Forbidden Love [DISCONTINUED]

Chapter XI

Theodosia wrapped her fingers around the coffee cup handed to her. She decided that James, Thomas, and her father needed some time alone, and she definitely needed space, her claustrophobic bedroom seeming to shrink with every thought she had of Frances.

Theo headed to the back, sitting at her usual table, setting her coffee down.

"Mom," Theodosia started after a few moments of silence. Her eyes didn't stray from the letters carved into the table.

"I miss you a lot, Mom. Things didn't seem so complicated when you were alive and healthy. I loved you, dad loved you, and you loved us both. It seemed perfect." Theodosia traced the T.B.JR, A.B, and T.P.B with her finger, sighing. "And now that you're gone, everything's so confusing, Mom."

Theodosia paused, thinking of what to say next. "I kissed Frances Laurens." Theodosia laughed, shaking her head. "I know, I know. Not the person you'd expect, right?" Theodosia sipped her coffee, feeling the hot bitter liquid hit her tongue.

"There's something about her, Mom. She really likes me, isn't that funny? I could have sworn she hated me ever since she met me."

Theo's laughter died down and she bit her lip. "Mom, I know you'd want me to move on, you'd want me to live life to the fullest extent even though you're gone. But I just don't know what to do."

Theodosia squeezed her eyes shut, taking a deep breath. "I-I think I like her, Mom. I mean, I've been forced to hate her for years... But things have changed, and maybe it's time to move on."

Theodosia took another swig of her drink, shrugging, deciding to shift her topic. "I ate something this morning. You know how hard eating is for me, especially since you're gone. But I did it, I think you'd be proud of me." Theo gave a weak smile.

"I haven't given up that bad habit of mine. I know I should, you'd probably be upset if you saw it. But I just can't help it. I'm trying though, I really am." Theodosia looked out the window. Frances' apartment was in a building not far from the café, and it was visible from that very window.

"Mom, I think I'm going to talk to her. You'd want me to be happy." Theodosia said, nodding, holding her head high. "I can do this." Theodosia looked back down at the carving, wiping the tears that rolled down her cheek.

"Thanks for listening, Mom. I love you." Theodosia grabbed her coffee, taking one last sad glance at the letters before heading out of the coffee shop. Only one thought in her head.

I need to see Frances.