Remembering His Love: an Opposites Second Chance

By Fae Roseden

Elizabeth age 18

Dear Diary: How do I become a surgeon now? How will I stay in school? I am 18, and Sam is in Ohio.I am alone...

I twist the Jade pendant in my hand, making a heartfelt wish.

Dr. Elizabeth current

One hand covers my mouth as I gaze down at Sam... Why is he in Fort Bragg? How did he find me?

Does he know about Jade?

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fae Roseden
• Release date: Nov 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223862208

Book preview

Remembering His Love

an Opposites Second Chance

Fae Roseden

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Fae Roseden

Copyright © [2023] by [Fae Roseden]

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the publisher's prior written permission, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact [include publisher/author contact info].

The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.

Book Cover by [Fae Roseden]

Illustrations by [Fae Roseden]

[1] edition [2023]

Contents

1.1. Prologue: Beth

2.2. Morning Accident

3.3. Dr. Eilzabeth

4.4. Samuel

5.5. Elizabeth

6.6. Neighbors

7.7. The Next Day

8.8. Mother and Daughter

9.9. Father and Daughter

10.10. Beth

11.11. Sam

12.12. Beth

13.13. Sam

14.14. Work problems

15.16. Reminiscing

16.17. San Fransisco

17.18. The Fight

18.19. Family

1. Prologue: Beth

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The thing with Autumn days is that they can leave you feeling pretty cold. My name is Elizabeth Monroe, and I just got thrown right into the center of one of the greatest dilemmas of a young college female life. No, not failure; there are worse things than failure. I just found out I am pregnant after having had a wild summer moment with my boyfriend, High school superstar Samuel Murrow. What had started as a dreamy love story from my wildest imaginations had finally taken root, and we were actually a thing, a couple! Sam was who every girl at school wanted, but now, I am pregnant, and I have never felt so handicapped in my entire life.

What happens from here is something I do not know for sure, but one thing is certain: I can never tell Samuel about it. He is on scholarship at Ohio State University. This was his chance out of the Small-town poverty. I cannot possibly ruin his chances by telling him about the pregnancy. Feeling utterly lost, I stare at the empty page of my opened diary. The pen I hold quivers in my hand as thoughts upon thoughts fill my mind. Dear diary, I feel so alone. And I am lost. I don’t know where to go from here, as my future feels bleak and scary. Slowly, I let the pen slip from my fingers as a fat teardrop lands on the words written on my exposed diary page.

Sniffling, I reach for the tissue box right beside my bedside table, pull out some tissue, and blow on my nose loudly. My eyes catch my reflection in the mirror. Deep brown hair tied in a loose bun on top of my head, my sad desert brown eyes stare at the oversized cozy lemon green sweater and matching woolly socks I am putting on with my legs tucked under me in a meditative fashion. A faded green jade stone necklace hangs down my neck, and I caress the jewelry. Sighing, I grab another tissue and dab at the tears streaking down my cheeks. I don’t know where I go from here, but like Sam, I also got a scholarship to study medicine and become a surgeon at the University of Washington. However, with a pregnancy underway, my scholarship offer could be revoked, and I may have to leave this school. Where can I attend college classes with a protruding stomach? I mean, I am just eighteen years old. But life happens so fast. I ask my reflection in the mirror. Stifling back a sob, I collapse onto my bed and painfully go down memory lane.

It all began last summer. My favorite class, Chemistry, was ending, and I was feeling all good thinking about radiocarbon dating. And I had not seen Michelle Stevens, one of the High School’s hottest girls, near the door as I walked out of class. I walked right into her, spilling both our books. In a hurry, I bent down to retrieve our books, apologizing profusely as I went about it. But upon standing back up, Michelle was already fuming. You idiot, she screeched, grabbed her book, and raised her hand to hit me when, out of the blue, a hand reached out and held Michelle’s arm. We both looked sideways into the face of varsity football player Samuel Murrow, the school’s most popular boy.

Michelle immediately collapsed into a pouting smile, all her anger ebbing away. She apologized, didn’t She? Samuel drawled, his eyes on me, and I could have sworn that he looked sexier than ever. Y-yes, Michelle stuttered. But she could have hurt me. True, but she didn’t, he cut in smoothly, his eyes softly resting on mine. Let it go. He let go of Michelle’s arm and focused on me. You are the girl who represented the school at the last Science competition, right? he asked. The stupid blush that spread on my face betrayed me. The thing is, I have been crushing on Sam, but from a distance, of course, as he is way out of my league. Yes, I am," I whispered, very aware of the stares and the whispers all around us.

He nodded solemnly; his eyes never left mine for once. I felt like an insect under the scrutiny of a compound microscope, but I really liked the way his eyes caressed my face. Congratulations on your win, he smiled, showing perfect dentition. Even though I am late giving the compliment, I mean it.’ Knowing that he acknowledged my win had felt like a lot. I previously thought he was all about sports and did not know much about books. He talked more about books and subjects he liked. And I realized he had some brains in his head after all. Who knew he was not just the stereotypical jock. He nodded a warm smile in his pale blue eyes. I am Sam, by the way. He held out his hand. Nice to meet you."

I took one look at his graceful long fingers and blushed crimson red. Elizabeth, I shook his amazingly soft hand. ‘Nice to meet you, too.’ Sam took one look around and suddenly reached for my books. You look parched, and it’s time for my lunch break, he said." Come on, let’s head to the cafeteria to get you something to drink and maybe eat.’ And just like that, an impossible love story between a science nerd and a football star was born. We went places together, hiking, boating, and mountaineering. We even visited the Tacoma Museum of Glass, where we saw how collective efforts of teamwork created beautiful glass pieces. Sam and I were the cutest couple. With his long strawberry curls and striking blue eyes to his tall, muscular frame and my brown hair and brown eyes, standing as tall as his shoulders, our pictures are a beautiful testimony.

But it’s all ended now. The last time I saw Samuel was a few months ago. We met for a garden date and said a teary goodbye to each other. We would not be seeing each other for months, but it had all been good while it lasted. Samuel had given me the best summer ever. I hit the bed in exasperation as the alarm goes off, announcing my next class. My thoughts waver as I realize my parents will not go easy on me getting pregnant. They won’t go easy on me and will harp at me on how I brought shame to the family. I am an only child, but my parents wouldn’t welcome me with open arms for bringing in another and out of wedlock. My mom will throw a fit, and my life will be like living in hell after this.

I decided to call my aunt Joan, my mother’s elder sister, and let her know of my predicament. She is the only one who I can turn to at this junction, and my heart breaks just thinking about how heartbreaking the news would come to her. I decided to call her, come what may. Hello? my voice cracks as my Aunt Joan picks up the call. Aunt Joan. Elizabeth? Aunt Joan’s voice falters. Dear, what’s wrong? I choked on my next words and couldn’t form anything coherent. Talk to me, Elizabeth, what’s wrong? In between bursts of tears and sniffles, I tell my aunt everything. My free hand absently stroked the jade piece in my palm.

Elizabeth, have you told your mother about any of this? her voice is low, expectant. No, Aunt Joan, I tell her. I think I hear a sigh of relief. Good. Now’s not yet the time. I am coming up to see you. Hang in there, Sweety, okay? I’m coming right this moment, her voice says in a soft rush. I feel comforted, almost like she is in the next dormitory, not San Jose, California. Yes, Joan. A small pause. I love you, Elizabeth. Relieved yet broken, I tell her I love her too. I’m coming, love."

2. Morning Accident

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Ethan

The loud buzzing sound from my bedside table’s alarm clock pulls me awake. I wake up to birds singing in the trees, sheltering the house all around. It’s a bright new morning, another day to be thankful for another day while preparing breakfast of eggs and toast for myself. It’s been three weeks since my dad and his wife Vera, my amazing new stepmother, I love that Vera works with Horses as a Vet. traveled through Oregon; they met up with Sarah and Jesse Watkins toward the last days of their honeymoon vacation at one of Oregon’s many coastlines. It is already January; smiling as I stare at the ceiling overhead, I can’t help but marvel at how time flies and how my father has finally found happiness once again. It’s always so jolly seeing his smiles reach his eyes these days and the way each eye socket lights up whenever Vera comes into the same room as he is.

My mother has been gone a long time; when cancer snatched her out of our reach, I was just six years old, but I still remember some of the fun activities we did together. And now, the lines are falling in place once again. Vera and my father seem like a perfect match made from heaven; they complement each other so well that it always makes me smile. They are due to return home today, and by home, I mean here in Fort Bragg, California. I miss them so much already, even though it’s just been a little over two weeks. The trip from Oregon to Fort Bragg will take quite some time, but they should arrive back this evening. Time to spend with friends and grab some dinner first.

Rolling out of bed, I reached for my smartphone and checked for missed calls and emails. Finding nothing new of importance, I toss the phone back on the bed and push to my feet, stretching like a cat. My phone rings instantly, and I turn back around, glancing at the caller ID. It’s my dad. Bending over, I quickly reach for my phone. It’s a good thing I woke up when I did. Hi, Dad, I breathe into the receiver. Ethan, my dad sighs. Tell me I didn’t wake you up this morning, as it is still pretty early. I chuckle softly to myself. ten minutes ago, and you would have. My dad chuckles. Ah, good then. How did you sleep? Very well, Dad, how about you?

The night was good, thanks, Ethan, Dad sighs again. Listen, son, there is something I must tell you. Oh. Is everything okay? Oh yeah, everything’s just fine, save for the weather. A storm that was supposed to lift off early this morning became worse. The weather reports say the Storm won’t be letting off anytime soon. Our trip back home has just been delayed. With Gale-force winds and rain, it will not be safe yet. That sounds like a lot of wind. Are you all safe? We will be fine. We would have left this morning after breakfast, but traveling with that Gale force wind and rain and driving through the open river areas. The rain and wind will be strong through those spaces, with limiting visibility. Best to just enjoy another day here. It isn’t much of a big deal. I sigh with relief. Good then. Please, you guys, stay safe, okay, dad?

Yes, my father replies. We are staying warm and safe. How’s Vera doing? Is she there with you? I ask him, eager for a positive response. My dad chuckles again. Somehow, I knew you were going to ask me that. Vera is out on the terrace- Oh, here she comes. It’s Ethan, right? I hear Vera’s soothing voice from the background just before she receives the phone from my father. Ethan, I’ve missed you! Hi, Vera, I smile. I have been finding it odd calling her Vera, but she said to be comfortable calling her whatever brings me the most satisfaction; I decided that Vera was best. After all, I am a senior already and did not grow up with her.

I hope your father didn’t wake you up. I shake my head, forgetting that she can’t see me. Oh no, he wasn’t, I laugh at hearing my father say something incoherent in the background, and Vera laughs too. Good, I don’t want him disturbing you, Vera chuckles. I’m sure he has told you of our current situation. Can you believe such high waves and breezy cold wind? I found it amazing. It was so amazing to hear and watch. Were you able to get much sleep? I ask her. Eventually, thanks to Flynn. We will all be home as soon as we can, okay?

I like the way her voice rushes over me. I look forward to seeing you all again. Fort Bragg has been so quiet without you all around. She laughs, Is that so? We’ll bring back the fun and laughter, don’t worry. How’s Lexi and the pups, Ash and Bessie? I chuckle in remembrance of how Bessie had gotten her name, story for another day. Lex is our pet dog, and Ash and Bessie are two out of the six pups she bore two months ago. They’re doing good, troublesome as ever. Lex has been such a good girl, though. She knows how to bring those two to order. Vera and Dad laugh heartily; it’s always nice hearing those two laughs simultaneously. The mixture of their laughter is music after Dad’s silence for so long, and I am not even kidding. Don’t let them wear you out, okay? Vera laughs. I’ll soon be back to take over, okay? I chuckle at the pups as I answer, Alright. Vera is a Veterinarian, and the pups adore her.