It was another busy day at the studio for Jade, her schedule packed with commitments that kept her away from home. She returned late, only to find herself back in the same building, caught in an exhausting cycle that continued until her scheduled days off. The work was demanding, but it was the distance from Brandon and Emma that truly weighed on her.
"I miss you," Brandon's voice came through the phone, raspy and tired, a reflection of their long days apart.
"I promise, I'll try to be home as soon as possible," she replied, her heart heavy with longing. It felt like a promise she had made too many times before.
After saying her goodbyes, she hung up, and Brandon tossed his phone onto his desk, running a hand through his thick black hair with a sigh. Their time together had dwindled since their schedules became increasingly hectic. They took turns dropping Emma off at school, but if neither could make it, Austin or Ansley would step in. They didn't mind; they adored Emma and enjoyed being there for her. Still, it felt inadequate a patchwork solution for a life they had once shared so intimately.
Brandon stood up and picked up a photo from his desk, a snapshot of him laughing with Jade, her eyes sparkling as she smiled up at him. He felt a pang of nostalgia. Why aren't we like this anymore? The laughter, the closeness those moments seemed to belong to a different time. Setting the picture back down, he sighed, uncertain about where he and Jade stood in their relationship. He was still deeply in love with her, but he worried that she might be falling out of love with him.
He opened the drawer of his desk, revealing a small velvet blue box he had kept hidden for months. As he lifted the lid, the diamond inside caught the light, shining brightly. He stared at it for a moment, the weight of his thoughts heavy on his shoulders. The ring was a symbol of his love and commitment, yet it felt like a burden without the right moment to present it. Each time he practiced in the mirror, nerves would take hold, paralyzing him with doubt. Would she say yes? Would they be ready for that next step?
Brandon left his office, preparing to head home, unsure if Jade would keep her promise to return. He checked his phone for any updates on who had picked Emma up from school. The uncertainty gnawed at him. Was Jade overwhelmed at work, or was there something deeper?
When he finally arrived home, he set his things down and ran a hand through his hair again, surveying the empty space around him. The house felt hollow without his girls. Emma was off at a playdate with Austin's daughter, and Jade's whereabouts remained a mystery. He wandered through the house, his footsteps echoing in the silence, each room a reminder of the family life they had built together. The walls, once vibrant with laughter and love, felt heavy with unspoken words.
In the studio, Jade felt the pressure mount. "No, no! It doesn't go that way!" she exclaimed, frustration bubbling over. She pulled the hat off her head, feeling overwhelmed as the studio lights blared down on her. The demands of the day weighed heavily on her, and she felt her patience wearing thin.
"We can be done if you want to miss," a voice chimed in from the production team, the casual dismissal of her stress igniting her irritation.
"Please," Jade said, rising from her seat and yanking the jewelry from her neck. She was done trying to make this work when everything felt so disjointed.
She stormed into her dressing room, ready to gather her things. As she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, tears of frustration streamed down her face. She felt like she was being pulled in too many directions at once. Why can't I just be home with Brandon and Emma? The choice between staying and going home weighed heavily on her. She missed Brandon more than she could express, but deep down, she questioned whether he felt the same way. Did he even understand how hard this was for her?
Her thoughts turned to the last time they had shared a quiet moment together—cooking dinner, laughing over something silly, the smell of garlic filling the air. It felt like a lifetime ago. She longed for those moments, for the intimacy that had once defined their relationship.
Just then, her phone buzzed on the counter, pulling her from her reverie. It was a message from Brandon: "Just got home. Emma's with Austin. How was your day?"
A wave of guilt washed over her. She could almost hear his voice, tinged with concern and longing. He's trying so hard, she thought. She quickly typed back, "Busy as usual. I miss you guys." As she hit send, her heart ached with the distance between them.
★·.·'¯'·.·★authors note★·.·'¯'·.·★
For those who don't fully grasp it, Jade and Brandon miss each other deeply, but with their busy lives, they struggle to connect and understand each other's feelings. They are both longing for a return to the closeness they once shared, even as their responsibilities pull them apart.
