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Roxanne Perez is the kind of person who has always gotten her way, she is the model daughter: responsible, focused and always obedient. At 22 years old she is focused on her career and keeping the family together; she has achieved much more than many could imagine, but always keeping a low profile and following the rules that her parents had instilled in her. She lives with her family in a modest house, while studying and working to help with the expenses. She has never given much thought to romantic relationships, however, life has a peculiar way of testing our convictions, and she would discover that when Lee, her 25-year-old older brother, brought his girlfriend, Lyra Valkyria, to meet the family. She has always admired the ease with which her older brother, Lee, goes through life. He is self-confident, charming and always seems to have everything under control. So when Lee mentioned that he had a new girlfriend, Roxanne couldn't help but be curious. It wasn't that she doubted her brother's judgment, but something in his tone made her wonder who this woman was that had caught his attention.
When the day finally came to meet Lyra, Roxanne was not prepared for the impression she would get. Lyra is everything Roxanne did not expect. Lyra is a very beautiful 27-year-old Irish woman, with her dark brown hair and brown eyes that seemed to hold secrets, with an Irish accent that seemed to wrap every word in an alluring mystery, and her presence filled the room in a way that left Roxanne slightly breathless. At first glance, Roxanne felt something strange, an attraction she had never experienced before. But she ignored it. She couldn't, she didn't want to accept what her heart was telling her, not only because Lyra is a woman; but because she is her brother's girlfriend, someone she must respect.
The dinner started off cordially. Roxanne and Lee's parents gave Lyra a warm welcome, and everything seemed to be going according to plan. However, throughout the evening, Roxanne noticed something in the way Lyra looked at her. At first, she thought it was her imagination, but she couldn't ignore the undeniable chemistry that was beginning to develop between the two. Every time their eyes met, she felt a spark, a connection that she didn't understand, but couldn't ignore.
After dinner, when everyone had dispersed, Roxanne and Lyra found themselves alone in the backyard. The conversation flowed easily, and soon they were laughing and sharing stories as if they had known each other for years. Lyra told Roxanne about her life in Ireland, her family, and how she had ended up in America. Roxanne, for her part, shared her own experiences, finding in Lyra an attentive and understanding listener.
Without realizing it, the hours flew by, and when Lyra got up to leave, she realized that she didn't want the night to end. Roxanne felt the same way, but knew better than to show it. Lyra is her brother's girlfriend, and that fact kept her grounded, even though her heart seemed to have other plans.
Over the next few weeks, Lee began to bring Lyra to family gatherings more often, and every time she saw her, Roxanne couldn't help but feel drawn to her, Lyra became a constant presence in her life. She couldn't stop thinking about her laugh, the way her eyes sparkled when they talked about something she was passionate about, or how her hands, strong and delicate at the same time, seemed to speak a language of their own. Every time Lyra visited the house, she seemed to seek out Roxanne's company, always finding excuses to spend time together.
They began to share more, laughing and enjoying long conversations about everything and nothing. But the closer they got, the more the conflict inside Roxanne grew. She knew she was crossing a dangerous line.
Days later, one afternoon, while Lee was busy at work, Lyra showed up alone at Roxanne's house. She said she had come to pick up something she had forgotten, but Roxanne suspected there was something more. They talked for a while alone in the kitchen, and when Roxanne tried to say goodbye, Lyra stopped her, gently taking her hand.
“Roxanne, there’s something I need to tell you,” Lyra began, her voice shaking slightly. “Ever since I met you, I’ve felt a connection with you, something I can’t ignore,” Lyra said softly, looking into Roxanne’s eyes. “I know this is complicated, but I can’t help what I feel. Every day I spend with you, it's harder for me to deny it."
Roxanne felt her heart pounding, as if trying to break out of her chest. She had never considered that Lyra might feel the same way she did, and now that she did, she felt caught between desire and loyalty to her brother. On one hand, Lyra's words excited her, but on the other, they filled her with fear. She couldn't, she shouldn't, let herself be carried away by those feelings.
Roxanne felt a knot in her stomach. "Lyra, I… I don't know what to say," Roxanne replied, her voice barely a whisper. "I feel something too, but we can't do this. You're my brother's girlfriend. This is wrong."
Lyra nodded, her expression showing a mix of sadness and determination. "I know it's wrong, and I'm not asking you to do something now. I just… I needed you to know, because I can't help it. I can't stop thinking about you, about what we could be if things were different."
Lyra tried to get closer, but Roxanne took a step back, her face reflecting the confusion and inner pain she felt. "I'm not like you, Lyra, I can't accept liking a woman and I can't betray my brother, or even myself like this."
Lyra looked at her, heartbroken. "If that's what you want, I'll respect it. But I want you to know that no matter what happens, I'll always be here for you."
They both knew that what they felt wasn't something they could ignore forever, but they also knew that they couldn't act without thinking about the consequences. So they parted ways that afternoon, with unspoken promises and unexpressed feelings, but with the certainty that no matter what, they couldn't help what they were starting to feel.
Roxanne had been struggling with her feelings for weeks. From the moment she began to realize that she felt more than friendship for Lyra, guilt and fear had consumed her. She was the girlfriend of her brother, Lee, and Roxanne couldn't help but feel caught in an impossible dilemma. On one hand, there was the love that was beginning to blossom for Lyra, a love that terrified her and made her feel alive at the same time. On the other hand, there was her loyalty to her brother, the fear of betraying him and causing a family conflict that she didn't know how to handle.
One night, when the weight of her emotions became too much for her, she felt a sense of fear and fear of betraying him. Unbearable, she decided to write a letter to Lyra. She took paper and pen, and sat at her desk, letting her feelings flow out in words she didn't dare say out loud. She confessed how much she cared, how confused she felt, and how terrified she was to move on. She explained that the reason she had been harsh and distant with her wasn't because she didn't care, but because she was afraid of what might happen if they continued to get closer.
She wrote about how special Lyra was to her, about how she brightened her life with her kindness, intelligence, and beauty. She confessed that, although it was hard for her to admit it, she was falling in love with her, and that scared her more than anything else.
But just as she was about to sign the letter and prepare to send it, Roxanne stopped. Fear took hold of her again. If she gave that letter to Lyra, it would only give her more reasons to keep insisting, to believe that there was a chance between them. And Roxanne wasn't sure she could handle that, not while Lyra was still Lee's girlfriend.
With tears in her eyes, she decided she couldn't send it. She put the letter away in a drawer, along with all the feelings she didn't dare share. It was better this way, she told herself. Better to keep things as they were, no matter how difficult they were, than to risk something that could break them all.
The next few days were difficult. Lyra kept trying to get close to Roxanne, seeking her company, trying to make her laugh, giving her little gifts. Roxanne, though she appreciated him deep down, kept resisting. Every time Lyra got closer, Roxanne closed herself off more, afraid of what she was feeling.
Meanwhile, Lyra was also struggling with her own demons. Every time Lee tried to kiss her or get close to her, she felt like something was wrong. She couldn't help but compare him to Roxanne, and every time she did, her desire for him faded. She started finding excuses not to go out with him, not to answer his calls. "I'm sorry, Lee, I've been busy," she would say every time he confronted her. But the truth was, she didn't want to be around him. Her heart wasn't there anymore; it was with Roxanne.
Lee started to notice the changes, but she didn't know how to interpret them. She thought it was just a phase, that Lyra was stressed or worried about something. However, Lyra knew the truth: her love for Roxanne was growing more and more every day, and she didn't know how much longer she could keep up the facade with Lee.
Finally, everything came to a breaking point one night when Lee invited Lyra to dinner with the family. Roxanne had spent the day avoiding Lyra, but this time, Lyra decided to confront her. She led her out to the back garden and pulled a small package out of her bag. "I want you to have it," Lyra said, offering her the gift. "It's something that means a lot to me, and I want you to have it as a token of how I feel about you."
Roxanne took it with shaking hands, but before she could open it, something inside her snapped. "No, Lyra! You can't keep doing this!" she screamed, throwing the gift to the ground with force. "You can't keep forcing something that shouldn't be! I don't want this, I don't want to betray my brother! I definitely don't want a woman in my life! And to be clear, I don't want you in my life!"
Lyra stood frozen, staring at the gift on the floor. Tears began to fill her eyes, but not from the rejection of her gift, but from the pain Roxanne was causing her. "I thought you had feelings for me," she said, her voice cracking. "Is it so hard for you to accept what you feel? Why do you have to hurt me like this?"
Roxanne, still furious and confused, could only watch as Lyra's tears fell down her cheeks. "You don't understand, Lyra. I can't allow myself to feel this way."
Lyra, hurt and heartbroken, wiped her tears quickly. "I will never ask you for anything again, Roxanne. I will never try to get close to you again. You've made it clear how you feel, and I won't insist again." And with those words, she turned around and walked away, leaving her alone in the garden. Roxanne felt bad seeing Lyra's reaction, feeling like she had been harsh to her. She looked at the gift that Lyra wanted to give her, there on the ground and went to pick it up without opening it and took it with her.
The following weeks were torment for Roxanne. Despite her rejection and the hurtful words she had said, she could not get Lyra out of her mind. The memory of her tears, of her pain, haunted her. Every time she saw Lee and Lyra together, she felt a pang of jealousy, guilt, and regret. She began to realize that, despite her fears and doubts, she had let go of someone she truly cared about.
One night, after much thought, Roxanne decided she could not go on like this. She needed to apologize to Lyra, to try to fix what she had broken. She knew it would be difficult, but she could not live with the thought of having lost her because of her own cowardice.
She tried to talk to Lyra on several occasions, but each time she did, Lyra rejected her. "I don't want to know anything about you anymore, Roxanne," Lyra once told her when she found her at the gym. "I've given you enough chances and you've scorned them all. I can't keep hurting myself for someone who doesn't want to accept what they feel." And she leaves without looking back, knowing that she has left Roxanne devastated, a part of her wanted to go back to comfort her, but she was afraid that would cause Roxanne to distance herself from her again for fear of expressing her feelings.
Lyra arrived home with her heart in pieces, tears running down her face as she fell on her bed, feeling the weight of everything that had gone wrong since her arrival. Recent memories crowded her mind, making her feel even more lost and confused.
First, she thought of Lee. She had believed that she loved him, or at least that was what she had told herself for a while. But now, looking in the mirror, she realized that this feeling was not true love. No, with Lee it had been more of a comfort, a relationship that worked because it was easy, because it fit with what others expected of her.
But through Lee, she met Roxanne. And that changed everything. From the first moment they met, Lyra felt something different, something deep that she couldn't ignore. However, when Roxanne rejected her, Lyra felt like her world was falling apart. The fear of rejection, the pain of not being reciprocated, drove her to pull away, to try to convince herself that she could move on without Roxanne. But every attempt was in vain.
She realized, lying on her bed, that she couldn't keep lying to Lee. He didn't deserve that, and she couldn't continue a relationship based on a lie. She had to be honest, even if it meant breaking her heart and, possibly, Lee's. But the right thing to do was to end the relationship with him; she couldn't be with someone she didn't love. Even if she couldn't be with Roxanne, she couldn't keep pretending to love someone else.
Finally, her thoughts turned to the future. What would happen after breaking up with Lee? She didn't know, and that terrified her. Her life seemed to have no direction, with nothing to anchor her. After much thought, Lyra came to the conclusion that the best thing would be to return to Ireland, to her home. Perhaps there, surrounded by her family, she could find the peace she longed for.
She decided that she should talk to her parents, tell them what had happened and let them know that she would return as soon as possible. But before she left, she knew that she couldn't do it without saying goodbye to Roxanne, even if things between them weren't right. She didn't want to leave with the feeling of guilt, knowing that she had left things wrong between them. She had to thank her for the time they shared as friends, even if they could never be more than that or if they are not even that anymore.
Thinking about how to say goodbye, Lyra remembered something that Roxanne had once mentioned to her. They had been walking through the mall when Roxanne saw a beautiful pocket watch in a store. Her eyes lit up at the sight, and she mentioned that she had always wanted one like that, a watch that would remind her of her grandmother. Lyra decided that this would be the perfect gift. Even if things didn't work out between them, she wanted Roxanne to have something that would remind her of the good times they shared, although a part of her was afraid that Roxanne would reject her gift like the last time she tried to give her something, but this time it's different, it's a farewell gift and not one to express her love.
With her heart a little lighter, although still hurt, Lyra wiped away her tears and got out of bed. She knew what she had to do, and even though it hurt, she was determined to do it right. She grabbed her phone and called her parents, telling them of her decision to return to Ireland. Afterwards, she prepared for what would be one of the most difficult conversations of her life: breaking up with Lee and saying goodbye to Roxanne, the person who had truly touched her heart.
Days later, Lyra found herself facing Lee in his apartment, a place that had once been a refuge for her, now filled with palpable tension. The conversation had been difficult to start, but Lyra knew she had to be honest.
Lee was sitting on the couch, looking at Lyra with a mix of concern and confusion. "Lyra, what's going on? You're telling me you want to end our relationship. Why? What's changed?"
Lyra, with a sad expression, began to speak while avoiding eye contact. "Lee, I've been thinking about us a lot. And honestly, I think I've become confused. I can't continue in this relationship. It's not fair to you or me."
Lee, bewildered and hurt, tried to understand. "Confused? How can you say that after everything we've been through together? Don't you think we could work this out?"
Lyra shook her head, her eyes filled with tears. "It's not just confusion. I've realized that I'm not happy and I can't keep living a lie. I don't want to be in this relationship if I can't be my best self."
Lee stood up, his voice filled with pain and frustration. "So this is it? You're just leaving me? What about everything we've built?"
Lyra turned to him, her expression determined but broken. "I'm sorry, Lee. This decision is what's best for both of us. I can't go through with this knowing that I'm not being honest with myself or with you."
Lee, furious and hurt, looked at her in disbelief. "What about us? What about everything we planned?"
Lyra, tears in her eyes, sadly replied, "I'm afraid I can't be a part of those plans anymore. I'm sorry, but it's what's best for everyone."
With one last look filled with pain, Lyra turned around and walked out of the apartment, leaving Lee devastated and alone on the couch, heartbroken at the unexpected end of their relationship.
Later, Lyra went to Roxanne's house, a small package in her hands. She needed to close the chapter of her life that she had left on hold with Roxanne.
Roxanne was in the living room, her mind still filled with painful memories. Seeing Lyra, her expression turned to surprise.
Lyra, with a serious expression, replied, "I didn't come to argue. I just want you to accept this." She walked over and handed a box to Roxanne.
Roxanne looked at the box with distrust and annoyance. "What is this?"
Lyra softly replied, "Open it."
Roxanne, with a mix of curiosity and skepticism, untied the bow on the box and opened it. Inside, she found a very beautiful pocket watch. Roxanne was speechless, the pain of the past mixed with shock and disbelief.
Roxanne, with tears in her eyes, looked at Lyra. "I don't know what to say... I can't believe you did this."
Lyra, taking a deep breath: "But that's not all. I have to tell you something else. I'm going back to Ireland."
Roxanne looked at her with a mix of surprise and sadness when Lyra told her she was going to Ireland. The news hit her like a bucket of cold water, making her feel a deep pain in her chest; shocked with her voice shaking, she asked desperately: "What? Why?", trying to understand why Lyra was making such a drastic decision.
Lyra took a deep breath, trying to keep her composure. She knew this wouldn't be easy, but it was necessary: "It's for the best. I'm going to walk away from all of this, and from you too. I think it's for the best for me. And I think it's for the best for you too. I can't stay here, knowing what I feel and what I can never have."
Roxanne felt her heart break even more with each word Lyra spoke; with tears running down her face, she pleaded: "No, please don't go. I'm sorry for what I said to you. I shouldn't have let that separate us."
Lyra, with a sigh, said: "The decision is made. I'm leaving to get away from all the pain. I can't be with someone who doesn't want to accept their own feelings."
Lyra approached Roxanne, she knew she had to put aside any anger towards her and just wish her the best, since it will be the last time they see each other; looking at her with a sadness that reflected the weight of all her emotions. "Roxanne, I want you to be happy. I want you to be able to open your heart. You deserve to be loved the way you need to be, and if I can't be the one to do it, then I wish for you to find someone who can."
Roxanne felt tears begin to build up in her eyes. She didn't want to accept what Lyra was saying, but deep inside she knew there was no turning back, the damage has already been done.
Lyra smiled sadly, "I wish you the best, and I hope you find the happiness you deserve."
Roxanne fell silent, feeling the pain take over her chest. Lyra moved a little closer and gently took Roxanne's hand. "This isn't the end for you," she said, with a mix of firmness and tenderness. "You have so much love to give, and I know that one day you will find someone who values it, someone who makes you feel as special as you deserve. I want you to keep shining, Roxanne."
Roxanne, with tears running down her cheeks, couldn't help but sob. She felt like her heart was breaking into a thousand pieces, but she knew that Lyra was right. "I don't want you to go," she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion.
Lyra hugged her tightly, feeling that this would be the last hug they would share. "I'm sorry, Roxanne, but I have to," she replied in a broken voice. "I love you more than you can imagine, but I must let you go. I hope that one day you can forgive me."
Lyra took a deep breath, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to continue falling. "Thank you, Roxanne," she said softly, her voice heavy with emotion. "Thank you for being my friend, for being there for me when I needed it most. I will never forget the moments we shared, and I will always appreciate everything you did for me. You gave me a true friendship, and for that I will be eternally grateful."
With those words, Lyra separated from Roxanne. With one last painful look, Lyra turned around and left the house, leaving Roxanne alone, crying and feeling overwhelmed by guilt and regret.
Roxanne then in her tears looked at the gift that Lyra had given her at the time and that she had kept in a corner of her closet, not daring to open it or think about what it contained. But now, in the midst of Lyra's uncertainty and need, she decided that it was time to face what she had avoided.
She took the box carefully and sat on her bed, her fingers shaking as she slowly opened it. Inside, she found a beautifully decorated photo album. Her eyes filled with tears as she opened it and began to flip through the pages.
The album was filled with photos of the two of them, from the early days of their friendship to more recent moments. Each photo was accompanied by messages written by Lyra, words of affection, love, and promises of a future together. There were words of gratitude, of admiration, and of shared dreams, wishes for something serious and lasting. On the last pages, Lyra had left space free, with a note that said, "For the beautiful memories we have yet to create."
Roxanne couldn't help but cry as she read each word. She realized how much Lyra had loved her, how much she had wanted to be with her, and how much she had risked for that love. The album was not just a gift, but a testament to the unconditional love Lyra felt for her.
As she closed the album, Roxanne continued to cry until she fell asleep. In her dream she remembered the words her grandmother once told her, may she rest in peace. "Don't let one bad moment ruin your life. You can still turn things around."
Waking up determined, Roxanne knew she couldn't ignore what she felt anymore. She had to fight for what she wanted, and that meant going to find Lyra, stopping her before she left, and telling her everything she'd never said before. She had to do everything she could to convince Lyra to stay. She knew it would be hard, but she also knew she couldn't let go of what she loved most without fighting for it.
Determined, Roxanne prepared to go with Lyra once again, hoping to get back what she'd lost and prove that true love can overcome any obstacle. She decided she needed to do something meaningful, something that would show how sorry she was for what happened.
Roxanne had worked on a gift that she hoped would be enough to show Lyra what she meant to her, though she didn't even know if she would succeed. The fear of losing Lyra had driven her to try to stop her, to tell her everything she had been keeping inside.
She remembered that Lyra had once mentioned a necklace she had always wanted, but it was expensive and hard to get. Without hesitation, Roxanne began to look for it, searching everywhere until she finally found it. It was a necklace with a Celtic amulet, a symbol that represented love and protection. She spent all her savings to buy it, knowing it was a risk, but she was willing to do anything to earn her forgiveness and prove her love for her, to add, she bought her a book that she wanted so much to complete her gift.
Roxanne decided to look for something in her drawer. Opening the drawer, her eyes met the letter she had written. The letter she had never dared to deliver.
Roxanne pulled it out with shaking hands, her memories coming back in a wave that overwhelmed her. She couldn't believe she had forgotten her, but at the same time, she realized that everything she had written was still there, with no more barriers or fears. The letter would be her way of telling him everything she hadn't been able to before.
With the gift finished and the letter in her pocket, Roxanne left her house with her heart racing. She knew that what she was about to do would change everything, but she also knew that she couldn't move on without trying; for the first time, she didn't feel fear, but hope.
At night, Roxanne arrived at Lyra's house with her heart pounding, her hands sweaty as she gripped the door handle. She knew it was her last chance to turn things around before Lyra left for good. The sound of boxes moving around inside the house and the light from the lamp in the living room indicated that Lyra was in the middle of packing.
When Roxanne opened the door, she found Lyra standing in the middle of the room, surrounded by boxes and with a determined expression on her face. Lyra, upon seeing Roxanne, stopped dead in her tracks. Her gaze was a mix of surprise and sadness.
Roxanne, with a trembling voice, said, "Lyra, please don't go. You can't do this. I'm going to miss you more than you can imagine."
Lyra, tears in her eyes, answered in a broken voice, "Roxanne, I can't keep living like this. It's a constant pain and it's killing me inside. I can't take it anymore."
Roxanne took a step forward, her eyes filled with despair and regret. "I'm so sorry for what I put you through. I didn't know how to deal with what I feel. It was a way to keep you away because I couldn't face what I feel for you."
Lyra, crying in denial, answered, "But the pain is too great. I can't go on like this."
Roxanne approached Lyra, taking her hand gently. "You don't have to feel any more pain. I want to heal the wounds, I want to take care of you and us. Please don't go. I realize now that I love you."
Lyra brought a hand to her mouth, fighting back a sob.
Roxanne sat on the edge of the bed with shaking hands. Lyra stood in front of her, her expression curious and slightly nervous. Roxanne had insisted that she had something important to tell her, and Lyra knew that whatever Roxanne was going to share would be meaningful.
Roxanne took a deep breath before speaking, her voice soft but heavy with emotion. "Lyra, I wrote a letter for you. I want to read it to you, because... I need you to understand everything I feel."
Lyra nodded, her eyes shining with anticipation. "I'm ready to listen, Roxanne."
Roxanne unfolded the letter and began to read in a shaky but steady voice, "Dear Lyra, throughout this time, I've tried to deny what I feel for you. Out of fear, out of confusion, and out of not wanting to face the truth. But I don't want to hide anymore. I want you to know how much you mean to me."
The words echoed in the small space, filling it with Roxanne's sincerity. "Lyra, you are the kindest person I have ever met. Your intelligence amazes me, you always know how to face every situation calmly and clearly. You are beautiful, not just on the outside, but on the inside as well. Your smile, your eyes, the way you make everything around you feel brighter... I love everything about you."
Lyra felt tears begin to form in her eyes, but she didn't let them fall. She wanted to hear every word.
Roxanne continued, her voice cracking slightly, "I'm so sorry for hurting you, I'm sorry for my pride, my fear. I admire you, Lyra, for being brave, for facing your feelings and not being afraid to be who you are. I want to learn from you, I want to be by your side and support you, as you have done for me."
When Roxanne finished reading, she looked up at Lyra. There were tears in both of their eyes, but there was also a deep understanding and a newfound love.
Roxanne slowly approached, taking both of Lyra's hands in hers. "Lyra, I want you to know that I love you. I love you just the way you are, with everything you are, and I want to be with you."
Lyra smiled softly, feeling the warmth of Roxanne's hands. "And I love you, Roxanne."
With her heart in her hand, Roxanne moved even closer, leaning forward. Their lips met in a soft kiss, a kiss that was full of promise, of understanding, and of a new beginning. They kissed slowly, enjoying the connection, letting everything else fade away.
Lyra, with a smile on her face and tears in her eyes, returned the kiss tenderly. "I can't believe this is happening."
Roxanne, smiling with tears in her eyes as well, replied, "It is. I'm here for you, for whatever you need."
Lyra, feeling the weight of the pain lift slightly, whispered, "So what do we do now?"
Roxanne, with an expression full of love and commitment, said, "First, don't go, please, I don't want to lose you. We're going to face this together."
Lyra, feeling the warmth and sincerity of Roxanne's words, smiled and nodded. "I'm not going anywhere, I want to be with you too Roxanne." With a sigh of relief and happiness, she hugged Roxanne, feeling the comfort of her presence. Roxanne hugged her tightly, assuring her that she would always be there for her. They both stayed like that for a while, wrapped in a warm and comforting embrace.
Roxanne, with a smile of relief and happiness, leaned towards Lyra and kissed her softly on the lips. The kiss was tender and full of promise, a confirmation of their love and commitment to each other.
After they parted, Roxanne, with a smile full of love, said, "I have a gift for you."
Lyra, still excited by the kiss, looked at Roxanne curiously. Roxanne took out of her bag a book along with a necklace, the things she had longed for. She handed it to Lyra with a loving expression.
Lyra, with her eyes filled with tears of gratitude, took the book along with the necklace and looked at them in wonder. "Roxanne, how did you get these? I always wanted to have them!"
Roxanne, with a tender smile, replied, "It's the least I can do after the harm I did to you. I want you to know how much you mean to me."
Lyra, touched by the gesture, hugged the book to her chest as if it were the most precious object she had ever received. Then, her gaze went to the necklace that Roxanne had also given her a while back, and an idea crossed her mind.
"Roxanne," Lyra said, touching the necklace gently, "could you help me put this on? I want to wear it now."
Roxanne nodded, touched by the request. "Sure, it would be an honor."
Lyra turned to face away from Roxanne, lifting her hair and holding it with one hand to expose her neck. Roxanne stepped closer, gently taking the necklace and making sure to clasp it carefully around Lyra's neck.
When she was done, Roxanne couldn't resist the temptation to lean forward and place a soft kiss on the back of Lyra's neck, right where the necklace rested on her skin. Lyra closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of the kiss.
Once Roxanne was done, Lyra let her hair down, letting it fall in soft waves over her shoulders, and grabbed the amulet from the necklace to look at it. "It's beautiful... just like you," she said with a tender smile as she looked at Roxanne through the mirror in front of them.
Roxanne smiled, feeling her heart beat faster at those words. She leaned forward, and the two kissed, the outside world disappearing as their lips met in a display of affection and gratitude.
After they parted for air, Lyra looked at Roxanne with an emotional smile. "Thank you, Roxanne. For everything you've done for me, this all means so much to me."
Roxanne hugged her, feeling a deep relief at seeing the happiness on Lyra's face. "There's nothing I want more than to see you happy. We're going to face this together, and we'll build something beautiful."
Later that night, the two of them were lying in bed, wrapped in the warmth of each other's company. Lyra rested her head on Roxanne's shoulder, as her intertwined fingers rested on Roxanne's chest, feeling her heartbeat.
"You know, I never thought I could feel as happy as I do right now," Roxanne said in a whisper, gently stroking Lyra's hair.
Lyra smiled, closing her eyes as she enjoyed the feeling of being so close. "Me neither. But being with you, here, now... it makes me feel like everything we've been through was worth it."
Roxanne turned her body a little, so she could look Lyra in the eyes. "I don't want to be afraid of what the world thinks. I don't want to hide what I feel for you."
Lyra nodded, her eyes shining with determination. "We don't have to be afraid, Roxanne. This love is ours, and we won't let anyone take it away from us."
They both looked at each other in silence, understanding the magnitude of what they were agreeing to. Finally, they kissed again, sealing the promise to face the future together, without fear, and after a few moments they fell asleep.
The next morning, the first rays of sunlight entered through the window, softly illuminating the room. Roxanne was the first to wake up, and her gaze fell on Lyra, who was sleeping peacefully with her head resting on Roxanne's chest.
Roxanne watched Lyra in silence, admiring the serenity on her face. At that moment, she thanked God for having put her in her life, for having given her the opportunity to meet such a wonderful person.
Leaning down carefully, Roxanne placed a soft kiss on Lyra's forehead, her lips barely brushing her lover's warm skin.
The gesture caused Lyra to stir slowly, her eyes opening lazily. When she saw Roxanne looking at her, a soft smile appeared on her lips.
"Good morning Roxy" Lyra murmured in a sleepy voice, but full of affection.
"Good morning, beautiful" Roxanne replied, stroking Lyra's hair tenderly.
They both stayed silent for a moment, just enjoying each other's company. Then, their eyes met, and without needing to say anything else, they leaned into each other, sharing a soft kiss full of promise for the day ahead.
Roxanne whispered as her lips parted just a little, "I'm so grateful to have you in my life, Lyra. I can't imagine being without you."
Lyra smiled, caressing Roxanne's face with her fingertips. "And I thank you, Roxanne. Thank you for loving me, for taking care of me... and for making all of this possible."
They kissed again, slowly, enjoying the moment, knowing that, from that day on, they would face everything together, with love and without fear.
After they broke away from the kiss, Roxanne gently caressed Lyra's cheek. "Lyra, I want to apologize, for denying what I felt for you for so long. I was scared, Lyra. It was my first experience, and with a woman... and it scared me more than I can describe."
Lyra looked at Roxanne, her eyes filled with understanding and empathy. She said nothing, letting Roxanne continue.
"But those days when we weren't together... and the fear I felt when I knew you might have left for Ireland... that awakened something inside me," Roxanne continued, her voice shaking slightly with emotion. "I realized I couldn't live without you, Lyra. I was about to make the worst mistake of my life... letting go of the love of my life."
Lyra smiled softly at those words, and a tear of happiness began to slide down her cheek. Unwillingly, she tried to wipe it away, but more tears began to flow, each one laden with the emotion Roxanne had awakened in her.
Roxanne, seeing the tears in Lyra's eyes, leaned down to wipe them away with her fingers, admiring how beautiful she looked, even as she cried. "You're so beautiful, Lyra... even when you cry."
Lyra closed her eyes for a moment, feeling Roxanne's touch, and then rested her forehead against Roxanne's, their breaths syncing up as they felt each other's closeness.
"Roxanne," Lyra began, her voice soft and full of love, "I hear you and... you don't know how happy it makes me to hear those words. I was scared too... scared of losing you, scared of what you meant to us. But now, none of that matters, because we're here, together, and I know we can get through anything."
Roxanne smiled, a tear escaping her own eyes. "I love you, Lyra... and I'm sorry it took me so long to realize it."
Lyra, still with their foreheads together, whispered softly, "I love you too, Roxanne. I always have, and I always will."
They kissed, a kiss full of promises and pent-up feelings that had finally been released. As they held each other, their tears mingled, but this time they weren't tears of sadness, but of relief and happiness, knowing that they had found something unique and true in each other.
A few days later, Lyra and Roxanne decided to enjoy a day outdoors. They strolled through the park, hand in hand, feeling the cool breeze on their faces. The tranquility of the place and each other's company gave them a peace that they both longed for.
Roxanne smiled as she squeezed Lyra's hand. "This is the kind of day I always wanted to have with you."
Lyra smiled back, a playful glint in her eyes. "And me with you. It's so simple, but it feels perfect."
The sun shone softly through the leaves of the trees, and a light breeze made the moment feel even more perfect. Roxanne noticed that Lyra was a little quieter than usual, as if something was bothering her.
"Are you okay, Lyra?" Roxanne asked, gently squeezing her hand as they walked.
Lyra smiled, but Roxanne could see a slight nervousness in her eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine. I've just... been thinking about something."
Roxanne raised an eyebrow, curious. "What are you thinking about?"
Lyra took a deep breath before answering. "You'll see."
They reached a secluded corner of the park, where they decided to stop for a picnic. They laid out a blanket on the grass and began to take food out of the basket, enjoying each other's company and the quietness of the place. However, Roxanne couldn't help but notice that Lyra was still a little restless, as if she was waiting for the right moment to say something.
After eating, Roxanne looked at Lyra with a soft, affectionate smile. "Thank you for making me feel so good. I never imagined you would make me so happy."
Lyra leaned down and kissed Roxanne softly. "There's nothing in the world I'd rather do than be here with you."
After a while, Lyra finally seemed to make up her mind. With a quick gesture, she pulled something out of her bag, keeping it hidden for a moment before revealing it. It was a bouquet of red roses, carefully wrapped and with a bow holding everything in place.
"This is for you, Roxanne," Lyra said, handing the bouquet to her with a smile that tried to hide her nervousness.
Roxanne was impressed, her eyes widening in surprise as she took the roses. "Lyra... they're beautiful."
Lyra gulped, feeling her heart beat faster. "There's something I want to tell you."
Roxanne waited, not taking her eyes off Lyra, sensing that something important was about to happen. Lyra took a breath and began to speak, her words filled with sincerity and emotion.
"Roxanne," Lyra began, "ever since we met, my life has changed in ways I never imagined. We've been through so much together, and despite the misunderstandings and difficult times, I've always known there was something special between us. Something that goes beyond just friendship."
Roxanne felt her heart race with every word Lyra said, and her eyes filled with tears of happiness. Lyra continued, her voice shaking slightly with emotion.
"You're amazing, Roxanne. You're brave, smart, and so incredibly beautiful, both inside and out. You make everything in my life make sense, and I don't want to imagine a future without you by my side." Lyra stepped forward, holding Roxanne's hand firmly as she looked directly into her eyes.
"Roxanne," she finally said, "will you be my girlfriend?"
Roxanne felt a wave of emotion wash over her. The tears she had been holding back finally fell down her cheeks, but they were tears of pure happiness. With a radiant smile, she replied,
"Yes, Lyra, I want to be your girlfriend. There is nothing I want more in this world."
Lyra let out a sigh of relief and, without hesitation, walked over to Roxanne. Their lips met in a tender, loving kiss, sealing the promise of a new beginning together. The kiss was slow and meaningful, as if they were both savoring the moment they had finally found each other.
As they parted, Roxanne looked at the roses in her hands and then at Lyra, smiling widely. "Thank you for this, Lyra. Not just for the roses, but for everything. For wanting to be with me, for making me feel so special."
Lyra gently caressed Roxanne's cheek, her smile reflecting the love she felt. "You make it all worth it, Roxanne. I'm so happy you're mine."
They had spent the afternoon laughing, talking, and enjoying each other's company, letting the warmth of their blossoming relationship wash over them.
In a quiet moment, Roxanne pulled something out of her bag. "I have something I want to show you," she said, carefully pulling out the album Lyra had given her some time ago. Lyra's eyes widened in surprise.
"I can't believe you opened it," Lyra murmured, her voice filled with wonder and some excitement.
Roxanne smiled, looking at the album before turning it towards Lyra. “I didn’t just open it, Lyra. I loved it. It’s one of the most beautiful gifts anyone has ever given me.” Her eyes met Lyra’s, filled with sincerity and gratitude. “I loved seeing our photos together, the messages you wrote… I realized how much you mean to me, and I want to continue creating more moments like that, together.”
Lyra was touched by Roxanne’s words, and her heart filled with joy. “It will be,” she replied with a smile, taking her camera from her bag. “We’ll start right now.”
They settled down together on the grass, Lyra’s camera capturing every moment. They struck various poses, laughing as they made funny faces, smiling for the camera, and enjoying the moment. In one of the photos, Lyra kissed Roxanne on the cheek, capturing the tenderness of the gesture. In another, Roxanne did the same, lovingly returning the kiss. Finally, Lyra looked at Roxanne with a knowing smile, and they both leaned in to take a photo of themselves kissing on the lips, sealing the moment of love with an image they would keep forever.
Roxanne, with a bright smile, looked at the photos on the camera screen and said, "These are going straight into the album." They both laughed, knowing that this moment would be just one of many they would continue to create together.
Lyra leaned in again to kiss Roxanne, but the romantic moment was broken by the sound of hurried footsteps. When they looked up, they saw Lee, who was staring at them with an expression of disbelief and rage.
"What the hell is going on here?" Lee exclaimed, his voice filled with anger.
Roxanne quickly stood up, shocked and with her heart in her throat. She knew she had to talk to Lee. She knew that what she was going to say could break their relationship, but she couldn't keep hiding the truth. With a heavy heart she replied, "Lee, I... I'm sorry. I didn't want you to know like this, but I can't deny what I feel for Lyra."
Lyra, taking Roxanne's hand for support, turned to Lee. "Lee, I'm so sorry. This is why I broke up with you. I fell in love with Roxanne. It wasn't something I planned, but it's how I feel."
Lee clenched his fists, his face turning red with rage. "This is a betrayal! You're my sister, Roxanne! How could you do this to me?"
Roxanne, her voice breaking, tried to explain herself. "Lee, I didn't choose this. But I can't ignore what I feel for Lyra. I don't want this to ruin our relationship, but I can't lie to myself."
Lee, with a look of determination, threatened, "I'm going to tell our parents. This isn't going to stay like this."
Roxanne and Lyra looked at each other, knowing that things would get even more complicated. But they were determined to face whatever came, together.
When her parents found out, they reacted with disbelief and anger. “I can’t believe you did this, Roxanne!” her mother exclaimed, full of indignation. “Lyra, you were always welcome in this house, we consider you part of the family, and you do this to us, you played with our son’s feelings and now you get romantically involved with our daughter, that is an impure act! You have caused us problems in this family!”
“This is not Lyra’s fault!” Roxanne replied firmly, surprised by the strength of her own words. “I am the one who fell in love with her. This is something between us, and you have no right to judge us. Not her, not me!”
Her parents were stunned. To them, the situation was incomprehensible, a betrayal of the family and everything they had been taught. “You have disappointed us, Roxanne,” her father said finally. “And we don’t know how we will be able to accept this.”
Her father's words hurt her deeply, but not as much as seeing the pain in Lyra's eyes. She knew that it had taken her a lot to face all of this, and that she was paying the price for something that was not her fault.
"You must end this," her mother said, with a harshness she had never shown before. "Lyra, you will not be welcome in this house again."
The words fell like a sentence, but what hurt the most was the next insult her father threw at her. "You are not only betraying your brother, but you are also letting a woman like Lyra ruin your life. She is a bad influence, Roxanne."
Lyra couldn't hold back her tears, her eyes red and her voice shaking. "I am not a bad person. I have done nothing to deserve this. I just fell in love with your daughter."
Roxanne hugged Lyra, trying to calm her down. "Relax, Lyra. Don't worry, I am here with you."
“Roxanne!” her mother exclaimed, shocked by the public display of affection. “This has to stop now. If you don’t, we’ll send you to a psychiatrist in Switzerland. They’ll take you away from her and get these thoughts out of your head.”
Roxanne felt a lump in her throat. “No… I don’t want to be away from Lyra. I don’t want to be sent away. I… I love her.”
Lyra, frightened by the threat, tried to intervene. “Please don’t send her away. This isn’t her fault. Don’t punish her for something she can’t control.”
But Roxanne’s parents were determined. “We don’t want to hear any more, Lyra,” her father said coldly. “This is for the sake of our daughter.”
“If you insist on this,” Roxanne said, feeling despair consuming her, “I’m leaving this house. I’m not going to Switzerland, I don’t want to be away from Lyra.”
Lee, who had been watching silently, burst out laughing. “And where will you go, Roxanne? You have nowhere to go. There is no family nearby who can take you in. This is crazy.”
Lyra, making a decision on the spot, stepped forward. “She will go live with me. My parents live in Ireland and they are sending me enough money so that we can live well here. There is enough room for both of us.”
Roxanne looked at Lyra, shocked but hopeful. “Are you serious, Lyra? Would you really do that for me?”
Lyra nodded firmly. “Yes, Roxanne. I will not let them take you away from me. We can live together, safe and happy, away from all of this.”
Roxanne and Lee’s parents were in shock, unable to process what they were hearing. Her mother tried to intervene. “There is no way we will allow you to go with her! You are our daughter, and you cannot make this decision on your own.”
Roxanne, now more determined than ever, replied, "I'm grown now. I can make my own decisions, and I've decided that I want to be with Lyra. They're not going to take me away from her."
Her parents tried to dissuade her, but Roxanne was determined. She went to her room, gathered her things, and with Lyra, left the house that had been her home for her entire life. She knew she was leaving behind everything she knew, but she didn't regret it. For the first time, she was making a decision for herself, a decision based on what she truly wanted.
As they walked to Lyra's car, Roxanne felt a mix of relief and fear. Relief that she had finally left behind the chains that bound her, but fear because she didn't know what the future held. However, when she looked at Lyra, she knew that no matter what came, they would face it together.
"Thank you for doing this for me," Roxanne said as they climbed into the car.
Lyra smiled, though her eyes still reflected the pain of what had just happened. "You don't have to thank me, Roxanne. This is what I wanted all along. I'm just sorry it had to be this way."
Roxanne took Lyra's hand, feeling a stronger connection than ever. "I'm scared, but I'm also excited. I don't know what will happen now, but I'm sure being with you is the right thing to do."
Lyra looked at her tenderly. "You don't have to be afraid. We're in this together, and we'll make it work. No matter what happens, I'll always be here for you."
With those words, Lyra started the car and they drove away from the house, leaving behind a life full of expectations and obligations. The future was uncertain, but for the first time, Roxanne felt free to be herself, and that was all she needed.
As they drove away, Lee watched from the window, unable to believe what had happened. He felt a mix of rage and confusion, but he didn't say anything. He knew there was nothing he could do now.
Meanwhile, Roxanne’s parents were devastated. They had lost their daughter in a struggle they never imagined they would have to face. But for Roxanne and Lyra, it was the beginning of a new life, a life they had chosen together, no matter what the world thought.
Lyra and Roxanne’s relationship blossomed. They lived together, each day a new discovery, and despite the challenges they faced, their love grew stronger. Lyra continued to struggle with residual feelings for Lee, but every time he tried to reach out to her, she rejected him, reaffirming his commitment to Roxanne. Lee, in the end, had to accept that he had lost Lyra forever, and though it hurt, he knew it couldn’t compete with what they shared.
Roxanne was also facing her own fears and doubts, but with Lyra’s unwavering support, she found the strength to move forward. Together, they found a peace they had never known, and though the road was difficult, they were ready to face it, side by side.
Epilogue
Two years had passed since Roxanne moved in with Lyra. Time had been kind to both of them. Together, they had faced the challenges life had thrown at them, strengthening each other and creating more memories than could fit in the album Lyra had given her. The connection between them had become unbreakable, filled with love, complicity, and a deep understanding of what it meant to be truly together.
It was a quiet afternoon on the terrace of the apartment they shared. The sky painted in orange tones by the sunset created a perfect atmosphere for what Roxanne had planned. They sat together at a small table, looking at the horizon as the sun began to set.
Roxanne gently took Lyra's hand, interlacing their fingers. Lyra looked at her with a soft smile, not suspecting what was about to happen. Roxanne took a deep breath, gathering the courage she had been cultivating for weeks.
“There’s something I want to tell you, Lyra,” Roxanne began, her voice slightly shaking from nerves. “These past two years have been the happiest of my life. We’ve been through so much together, from the hard times to the days filled with laughter and love. I can’t imagine my life without you.”
Lyra looked at her tenderly, but before she could answer, Roxanne stood up from her seat. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. Lyra’s eyes widened at the sight of the box, and her heart began to beat faster.
Roxanne knelt in front of her, her hands shaking as she opened the box and revealed a delicate yet beautiful ring. A promise ring, simple yet full of meaning.
“This ring,” Roxanne said, her voice full of emotion, “is a promise. A promise that I will always be by your side, no matter what. A promise to love and respect you, to build a life together, one day at a time.” It's not a marriage proposal yet, but it's a sign that my heart belongs to you completely, and I want you to know that today, tomorrow, and always.
Lyra felt her eyes fill with tears. Emotional, she held out her hand, allowing Roxanne to place the ring on it. "Roxanne... it's beautiful. And you're the most amazing person I've ever met," Lyra whispered, tears streaming down her face.
Roxanne smiled as she stood up, taking Lyra's face in her hands. "I love you, Lyra. This is just the beginning of everything that's to come."
Lyra nodded, smiling through her tears. "I love you too, Roxanne. With all my heart. I promise to always cherish this love, just as you do."
They moved closer and kissed softly, sealing the promise. The ring sparkled in the evening light, a symbol of everything they'd overcome and everything that was to come.
And so, despite the obstacles, true love triumphed, proving that when two people are meant to be together, nothing and no one can separate them. The future was uncertain, as it always is, but with that promise, they both knew they could face it together. At that moment, there was nothing more important than the love they shared, and that promise ring shining on Lyra's finger was just the first step towards everything they would build together, knowing that they had found their true home in each other's hearts.