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Chapter 1:- Introducing Beth
Beth Collins regarded her best friend with an exasperated expression from across her kitchen table where they were having tea.She knew Emma meant well,but sometimes it got to be a bit much.For once,could she just give it a rest?
'I mean,I know the divorce was hard on you,'Emma continued,'but really,its been eight months.Your life must go on.
Beth smiled tiredly.'When I'm ready Em,I'm sure I'll start dating again,what's the hurry?'
'You're not getting any younger.38 is practically ancient in today's world.'
Beth gave up trying to change Emma's opinion as her friend rambled on.
Yes,the divorce had been hard on her,but surely it was her prerogative to take as much time as she needed to heal.
When Caleb had walked out on her,her whole world had shattered,15 years of marriage had gone down the drain with no warning whatsoever.
Husbands leaving their wives for younger women was a staple of soap operas and the wealthy.Never in a million years could she have imagined someday that fate would be hers.Yet the stark reality was,she had to own it and accept it.
Caleb had left her and as they never had any children,she was now truly alone in the world.She had no family to speak of,her parents had died in a plane crash when she was 19,she had no siblings or cousins,just...nothing.
After the divorce she had thrown herself into her work.Nursing had always been her passion and her sense of accomplishment when comforting and helping to heal those in pain,eased some of her own sorrow,made the lonely days seem just about bearable.
'Emma,'she finally said softly,'I appreciate your concern,but I need time.Healing from such betrayal doesn't happen overnight.'
Emma sensed her deep sadness and continued in a more gentle tone.
'I know Beth,I just want my friend back,the woman who was happy,enjoying life every day.You cannot allow Caleb to still have so much power over you.'
Beth took her hand in hers.'I'll be fine,I promise.'
She almost believed it herself.
Beth Collins regarded her best friend with an exasperated expression from across her kitchen table where they were having tea.She knew Emma meant well,but sometimes it got to be a bit much.For once,could she just give it a rest?
'I mean,I know the divorce was hard on you,'Emma continued,'but really,its been eight months.Your life must go on.
Beth smiled tiredly.'When I'm ready Em,I'm sure I'll start dating again,what's the hurry?'
'You're not getting any younger.38 is practically ancient in today's world.'
Beth gave up trying to change Emma's opinion as her friend rambled on.
Yes,the divorce had been hard on her,but surely it was her prerogative to take as much time as she needed to heal.
When Caleb had walked out on her,her whole world had shattered,15 years of marriage had gone down the drain with no warning whatsoever.
Husbands leaving their wives for younger women was a staple of soap operas and the wealthy.Never in a million years could she have imagined someday that fate would be hers.Yet the stark reality was,she had to own it and accept it.
Caleb had left her and as they never had any children,she was now truly alone in the world.She had no family to speak of,her parents had died in a plane crash when she was 19,she had no siblings or cousins,just...nothing.
After the divorce she had thrown herself into her work.Nursing had always been her passion and her sense of accomplishment when comforting and helping to heal those in pain,eased some of her own sorrow,made the lonely days seem just about bearable.
'Emma,'she finally said softly,'I appreciate your concern,but I need time.Healing from such betrayal doesn't happen overnight.'
Emma sensed her deep sadness and continued in a more gentle tone.
'I know Beth,I just want my friend back,the woman who was happy,enjoying life every day.You cannot allow Caleb to still have so much power over you.'
Beth took her hand in hers.'I'll be fine,I promise.'
She almost believed it herself.
