Dear Diary, it’s been a strange day. The first thing happened as soon as I came inside after a run. Rosetta and Chris were making dinner. Have you ever walked in on people talking and realize as soon as they see you, they shut up? It means they were talking about you, right?
That’s what happened in this instance.
“Uh, hi,” Rosetta said, her face turning red.
“What did I just walk in on?”
“Nothing. Why would you ask that?”
I sighed as I slid off my muddy running shoes so I wouldn’t track all over the house. “Don’t take me for an idiot. Just tell me what’s going on?”
“I said there’s noth – ”
” – It’s okay, Rosetta,” Chris said as he turned around to face me. “We were talking about Julie getting Paisley back.”
“Yeah?”
He nodded. “Yeah. I suppose you should know since Rosetta figured it out… I’m the one who called Child Protective Services.”
My jaw dropped appropriately as his words sunk in. “Julie totally thought I did that.”
“I’m sorry, Holden, I really am.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? Or Julie?” I demanded.
“I should have. Again, I’m sorry. I didn’t really know how to tell you.”
“This is super shitty, Chris.”
“Look,” he said, “I’m a cop – a mandated reporter. She decided to take her child back to that abusive situation. I had no choice but to report it. If I had to do it again, I would. There’s no way any child should be where that little girl was.”
“I’m not mad that you called, don’t you get that? I’m pissed because when she blamed me, you didn’t say anything.”
“I was wrong not to,” he said. “I am sorry, bro. And, the next time I see her, I’ll tell her.”
It took me a minute or two but I was able to tell myself that what was done was done. I swallowed hard, then said, “That’s all you can do at this point.”
“Do you think she’ll hate me?”
“I don’t know. Let’s just hope she stays on the right path so she can get Paisley back soon.”
“I’m sure she will,” Rosetta said. “Despite everything, I believe she is a good mother.”
“She is,” I said. “And she’s been doing everything they’ve told her to do, so that’s all that matters now.”
Rosetta smiled a little too widely which meant she was going to hit me with something.
“Guess what?” she asked.
Holding back a groan, I said, “What?”
“I’ve been watching Julie a lot and I’ve noticed how much she likes Chris. I’m hoping he’ll ask her out.”
Chris’s eyes grew huge. “I can’t believe you just told him that!”
I couldn’t believe Rosetta didn’t realize she was the one Chris was into.
“Why not?” Rosetta asked. “It’s true!”
“Since when are you the family matchmaker? Leave that stuff to Grandma,” I laughed. It seemed to me Rosetta would never be interested in Chris. The only thing she cared about was getting ahead and controlling everything possible.
I should have gone right upstairs to shower but the TV was on and I decided to sit for just a minute to see what the cooking channel was making. It looked like some kind of pasta thing that I would never eat. I was into fresh ingredients, high in protein.
I must have lost track of time because Julie was home already. Her apartment would be ready in a day or two and she spent her days recently job hunting and going to a domestic violence support group as well as individual counseling. I was so proud of the strides she had made in such a short time.
“Hey,” I called to Jules as Chris, looking extremely nervous, joined her.
Staring at the TV, I popped my earbuds in with the music super loud. I didn’t want to hear what they were talking about, especially if Chris was coming clean with her. It was none of my business. Besides, I had enough to think about regarding my own life and a certain person who wanted a baby.
So, while they talked, I thought about what it would mean to have a kid of my own. I already knew that if I decided to go ahead with this crazy plan, I wouldn’t just be able to ignore the fact that I had a child. There was no way I wouldn’t be involved in his or her life.
But what would that mean for me? What would that mean for the mother? I definitely didn’t see us carrying on a permanent relationship. She’d already told me as much. What if down the road, she became involved with another guy and that dude was in my kid’s life? What if I hated him or if he wasn’t good to him or her?
This was too complicated to make a rash decision about yet I had the feeling she didn’t want to wait much longer for me to make up my mind. Was I even the only person she’d asked? It was a thought that gave me the creeps.
I knew what my answer had to be. I realized this was a careless thing to do. And so, I had to tell her no.
Chris plopped down on the couch next to me, startling me out of my thoughts. As I pulled my earbuds out, I realized Julie wasn’t in the room.
“Sorry,” he said with a slight smile, “I didn’t mean to surprise you.”
“No big deal. Where’s Jules?”
“Oh, she is in the kitchen with Rosetta, eating mac and cheese.”
“Did you tell her?”
He nodded as he replied. “I did. It was just as hard to do as I thought it would be.”
“Well, is she okay?”
“Yeah, man,” he said. “She seemed kind of angry for a minute but then she cooled off and told me that if I hadn’t called, she may still be living with Brent.”
“Wow, she said that huh?” My heart warmed when I heard what she’d told Chris. It meant she really was serious about getting her daughter back and putting her life in order.
“She really did.” Chris had a strange little smile on his face that I’d never seen before.
“What’s up? Is there more?”
His smile widened and his expressive brown eyes stared into mine. “I asked her to accompany me to your final show of the season and she said she would.”
“You’re bringing her to Knight without Glory? That’s great. But…”
He waited a moment then said, “But what?”
“I guess I thought you’d bring Rosetta.”
“Oh,” he murmured, averting his eyes. “I made the mistake of telling her how I felt.”
This couldn’t be good. “What happened?”
His face looked pinched as if he could barely get the words out. “She laughed at me.”
“Oh no.” I loved my sister but she could be the most cold-hearted person on the planet sometimes.
Nodding slightly, he raked his fingers through his hair. “Yeah. Then she realized I was serious. So, she stopped laughing and told me… well, I don’t remember all the weird words she used, but I got the drift. See, a relationship is too complicated and she has things to do.”
I couldn’t help but groan. That sounded exactly like her.
“Hey, it’s okay, though,” he quickly added. “I mean, I’m disappointed, who wouldn’t be? I’m pretty embarrassed, too. But at least how I feel is off my chest and I can hopefully move on now.”
“With Julie?”
“Dude, we’re just going to your show as friends. Neither of us is ready to date for real yet. She’s not even divorced.”
“Sorry I pried. It’s really none of my business anyway.”
He grinned at me and punched my shoulder lightly. “Hey, man, I’m the one who brought it up.”
He had that right.
The dance went off without a hitch. I put everything into it and I know Zelda did the same. She is an amazing dancer; if I couldn’t have Julie on stage with me, I’m glad I had Zelda.
This was the last performance of the season and I wanted to go out on top. I think the entire company gave it their all.
There was a huge party afterward that I brought Chris and Julie to. It was a formal affair with a buffet and plenty of champagne.
Chris and Jules seemed to really be hitting it off. If I didn’t know any better, I wouldn’t have realized they aren’t an item.
Zelda and Myung hung out together for the most part. They both looked a little tired and I figured Zelda would be heading home soon for some ice.
Myung and I made eye contact and smiled a little at each other. I liked her hair down like that. It was so silky looking, I kept fighting the urge to run my fingers through it. I guess you can tell I really dig long hair.
Turning from Myung, I ran straight into Fletcher and some guy that was with him.
“Fletch,” I breathed, barely finding my voice.
“Hi, Holden. The performance tonight was spectacular! Both Griffin and I thought it was the best ballet we’ve ever seen.”
I stared at him and Griffin stupidly for a moment. “Thanks. How’d you get into the after party?”
“Oh, that would be my department,” Griffin said, his lips curling into a smile. “My parents are theater patrons and know Aiden Minton personally. When I mentioned how much Fletcher and I would like to be here, they made it happen.”
“Oh,” was all I could manage.
Fletcher, I realized, was keenly aware of my awkwardness, it was apparent in the tight smile on his face. “It’s good to see you,” he said. “This is my boyfriend Griffin Hardwin. I was going to introduce you at the theater the other day, but you took off before I could.”
“Uh, yeah, sorry, I had an appointment to get to.”
“I thought you were waiting for your show to start,” he said, meeting my eyes.
What was he trying to prove? Was he really trying to humiliate me in front of my colleagues and friends? Either way, there was no point in my answering him. He already knew the truth that I was there alone and that I’d left without going into the theater.
“Fletch has said such nice things about you,” Griffin said. “And he was so right about your ability as a dancer. I’m impressed!”
I took my time to look at him and stayed as cool as I could. “Thank you,” I said. “I haven’t heard anything about you.”
He blushed a little and cleared his throat. “I work at the building next to Fletcher’s. I’m an attorney.”
“Oh? What kind of lawyer are you?”
As we talked, my pulse began to return to a normal rate and I felt calmer.
“I’m a private defense attorney trying to make a name for myself – ”
” – Without his father’s help, I might add,” Fletcher said, then they both laughed at their inside joke.
“Well, if I ever do anything illegal, I’ll know who to call,” I said, trying to stay cool. “If you’ll excuse me, I have a date – ”
” – Oh! Would that be with this lady you’re having a baby with?” Fletcher asked, an amused smile on his face.
He didn’t believe what I’d said. He thought I was making it up to make him jealous. Well, okay fine. That is what I told him so I didn’t look like I was alone. But that was way beside the point.
“Yes, Fletch told me that you might become a father soon.”
Of course, he did. Was there nothing sacred? All at once, the same emotions I’d gone through during the breakup shot through me… the pain, anger, heartache, disbelief… it woke up every fiber of my being, hammering every nerve like a fresh new assault. My body began to tremble from head to toe and I could only hope they didn’t notice.
“Well, I wouldn’t say soon,” I gasped. It was getting hard to breathe and my chest began to hurt. What was happening to me?
“Well, true, it takes time,” Griffin said.
“Are you okay?” Fletcher asked as if he really cared.
I turned to stare at this monster standing before me, with such a mounting disbelief in my chest. Had I really ever been in love with such a vindictive, hateful man? Had he treated me in such a mocking, mean tone before when we were together and I was just too “in love” to notice? In love, I snarked to myself. Too stupid, was more like it. My thoughts crashed through my head as I put a hand to my aching chest until I felt like I couldn’t think at all. I was strangely disorientated, the noise in the room becoming unbearable.
“Holden?” Fletcher asked, reaching out with his hand, supposedly to take my arm and steady me.
Hastily, I jerked away from him, turning my back to them. I quickly scanned the room, located my girl and hurried over to her practically tripping over people and furniture.
“We have to get out of here,” I hissed into her ear my breath coming in short gasps as my chest continued to heave and my throat constricted.
“What? Right now?”
“Yes!”
As we pushed through the throngs of people at the party, I wondered if I was having a heart attack. My chest was so tight with pain shooting through me like lightning. I could barely get enough air into my lungs.
I’m healthy! How can I be dying like this? my brain screamed inside my skull.
It was raining outside and the air smelled like wet, decaying leaves. I stood in the downpour, my face tilted toward the sky, gulping in air as my lady began hailing for a taxi. Inside the cab, it took about ten minutes to calm down. At least now, I could draw in enough air to breathe more normally.
That was the day I learned what a panic attack was.
It was also the day I changed my mind about the baby.
Author’s Note: Things have been really hard for Holden but I wanted to give you a little happy hint about the next chapter to give you hope. Next Saturday will definitely bring some surprises as things begin to look up for our boy!
Thank you, Bee, for making me the most incredible poses to use for Holden’s ballet! I appreciate it so much. If you would like to download the ballet poses, you can find them at Bee’s pose site HERE.
Thank you for reading,
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Oh gosh, another thing Holden has to deal with! Panic attacks! That is no fun at all, and I really feel for the poor guy. I don’t feel particularly sympathetic toward Fletcher. I think he was doing what he was doing to try to get revenge and cause pain. Of course, in their last meeting, Holden wanted to cause pain, too, so both of them are kind of guilty in that. This was not a healthy relationship to begin with, and I hope both of them can move on from it and be happy.
So, Chris and Julie are hitting it off. I wondered if it was Chris who called CPS. At first, I thought it might be Rosetta, but then, I know cops are mandated reporters. Chris was wrong to keep it to himself and encourage the belief that it was Holden who called. I’m glad he finally came clean and that Julie took it how she did. She’s come along way, and I wish her and Chris all the best.
But dang, Rosetta! I know she was clueless and all, but her laughing at Chris confessing how he felt was totally cruel. At least she had the good sense to try to smooth it over when she figured out he was serious. If she keeps going like this, she’s going to be a miserable old woman sitting alone in a fancy apartment with nothing but her Bar and cages of budgies. LOL!
I still wonder who this mystery woman is. I hope Holden is not making a mistake by agreeing to have a baby with her. It’s not a very conventional situation, but then, this family really isn’t conventional at all. LOL! I just hope he knows what he’s getting into.
I think it’s pretty clear that Fletcher and Holden can’t deal with each other at this point. Hopefully, they can both move on now without causing each other anymore pain.
Chris handled the situation pretty poorly, but he had good intentions. I’m glad he’s moved on from Rosetta because I don’t think she could ever be the kind of partner he needs.
Rosetta doesn’t even realize it was cruel to laugh, although, she did try to smooth it over with him. I can’t wait till you see the rest of her future. lol Oh, wait, I bet you did already. lol
You’re so right about this family not being conventional. haha Let’s hope it all turns out okay.
That’s one skeleton out of the closet! Julie would likely be happy with Chris. But Holden, what are you rushing into???
Thank you. 🙂 You’re so right! Holden needs to put on the breaks and think about this.
Absolutely!
No Holden you can’t have a panic attack because of Fletcher and because of the baby, he can’t continue this way, that will kill him.
Chris and Julie a couple ? That probably is the best new of the story for now.
Thank you so much 🙂 I think Holden is going to make a drastic change so he can calm down. You’re right that he can’t go on that way.
I like Chris and Julie together, too, and think it was good news they are possibly dating.
Neat new ! Chris and Julie are broken soul and they will be a good match for sure.
I really hope the best for Holden, all this misfortune in his life I really hope it’s not because of the Ghost he haunted him when he was a toddler. Some spirits can be so evil they are demon.
Thank you! 🙂 I think Chris and Julie make a good couple, too. Let’s hope Holden’s life looks up soon. 🙂
Life reserves sometimes good things when people doesn’t even hope for them. Of course Chris and Julie is a wonderful couple. Julie is a very kind woman and a caring mom she needs to be protected not to be beat.
I couldn’t agree with you more on that. I really think Chris and Julie could make a wonderful, good couple.
No doubt, Chris acted not as a responsible policeman he is, he acted to protect the girl he loves.
Yes, you are right about that. Hopefully, now, he and Julie can work on getting Paisley home again. 🙂
I just hope Paisley isn’t too much badly treated with her forester parents.
I can see why you are concerned about that. I think she is fine but misses her mommy.
I just heard rumours about being placed on foster families, that’s nothing I myself experimented.
I see. Yes, I’ve heard rumors about that, too.
Most of the children are not correctly loved and cared of.
I’ve heard that. The system is definitely broken.
Everywhere in the world the system is broken not only in the US or in the EU.
Yes, I’m sure you’re right about that. It’s very sad.
Because everywhere rules are only writen to destroy and for the wealthiest people.
Firstly, come on Rosetta! Give him a break! At least it’s out of Chris’ system. I wouldn’t have expected ChrisxJulie, but it may be a good match. And Chris called cps, definitely makes sense. He was a bit of a jerk keeping it a secret, but he always had good intentions.
Yes Fletcher was being a jerk, however Holden kind of did the same thing when they saw each other at the theater. But Holden wasn’t embarrassing Fletcher in front of anyone, he just wanted to hurt him and save face. I’ve defended Fletcher before, but this time it was really mean spirited. He let me down here.
Noooo, Holden, don’t make that decision while you’re so emotional!
Thank you, Heather. 🙂 Rosetta can be awful, can’t she? I think Chris and Julie might be good for each other. I guess we’ll see. 😀
You’re right about Fletcher and Holden. They both need to grow up and stop the torture. lol I’m still hoping they can be friends one day; we’ll see what happens in game.
Right? This is the worst time for Holden to make a decision like that.
Wow, Holden’s panic attack was, as others already said, so real! I doubt that Fletcher was as obnoxious in reality as Holden was perceiving him to be, I believe it was part of his panic attack. Still, I wish Holden would forget about him already; he’s proven over and over that he’s not good for him… at least not until he changes his jealous ways!
Whyyy Rosetta? I wish she doesn’t look back and regret this decision! Okay, I’ll admit that I still hold some hope for those two, as well as for Holden and Julie… still, if Julie was to end up with Chris, I could get on board with that too 😉 I bet he’ll be so good for (and with) her! <3
I loved that chapter! 😀
I think you’re right about Holden’s perception and his reaction being part of the panic attack. Maybe it’s time for Holden to finally move on.
I bet Rosetta will look back on Chris with regrets. I’m glad you could get on board with Chris/Julie. They really are cute together. 😀 They could do each other some good, I think.
Poor Chris, that was a kick against the shin.
But there are probably only few nice words to tell someone that you don’t want him.
Rosetta is not very tender anyway and I wonder what type of man she might like?
But I was glad that Chris seems to come out of his shell a little.
A date with Julie?
Why not ? Wouldn’t always be Brent in the back of my mind.
I notice that Holden’s friends seem to have the habit of sneaking around him too cautiously, as if he were too fragile.
Because nothing else seems to be the reason for Chris Silence,
that he was the one who called the child protective.
But that only leads to more uncertainty in him.
He must feel like he isn’t taken fully.
Holden is just beautiful as a dancer and Bee’s poses are great as always.
In my opinion, Fletcher doesn’t come across as nasty,
as Holden feels that.
It may have been the trigger of the panic attack,
on top, that Fletch so liberally narrated about him, but I can’t imagine that’s the cause.
At their last meeting, as I remember, it was Holden,
who acted as if he had long since overcome the separation and has a just wonderful relationship with someone else.
So Fletch’s behavior may have been a tit for tat .
They are by no means over it, but find themselves more or less in replacement relationships.
I too suspect, it’s Myung, to which Holden cultivates this strange relationship.
What else is the desire for a child of him, without obligations, as using him ?
It differs from the behavior of Ella just because she asked him.
She just could have let it happen. If she doesn’t do it anyway, if he says no.
At any rate, this connection doesn’t seem beneficial to me, no matter who it is.
Like every chapter, I read this one with great enjoyment and am always curious to see what comes next.
You’re so good at writing and I love your characters, even the nasty ones.
As happy as we are, when everyone is happy,
in the long run, that would be a boring story.
Our conflicts make us who we are.
To be honest, I’m already feeling sorry for any man Rosetta ends up with. Unless, of course, she finds a man that is just like her. LOL
You very well could be right about tit for tat.
You might be right about Myung and you’ll find out next week for sure. It is a strange relationship, that is very true. Holden seems to attract weird. LOL I agree that it doesn’t seem very beneficial at all.
I’m so glad you are enjoying the story; that means a lot to me. 🙂 I’m glad you can love even the nasty characters, too! haha
That is the truth about how our conflicts make us who we are. Hopefully, Holden is learning these things.
Chris!? I’m shocked. I think everyone is. I guess it should have been obvious that it wasn’t so obvious. It seemed like a Rosetta thing to do, and yet kind of not. She doesn’t seem like the type to meddle into anyone’s affairs that aren’t related to her. Anyway, I’m glad no one blew up over it. It is all in the past and Julie is looking up! I wonder if maybe there is something that could blossom between her ad Chris. It would be nice for him to get a girl with a soul! Rosetta is very interesting to watch, but I’m glad Holden won even more than I was before. I’m sure her story would have been interesting, but probably not as fun as Holden’s adventure. I dunno. You do have a way to surprise me. 😉 But can you still get me with Holden’s lady friend!? I think everyone is thinking Myung now. I’m kind of thinking it, too. I feel like Holden is definitely strange, but that thought he had about her was too much not to be a hint! It has to be her! 😮
I was shocked, too, believe me. haha In game, Chris and Julie were very interested in each other, so I thought, why not just go with it? I like it when the game makes decisions for me.
As for Rosetta, she can be a real stinker. lol I like what you said about her meddling. It’s so true.
LOL about Holden’s lady friend. You very well may be right and you will find out next week, for sure.
Marty and Xalen sure raised some strange kids, didn’t they? LOLOLOL
Anyway, I can’t wait for next week. 🙂
Man – that was a lot to take in. Fletcher is bad news. And of course Chris called CPS. But now he is going to court Julie. Rosetta bugs me so bad. She’s gonna wake up one day all alone and realize the best thing she could have hoped for has walked out the door.
Holden is feeling really out of control. He likes to be in control of his life and doesn’t do well with drama. And he has had well more than his share of it. Then adding Fletcher to the mix and letting him get under his skin just made it worse. He is feeling so much pressure from everyone and everything it’s no wonder he had a panic attack.
I guess is ‘girl’ is probably Myung. That look she was giving was like, you are mine, like it or not. She seems no better than Elle. He has a lot of toxic relationships right now and is getting ready to make the biggest mistake of his life having a baby with someone he doesn’t love and more importantly doesn’t seem to have the capacity to love him, because she only loves herself.
I hope that Chris, Julie and Rosetta, those closest to him will realize what he is doing and before it’s too late and stop him.
I am thinking you’re right about Rosetta. She in particular might have a lot of regrets later if she ever develops enough to look back on her past actions.
You’re right that Holden does not deal well with drama. It totally sends him over the edge. I’m thinking you will approve of what he does in the next chapter. LOL
You just might be right about Myung. You’ll find that out next week, too. 😀 LOL That was quite the look on her face, wasn’t it? haha Everything you said in your comment is right, right, right. lol
It would be nice they were able to stop him. You’ll see next week how all of that goes. LOL
I can’t wait!
Awesome! 😀
Chris is fast becoming one of my fave characters of this generation. Although it was wrong for him to not confess about the CPS call, it was his duty to let them know, and it seems to have turned out for the better. I’m glad he explained himself to Julie. And Rosetta… sigh. Of course she laughed at poor Chris. But a Chris-Julie pairing? That is one I can totally get behind!
I am guessing Myung is the mysterious lady, from the out-of-place way Holden described her hair?
I was kinda surprised at Holden’s reaction to Fletcher. I mean, yes, it’s not the nicest thing to bring your new boyfriend to meet your ex, but like someone else said, I didn’t get the ‘hateful’ tone that Holden was talking about. I don’t quite understand why most people hate Fletcher so much. Yes, he has problems, and I don’t particularly like him, but to me he doesn’t seem like THAT much of a horrible person, Holden’s panicked perspective seems to be twisting Fletcher’s real actions/intentions a bit.
So I don’t think poor Holden’s panic attack was purely because of this event, he seems to have been very stressed for quite a while now. It certainly appears to have been the trigger though. I’m very worried about the rash decision to give his genes. I hope things will get better for him soon, and that people (like Rosetta) realise how stressed he is and can help him out.
Great chapter <3
I really like Chris, too. He’s a good guy even though, as you mentioned, he didn’t confess that call. I’m so glad you can see Chris and Julie together. I think they’re really cute and I can’t wait to see where that goes. They both deserve to be happy.
Myung, eh? You just might be right and you will know for sure next week. 😀
I think Holden got the whole “hateful” tone from the fact that when he saw them unexpectedly, his emotions went from 0 to 10 right away. They definitely both have some emotional business with that relationship. Perhaps someday they can work that out. We’ll see.
You’re right that Holden’s been stressed about a lot of things lately and perhaps seeing Fletcher with a boyfriend sent him over the edge like the final straw. lol
It would be good if Rosetta could zoom in on how stressed he is instead of what she normally zooms in on. lol
Next week, I think you’ll be pleased about where this is going. 🙂
Holden’s first panic attack, not a milestone we want to share in. And I feel like that has caused him to make some very hasty decisions (hopefully he doesn’t regret them).
And Fletcher made me want to throw my computer out the window. He reminded me of the horrible jerk he was when we first met him. No doubt that he really did love Holden, but that is no way to act.
Speaking of regretting; I hope Rosetta doesn’t realize that Chris might be the one that got away. And I had a feeling that since it wasn’t Rosetta who called CPS, it had to have been Chris. I don’t want to jinx anything, but I would like to see Chris & Jules together. He would be good for her (and I don’t want him spending all of his time pining over Rosetta).
You’re right about that milestone. No one wants to hit that one. lol You’re also right that it’s caused him to make a decision rashly.
Perhaps Fletcher has reverted a bit. He broke up with Holden, but I think he still feels hurt over everything. He and Holden definitely have a lot of unresolved emotional business to take care of.
I think Rosetta may indeed feel someday that she should have been better to Chris. We shall see.
Chris and Jules might just be what the other needs. They’re really cute in game. 😀 I think he’ll be over Rosetta very soon, if he isn’t already.
Oh goodness. So much stuff happens I’m speechless and also pretty sure everyone has already said it all before me. I’m still too attached to the idea of Holden and Julie together to be able to imagine her with Chris, but uh, maybe… Fletcher has a boyfriend? Oh my. Why does he have to go to Holden’s big night and rub his new relationship in his face? Poor Holden had to suffer a panic attack at such a special night for him…
Thank you, Jowita. 😀 (I hope you are enjoying Russia!)
A lot did happen in this chapter, that’s so true. I know the whole Chris and Julie thing came out of nowhere. They kind of are attached in game, so I decided to go with it. There are lots of chapters left for this generation, though, so who knows what will happen. 😀
Fletcher and Holden just aren’t being very nice to each other right now. It’s time for them to grow up. LOL
Hopefully, next week, you’ll see things looking up for Holden.
Another good one and everyone else said it better. lol Looking forward to the next chapter in Holden’s life.
Thank you, Jolie! That means a lot. 🙂 I think you’ll like next week when you see what happens. 😀
I’m glad he realizes what a jerk Fletcher was/is. Still not sure that having a baby with this woman is a good idea, but if it makes him happy…
Of course, Chris is the guy who called! I forgot all about the mandated reporter thing.
Also, Rosetta’s loss.
I’m not so sure having the baby with mystery woman is a good idea either. I’m not sure doing this would make him happy either. Anyway, next week you will know. 😀
You got that right about it being Rosetta’s loss. I think (and kind of hope) she will regret that one day.
Oh my gosh. Holden’s ‘am I dying’ thought is exactly what a panic attack feels like.
Now this is just a HINCH it might not be at all what you were going for, but the way Holden characterized Fletcher and his boyfriend in his inner dialogue isn’t exactly how they seemed to be acting. I didn’t exactly get mean or rude from either interaction we have seen Fletcher in. I love Holden, but sometimes it seems he can be a little childish.
But he is human! And both of them are probably acting oddly. Who wouldn’t after breaking up after a long relationship, not seeing each other, and ESPECIALLY taking into account their last encounter which was awkward for both sides.
Rosetta… I excepted that LOL! We have all been in Chris’ position. I hope he and Jules give it a real go! Great chapter, wonderful character development. As usual;)
Thank you so much. I really tried to convey what happens in a panic attack. I forgot it might be a little bit uncomfortable to read. lol
I’m glad you mentioned what you saw when reading Holden’s account of his exchange with Fletcher. It goes to show that whoever is writing the diary might not perceive things exactly as they happen. I think his emotions were already on overload just from seeing Fletcher where he didn’t expect him.
LOL @ expecting that from Rosetta. She’s so clueless. I’m glad you like the idea of Chris and Jules. I think they could really be good for each other. 😀
I hope Holden doesn’t actually go forward with the baby. I was so relieved that he decided against it, for all of the reason he had. The panic attack was recognizable to me as I have that issue and painful to read about. He’s in a difficult situation still being in love and not able to do anything about it. I hope things truly improve for him soon.
Thank you so much 🙂 I can’t wait for next week because you will find out then if there is a baby in waiting or not and also who the mystery woman is. 😀 His reasons for saying “no” were sound. Hopefully, he remembers that before anything happens!
I’m sorry you have that issue. I hope you are able to find relief from panic attacks someday. I have that issue, too, and it’s no picnic.
That’s such a good way to put it; he’s still in love and can’t do anything about it. So painful.
Next week, things will definitely be moving up for him. 🙂
I very much approve of Chris and Julie! nods Yep, I ship it. Rosetta really can be so cruel sometimes, and I hope she doesn’t come to see Chris as “the one who got away” later in life. It’s so obvious to me now that of course Chris was the one to make the CPS report since he is legally obligated to do so. But I’m glad Julie understood, and maybe this will turn into a beautiful romance! Chris would protect her and Paisley keeping them safe from her abusive ex. ❤️
My hopes for Holden and Fletcher’s relationship are fizzling out. I think you are right that they both have a lot of growing up to do, and sadly, I don’t know if this is a relationship that needs to be fixed. At this point they should stop with the childish attempts to hurt and flaunt their new relationships in each other’s faces, and just let each other go. But I hope Holden doesn’t let his emotions over this most recent encounter run away with him and make a big mistake by having a baby with this woman! I just don’t like the sound of it at all.
I’m so glad you approve of Chris and Julie. You should see them in game. They always have those little hearts around them. lol
Rosetta definitely can be cruel. She thinks of herself as “honest” and justifies the way she speaks and acts when in reality, she’s just not very nice. I think she may indeed regret one day the way she treated Chris.
You’re right about Chris and how he would be able to help Julie in her situation.
I totally see your point about Fletcher and Holden. Is their relationship worth fixing? Time will tell. I agree they need to stop being childish with one another.
I can see why you don’t like the sound of Holden fathering this baby. I actually agree with you. lol Not cool, Holden.
I’ve been pretty sure in my guess about Holden’s mystery lover, and this chapter confirmed my suspicions ! I’m glad Chris finally confessed his feelings . Lets him move on . Poor Holden . He feels things so strongly , and for someone who sees the best in others , it’s especially hard when they’re hurtful .
I bet you are right in your guess! I can’t wait to find out who you think she is. 😀
I’m glad Chris confessed his feelings, too, because, as you mentioned, he can move on now.
You’re very right that Holden feels things deeply and tends to see the best in others. So, when someone he cares about is hurtful to him, he really gets upset.
Holden needs a baby about as much as he needs a broken leg!! And to have it with a scheming, self-centered woman who is only thinking of her wants and desires would not lead to a happy ending for anyone, particularly a child! I hope he’s not changing his mind just to get back at Fletcher, or any other “wrong” reason. (I’m anxious to see what good things you have in store for him next week!) The panic attack was real enough, for sure! It’s sounds like the couple I’ve had over the years…sneaky boogers can creep right up on you! I’m glad Julie wasn’t upset with Chris for calling child services. She even put a positive spin on it! I’m beginning to really like Julie, and I hope she can finally find some peace and self-confidence. Can’t wait for the next chapter!! ♥
True but the legacy must go forward <3
Thank you, Lisa. 😀 You are right about that. <3
LOL You are right about that! I think this woman figured he was so easy going, he would just give her what she wanted and he would be glad not to have to be saddled down with a child. She really figured him wrong, though.
Holden definitely changed his mind in the moment due to his reaction to Fletcher. It’s wrong, wrong, wrong.
Next week, I think you’ll be very happy!
Panic attacks do sneak up exactly as how you described. They are terrible and you really feel like you are dying.
I think Julie may have been upset when Chris first told her. But then, she also would realize that in doing what he did, it brought her to her senses.
Poor Holden is having such a rough time… But hey, at least we know who called CPS now! Good for Chris, it is his duty to protect people so it makes sense that he would. And hmm, him and Julie as a couple… Didn’t see that coming, but I like it. I feel a bit bad that Rosetta rejected him. Then again, would he have truly been happy with someone so ambitious and work-oriented as her?
I like Fletcher less and less each time we see him after the breakup, which is a shame. He might have been able to be a really good person. And WHAT HOLDEN CHANGED HIS MIND?!?! Is he insane? I must know who this mystery woman is now!
I’m glad you think it was good for Chris to call CPS; I agree with that, too. He and Julie in game are attracted to each other big time, so I decided I might as well go with that. Hopefully, it lasts and does them both good.
Rosetta, I think, might look back at that moment when Chris confessed his attraction to her, and realized he was the one that got away. Really, Chris is quite a catch, I think.
Fletcher has really got some growing to do. Holden, too, to be fair. I think they both might look back on this with some regret.
Yes. Holden is insane. Hopefully, temporarily. lol
gasp I was right! Chris called CPS!
Weeeee! No baby mama drama.
Oh wow! Chris actually told Rosetta how he felt? Nice! Of course it wouldn’t go well, but I’m proud of him for doing it. I’ve been not-so-silently and unofficially shipping Holden and Julie, but I could seriously get behind Chris and Julie. As a matter of fact, I’m all for it, and I don’t really know why LOL. I hope, in time, it happens.
Fighting the urge to run his fingers through it? Holden knows very little about boundaries lol. He reminds me of an ex-coworker who was gay. He was very touchy just like Holden and understood nothing about personal space and boundaries. He hugged everyone and got attached to friends very quickly. When he would walk by, he’d put his hand on your shoulder and let brush to the other side as he walked past. Honestly, many women thought it was uncomfortable, but because he was gay they let it happen because it was deemed as innocent.
OMG Fletcher!!! Just go away and never come back!
” Had he treated me in such a mocking, mean tone before when we were together and I was just too “in love” to notice? In love, I snarked to myself. Too stupid, was more like it.”
Yes. Yes you were! Now, move on!
Ohhhh, panic attacks. That makes sense. WAIT! Change his mind about the baby?!?! NO!!
GASP You were! You were right all along! LOL
I’m really glad you can get behind Chris and Julie because in game, they loooove each other. That’s why I decided to go with it.
You’re right about Holden and personal boundaries. As for your the guy you worked with, I would be uncomfortable, too. Sometimes I think that people who are touchy-feely like Holden don’t even realize how some people cherish their personal space and don’t like being touched all the time. lol Like, does it ever cross their minds?
LOL @ your Fletcher remark. He and Holden have so much emotional business still that they never really worked out.
Yes about panic attacks, yes about changing his mind. :O
I don’t think it ever crosses their minds. Ever. I definitely don’t think it ever crosses Holden’s mind. He’s completely oblivious to it.
I wonder if Julie would like Chris if we weren’t a police officer. I know she probably likes him as Chris, but I bet the fact that he is a protector of the law (and people!) heightens all of that. Either way, I hope they are very happy together…when the time is right.
Holden better wake up about this baby business.
https://media.giphy.com/media/oAb3D3B47LylG/giphy.gif
I think you’re right. I used to go to school with this guy that always was like that. I would even tell him that he could talk to me without touching me. LOL He was the nicest person but I still would tell him. :O 😛
That’s a really interesting question about Julie and if she would still like Chris if he wasn’t a policeman. Food for thought right there. I think it does heighten that, for sure. I hope they’re happy together, too, because I think they’re really a cute couple.
LOL @ Holden and that gif!! 😀 😀
Do not want! 😀
LOL!
Ah, I don’t even know where to start with this chapter, Kym! Rosetta turned Christ down! Chris was the one to call CPS! He got turned down by Rosetta! Him and Julie maybe possibly going out even though they deny it! Fletcher showing up! With a boyfriend! And then Holden’s panic attack and him possibly having a baby?!
I don’t even like exclamation marks and I just used so many! This is really crazy, but I’m glad to know things will be looking up for poor Holden soon. After all that, he really needs it! :O
This was quite the wham chapter, Kym! Loved it <3
LOL!! I don’t like exclamation points either but they are warranted in this case! LOL It was jam-packed, that’s for sure. The next chapter is what I’m really excited about because Holden puts himself in a situation that really clears his head. And I can’t say any more than that. 😀 I’m hoping everyone likes it as much as I do.
I’m sure we’ll absolutely love it 😀 <3
My fingers are crossed 😀
Thank you for the shout out on the poses. I was happy to make them for you. I only wish I had time to make more! By the way, notice I said nothing in the previous comment about ..”him” I’ve made how I feel about this boy clear enough to you!
I’m so looking forward to everyone seeing the next chapter!!!!!!
Oh, no problem! Thank you for making them. They are all so gorgeous. Yes, I did notice that about, “him.” LOLOLOL
The next chapter is the turning point!! I’m really excited about it!
OH MY GOSH! That was so good!
Holden’s panic attack was very real and I found myself remembering those I used to have myself. But…………………
CHANGED HIS MIND??????????????????????? What on earth are you about??? A baby with this woman can’t be his future!
Sigh…Rosetta…..I sincerely hope that someday she doesn’t look back to that moment and think “this is where I screwed up my life.”
Chris and Jules! I like this idea very much. Chris would be my choice, if I was part of this story. I knew Chris was the one who made the call. Not because you told me so friends don’t yell at me. I just knew as he was the logical choice. Teachers, police, doctors – it’s our duty to make the call. I’m glad you chose him to be the one.
Thank you, Bee. I’m sorry I am getting to the comments later than I like; you can blame my migraine. lol
Anyway, panic attacks are the worst! Yes, he changed his mind. Hopefully, this doesn’t turn into a huge disaster.
I, too, wonder if Rosetta will look back and think that perhaps Chris was the one that got away. Honestly, though, I’m glad he’s free. I couldn’t see him pining forever.
I’m glad you like the idea of Chris and Jules. In game, they were attracted to each other, so I thought, why not? lol