Romance
Little Hearts, Big Feelings: Helping Children Understand Their Emotions
The Language of Little Hearts Children experience the world in colors brighter and emotions deeper than adults often realize. To a child, a lost toy isn’t just a missing object — it’s the end of a friendship. A parent’s raised voice isn’t a moment of frustration — it’s a thunderstorm in their tiny emotional world.
By Muhammad Azeemullah3 months ago in Chapters
Never Meant You to Know
“Landon! Harness duty today, right?” I called, already pulling straps into a pile. He looked up from his backpack, gave me that half-smirk that always made me want to roll my eyes and smile at the same time. “Lucky me. Try not to scare half the campers off before we even start.”
By Rachael E Shields3 months ago in Chapters
The Fire 🔥 Between Us . Content Warning.
Chapter Three: The Morning After Morning slipped through the blinds like it was trying to steal a secret. The light stretched across the bed, across my skin, warm and nosy. The house was too quiet, that kind of stillness that comes after everything important has already happened. Todd lay beside me, one arm crooked behind his head, the other draped where my body had been before I rolled away. His breathing was deep, slow, steady.
By Dakota Denise 3 months ago in Chapters
Knotted Roots - Part 9
I spent the past few days pondering how to ask Mr. Cross to date Jane, a tradition long forgotten by modern society, but expected here. Jane deserved better, but she wants me, knowing my brokenness, my past, she has always been there, waiting in the background all this time. Perhaps, I never saw her for who she was? I never saw her as a woman, until I saw her dolled up recently, a woman. Jane had a certain way of making me feel comfortable in my own skin, relaxed. Maybe this wouldn’t be a forever thing, but it was something worth tryin’. I pulled on my work gloves and yanked up on the hay bale in the barn and carried it outside, “Hey stranger!” My ears rang that familiar voice, one I haven’t heard in a few weeks, one I had nearly forgotten. “Grace?” Her bright smile toyed with my emotions. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost!” I was speechless, I didn’t know what to say as I placed the hay bale in a nearby hay basket perched on the horse pen. “What’re you doin here?” My tone was dry, keeping my distance, a slight annoyance to my tone. “What’s got you in a fuss darlin?” She asked sashaying over to me, her arms reaching for my neck. I gently grabbed her wrists and stepped back. “Grace…stop.” My face stern, dropping her arms at her side, “What’s wrong Jasper?” Grace’s face twisted from joy to concern, “Why are you here Grace?” “Well, I hadn’t seen you in nearly two weeks!” “You should leave Grace…” My voice short, turning to head back into the barn. “What?” I pushed past every memorable pulse of the night we shared, remembering the heart wrenching moment I found her with Greg hours after. How she broke me. “You haven’t seen me in weeks and you’re just goin’ to shoo me off like I mean nothin’?” Grace challenged, her boots stomping towards me as I continued to make my way into the barn. “You don’t turn your back on me Jasper Black!” I quickly spun on my heel, inches from her, challenging her rage as I stood as tall as ever. “You answer me!” “I’m just done, Grace, okay?” Controlling my voice to a low grumble instead of yelling. I wasn’t trying to be mean, I just needed to set the boundary. Just then, Grace’s phone rang, “You should probably take that, might be Greg.” I sneered as I brushed past her. I needed to get space, to get away. I could hear Grace answer the phone saying Greg’s name. “I knew it…” I muttered my eyes rolling over.
By Sibley Shamra3 months ago in Chapters
Knotted Roots - Part 8
The past few days felt like a daze. I was stuck in a fog where I had to choose which road to travel on. Jasper was a rough and rowdy cowboy, with a tender heart buried underneath. Greg was polished and genuinely attractive with his clean cut face and lean muscular build. The options were clear, a humble love or an extravagant lifestyle, with the world at our fingertips. I grew up fantasizing a life with Jasper, he was like a rough diamond, inclusions and all, with a love so raw, so fierce, I wasn’t sure I’d measure up. Yet, my mind swirled around the way he looked at me in the moonlight, in that ravishing black outfit. He was Johnny Cash and I was June. My skin shivered at the thought of how his calloused hands held me in a gentleness, like I was fragile, cherished. The way his stubbled beard tickled my smooth cheeks, the smell of his cologne like burnt wood and whiskey. The dizzying memory made me seek air as my body felt flushed. Hot!
By Sibley Shamra4 months ago in Chapters
Knotted Roots - Part 7
The air was brisk, a light wind blowing through the screened windows as I rolled over to catch the sun’s light peeking over the mountaintops in the distance. With a large stretch, I rose from a restful slumber. My feet didn’t drag across the wooden beams like they had been the past few days, nor did my chin hang low. In fact, this morning felt like a new beginning all over. I thought I had already started over when I came home to take care of Pa and the ranch, but now I think, I shed something from my past. Grace made her decision, she may have tugged on my heart for all those years, but like Pa once said. “Never be so thirsty that you drink from every cup presented to you, that’s how you get poisoned.” His voice echoed in my head, crisp and clear from all those years ago. I never gave my father much credit growing up, I always thought he was hard to impress or that he was never happy with me. Except, now that I’ve returned home, I’ve never seen him so content, so happy. I just hope he’s proud of the man he built. Maybe one day I can explain things, but for now. It’s worth it just seeing Pa enjoy the rest of life in ease.
By Sibley Shamra4 months ago in Chapters
Knotted Roots - Part 6. Content Warning.
Spot was feasting on some hay, content. I threw some saddle bags on Crimson and slung a rifle over my shoulders in case any of the wolves Pa heard were still nearby. The cattle were grazing comfortably, none appeared alarmed. With a light kick to Crimson I pushed onwards to the edge of the property where I could see the ridgeline better. No use in cutting corners. The fence I recently finished was sturdy, undisturbed, and I didn’t observe any tracks. However, I could hear the clamoring sound of thunder, only it wasn’t a storm cloud, the mustangs were charging along the ridgeline again. There was something breathtaking about those wild horses. In a way, it reminded me of last night, how freeing it was that neither of us held back, exposing ourselves. Vulnerable, trusting. She may love Greg, but it was evident that she also loves me. I found myself relaxed, unburdened. I finally told her, showed her, how much she meant to me. Now, it’s up to her. With no threat to the herd in sight I gently pulled the reins and Crimson galloped all the way home. After unloading the saddle bags and storing the rifle in a gun safe kept in the barn. I gave Crimson a well deserved bath and rinsed the sweat off myself. Yanking the wet, clingy shirt off. Allowing the sun rays to bake me dry. Sipping water from a canteen cup I sat upon the fence. At that moment I heard the front door swing open, the screen door bouncing off the siding. “Thank you, Mr. Black!” Grace looked radiant, and more importantly she looked sexy as hell wearing one of my shirts over her shoulders as she left in that sinful satin dress. The gambler hat sat perfectly atop her head, like a country crown. Spot carried her away from the house like the royalty I saw her as. I wasn’t mad that she didn’t wait for me, that she didn’t see me sitting atop of the fence. Grace knew I was a working man, and she honored that. I hopped off, a little bounce in my step. “What’ya find out there?” Pa asked, peeking over the newspaper in his hands. “No sign of wolves. But the mustangs were running across the ridge again.” “Ah, they’re always running after something huh.” I excused myself to head upstairs to freshen up. When I returned to my room to change clothes, I noticed one of Grace’s heels peeking from under my bed. I curled it up on a finger, my eyes closing as the memory of last night repeated in my mind. Steadying myself with a breath I found myself in a sort of frenzy, something in me felt like a primal instinct. It was time to give Cinderella her shoe back, and if I gamble my cards right, maybe we could repeat last night. I stupid smile spread like a wildfire on my face, and I made haste to get to Grace’s house.
By Sibley Shamra4 months ago in Chapters
Knotted Roots - Part 5
“This is quite the property, I see why your friend returned home,” Greg stated in awe. It was only natural for people to love the Blacks’ land. It had a gorgeous view of the mountain range, the open meadow filled with wildflowers. And every evening, God painted masterpieces across the sky. With a steadying breath I exited the car, Greg already halfway to the door. Scurrying to catch up, I had to make sure I was nearby as the Black’s don’t take kindly to strangers on their doorstep. With a rapid rasp on the door, Mr. Black peeked through the thin screen door, “Grace! What a lovely surprise to see you!” Mr. Black exclaimed, swinging the screen door open. “And who’s this?” His face stern with Greg before him, a stranger. “Mr. Black, this is…” “I’m Greg, Greg Combs.” A sly smile on his face. He extended his hand to Mr. Black although hesitant, I sensed he shook Greg's hand to appease the tension in the air and because I brought him here. “Right, well, come inside.” “Actually…” Greg began, “We’d love to Mr. Black!” I cut in, overstepping Greg, saving him from the Black’s generational test of respect. Greg followed my lead, “Great! I believe there’s still some tea in the fridge, help yourself Grace.” “Thank you sir.” I left Greg and Mr. Black in the main living area for a brief moment, returning with a glass of tea for everyone. “Mr. Black, I was hoping your son, Justin, was around?” “Justin? You mean Jasper?” “Yes, my apologies, sir. Where is he exactly?” “Well, he went into town, said he needed some supplies for the barn, probably won’t be back for quite awhile. What’s all this about?” Mr. black pressed, almost demanding Greg to answer him. I had to intervene before Mr. Black took offense to Greg being in his home. “Mr. Black, Greg, I brought everyone a glass!” “Ah, thank you love.” Greg replied, wrapping me up to sit upon his knee as we all sat in the living area. Mr. Black appeared to notice that Greg meant more to me than just an acquaintance and I was thankful when his expression softened. “So, you said Jasper went into town?” I asked, as if to thin the thickness lingering in the air. “That’s right, I was just telling Greg here that he probably won’t be back for quite some time.” “I see. Well I’d be more than happy to leave you with a Shepherd’s pie before we leave, I mean you’ve been so kind to us.” “Oh, how could I resist some of the Wither’s best recipes! I’d be delighted.” Mr. Black respectfully accepted my offer, but he was keeping his eye on Greg. “Well, I’ll leave you men to it, and I’ll be in the kitchen.” “Let me help you love.” Greg piped up, “Oh, don’t be silly Greg. Besides I’m sure you and Mr. Black have a lot to talk about.” I said with a coy smile, hoping he would at least tell Mr. Black his feelings for me. I mean I know the Black’s aren’t family, but Greg knows how I treat’em as such. If tonight is a proposal, perhaps he could at least enlighten Mr. Black.
By Sibley Shamra4 months ago in Chapters
Knotted Roots - Part 4
While splashing cold water on my face, I could hear my father talking downstairs and then I heard boots thudding along each aged wooden plank of the stairs. Slow, methodical. I peered through the bathroom door as the figure passed by, it was Grace. I could smell her perfume like the zest of fresh grapefruit. My nose flaring as I took in the scent wafting in the air, I left my shirt ragged, unbuttoned, my pants snug around my hips. I made sure not to make a sound as I shadowed her in the hall. I was taking her in, the way her hips swayed in her daisy dukes. Her hair bouncing off her shoulders. As she pushed open my door seeing my empty bed, I figured what better way to get the drop in on her than now. With a quiet step I closed the distance, pressing my chest to her back and raking my hands down her arms until I interlocked with her fingers. My voice rugged, I whispered “Mornin’ darlin.” Her head leaned back as if granting me permission. Her eyes fluttered closed. I moved her hair to one side and trailed light kisses along her neck until she stepped forward. I gently released her as she spun to face me. “I don’t forgive you.” She rushed, a playful smirk on her lips. “Excuse me?” “You asked me to forgive you last night, well I don’t.” Hesitation ached in my chest, yet I couldn’t help but feel unapologetic. “Why’s that kitten? Is Greg going to be jealous?” I stated bluntly. Grace’s face stiffened when I mentioned Greg, as if a cruel reminder of the fool she was with, or at least that’s my opinion. “Greg is…” “He was a distraction.” I cut in. “Distraction?” I moved closer, my hand reaching to lift her chin, I yearn for the way her eyes are like a doe when I do that, the way she silently begs for it. “You don’t have to explain anything, kitten.” My head leaning towards her, my fingertips trailing along her jaw and down to her collarbone. Hooking the strap of her tank top. “Jasper…” “Tell me Grace, does he make you like this?” “Like what?” “Like this. You’re breathless, anxious in the best way possible.” Her face said it all, her eyes full of need and her body relaxing into my arms. In a moment of desire I kissed her with my soul, passionately. Her hands explored my upper body. “Let me treat you how you deserve.” “And what do I deserve?” Her curiosity pleading with insatiable thirst. I forced myself to let go, steadying her on her feet. I began to button my shirt as I searched for separation. I didn’t want to mark her as mine just yet, I want her to confess she feels as strongly about me as I do about her. Her body says yes, but she’s been giving her heart to another man. Someone who isn’t him. “Why do you do this to me Jasper?” “Do what?” I questioned, brows furrowed as I took in her pained and confused expression. “Tease.” I stopped midway, frozen as I took in her pained words. “You think I just want to tease you?” A dark, almost cruel tone slipped from my lips. “Forget it…” She whispered “Oh like how you forget who Greg is when you’re around me?” My words were like a slap to her perfectly rounded face. “Greg is a great man.” “Just not great in bed huh?” Her face was in utter shock as even I was surprised I spoke the words aloud. “This was a mistake.” Grace’s pained whisper shattered me, and I watched as she scurried off into her truck and drove away.
By Sibley Shamra4 months ago in Chapters
Knotted Roots - Part 3
“Jasper…” I could hear my father faintly calling me as I heard the screen door slam shut. “Coming, Pa.” Letting him know I heard him. Kicking off my dusty boots by the door, I made my way upstairs to my father's bedroom, where he was lying in bed. His face is the perfect expression of exhaustion. “Pa, you’re up late. Everything okay?” “Jasper, how’s the fence?” “All finished, Pa. Couldn’t come home til I saw it through,” I said, smirking, something I raised to pride myself in was completing a project, and when you got so close to the finish line, we just saddled up and saw it through. Hard work was like a genetic trait passed down for generations in my family. Hearing the fence was completed caused Pa to smile, a brief moment of warmth in his eyes. “I’m proud of you, son…” Pa choked out as his coughing spells began. I quickly poured him a glass of water from his bedside. I learned to keep a pitcher ready for moments like this. Pa took the glass and sipped it with relief. Placing the glass on his bedside table, he motioned for me to sit in the nearby chair. “Sit my boy, tell me all about her.” I was caught off guard, “About who, Pa?” “Oh, don’t play shy with me, boy. I know a heartbreak when I see it.” Was it that obvious? Releasing a heavy sigh, I pulled the small wooden chair over to my father’s bedside. “Well, I wouldn’t say heartbreak.” I began with a smirk, my eyes fixated on a candle burning slowly next to the pitcher of water. “It’s just, I have a few regrets for leaving…” “Oh, come now. You needn’t dwell on what’s passed you. It’s how you move forward. So, who is she?” Pa always had a way of settling storms in your chest with his words of wisdom. I found that I couldn’t help but smile just thinking of her, “It’s Grace.” “Grace?” His eyes looked as if he was searching for a log to place her. After a brief moment, Pa’s eyes lit up with such excitement and almost sparkled at the thought. “Grace Withers…such a fine young woman.” I felt like my cheeks flushed for a moment, I tried to shake it away with a brief chuckle as I found peace knowing my Pa was approving of her. “Yeah, she’s a little spitfire, ain’t she?” Pa and I shared a knowing laugh, “Marry her, Jasper…she’s good for you.” Marry her? Now that’s a thought. I never saw myself as marriage material. I marry myself to manual labor, this ranch, that’s what I’m bound to. “Slow down there cowboy…” I tapped Pa’s hand with mine. “Besides, it’s too late anyway, she’s with some pretty boy.” “Pretty boy?” Pa repeated my words, as if confused. My head swooped low for a moment, again trying to shutter my emotions from my all-wise father. “Well, back in my day…” “Oh no, I’m not about to challenge this poor fool to a Western Shoot Out Pa!” I cackled, knowing my father was going to say some witty, outlandish statement to deter my stormy heart. “Come now, you’re no fun!” I enjoyed seeing my father still have his wits about him. I fear that he’s nearing his end here, but I cling to these moments, the candid talks, the lifelong lessons, and the generations of tradition he’s taught me. Please God, spare him some time, perhaps to let him see me married, to see me happy before he passes. He deserves that at least, right? “You know Jasper…” My father began, “Remember this my dear boy. There never was a horse that couldn’t be rode; never was a cowboy that couldn’t be thrown.” He smirked as he patted my hand as if reassuring me. “Thank you for those…wise words, Pa.” I chuckled, standing from the chair. “Goodnight, Jasper.” “Goodnight, Pa.” After resetting the chair where it was, I blew out the candle and made my way to my room as I quietly shut the door behind me. Was my father challenging me to win Grace’s heart? My father’s words echoed in my head as I shed off my soggy jeans and made my way to the shower. The water heat was never reliable, and so the brisk, cold water helped me to clear my thoughts. Afterwards, I wrapped a towel around my waist. Making my way from the bathroom and across the hall to my room, I found myself desperate for sleep. My internal alarm always woke me up just before sunrise, when the sky was a beautiful dull blue, and stars were fading from view. I took a morning shower, warm water relaxing my aching muscles, a wonderful surprise from the water heater. As I loosely slung a towel around me, my stomach rumbled with the sound of thunder. Pa’s probably going to be hungry soon anyway, might as well make breakfast. With a match, I got the burner lit and placed a skillet of eggs over the flame. Bacon grease popping in the oven and like a cowboy’s cologne saturated the air. I could hear my father getting up as the wooden floor creaked above me and his footsteps slow as he descended the staircase. “Easy there Pa.” I stated as I fixed his plate and poured a glass of fresh orange juice. “Well, I was going to sleep in until the aroma of bacon came wafting upstairs!” “Sorry to wake you Pa, but you should’ve heard the thunder brewing in this belly.” I tapped my stomach, still air drying from the shower. “So, have you spoken to Grace yet?” “Pa…It’s not even sunrise yet.” An anxious laugh escaped me. “Well, you haven’t gotten dressed so I figured you went on a ride last night.” Pa teased as I was still covered by my towel. “No Pa, you raised me better than that.” Pa smirked, “I raised you to be a man, Jasper, not a pushover.” Pa’s words stung a bit, but I brushed them off. I get the sense that he wanted me to pursue Grace, regardless of this Greg guy who is swooning over her. “Cowboys never shy from competition, Jasper. You know that.” Pa stated plainly as he finished his breakfast, sipping the rest of his orange juice. Rising to clean the table, “Leave the dishes, Jasper, I can still do some chores around here.” Pa stated his nose in a newspaper. “Sure thing Pa.” With the cool morning weather slipping away, I got dressed, slipped on my dusty old boots and flipped my cowboy hat on, tucking my work gloves in my back pocket. I think I’ll check on the barn today, make sure Crimson our stallion, has feed and a clean stall. Then perhaps check on the cattle roaming around. Breathing in the morning summer dew that clung to the ground. Crimson was eager to run, we felt it necessary to leave access between his stall and the pasture so he could come and go as he pleased. Crimson neighed as if saying good morning, and hooked his long nose behind my neck as if a brotherly hug. My neck was tickled by his whiskers. “Good morning to you too, Crimson. How’s about a sugar cube to start your day?” I teased, as I presented the treat in my palm. Crimson was a red colored Arabian Stallion, all muscle, and fast as lightning. Crimson was a gift from my father. I broke him in after he won him in an auction. My high school years were spent bonding with Crimson, it was like he trusted me, always had my back, and loved to ride fast. The thrill was all too appealing to a young cowboy, “Let’s see if you still have that young heart Crimson. What do you say to a ride?” Crimson excited, pranced around with excitement. Crimson and I both hated saddles, just never was comfortable. After meeting Crimson outside of the barn near his stall, I grabbed a tuft of his mane, hoisting myself on his back. Rubbing and patting Crimson’s side, I found peace of mind, thoughtless, nothing but me and him. Rounding into the open acreage, hugging Crimson tightly with my legs, I gave the clicking command and without hesitation, Crimson went full sprint. I braced myself, pressing my hat down so as not to lose it. With a joyous yelp, I breathed in the wildflowers in the open meadow. And for a moment, I felt free, as if releasing any ounce of regret from my past, it merely slipped off, left behind somewhere. As Crimson began to slow down near the edge of our property, I was able to catch my breath as well. “What a ride Crimson.” I gasped, patting his sweaty neck. “Yaw!” I heard Grace’s voice echo from the hill hiding her family’s ranch from ours. “Right on time.” I breathed, Crimson neighing as if amused. “Mornin' cowboy!” Grace hollered as she rode Spot near the fence line dividing our properties. “And to what do I owe the pleasure ma’am?” I laughed. “I thought I heard the mustangs again, but I shoulda’ known it’d be you and Crimson running amuck out here!” Grace’s teasing accent was like a breath of fresh air, tipping my hat to her, “My apologies ma’am.” Grace snickered and shook her head in amusement. “You should come by tonight Jasper, I’m cooking my legendary meatloaf.” Grace’s meatloaf was legendary, and my stomach rumbled at the thought. “Please, it’d be great for you to see my parents, they haven’t stopped asking about ya.” Her thick accent and charming eyes were irresistible! “I’ll be there.” “You promise!” “You have my word.” I declared, removing my hat, and making a grand gesture with it across my chest and bowing my head as if she were royalty. “I’ll let my parents know you’re coming! Six o’clock!” She hollered as she gave Spot a gentle kick and they rode away. Her blonde hair whipped behind her as Spot gained speed. She truly does keep me on my toes. Dinner? I should let Pa know not to expect me tonight.
By Sibley Shamra4 months ago in Chapters
