Page 235 of From Rivals to I Do

trembling with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. A voice mail awaits me, a precious thread connecting me to the world I left behind.

Pressing play, I hear Jackson's voice, laced with longing and affection. "Maya, it's me. Henry and I miss you so much. We can't wait for you to come back

home. Please, just come back. We'll figure everything out together." There's a slight pause filled with the crackling of the phone line. Then I hear his voice again: "We love you."

Tears well up in my eyes as the weight of their love washes over me, eroding the walls I've erected to shield myself from the pain. I sob uncontrollably,

my heart wrenching with the realization that my absence has left a void in their lives just as much as it has in mine.

Seeking solace, I make my way to Maria's room, the weight of my heavy heart evident in every step. Maria's eyes meet mine, filled with a deep well of

understanding and empathy, as I unburden myself, allowing the raw emotions to spill forth. She settles beside me, her very presence a soothing balm to

the storm raging within me.

"I... I just received a voicemail from Jackson and Henry," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Maria's brows furrow in concern, her gaze never wavering from mine. "Oh, what did they say?" she asks gently, her voice laced with both curiosity and compassion.

Tears well up in my eyes as I struggle to find the words, my voice choked with a mixture of sorrow and longing. "They... they said they miss me," I manage to say, the words catching in my throat. "They can't wait for me to return."

Maria's face mirrors her understanding of my dilemma. "Oh, that's... that's beautiful. To be missed, to know that your presence is cherished and longed for, it's a testament to the love that binds you all together."

I wipe away a stray tear, searching Maria's face for guidance. "But... but what do I do? How do I reconcile my love for them with the fears that hold me

back? I keep feeling inadequate, like I'll never be able to replace Emily in their hearts."

Maria reaches out, her hand finding mine, providing an anchor of support in this tumultuous sea of emotions. "Look," she says gently, "love has a way of

transcending our fears if we allow it to. It has the power to heal, to overcome, and to guide us towards what truly matters. Ask yourself, does your love

for Jackson and Henry surpass the grip of your fears?"

I ponder her question, allowing it to sink deep into the recesses of my heart. "Yes," I whisper. "My love for them goes beyond anything I've ever known. It is a force that surpasses the boundaries of my fear and fills every corner of my being."

A tender smile plays upon Maria's lips, her eyes shimmering with pride. "Then, my dear, you must find a way to confront those fears," she says, her voice a

steady beacon of encouragement. "Let love guide you back to the ones who need you most. Don't try to replace Emily because you can't. Just be yourself and create your own memories and moments with them."

Maria's words resound within me, awakening a slumbering strength I had long forgotten. "But how?" I ask, my voice tinged with vulnerability. "How do I summon the courage to face my fears and step back into a life that feels so fragile?"

Maria's unwavering gaze meets mine, her belief in me shining through her eyes. "The strength you seek resides within you," she asserts, her voice filled with conviction. "It resides in the depths of your love; in the unbreakable bond you share with Jackson and Henry. You are capable of more than you realize, my friend."

A profound silence envelops us, punctuated only by the soft whirring of the refrigerator beside us. I close my eyes, allowing Maria's words to permeate my very being. With newfound resolve coursing through my veins, I rise from the couch, a renewed sense of purpose guiding my steps. The road ahead may be paved with remnants of my fears, but I refuse to remain a captive any longer.

I turn to Maria, gratitude shining in my eyes. "Thank you," I say, my voice filled with sincerity. "Your friendship has been an unwavering light in my darkest moments. I will find a way to confront my fears and embrace the love that awaits me."

A tender smile graces Maria's face, her eyes sparkling with pride. "I have no doubt in my mind. You possess a strength that knows no bounds, a resilience that can weather any storm. And remember, I'm here for you always."

I smile wildly, grateful for Maria's presence in my life. "Are you going to the studio today?" I ask.

"Nah, I want to go check out a few books at the library today. I will go tomorrow. What about you?" she asks.

"Yeah, I'll just go have breakfast now and then prepare to leave. I need to finish up with my painting before next week," I explain.

"All right," Maria says. "Have you gotten a theme for your painting yet?"

"Uhh, not yet, but I'll figure it out," I reply.

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