Session 𝓔ighty-One

Session 81:

"The Wise One"

⨳ ⨳ ⨳

I couldn’t fall back asleep, not with my mother at the forefront of my mind.

Now all I could think about was when or how I would tell her about Monroe.

I knew I needed to, especially because we’re dating now.

I know all the progress we made in our last conversation was ruined the moment I couldn’t give her a clear answer regarding my mother.

Now I feel far from tired, and like I have more making up to do.

I decided to start with breakfast.

A Monroe kind of breakfast, not my breakfast preference.

I would’ve opted for cereal or frozen waffles.

Monroe likes eggs and fruit.

Maybe even toast with jam or a bagel.

I opted for a little bit of everything.

I started with making scrambled eggs, adding cheese on top, and letting it melt.

I also prepared her some fruit with a slice of crispy toast spread with an organic strawberry jam that I found in her fridge.

The main event here was the fresh cup of coffee I made her.

I wasn’t used to making her coffee, so I wasn’t sure how much creamer or sugar to add.

She didn’t have any creamer, so I just grabbed the jar of sugar and set it next to the steaming mug of coffee.

I also laid out a perfectly folded napkin with silverware on top, leaving nothing out of place or uneven.

I also made sure the food on her plate was separate.

I felt really proud of myself, honestly, especially because I finished just at the right time.

I could hear the soft echo of Monroe’s slippers against the floor, emerging into the kitchen fully ready for work.

Her silky dark hair was down, flowing past her waist with her bangs perfectly neat as usual.

Her face was covered in light makeup, wearing a black long-sleeve dress shirt and matching dress pants.

The silver jewelry she wore glistened around her neck, along with the rings wrapped around her fingers.

“I made your favorite,” I said, noticing the confused expression on her face.

Monroe tilted her head as she approached me. “You didn’t have to do that, darling.”

I smiled slightly. “I definitely did,” I said, pulling out the chair for her. “Especially after the topic about my mother...” I awkwardly trailed off.

“It’s not something you have to make up for,” Monroe said as she stopped in front of me, leaning in to press a fleeting kiss on my forehead. “We’ll discuss it more later.”

“Later?” I asked with furrowed brows. “So there’s a discussion to have?” 

My words sounded a little more frantic than I wanted them to, but I was also nervous about this.

Was this a dealbreaker for her?

Is that what she wants to talk about later?

“Liberty,” Monroe said, snapping me from my thoughts.

“Why don’t we just talk over breakfast?” I suddenly asked, wondering why it had to wait until later.

“I’m mentally exhausted right now, Liberty,” she bluntly said, her stare not wavering from mine. “Navigating a relationship is difficult for me. Releasing control is even more difficult, but I’m trying, Liberty. I’m desperately trying. I simply need more time to process.”

“Process our conversation?” I asked in confusion, wondering what it is that’s on her mind.

“Process that you can’t give me what I’m used to,” Monroe clarified, making my face drop whether I liked it or not. “It’s okay that you aren’t as dependent as I’m used to, Liberty. Or that you can’t fully relinquish that control. I’m not asking that of you. I’m voicing that it’s difficult for me to adjust to.”

I remained silent for a moment, trying to take her words like an adult in a relationship, rather than some girl who wanted to cry in her face right now.

It’s just hard hearing that I can’t give her certain things.

I can't be what she needs.

“Come here,” Monroe whispered as soon as annoying tears burned in my eyes.

“I’m sorry,” I forced out as she gently grabbed my waist. “I’m not trying to cry.”

“No, darling, don’t apologize,” she said, letting out a soft sigh as I hugged myself tighter to her. “That was too harsh. I should be apologizing.”

I sniffled, burying my face against her chest as I tried to fight this overwhelming urge to cry even more.

“It feels as if,” Monroe spoke again, her words lowered and hesitant. “My head feels like it’s on fire. Like someone rewired me without permission. I don’t know where anything is anymore, Liberty.”

I forced out a weak hum, her words breaking everything deeper inside of me.

I hated that she feels like this.

That I poured gasoline all over her perfectly curated world and lit the match myself.

“I feel like an impostor in my own head,” she whispered, her arms tightening around my waist, like she was trying her hardest to ground herself. “Please be patient with me. That’s all I’m asking of you, Liberty.”

I nodded almost three times in a row, pulling back slightly to meet her blue eyes.

“I’ll be patient,” I didn’t hesitate to say, reaching up to gently cup her soft face in my hands. “I’m sorry for not treating you better.”

“You treat me perfectly. You’re the only one who gets me, Liberty,” Monroe said, leaning her face closer to mine. “I’m not claiming anything otherwise. I—“

She paused briefly, her eyes slightly wide and her lips parted mid-sentence.

Then she cleared her throat, fully glancing away from me.

“I don’t want you to ever think you’re not adequate,” she continued, drawing in a deep breath. “I’m only communicating where I’m at, darling. I’m not blaming you,” she openly stated, finally meeting my stare again.

I nodded silently, now understanding what she meant better.

She’s just trying to communicate—she’s not putting this on me.

She wants me to know where her head is at, and I definitely want to know.

It's just hard to hear without blaming myself for it.

“Thank you for telling me,” I said, leaning closer to her with my lips poked out slightly.

Monroe didn’t hesitate to close the space between us, softly kissing my lips.

“Always,” she murmured, pulling me in closer by my waist as she kissed me deeper.

I let out a soft sigh as I kissed her back, gently wrapping my hands around her neck.

“Let's see this breakfast you made,” Monroe said, pulling back from the kiss slightly to glance over to the table I had set for us.

I smiled slightly as her eyes trailed across everything I set up for her, from the plates of food to the coffee.

“Lovely,” she whispered, briefly kissing my cheek before she sat down in the chair I pulled out for her.

My smile widened at her approval. “I hope you like it. I don’t really know how you like your coffee.”

“Black coffee is my preference,” Monroe said as I got seated beside her. “You made everything perfectly, Liberty.”

I instantly felt relieved by her words, grabbing the fork beside her plate.

“Can I feed you your first bite?” I asked, wanting to see her reaction to the food I made.

“Of course, darling,” she didn’t hesitate to agree.

I happily poked the fork in the eggs, preparing her a small bite before bringing it to her lips.

Monroe parted her lips for me, taking the small bite of eggs.

Then I poked the fork into the cut-up strawberries, feeding those to her once she swallowed the bite of eggs she had been chewing.

Lastly, was the toast coated in strawberry jam, which she seemed to like as well.

All of it she seemed to like.

She managed to thank me a few different times as we ate breakfast together.

It did feel much better between us now with Monroe’s clarification.

I know where she’s at with everything, which also makes me want to handle the situation with my mother even more carefully.

Monroe is already having a hard time with everything, especially the control aspect of things.

I don’t want to add to her plate or give her something else to worry about.

I decided I needed to narrow down my thoughts on telling my mother, so I can communicate with Monroe just as she had done for me.

The start of that involved talking to someone about it all.

Zion and I had class together today, so I knew he would be able to help.

I stopped by my place before class to quickly get ready—it wasn’t anything crazy, just a pair of brown flare leggings and a matching top.

I kept my hair down and did a little bit of light makeup before leaving my apartment.

Today’s lecture sucked a little bit because I couldn’t focus the entire time.

Everything was so fresh on my mind—I didn’t even remember writing the note I had.

The fact that midterms are quickly approaching doesn’t help either.

Luckily, Zion suggested we study after the lecture, which I thought was the perfect idea.

Then I can talk to him about my current situation, and also focus back on studying.

I planned to do a late lunch with Monroe once she had the time.

When I texted her all my daily updates, she mentioned today was a little busier for her.

I decided to drag Zion along to the cafe near Monroe’s office, so I could either carpool with her to her house or we could leave at the same time.

I also had an idea about grabbing us lunch at the local cafe, so I texted Monroe while I was sitting in light traffic.

She didn’t respond until over ten minutes later, when I had just gotten parked and was grabbing my things out of my passenger seat.

I immediately sat everything back down in the seat to open her text.

Ro Ro: I don’t have time for a lunch break today. I’m sorry, darling.

The text disappointed me—mostly, because I knew she would inevitably be working late again tonight.

I had looked forward to lunch these past few hours, if I’m being honest, and I also made Zion drive over to this side of town, so I could be conveniently near her.

Now I probably won’t see her until at least eight.

I pursed my lips together, quickly typing on my phone.

I typed—

but i really wanted to see you

Then I deleted it, deciding that I needed to be more understanding.

I knew she was drowning in things to do after her leave to New York, and then going into work late due to a hangover.

She rarely even takes time off, so I knew it must be hard.

She also told me this morning how badly she’s struggling mentally.

I want to be here for her when the world sometimes feels like it’s not. 

I let out a soft sigh, typing my next message to her before sending it.

Me: it’s totally okay baby. i’ll see you later 

Me: i can also pick up dinner for us. just let me know what you want

It felt nice sending the text, hoping that I could be a calm presence among the chaos in her day.

At the same time, there was the annoying urge to cry.

Sure, I was disappointed, but I was honestly fine with having lunch with Zion.

It would still be nice.

I think I’m just overwhelmed by this situation with my mother, and then so much has happened these last few weeks.

It feels like I could just cry for days honestly, but I’m going to suck it up and be fine.

I was fine yesterday.

I think it’s just a today thing, and it’ll pass.

“Hey, so Ro can’t do lunch,” I said as soon as I approached Zion. “Her schedule is really busy.”

“Damn, I'm sorry, Libs,” he said, pursing his lips into a subtle frown.

“No, I’m sorry, honestly,” I said, shaking my head as we stopped outside the cafe. “I dragged you over here for no reason when we could’ve just stayed near your place—“

“Woah-woah,” Zion softly cut me short, noticing the embarrassing tears weighing down my eyes. “It’s okay. I didn’t mind at all.”

I forced a smile when he instinctively pulled me into a side hug, facing us away from the cafe as I quickly wiped my tears.

“This is so annoying. I hate crying,” I sighed, trying to blink away more of my tears. “I think it’s just the topic of mother is heavy in the air right now. I don’t know.”

Zion furrowed his brows. “What’s going on? Did she do something again?” he asked, staring down at me.

“No,” I quickly clarified as he hugged me closer to his side, random people passing by us on the sidewalk. “I just… need to tell her about Monroe.”

“Oh,” Zion murmured.

“Monroe’s family and friends know about me. She didn’t hide me away or lie to anyone,” I whispered, shaking my head as I thought back to the last few days. “I already fucked up so badly when I introduced her as my therapist to you guys.”

Zion pursed his lips. “That’s true. I could see both sides to that,” he said, making me give him a blank look as I dabbed under my eyes more.

“You don’t have to be on my side. Just be honest,” I determined, wanting to hear the full truth here.

“That’s me being honest, Libs,” Zion said, smiling slightly at me. “I would be upset if Sarai introduced me as her friend instead of her boyfriend, but the situation you have going on is complicated. I see both sides to it.”

I nodded, understanding what he meant.

It was a complicated situation, and really hard for me to navigate.

But at the same time, Monroe had every right to be upset after how proudly she introduced me in New York.

“So what do I do about Maris?” I whispered, wanting to hear Zion’s take on it all. “I’m so not ready to tell her.”

“Then be honest about that,” Zion said, keeping me wrapped in a side hug. “Figure out why you’re not ready, and how you can work towards that, and just tell Monroe that.”

I nodded hesitantly. “That sounds really good,” I whispered. “I just know this all means a lot to her. She was upset when I introduced her as my therapist to you guys.”

“Well, that’s given, Libs, especially if you didn’t explain it beforehand,” Zion said, softly squeezing me closer to him. “Try talking to her about how you feel. I think she’ll understand once you understand yourself and what’s holding you back.”

I smiled slightly. “Okay, wise one,” I mocked, lightly nudging him.

Zion chuckled. “Hey, being in a relationship for years will do it to you,” he said, making my smile grow.

He gave really good advice.

I think Monroe would definitely understand if she’s not blindsided or left in the dark.

All I told her was soon.

I would tell my mother soon.

I didn’t try to talk to her more about it or figure out what’s holding me back.

Also, the entire situation with my friends blindsided her.

Zion just made a really good point.

I think once I can gather my thoughts and tell Monroe—then we’ll both be in a better place.

“Thank you for the advice,” I suddenly said, wrapping my arm around him to briefly hug him. “It feels like I’m always doing the wrong thing.”

“It’s your first relationship, Libs,” Zion emphasized with a smile. “There‘s gonna be a lot of mistakes because you’ve never done this before.”

I nodded a few times. “You’re totally right,” I murmured, already feeling so much better from our talk alone. 

I’m seeing a better perspective to things, especially the fact that this is my first relationship.

It’s Monroe’s too, so there’s going to be a lot of mistakes, and it might even take some time for everything to finally settle.

Especially with how complex our situation feels at times.

“Are you all good?” Zion asked as we pulled away from our brief side hug.

I nodded. “So good. I feel a lot better,” I admitted, glancing past him to the nearby Cava. “Should we just do lunch instead now?”

Zion glanced over his shoulder towards my line of sight. “Hell yeah,” he said, making me laugh slightly. “Cava is my shit.”

I laughed again. “I know,” I said, shaking my head with a wide grin. “Maybe we can study after we eat or something.”

Zion nodded immediately, “Yeah, let’s do that,” he agreed as we walked past the quaint cafe, heading further down the sidewalk.

Cava wasn’t too busy, given it was a little after three now, so the lunch rush wasn’t as bad compared to a couple of hours ago.

Zion and I quickly made it through the short line, customizing our bowl, and even got pita chips to share.

Once we had made our drinks, we got settled at one of the tables near the front windows, happily opening our bowls to dig in.

It was dead silent between us for a few moments, especially as we focused on eating our bowls.

Then we started talking about the midterms approaching, eating a little slower, and more humane.

I swear, sometimes we eat in the most unhinged way.

It doesn’t help that I hadn’t eaten since this morning with Monroe, which was around six hours ago.

I was nearly on the brink of starvation, especially after that long lecture.

“So you think short answer questions? I was hoping for multiple choice,” I said, taking a small bite of the golden pita chip.

“It’s definitely gonna be short answer,” Zion determined, taking a sip of his sweet tea. “I don’t think the midterm is weighted that heavily, though, so it’s not too much pressure.”

“I still want to get an eighty or above,” I clarified, knowing that I needed wiggle room just in case I failed the final exam or something.

I need to get the highest grades I can just to be prepared for any slip ups down the road.

“I think we can both get at least a ninety,” Zion said, setting his drink down. “Easily, honestly. You know the same material as I do.”

I lazily raised my brows. “You have a lot of hope in me,” I joked.

Zion smiled, “You stay on top of your notes, and you know the review questions at the beginning of each lecture,” he pointed out, picking up his fork again. “You’re all goo—“

“Liberty?”

I instinctively glanced over toward the voice.

And immediately regretted it when I laid eyes on Dr. Kincaid.

Her dark hair was down in a middle part, wearing a pinstripe blouse and matching dress pants.

She wore a headscarf around her head, which she was in the midst of taking off as she walked toward our table, a Cava bag hanging on her arm.

Monroe’s actually going to kill her.

I could probably say that out loud to Zion right now, and he would think I’m joking.

But genuinely, Monroe is going to kill her.

I’m surprised she doesn’t already know Celia—

Dr. Kincaid, is here.

God forbid I even think about her first name.

Monroe might somehow find that out too.

“Hey, it’s Dr. Kin something, right?” Zion smiled.

A little too wide of a smile for me.

I don’t want either of us to look too happy in Dr. Kincaid’s presence.

Fuck, I’m going to hear about this one all night tonight.

“Kincaid,” she corrected with an amused smile. “Kin something works too.”

I pursed my lips at her joking tone, trying not to draw too much attention to myself.

I was hoping she’d just talk to Zion, but then her dark eyes shifted to me.

Fucking great.

“How has everything been, Liberty?” Dr. Kincaid asked me.

“Good,” I murmured, not bothering to ask how she’s been.

I’m not sure if Monroe can hear our conversation right now, so I’m not taking any risks.

“You should eat with us,” Zion suddenly said, making my eyes immediately widen.

He thinks Dr. Kincaid and Monroe are friends or happy coworkers. 

Zion is genuinely oblivious and doesn’t realize he just lit a fire under all of us.

“That would be nice,” Dr. Kincaid politely said, and before I had a chance to slide down to the end of my booth—

She slid in right next to me.

Now I’m going to die too.

Thanks, Dr. Kincaid.

“Where is your girlfriend?” Dr. Kincaid asked.

“She couldn’t be here,” I said.

“In class,” Zion said.

I awkwardly looked over to Zion, realizing Dr. Kincaid was one hundred percent talking to him.

“Wait, did you mean me or Libs?” Zion asked, making me purse my lips into the tightest line.

“Liberty,” Dr. Kincaid glanced at me with a tilted look. “You have a girlfriend?”

“I’m sure you know,” I said before I could think it through, making my eyes widen slightly.

I didn’t mean it in that way, or maybe I should’ve.

I just know the NDA’s made it obvious.

“I don’t know,” Dr. Kincaid emphasized, her stare not wavering from mine. “At least not anything I’m allowed to discuss.”

I glanced away from her when Zion awkwardly cleared his throat, probably piecing more together.

At least that Dr. Kincaid can’t legally talk about me and Monroe.

I don’t think he realizes that Monroe would strangle Dr. Kincaid with her bare hands.

That was clear throughout our shared lunch with Dr. Kincaid—Zion kept up the conversation the entire time for me, luckily.

But fuck was he outgoing.

Too outgoing.

We collectively avoided the topic of Monroe, especially since Zion understood what Dr. Kincaid previously meant.

It made the conversation a little easier, I guess, but it was hard when I began wondering if Dr. Kincaid followed us here.

Or if she planned to come here on purpose.

All I could think about was her creepily watching me, and it threw me off.

“I’m going to go get some more pita chips really fast,” Zion said, earning a nod from Dr. Kincaid as she set her water down.

I let out a deep sigh when he slid out of the booth, leaving Dr. Kincaid and me alone.

It was the last thing he should’ve done.

Being alone with her is even worse.

I’m surprised Monroe hasn’t texted me about this yet—so far it’s been twenty-ish minutes and nothing.

Good or bad thing? Probably bad.

It's never a good sign when she's silent, but I'm sure she already knows.

“Be careful with her.”

I glanced over to Dr. Kincaid immediately, but for once her dark eyes weren’t on me.

She was staring down at her bowl, focused on preparing her next bite.

“I’m not talking about my girlfriend with you,” I emphasized, glancing away from her again. “If you have anything you want to say, tell me in her presence.”

Dr. Kincaid was silent for a moment as she chewed the bite she had taken.

It left the air tense around us for a few beats until she finally spoke again.

“Do you know about her work with the government?” Dr. Kincaid asked, and I could feel her dark eyes shift to me, “She knows what to say, what to do, how to guide someone in any direction she wants. You’re not different here.”

I met her stare with pure boredom, holding her dark eyes even if it made me uncomfortable.

Especially knowing that she’s been watching me.

“I’m sure you would love to do the same as her,” I softly whispered, remaining entirely unaffected, even if I did have questions about the government thing.

But that’s something I’ll take up with my girlfriend, not with the woman obsessed with mirroring her life.

That’s common sense.

“You can keep trying to mirror her, but you’ll never measure up,” I emphasized lowly before instinctively glancing over.

Her presence nearly swallowed the entire room, walking past the different tables with her usual high posture and the most neutral expression on her face.

Her sleeves weren’t pushed up to her elbows—they were precisely rolled up. A bad sign.

Then there was her sharp jawline, noticeably clenched in a tight line.

Her heels clicked sharply with each step.

Even Dr. Kincaid looked over, along with a few other people nearby.

Monroe didn’t say anything once she stopped in front of our table.

She didn’t have to.

All she did was stand there, her hands tightly clasped together in front of her body, and her stare pinned on Dr. Kincaid.

There was a darkness to it, one that I could feel.

Monroe looked like she was genuinely acting out Dr. Kincaid’s death in her head.

I knew if we were behind closed doors right now, this would be going a lot differently. 

It still might be handled later on, given she’s sitting right fucking next to me.

I silently stood up, quickly grabbing my tote bag and my half-eaten Cava bowl with the lid back on it.

I didn’t say a single word to Dr. Kincaid.

I just waited for her to move out of my way, so I could slide out of the booth.

“I’ll have more legal contracts sent over,” Monroe murmured so lowly to Dr. Kincaid, but not low enough for either of us to mistake. “This doesn’t happen again.”

Dr. Kincaid rose from the booth, her stare not wavering from Monroe’s as I quickly slid past the bench and away from her.

“I’ll see you in the office,” was all Dr. Kincaid said to Monroe, “Make sure these documents are delivered by the evening or they won’t be signed for another day.”

Monroe didn’t react.

At first.

It was subtle, but I could see the edge of her lips twitch up.

Her smiling in this situation really wasn’t good.

“They’re already on your desk,” Monroe said, motioning me along. “Be thankful you have a hand to sign them with.”

I awkwardly pursed my lips as I walked past them both, hoping Monroe would leave it at that.

But she stood there for another moment, openly staring at her for so many seconds on end.

Then she tilted her head with a disinterested expression and turned away from her, grabbing my tote bag from my hand to carry for me.

I knew that was her way of at least claiming something of me, given she couldn’t touch me in public.

“Hey, are you joining us?” Zion asked as he walked toward us, a fresh pouch of pita chips in his hand.

“Turns out we’re going for a quick lunch,” I rushed out, following behind Monroe, whose focus was laser-focused on the exit.

I knew she was in one of those mindsets.

There’s no way she could talk to Zion at a time like this.

“I’ll text you later so we can study tomorrow?” I asked, quickly side hugging him.

“That works. Enjoy your lunch, guys,” he said as we passed a few other tables toward the exit.

I said a brief thanks to him over my shoulder as we walked out of the restaurant.

Monroe was silent.

Too silent.

And the sharp clicking of her heels didn’t help my anxiety, anticipating what she was about to say to me.

I blindly followed her toward the nearby parking garage she was leading me to, and I knew that meant she wanted to talk to me privately.

Otherwise, we would’ve stopped by my car that we passed, which was parallel parked on the street.

Monroe fully led me into the parking garage, stopping by her familiar Bentley parked in one of the back spots on the first level.

I knew she wasn’t only pissed off about the Dr. Kincaid situation, but also leaving the office to deal with this.

She has a lot of work to handle right now, and then this happens.

I furrowed my brows when she opened the driver’s door, leaning down to put my bag inside.

“Am I going with you?” I asked in confusion as she held out her hand for my Cava bowl.

I handed it over to her, even as she remained silent, not answering my question as we stood by her open door.

“Monroe?” I said when she slid down into the driver’s seat, sitting behind the wheel.

I walked closer as she briefly started the car, noticing she was adjusting her seat away from the wheel.

I had so many fucking questions, but they all vanished the moment she grabbed my hand and pulled me down into the car.

A gasp fell from my lips as I instinctively lifted my leg over her lap, grabbing her shoulders for balance.

Monroe grabbed the back of my other thigh before I could process it, guiding me to straddle her.

Then the door was firmly pulled closed—

And her lips were on mine.

I didn’t hesitate to kiss her back, even if I was breathless and so fucking confused.

Thank god her windows are heavily tinted, and we’re at least in a parking garage.

A whimper burned in my throat when she grabbed my neck, her tongue sliding into my mouth with each kiss we exchanged.

My chest rose and fell with each breath, arching into her as I ran my hands down her body.

I moaned when she subtly spit in my mouth, her tongue sliding deeper and deeper past my lips.

“Oh my god,” I breathed out, my words muffled by her mouth as her hand trailed down past my waistband.

I squeezed my hands around her throat on purpose, earning the most attractive moan from her.

I inaudibly gasped when she tugged at my hair, forcing my head back as she slipped her other hand past my waistband.

I gripped her shoulders as she smoothly circled my clit, making me breathlessly hum.

“I’m going to slide two fingers into you, Liberty,” Monroe said, keeping her grip in my hair and my head forced back.

I hummed in acknowledgment, even if it sounded more like a moan.

“And I want you to ride me, darling,” I heard her say, making everything around me burn.

“Yes-okay,” I tried my best to say, feeling her fingers trail down. “Anything for you, mommy.”

Monroe hummed in approval.

Especially when I started shifting my hips the moment she slid into me.

“Good girl,” her words echoed around me.

It only encouraged me, making me go faster as she curled against my spot.

“Yes-yes,” I moaned out, squeezing my eyes closed as my face burned.

Even the tips of my ears felt warm, feeling her lips against my neck, kissing and sucking in all the right places.

I couldn’t get enough—I only rode her faster, needing more and more.

I even arched deeper, angling her fingers deeper against my spot.

“Whose are you, darling?” I heard Monroe say, gripping my hair tighter and making me whimper.

But it felt so good at the same time, especially with the pleasure blurred around me.

“Yours,” I didn’t hesitate to say. “All yours—“

I was cut short by my own moans, tightening around her fingers entirely as I shot up to my peak.

I didn’t just moan her name over and over again.

All I could force out was mommy, riding her fingers until my legs were aching and I was fighting for air.

I dug my nails into her shoulders, basking in my orgasm as I felt her warm tongue run up the front of my exposed neck.

Then she began sucking and kissing, making my head grow dizzy as I slowly came down from my high.

I was nearly gasping for air the moment my orgasm faded, leaving me limp against her and my legs aching in the worst way.

“Ugh,” I breathed out, shifting against her as she gently massaged her fingers against my scalp, relieving the previous pain from the tugging she had done.

“Such a good girl, Liberty,” she murmured as I relaxed further, humming as she continued massaging my scalp.

My eyes fluttered open when she gently let go of my hair, carefully sliding out of me.

My eyes widened when I glanced down at her fingers, which were fully coated in blood.

Now, all the crying today makes sense.

I just started my period.

“Oh my god,” I whispered, my face burning up from embarrassment. “Oh my god, I’m so sorry.”

“Liberty—“

“No, oh my god,” I rushed out, covering my face in embarrassment as she opened the middle console with her other hand. “This is so bad. This is really bad.”

“There’s nothing bad about this. I assure you, sweetheart,” I heard her say as I kept my face covered. “It’s completely normal.”

I shook my head, squeezing my eyes closed. “I should’ve known—this is so embarrassing, Monroe.”

I heard the crinkling of her opening something. Probably wipes to clean off her hand.

“This isn’t something to be embarrassed about, my sweet girl,” Monroe insisted, but all I could do was disagree. “I would still touch you regardless of any blood, Liberty.”

I opened my eyes before I could process it. “You would?” I asked in confusion, lowering my hands slightly.

Monroe’s expression grew amused. “Yes, I would, darling,” she said as she grabbed another wipe. “Especially if it helps you feel better. Orgasms are known to help with cramps.”

I shook my head, even if an annoying smile grew on my lips.

“Of course, you would know that,” I mumbled as she put the wipes back up. “And to think I avoided you during my period.”

Monroe parted her lips in the cutest way, looking genuinely offended by what I just said.

“Why would you do that?” she asked, her expression growing more dramatic. 

“I didn’t want to embarrass myself,” I pointed out, even if this was probably the most embarrassing it got. “Imagine I got blood on your white sheets.”

“Then I would put them in the washer, and put other sheets on the bed,” Monroe said as if it were the most reasonable explanation. “I have numerous sets of sheets, Liberty.”

I pursed my lips, “It still would’ve been embarrassing,” I mumbled.

“It’s not,” she immediately clarified, her tone more than serious with me. “Don’t ever avoid me again.”

I let out a soft sigh. “Fine,” I mumbled.

At least until Monroe tilted her head, clearly displeased by my answer.

“Okay,” I corrected myself.

Monroe hummed in approval, “Much better,” she murmured, closing the space between our faces to kiss my lips.

It was so much softer than the passionate kiss we previously shared.

“Now, you’re going to drive over to my house,” Monroe murmured against my lips, softly kissing them again. “I’m going to have a few things sent over for you. There’s a heating pad you can use, and I have Midol for any pain.”

I hummed in acknowledgment, laughing softly when she pulled back to kiss both of my cheeks. 

“I’ll pick up dinner tonight,” she emphasized, softly kissing the tip of my nose. “If work runs over, then I’ll make sure it’s delivered.”

I smiled wider when she lightly kissed my forehead.

“How does that sound, darling?” she asked, pulling back from me slightly.

“Really good,” I didn’t hesitate to say with an annoying smile. 

“Good,” she murmured, “Can I walk you to your car?”

I nodded immediately, “Yes, please,” I whispered, reaching over to open the door.

Monroe grabbed my waist, steadying me as I slid off her lap to stand up.

Then she grabbed my bag and my Cava bowl—also the embarrassing used wipes that she threw away in the nearest trash can.

Luckily, I hadn’t bled through my pants, but I knew it was only a matter of time, so I needed to hurry back to her place.

Monroe walked me to my car with a respectable amount of distance between us, opening my door for me so I could get in my car.

We didn’t kiss each other goodbye, but we did subtly squeeze each other’s hands.

Then I was off to her house, ready to enjoy my night in, despite the insane events of today.

I definitely need to call Zion later and fill him in so this sort of thing doesn’t happen again.

I can’t give him the full reality of the situation, considering it involves killing someone, but he can definitely know that Monroe and Dr. Kincaid aren’t cool.

I also need to get to the bottom of what’s holding me back when it comes to my mother, and how to work towards it.