Anytime

It was becoming dark outside, and Monica and I were sitting in the living room all by ourselves. There was tension in the room as they faced each other across the table.

Monica finally spoke up, "You know," to break the awkward pause. The constant focus on you has gotten old. It's as if you try really hard for everyone to think that you're wonderful and perfect.

I laughed at the suggestion. 'Pardon me? No one should assume anything about me. I try to be a decent person and I am a lovely person.

Monica's eyes rolled. "Don't put on that show for me. You're constantly trying to outdo me and show me who the better sister is.

As in, "I don't do that!" I exclaimed, raising my pitch. One could say of you, "You're the one who always starts fights and tries to make everything about you."

Monica crossed her arms and got to her feet. It's beyond my comprehension that you're attempting to turn the tables on me. I'm just trying to make everyone understand that I'm on the side of good in this situation.

Removing my head from the situation, I shook it. "Monica, nobody believes you're the evil guy. "You're making a mountain out of a molehill."

Our mother must have sensed the tension because she walked in just then. "What the heck is going on?"

Where did we come from? After Monica came to the door and sat on the couch for no apparent reason, our mother arrived.

Tsk.

It was Monica who broke the ice by introducing herself. "Mom, I just want to make it clear that I'm not the bad guy around here. I do my best to be pleasant, too.

Where did she come from? What was I thinking when I invited them over?

Our mom cocked an eye in surprise. "I never once accused you of being the bad guy, Monica. And I know you do your best to be a decent human being, too. However, you should not view this as a contest. You should always have each other's backs since you're sisters.

Both Monica and I glanced down, feeling bad about our fight. Instinctively, they knew their mom was right. They needed to stop treating each other like competitors and start building each other up.

Emma broke the silence after a while. I apologize to Monica. I should not have defended myself so vigorously. I apologize for not recognizing how wonderful a person you are earlier.

A sigh of relief escaped Monica's lips. Thank you, but no thanks. I will never, ever like you.

As she left our home, she remarked.

*

Together, we had experienced so much and made so many memories. However, their connection never felt quite right. She felt that there was something lacking from her life, but she could never quite put her finger on what it was.

They were having a conversation about their days while sitting in a coffee shop when all of a sudden Braxton's face went blank. As Sophie saw her boyfriend's eyes start to glaze over, her heart began to beat rapidly. She yelled for him to notice her, but he looked oblivious.

After what seemed like an eternity, his eyes finally came back into focus, but he still looked shocked and bewildered. The question, "What's wrong?" With worry written all over her face, Monica inquired.

"I just remembered," he murmured quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

The question "Remember what?" Still concerned, she asked.

To this he said, "I remembered the girl I love," his eyes welling up with tears.

The truth of what he meant fell heavy into her chest. She wasn't the one. He suddenly recalled another individual. She did her best to hold it together, but the pain was too much.

He said, "I'm sorry," his voice breaking with regret. There's nothing I can do. Both you and she have my undying affection. I'm at a loss for making a decision.

It seemed to Monica that everything was caving in on her. She felt that all the effort she put into maintaining their connection had been for naught. She made an effort to hold back her tears, but they eventually began to fall.

As she got to her feet to go, she cast a last glance at Braxton. He appeared bewildered and unsure of himself. It was clear to her that she needed to leave him to his own devices. She knew it wasn't going to be simple, but she had to do it.

She left wondering what would happen next as she walked away. He might have to decide between her and the girl he once knew. Was there someone who could love her as much as she loved them? Who knew, but for the time being, she had to concentrate on mending her shattered heart.

What transpired between Monica and Braxton was exactly that. But I can't say for sure that she acknowledged it. Then I learned she actually didn't.

What have you done to me?" You swizzle Bracton out of my hands!

The speaker yelled, "Stop it, Monica."

"No! The f***ing truth is that I won't stop until—"

Get rid of it. You are not loved by me.

Seeing the man I loved defend her made my heart flutter. Seeing him defend her dignity evoked in her a surge of feelings I couldn't exactly put into words, but I had always respected his bravery and his unyielding sense of justice.

He had gone up to the person who had made the remark and criticized them for their actions. He had marveled at the sight of him standing tall and angry. He had already made it obvious that he would not stand for her or anybody else being treated poorly.

As she saw him defend her, a wave of pride washed over her. Like a knight in sparkling armor, he appeared and rescued her from the evils of the world. When I was with him, I always felt protected, but after watching him stand up for her, I knew she was safe as long as he was by her side.

I found myself sneaking peeks at him. He was chatting with a few pals, but every so often he'd look across at her and smile. Maggie's feelings for him grew and grew.

She realized how fortunate she was to have him in her life. He cared about others and was always ready to provide a hand. But watching him defend her in such a way made her love him even more. She hoped to spend the rest of her life with him, and for him to stick by her side no matter what.

Maggie joined his company as they made their way back to their cars as the night came to a close. She felt as if she were floating on air as the warmth from his body spread to her.

I whispered, "Thank you," and looked up at him.

His eyes were sparkling as he beamed a smile down at her. His response was, "Anytime."

I knew she had finally found the one who would protect her no matter what. And she knew that no matter how long it had been, her feelings for him had not changed.

*

After dating for nearly a year, Braxton finally realized that I was the one for him. His gentle nature, stunning good looks, and contagious good humor were all qualities I greatly admired. He had decided it was time to introduce her to his parents, and I was confident that he was the man I would spend the rest of my life with.

He treated his parents to a meal at their favorite eatery in the hopes that they would finally see what he sees in me. Unfortunately, the scenario played out differently.

As I sat down to eat with Braxton, his parents sent disdainful glances my way. As he observed their responses, my stomach sank.

Braxton's dad finally broke the silence after several uncomfortable minutes. "Braxton, I don't think this is the right girl for you," he replied in a chilly tone.

Her blushing cheeks drew my attention away from the food on my plate. Braxton was beginning to experience some pent-up rage and irritation. Why were they such horrible parents?

As in, "What do you mean?" He inquired while keeping his tone neutral.

Unfortunately, we do not share your enthusiasm for her. She doesn't share our upbringing or our social status; she comes from a different place.

He was about to burst at the seams. I can't believe how critical his parents are of him. I was the ideal companion: attractive, intelligent, and sympathetic.

Braxton said with sincerity in his voice, "I don't care about social class or background." In his own words, "I love Artemesia, and that's all that matters."

His parents disapproved and stared at him with disappointment, but he didn't mind. He was determined to get what he wanted and didn't care what other people thought.

His parents finished dinner and barely made eye contact with me or said anything. He made an effort to save the relationship, but it was evident that his parents would never accept her.

He knew they were in for a rough ride as we left the restaurant, her hand clenched securely in his. On the other hand, he was confident in his feelings for me and ready to defend our relationship against criticism.

Our next stop was Monica's house. Now that his memory has returned, he has discovered that Monica played a role in my decision to leave him. He has no interest in getting engaged to her or getting married. I am aware of this, but I cannot predict her reaction. I feel fear beginning to set in. When you take into account the fact that Braxton's dad didn't like me very much.

Now Monica had presented him with an impossible choice. By the month's end, they'd better be engaged or she'll go on. He realized he couldn't marry Monica while still loving me. But he also realized that telling Monica the truth would do no harm.

He heaved a sigh, took up his pen, and stared at the white paper in front of him. He had to do what he knew he had to do, even if it was the most difficult thing he had ever attempted.

He began to write, his fingers flying across the paper as he expressed himself. All the reasons why he realized he couldn't marry Monica were laid out for her.

When he was done, he read what he had written and experienced conflicting emotions. Monica would be heartbroken, but he couldn't keep up the pretense any longer.

After addressing the envelope and sealing it, he took it outside to drop it in Emily's mailbox. He stood there for a second, staring at the letter in his hand, before placing it in the mailbox and returning home.

The subsequent days were some of the most trying of his life. He could tell Monica was hurting within, but she still wouldn't talk to him. He was embarrassed and ashamed, but he knew he'd done the right thing, so they still agreed to meet.

For hours they spoke and reminisced about the good old days.

Even though I knew he loved me, I'm terrified of what Monica and Braxton are discussing at the moment.

After taking a deep breath, Braxton reached for my hand. She gave him a startled glance before cracking a grin. The man turned to face her.

"I'm sorry, Monica," Mark murmured, his heart racing. This isn't right, yet I can't help the way I feel. I can't help but fall for you.

Monica's visage became clouded with doubt as her eyes widened and she averted her gaze.

"No, Monica, I'm not going to propose."