From Promise To Betrayal

-10-

Maria found herself momentarily speechless, tears welling up in her eyes as she realized how much she had missed her mother's presence.

"Hello? Maria, can you hear me? Hello?" her mother's voice trailed off with worry.

"Mom, I can hear you," Maria managed to reply, her voice choked with emotion. She took a moment to gather herself before continuing. "Mom, I've missed you so much. How is everyone?"

There was a pause on the other end of the line, as her mother absorbed Maria's voice. The silence seemed to stretch on, filled with unspoken longing and the ache of separation.

"Everyone is fine, Maria," her mother finally responded, her voice carrying a mixture of relief and concern. "Please come back home. We are all worried about you. John, he's been so sad. He misses you terribly. Please, my dear, come back."

Maria felt her heart twist with a pang of guilt and a surge of longing for the familiar embrace of family. However, she knew deep within herself that returning home was not the right path for her.

"I will not be coming back, Mom," Maria replied, her voice gentle yet firm. "I called today to check on you, to let you know that I'm okay."

Her mother's voice trembled with a mix of desperation and worry. "Why would you do that, Maria? You're a woman, alone, in who knows where. Do you know how dangerous it is? Please, come back home this minute!"

Maria took a moment to steady herself, her voice filled with conviction as she responded, "No, Mom. You can't change my mind. And as for the danger, I can assure you that I am safe. I'm finding my own path, exploring the world, and discovering myself in the process. It's not easy, but I'm determined to follow this journey."

There was a heavy silence on the line, as Maria's words sank in. She knew her mother was concerned, frightened for her safety, and desperately longing for her return. Yet, Maria also knew that she had to honor her own journey, even if it meant facing her mother's worries and disapproval.

"I also called to let you know that I am divorcing John. I no longer wish to be with him. I have made my decision, and nothing can change my mind," Maria declared, her words carrying a mix of resolution and sorrow.

"Maria, have you thought carefully about this? But-" her mother began, her voice filled with a mix of concern and hesitation.

"There are no 'buts,' Mom. I have made up my mind. I decided to share this with you so that you won't be caught off guard when the news spreads," Maria interrupted, her voice resolute yet tinged with a hint of sadness.

Her mother sighed audibly, struggling to find the right words. "I really don't know what to say. In the end, the decision is yours to make. I can only wish you well."

"Thank you, Mom. I'll call when I can, and please don't share my new number with anyone," Maria requested, her voice filled with a mix of gratitudes and caution.

With those final words, Maria ended the call, her heart heavy with the weight of her choices. She knew that her decision to pursue divorce and continue forging her own path would not be easily understood or accepted. However, she remained steadfast, determined to navigate the challenges ahead and find her own happiness, even if it meant braving the unknown alone.

After her conversation with her mother, Maria's heart yearned for the connection she once had with her best friend, Charlotte. It had been a whole year since they last spoke, and Maria couldn't help but feel like a negligent friend. However, deep down, she knew that Charlotte would understand her reasons and not hold onto anger for too long. Gathering her resolve, Maria dialed Charlotte's number, hoping for understanding and forgiveness.

The phone rang for a few tense seconds before Charlotte finally answered the call. "Hello, who is this?" her best friend asked, her voice tinged with a mix of surprise and frustration.

"Um, hi. It's me, Maria," Maria replied, her voice filled with a blend of anticipation and apprehension.

"Maria? Maria, where the fuck have you been? It's been a whole year! I tried your number several times, and it wasn't going through. I even messaged you! Why did you disappear like that?" Charlotte's voice poured out in a torrent of questions, reflecting the worry and frustration that had accumulated over the long silence.

Maria took a moment to collect herself, understanding the depth of Charlotte's emotions. "Charlotte, calm down, will you?" she implored, hoping to ease the tension in their conversation.

"Maria, don't tell me to calm down. You disappeared without a reason and left everyone worried about you. Where the fuck are you?" Charlotte's voice trembled with a mix of frustration and concern.

"Charlotte, please, let me breathe, will you?" Maria requested, her own voice carrying a blend of weariness and vulnerability.

There was a pregnant pause on the line as Charlotte let out a deep breath, seemingly gathering herself. "Sorry for all the questions. But you should understand. How are you? Where are you at?" Charlotte inquired, her voice softer and tinged with genuine worry.

"I am fine, thank you. I am safe. That's all you need to know," Maria reassured her friend, hoping to alleviate some of the anxiety that had built up between them.

"Maria, I am so worried about you. Why did you even leave? Tell me, please," Charlotte pleaded, her voice reflecting her genuine concern.

Maria's mind briefly flickered back to the painful memory of losing her pregnancy, but she swiftly pushed the thought aside. "Um, hello?" Charlotte's voice brought her back to the present.

"I'm here. I just needed a change of scenery, you know? I grew tired of everything and everyone around me," Maria explained, her voice carrying a mix of weariness and longing for something new.

"That's understandable. But you'll still come back, right?" Charlotte asked, her voice filled with a mix of hope and longing.

"I don't know yet. I'll know when the time comes," Maria replied honestly, unsure of what the future held for her.

"Okay. I've missed you so much, Maria," Charlotte expressed, her voice filled with a mixture of relief and longing.

"I have missed you too," Maria responded sincerely, feeling a surge of warmth and familiarity as they reconnected.

From that point on, Maria and Charlotte delved into a deep conversation, catching up on each other's lives and sharing stories. It was a balm for Maria's soul, a reminder of the connection and support she had been missing. For the first time in a while, Maria felt a sense of belonging and authenticity, knowing that her friendship with Charlotte was a cherished bond that would weather any storm.

As they laughed, reminisced, Maria's heart began to mend, and she realized that no matter how far she wandered, there were still those who would welcome her back with open arms. In Charlotte's presence, Maria found solace and comfort. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, as if the year long absence had never occurred.

꘎♡━━━━━♡꘎

I'm looking for suggestions as I'm running out of ideas. Updates will be slow due to school. Your comments are appreciated. Let's engage in an interactive discussion. Thank you for your support.

ǫᴜᴇsᴛɪᴏɴs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ʀᴇsᴘᴏɴᴅ ᴛᴏ ɪᴛ.

1. Can you relate to Maria's experiences of starting a new life and leaving everything behind?

2. How have supportive relationships played a role in your own life during challenging times?

3. Share a personal experience where a friend's support made a difference to you.

4. Have you ever felt the need for self-discovery or a change of scenery?