miss him terribly. I wonder what he is doing? I hope he is ok. Sometimes I feel like going to his condo, but then I stop myself. This is just horrible.
I have been living with my parents. When I went to them, they were surprised to see me. My mom opened the door and asked me,"Sweety, what's wrong? How come you are here at this hour? Where is Jake? Is he ok?"
When I heard his name, I started crying. My mom took me in and I told her and my dad what happened. My dad was furious beyond the point. Mom kept on trying to calm me down and also Dad.
I have been working like furious in my company, trying to keep my mind away from Jake. But it's not working. I have been gloomy since then and don't know what to do.

"Where are the Jacksons' files? I need them immediately. Please. It should be in my hands by this evening."
   I just came from a meeting that took me almost two hours. I was tired and just prayed that this day would be done quickly. I enter my office, heading towards my desk to finish off some of my files and get half of my work done.
As soon as I take a step inside my office, someone grabs me with one arm and covers my mouth with the other. I want to turn around and see who my intruder is, but he is holding me in a position that I'm not able to turn around and see.
"I will release my hand from your mouth if you don't yell." He tells me. I nod my head as in agreeing to him. He lets go of my mouth.
"Who are you? And how did you enter my office? Look if you're here for money or something, then I won't give it to you. I know karate and I'm a black belt. And if I kick, then I-"
"Baby girl, you don't even know how to give a punch. How will you kick me?"
When I heard that voice, I froze. I can't believe it's him. What is he doing here?
I'm still facing my back to him. His muscular arm is holding me and I could feel his breath behind on my neck.
I ask him, "What are you doing here?"
"Do you know I much I missed you? I have been terrible. I feel terrible. The condo is empty without you. I miss you. Please come back."
"What happened to your space and time? I thought your top priority was your team. What about that? And anyway, you're not the only one that has priorities. I also have a job, a company to look after. Let go of me."
I try to release myself from him. But he holds me even tighter. Suddenly, he turns me around and looks in my eyes. I could see even worse dark circles under his eyes. He brings me closer to him. My lips are an inch apart from his lips. Then, he brings me closer and kisses me passionately. Jake's arms are around me and my arms are around his hair and chest. He deepens the kiss and holds me even tighter.
After forever, he releases me to give me air. We are breathing heavily. Jake puts his hands around on my hips.
He explains, "I was stupid that night. It was all my fault. I felt like I wasn't giving enough of my time to my team. That's why I distanced myself from you. There was nothing wrong with you, baby girl. However, that was an idiotic decision that I made. I shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry. And I love you, babydoll. Can you forgive me."
I look at him in the eyes and tell him, "I was never mad at you. I was just sad when you said all of that to me. I thought it was all my fault. I forgive you."
He hugged me tightly and replied, "Thank you. You don't know how happy I am. I promise to fix myself and make it all up. And that starts right here."
I cross my eyebrows. " What do you mean?"
Jake lets go of me and bends on his knee. I just stand there frozen and stare at him with wide eyes.
"Baby girl, I love you. And I would like to spend my whole life with you. I want you to be mine.....forever. So will you marry me?"
I was shocked. There he was on his knees with a beautiful diamond ring in his hand. I drop on my knees and hug him.
"Yes! Yes! A million yes!!!" I reply.
He picks me up and twirls me around. Then he puts me down and kisses me passionately. When we separate, he looks into my eyes and tells me, "Always remember this, my baby girl. You are my everything."