When my Celeste passed, I was devastated. There was one thing I was sure of; Her death had not been her own doing. No police officer would ever be able to convince me otherwise. The killer had made the murder look like a suicide, but I knew my Celeste better than that. After years of grieving and paying a private investigator to find out who had committed the murder, I had very little money to my name. I was told to give up and move on.
Everything in our town reminded me of her. Everywhere I turned there were memories; the coffee shop we had our first date at, the pond we used to go to at night to gaze at the moon, even something as mundane as the grocery store. The town was my life with her. I finally decided that I needed to leave the town and make a new life somewhere else.
I moved to Sunset Valley with very little money. Most of the money that I had not spent on the private investigator went towards a large, beautiful plot of land where I planned to start my new life. Unfortunately, once all of the moving expenses were finished, I could only afford the a tiny shack of a house.
The interior of my tiny abode only contained the bare necessities. I had left a very respectable career as a lawyer, and I knew that I would have to get another job quickly if I wanted to survive.
Before Celeste’s murder, I had begun to launch my campaign for governor with aspirations of eventually becoming president. I was young and idealistic, and she kept me honest, always encouraging me to work for the good of the people and not for the good of myself. I had aged a lot since then, and I had become much more jaded, but I hoped that my maturity would help me resume my career and eventually make a difference. I took a low level career in politics and hoped to advance quickly. I was not getting any younger, and I wanted to make an impact before my time had come.
I knew that if I wanted to advance quickly, I would have to improve my skills, so I went to the library to find a book on charisma to read in order to prepare for my new job. I read for several hours, but eventually decided that I needed some air and decided to walk around the park.
On my walk, I noticed a pretty woman with long brown hair jogging by. She saw that she had caught my eye and came over to introduce herself. I couldn’t help but admire her outfit, which showed off her feminine figure. She wore a red sleeveless shirt and short shorts with hearts on them that showed off her long, shapely legs. I was taken aback by how friendly she was. She told me her name was Molly French, and we began to talk. There was something about her that was different from any woman I had ever met. She had a sort of relaxed sexiness and confidence that I found charming. She was very different from my Celeste. Their looks were night and day, but so were their personalities. Molly was not shy like my Celeste, but friendly and outgoing. She had a maturity about her that made her seem worldly, unlike my naive Celeste. She was quite flirtatious, and I had to admit that I was intrigued.
Molly welcomed me to town and kindly offered to show me around, although I doubted that it was out of kindness and more out of flirtation.
“Sunset Valley is a great town,” she had said. “It’s got everything - including a great nightlife!” she said flashing me a grin. I smiled back at her not knowing quite what to say. The nightlife had never been my scene. Although Molly said that she was in her late 30’s, she seemed so youthful. I liked that about her.
I liked the way her nose scrunched up when she laughed at my jokes, although she did laugh a little too long and too loud at many of them. She was clearly used to talking to men and making them feel like she was interested, but I didn’t mind the flattery.
We talked for such a long time that I was out way too late and dreaded having to get up for work in the morning. Molly took my hand and wrote her phone number on it. I couldn’t help but be surprised. Women had been interested in me before, but none had been so forward; certainly not my shy Celeste. I had also taken Molly’s flirtation as part of her personality. I had never dreamed that a woman like her could actually be interested in me. Molly said she had to leave, and I found myself strangely disappointed. At least I could go home and get some rest before my first day of work.
When I got home, I lay on my bed to rest. My first day in Sunset Valley had been a long one. I usually took this time at the end of the day to think about my dearly departed wife. I was surprised to find that instead, Molly remained in my mind. It had been years since the death of my wife, and it had been the same number of years since I so much as thought about another woman. I found that I was scolding myself for being unfaithful, even though I knew that this was impossible. At the same time, I felt a small smile cross my lips. It was the first time since my wife’s death that I found myself smiling while I was alone with my thoughts.
My first day of work was a difficult one. My boss was very demanding, even on the first day. The next few days were even harder, and having Molly on my mind made it difficult to concentrate. There was a lot that I was working through. I felt guilty for being attracted to Molly and was struggling against my desire to ask her out on a date. My thoughts harassed me at work, but soon enough, I got my first promotion.
One night, I saw Celeste in my dreams. She was wearing her wedding dress and was as beautiful as ever. There was an aura of light around her, making her look even more angelic, but she was so real and so tangible.
“Victor,” she said, her soft voice caressing me. “I understand.”
“What do you mean?” I asked grasping her hand, not wanting her to slip away from me again.
“I want you to be happy,” she said drawing me close to her. “Live your life, Victor. Find new love, and be happy. Please, for me…”
I opened my mouth to protest, but the vision faded away. I woke up in a cold sweat with tears rolling down my cheeks.
I am not a religious man, and I do not believe in angels, but I do believe that the dream I had held truth; Celeste would have wanted me to be happy.
The day after I had the dream, I called Molly and asked her out. She said yes, and I was full of nervous anticipation. I hadn’t done this in so long, and I was still not sure that I was ready.
We went out for ice cream, and our date went very well. I felt awkward at first, but Molly was so friendly that she made me feel more comfortable. We talked and laughed the whole time. I told her about my aspirations to become president.
“Ooh, president!” she said in excitement. “I’ve always loved a man in politics!”
I had laughed. Molly was so flirty, and her bubbliness and spunk made her even more charming. I didn’t know quite what to make of her flirting, but I had to admit that I liked it.
“I’m a cook,” she said conversationally. “I work at night, so our next date will probably have to be in the daytime unless it’s on the weekend.”
I smiled. Next date. I didn’t think I had been very smooth, but she was very forward and seemed certain of another date.
When it was time to go home, she surprised me with a kiss. I was a bit taken aback since it was only our first date, but it was a small kiss, and I felt strangely happy in a way I hadn’t felt in years.
That weekend, Molly surprised me by calling. She wanted to go to a new dance club that had opened. Clubs weren’t really my scene, but Molly sounded so eager to go that I had to agree. Molly showed up in a very short black dress and strappy heels. She seemed very aware of how sexy she looked, and seemed perfectly comfortable with the lustful stares of the other men in the club. Although my Celeste had always been very modest, I found something intriguing about a more experienced woman who wasn’t afraid of her sexuality. Perhaps it was the stage I was in my life that made me want someone more mature.
Molly certainly seemed to be right at home at the club. She danced wildly, and at one point, she even started dancing on top of the bar. I was amazed by how confident and free of inhibitions she was, but she got me to enjoy myself too. The music was very loud, but we danced and talked anyway. At one point, I started to feel guilty that I hadn’t told her my secret.
“I have something I need to tell you!” I shouted over the music and the noisy people.
“What?” She shouted back.
I repeated myself, but it was no use. I decided that this was not the best environment to tell her anyway. Instead, we danced some more, and soon we were kissing in the middle of the dance floor.
After a few drinks, I had loosened up and was probably enjoying myself a little too much. She pulled me over to the couch and started kissing me all over. She certainly didn’t waste any time. I was in a haze and didn’t quite realize what was going on. Suddenly, she kissed me forcefully, and we began making out. I was never one for public displays of affection, but the alcohol had gone to my head. Before long, Molly was on top of me making out with me so hard that I could barely breathe. Suddenly, my mind began to clear. What I was doing was wrong. I still felt like a married man. I had not taken off my wedding ring for years, and here I was making out with another woman. I was ashamed and embarrassed and ran off, telling Molly suddenly and without any explanation that I had to go.
The next day, I called Molly and apologized for my behavior. I resolved to tell her the truth. We had dinner at a little bistro. I was embarrassed to learn that this was where Molly worked. She laughed it off, but I felt bad bringing her to work on a date. But I was sure that I'd feel bad soon anyway.
“I have something to tell you, Molly,” I began nervously.
“I have something to tell you too,” she confessed. I wondered what it could be, but I knew that since I had started the conversation, I had to go first.
“This ring on my finger...I’ve worn it ever since my wife died…” I said, feeling that my words did not do justice to my dead wife. Even after all of the pain and sorrow, those words seemed too few and too hollow. “That’s why I ran away with no explanation last night. I’m sorry. Sometimes I still think I’m a married man, and then I remember…” I ended lamely. Molly took my hand and gave me a kind, comforting smile.
“I understand,” she said giving my hand a squeeze. “Life is hard sometimes...Sometimes you think you love someone and you’re left behind…”
I stared at her wondering what she was talking about. “I have a daughter,” she said refusing to meet my eyes. I was startled, but somehow not surprised. Molly was too worldly to have not had her heart broken at least once and to have not been through some hard times.
“I understand if you don’t want to be with me anymore,” Molly said still looking anywhere but at me.
“What do you mean?” I asked surprised.
“Lots of men don’t want to be with a woman who has a child,” she said bitterly.
This time I squeezed her hand.
“I do,” I said looking her in the eyes. “Molly, will you be my girlfriend?” I asked.
Molly smiled. “Are you ready for this? Didn’t you say you were still preoccupied with…” She trailed off, unwilling to refer to my “dead wife.” I chuckled.
“I’m ready.”
Over the next few weeks, Molly and I became very close. There was something about her that was different from anyone I had ever met. Even with my difficult past, she brought me to a place where I could laugh and have fun. I hoped that I had done the same for her, as I knew that she must have had a hard past and that being a single mother must have been very difficult.
“When do I get to meet your daughter?” I asked one day as we strolled through the park.
“You really want to meet her?” Molly asked surprised.
“Of course I do. You’re my girlfriend, Molly. I want to know about every part of your life.” I said, holding her hands. Molly smiled.
“I’m sure Sandi would love to meet you,” she said with a grin.
I met Sandi the very next day. It was evening, and Molly said that it would have to be quick because she had to take Sandi home for bedtime.
“Hi Sandi,” I had said, smiling down at her. Sandi gurgled in response.
I had not been able to give my Celeste children, although she had wanted them dearly. I wondered if I would have made a good father.
“Sandi, say hi to my friend,” Molly said giving her a light tickle. Sandi giggled. “Say ‘Hi, Victor!” Molly instructed.
“Hiii,” Sandi said giving me a tiny wave.
“She doesn’t say much,” Molly said. “But I know she’s delighted to meet you!”
“I’m delighted to meet her!” I replied. I took Sandi’s little hand in mind and gave it a little shake. “Nice to meet you, Sandi,” I said. There was something about holding a Sandi’s tiny hand in mine that made me feel a warmth and a desire to take care of her. Sandi smiled at me and then yawned.
“Looks like Sandi’s ready for bed,” Molly said, rocking Sandi in her arms. “Victor,” she said. “Thank you.”
“For what?” I asked.
“It means a lot to me that you wanted to meet my daughter.” Molly gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and took Sandi home.
I stood there in the park for a few minutes thinking about what it would have been like if Celeste and I had had children. I imagined little children running around our house with her beautiful blonde hair. I imagined reading them bedtime stories and playing catch with them. I wondered if Molly and I could ever have a life like that together.
After months of dating, I was finally ready to admit that I had moved on. I would never forget Celeste, and I would always love her, but Molly had won my heart. One night, we were sitting in the grass and gazing at the stars. I had been quiet as Molly had rested her head against my shoulder. I was trying to think of the best way to tell her how I felt.
“Are you ok, Victor?” she asked sitting up to look at me.
“Molly,” I said. “I love you.” It was so simple. It was only four words, but they were so powerful.
“I love you too,” she replied with a strange calmness.
“What’s wrong?” I asked afraid that I had made her uncomfortable.
“I promised I would never let myself be vulnerable again,” she said with an almost sarcastic smile. She looked as if she was scolding herself but was also happy at the same time. I had felt the same way many times throughout the process. She leaned forward to kiss me, and soon, we were rolling around in the grass, laughing and kissing.
Several months later, I felt I needed to talk to Molly about something that had been on my mind. We were at the beach at sunset, and it made a beautiful, romantic scene. It was perfect timing for what I was about to say.
“Molly,” I began hesitantly. “I never want to get married again.” Molly looked up at me, her big brown eyes looking into mine.
“”Neither do I,” she said. “Well, not again - I was never married, but --” I cut her off with a firm kiss.
“But,” I said getting ready to ask what was, in my mind, the big question. “Will you move in with me?”
Molly smiled and threw her arms around me.
“Of course I will, Victor!” I love you!” She said with excitement. I knew this was just the beginning.
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