A New Life

“Welcome to The Break-Up Cafe’s Treat Tent!” Eisley exclaimed as she saw a customer approaching the tent/booth she was granted with during the run of the festival. Dawning a white apron covered in bloody red hand-prints to match with the Halloween theme in the air, the raven hair girl placed her hands on her hips as she smiled, gauging what the person was looking for and what she could try to sell them. “Are you a first timer here or have you heard of us before—Can I interest you in our special themed Pumpkin Spiced Latte cookies?” She asked them, pointing out the hand painted cut-out cookie she had created to resemble the classic drink.

Jo was more than happy to get a hold of what kind of treats the carnival had. He quickly went over to the cafe treat tent. Captured by a scent he just couldn’t put a finger on. When the woman introduced herself, he smiled. Hearing the flavor of the cookies, he almost couldn’t believe it. “IS that what I smell?” He asked with a laugh, feeling so greedy.

“Yeah, but I never did anything like this” He said, his voice dropping into a lower tone. Even though he was over it, the guilt was still there. Aaliyah knew how hard it was for him. She was the one who had to show him that the relationship itself was unhappy. “But you’re right. She needed to know her boundaries and she can’t expect to throw hissy fits when things didn’t go her way. I am her son, but that doesn’t mean I’m not when things aren’t on her terms”

She nodded, still sympathetic to what Josiah was going through. Although his relationship with his mother was a toxic one—it was a bond he craved, so much he was willing to be unhappy for it. “In the long run of things, it’s what’s best for you. When she sees how happy you are, she’ll be happy too.” Aaliyah reassured him.

"I hope so" Jo finally said as he kissed the bsck of her hand. It wasnt long that the two pulled up to the dispensary. He opened the car door for her, sliding his hand around her waist as they walked inside

Their relationship worked on the basis that they each allowed the other to be free, knowing that they didn’t own one another. Aaliyah let Jo be himself and he did the same for her. There were no illusions or pretenses, just a mutual understanding and respect for each other. Aaliyah never felt suffocated or abandoned—Jo was in arm’s reach when she wanted him. And frankly, she always did.

“Yeah, but I never did anything like this” He said, his voice dropping into a lower tone. Even though he was over it, the guilt was still there. Aaliyah knew how hard it was for him. She was the one who had to show him that the relationship itself was unhappy. “But you’re right. She needed to know her boundaries and she can’t expect to throw hissy fits when things didn’t go her way. I am her son, but that doesn’t mean I’m not when things aren’t on her terms” 

It had been a spur of the moment decision, but Davin had decided to treat himself to something other than the cookies or the store-bought ice cream that he had in his apartment. He had been on his way home from work when he passed one of the local dessert shops. It was rare for him to be here, so he wasn’t even sure what to order, so he asked the cashier for whatever their favorite treat was. “Yeah, yeah, you’re right,” he agreed with the stranger near by. “Throw some Reese’s on there while you’re at it, please.” he said to the cashier. “I can’t believe I didn’t even think of that myself. Reese’s make everything and anything better. I hope you got some Reese’s on whatever you got.”