Only Once

by Ashley Munoz

“Honey, the best kind of love story happens when we don’t feel lovable, when we feel ugly and bruised, like the reject of the pile. That’s when that shit sneaks up and bites the hell out of you.”

Sometimes in life we only get a few seconds to tell our truth, and no matter how much we want to change it, we can’t erase it from other people’s lives.

“It was always supposed to be you. Please give him another chance, give this another chance…I can already tell he loves them.”

I don’t know if you know it or if he does, but you’re it, Bexley Black.”

No one chose me.”

The trouble with choosing someone first was, so often, they didn’t choose you back, and it felt like flames against your skin when you realized your heart belonged to them regardless. Ryan would always be my first choice, and now I knew without a shadow of doubt that I would never be his.

“I can’t force you to do this, but Gary and I would like the chance to get to know your kids…and you. You all live here, and whether or not my son fixes this, you’re important to us, and we want you to come see us. Bring the kids, let them have fun here…we’re here for you, Bexley.”

Suddenly there was an entire team of sharpshooters out and ready to protect Bexley.

I wanted her to have people in her corner; it was just awkward when I was trying to get in that corner too and they had their sights set on me.

“Back at square one, with his mom.”

“Because this thing between us, it’s something that happens only once, and I’ve managed to almost lose it twice. I won’t risk it again.”