Destinee Holland

Session 𝓢eventy-Eight

Added 2025-06-30 21:10:54 +0000 UTC

Session 78:
"The Break"

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I let out a deep sigh when the annoying alarm rang around me, disrupting my deep sleep.

I felt her warm body shift beneath mine, reaching over to cut the alarm off.

Then she pressed her hands to my lower back, caressing my covered skin.

"Liberty," she softly whispered, briefly kissing the top of my head.

"No," I mumbled, hugging her closer to me.

The softest laugh echoed in Monroe's chest. "I'm already going into the office hours late, darling."

"Just skip and tell them you were kidnapped," I suggested, genuinely contemplating keeping her here in my bed. "We can tie you up and make it realistic."

Monroe hummed softly. "I'd rather tie you up in my favorite position and hear those pretty sounds you make," she whispered in the softest way, sending goosebumps down my spine.

"Let's do it now, then," I offered, wanting to keep her here for as long as possible. "What's your favorite position, Ro Ro?" I asked, lifting my head from her chest to meet her stare.

Her eyes are the prettiest shade of blue I've ever seen.

"Nice try," she said, reaching up to gently cup my cheek in her hand.

I faked a frown, "But I've been a good girl, and you said I can always get what I want if I'm good," I pointed out, making her soft lips twitch up.

"Excellent point," Monroe murmured, making my frown quickly shift up into a smile. "Be good for me today. Spend mommy's money, and I'll reward you."

My smile quickly sank into a frown again. "But I want you right now," I whispered as she caressed her thumb against my cheekbone.

Monroe was silent for a moment, her blue eyes trailing my face.

I could tell she was contemplating her next words—what she wanted to do versus what she should do with her day.

"I took time off to be in New York, darling," Monroe suddenly said, making everything sink inside of me. "I'm thoroughly behind. Further days off are out of the question."

I let out a dramatic sigh. "Whatever," I mumbled, rolling off her body to get out of bed.

"Oh, so this is what I get?" Monroe said, lying up from the bed. "A whatever?" she mocked my previous tone.

"If I don't get what I want, then you don't either," I determined as I walked into the bathroom with Monroe following behind me.

"You're strongly incorrect there," she said as I stopped in front of the sink. "We're both well aware of that."

I crossed my arms over my chest, eyeing her through the mirror for a moment.

From her silky hair tied into the cutest messy bun to the oversized t-shirt she wore of mine.

A sigh fell from my lips, dropping my arms from my chest.

"And to think you don't want me to work after graduating," I said, shaking my head as I turned to meet her stare. "I would be bored out of my mind."

Monroe didn't say anything at first.

She just... stared at me for a moment.

"We're not having this conversation right now," she finally spoke, making me furrow my brows.

"Clearly it's not a conversation to even have," I emphasized, reaching for my toothbrush.

Monroe hummed softly, dragging her eyes over my body.

Then she grabbed my waist, pulling me into her as I grabbed the toothpaste on the sink.

"Look at us," she softly whispered in my ear, glancing over to the mirror.

I looked up from my toothbrush, meeting her blue eyes in the reflective glass.

"Look at you," she emphasized as she lightly squeezed my waist.

My eyes shifted to my own reflection, eyeing my messy curls in a loose bun, or how glowy my skin looked.

"You deserve a break," Monroe whispered in my ear, placing the softest kiss just below it. "Perhaps for the summer, darling. Take some time off to relax."

I wordlessly shook my head, especially as she trailed warm kisses down my neck.

I couldn't think properly.

"Envision Zion and Sarai coming over, darling," she spoke again when I couldn't form any words. "There's a multitude of things you all could do during the day. Perhaps we could plan summer-oriented activities to do in the evening once I'm off."

I furrowed my brows. "But everyone will probably do internships or entry-level jobs," I whispered, leaning away from her before she could place more soft kisses on my neck. "I'll be all alone during the day, Monroe."

"We'll come up with a list of things for you to do, darling," she suggested, her blue eyes staring down into mine. "Anything you've wanted to do."

I tilted my head. "So a bucket list?"

"Yes, precisely that," Monroe said, her lips twisting up into a small smile. "My smart girl."

I nodded.

Then I shook my head, my brows furrowed deeper.

"But that's still staying at home," I pointed out, realizing she had pulled a three-sixty on me.

"It's a break," Monroe corrected me, leaning down to briefly kiss my lips. "Purely for the summer. Then we'll job hunt for you in the fall."

I remained silent, contemplating this idea she's springing on me.

"You deserve a break, Liberty," she spoke again, running her hand up my back. "You worked years on this degree, darling. You've earned a couple of months off."

I didn't say anything.

I wasn't sure what to say—if I should agree.

A break did sound nice.

I have worked really fucking hard—a couple months won't hurt anything.

I have my whole life to work anyway.

And the bucket list idea sounds kind of cool.

I'll have the summer, and then I'll buckle down in the fall.

"Okay?" I suddenly said, the statement coming out as more of a question.

But I can always change my mind—even in the midst of summer, I can job hunt if I want to.

I should at least try for a break.

Monroe's totally right—I worked hard, I deserve it.

"Good, darling," Monroe softly whispered, leaning down to kiss my lips again. "You're my perfect girl."

I hummed wordlessly against her lips, still thinking deeper than I should about this topic.

It's not that big of a deal.

So many people would love to take a break like this after graduating from college.

As my mother would always tell me, I should be grateful.

"Where are you planning to shop today, sweetheart?" Monroe asked as we pulled back from the brief kiss.

My brows knitted together—until I remembered the shopping plans we just discussed minutes ago.

How I would be rewarded tonight.

"I'm not sure where I want to go," I said honestly, applying some toothpaste to my toothbrush.

Then I grabbed an unopened one from under the sink, opening it and applying toothpaste on it for her.

"I'm sure you'll settle on the perfect stores," Monroe determined, grabbing the toothbrush I prepared for her. "Perhaps we'll do one of those fashion shows that you enjoy."

My entire face practically lit up, glancing at Monroe immediately.

"Really?" I asked.

She nodded, a smile growing on her perfect lips, "Of course, my sweet girl," she murmured as she turned on the sink. "The more you buy, the longer the show."

I shook my head at her with a smile. "I see what you're doing," I said, wetting my toothbrush. "You're very dangerous, Dr. Leclair," I purposely teased.

"The way you say my name, Liberty," Monroe said, lifting her toothbrush to her lips. "Perhaps you're more dangerous than I am."

"So you admit that you're dangerous then?" I purposely circled back, a loose smile growing on my lips as I brushed my teeth.

"I've never claimed otherwise, darling," she softly whispered, her stare not wavering from mine as she began brushing her teeth.

I shook my head with a smile as I brushed my teeth, the toothpaste foaming in my mouth.

It was genuinely insane to think of the power Monroe holds, especially with her last name.

Maybe she is right.

Maybe I am more dangerous, and it's all because I have her by my side.

I couldn't tell if that was a good or bad thing, but we're too deep in to question it anyway.

I was just happy that Monroe is finally my girlfriend.

Everything also went so well last night.

"Don't forget we're staying at my place two times a week," I pointed out as we ventured into the kitchen.

Monroe had changed back into her clothes from last night, grabbing her keys on the counter.

Except my words alone made her halt, confusion written all over her face.

Then I saw it.

The look of realization.

"I have that cutesy video too anytime you want to disagree with me," I innocently added, briefly kissing her cheek, "Have a great day at work, baby."

Monroe hummed.

But she didn't move.

"Video?" she asked, clearly wanting a better elaboration.

I nodded happily, lifting my phone in my hand and unlocking it. "It's so cute," I said as I navigated to my photos, letting the video play.

"I will stay here two times a week," Monroe's perfect voice echoed from my phone, her words slurred.

Then the video shifted to me as I repeated her words, kissing Monroe's lips and her cheek.

"Ro Ro loves my bed," I also told the camera, "She's very happy after winning six rounds of Uno—also eating spaghetti."

"And you," Monroe said to the camera, which made my lips part in the most dramatic way.

"Okay, vlog over," my voice echoed before the camera was flipped around and the video ended.

"It's funny, right?" I asked, glancing away from my phone to Monroe.

She looked frozen, still staring at my phone.

Then she blinked a few times. "Funny?" she asked, clearly still confused over something.

I wasn't sure what.

"Yes, baby, especially when I mentioned eating spaghetti, then you said, and you," I quoted her words. "I thought it was cute, and my reaction is even more hilarious now in the morning."

Monroe nodded once.

Then she nodded again, glancing away from me entirely.

"Of course," she said, walking past me toward the door, "It's very funny, Liberty."

I smiled wider as I followed her to the door. "I'm going to miss you so much," I murmured, lowering my phone in my hand.

"I'll miss you too, Liberty," Monroe said, pausing at the door.

Then she grabbed my waist, pulling me into a hug.

I didn't hesitate to hug her back, resting my cheek against her chest.

"You do know how much you mean to me?" I suddenly whispered, "I know you said that you took this more seriously than me, but I swear I'm just as serious, Monroe."

I felt her softly squeeze my waist, resting her chin on top of my head. "I know, darling. Last night spoke volumes to me."

I smiled softly, "Okay, good," I determined, feeling happy that I made up for my mistakes.

Everything is okay again.

More than okay, even.

"I plan on working late tonight, darling," she suddenly told me, making my entire face fall. "Perhaps you should have dinner with Zion and Sarai."

I remained silent for a moment, wanting to have dinner with her tonight.

But I also know how much work she needs to catch up on.

I know it's probably stressful for her.

"Okay," I whispered, leaning away from the hug. "I'll see you tonight then."

Monroe nodded, gently grabbing my neck before I could fully pull away.

"I'll see you tonight, my sweet girl," she murmured, briefly kissing my lips.

I hummed softly as I kissed her back, trying not to think too hard about parting ways with her for hours.

"Have a good day, baby," I said as our lips disconnected, leaning in to kiss her cheek.

"Thank you, darling," Monroe said as she reached for the door. "You as well. Text me all your updates."

I nodded a few times, watching as she exited my apartment and allowed the door to softly fall closed.

Then I was all alone again, staring at the closed door.

I stood there for a few moments, already missing Monroe's presence.

Then I let out a deep sigh, turning away from the door and heading toward my bedroom.

I decided I would get ready and busy myself so I wouldn't think too hard about Monroe's absence.

The first thing was a shower—I also texted my group chat with Zion and Sarai about dinner tonight.

By the time I was out of the shower and picking out my clothes, they had answered, confirming dinner.

Sarai also asked what we should have.

I didn't care, and neither did Zion, so Sarai got to pick for us all.

I focused back on getting dressed, pulling on a vintage Dior long-sleeved shirt and baggy jeans.

My hair was slicked back into a curly bun, and I pulled on glasses for the look of it.

I also accessorized and put on my usual fragrance oil before I was ready to go.

I slipped on a pair of black Nikes by the door, grabbing my keys.

The small purse I picked out for today's outfit was big enough to hold my phone, wallet, and lip gloss, which was perfect for me.

I would've texted Zion about shopping, but he genuinely hates it.

Sarai normally picks out all his clothes for him unless they're online shopping.

It sucks because Sarai has a day full of classes on Tuesday as well.

But it's okay.

I'll still have fun, and I can text Monroe a bunch of updates and cute mirror pictures.

I decided I would buy her something too.

The goal was five thousand dollars today, so I opted for the mall with the most luxury stores.

Like Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Gucci—all the places where I could rack up quicker with one or two items.

I also planned to stop by a jewelry store.

Honestly, hitting five thousand felt very easy, especially once I got to the mall and began looking.

Chanel was my first stop, and I easily found different items I liked.

There was this cute black sweater where the gold buttons were made of the Chanel double C logo.

I also picked up these faded black jeans that had a pink Chanel logo on the back pocket.

I tried on other things, but I wasn't super in love with them.

Plus, those two items were a little over five thousand dollars.

I could've stopped there easily.

But I didn't.

Monroe wanted me to spend more and give her a fashion show, so I would.

Next was Dior, where I found a cute monogrammed wallet, but the clothes weren't really my thing.

At Prada, I found this shiny slip dress that I figured would be cute whenever I go out again.

I know Zion and Sarai briefly mentioned graduation parties and events.

The Neiman Marcus store was very nice—I ended up grabbing a Miu Miu skirt set, a small black handbag, and these two-tone Mary Jane heels.

I also stopped at a jewelry store and looked at different necklaces, but none of them felt right.

At least not for me.

There was this delicate silver necklace with a glistening diamond hanging in the center.

It was a little over three thousand, and I had already spent fourteen thousand.

I think that would be enough spending for today.

Hopefully, Monroe would be happy.

I still checked out the Gucci store to possibly add another thing to the list.

There was a cute pair of kitten heels that I liked, but I decided not to get them.

I already got heels from Miu Miu, so it felt excessive.

There was this sheer monogram bodysuit, the black material entirely see-through.

It wouldn't hurt to try on—maybe even send Monroe another picture.

"Would you like a dressing room?" a soft voice suddenly asked me.

I turned to the woman—she had pin-straight black hair that fell to her shoulders, wearing the usual black employee clothes.

"Uh," I breathed out in thought, wondering if it was even worth trying on.

I had already sent enough pictures to Monroe—minus the slip dress I bought, since she might've disagreed.

Unless I wore it inside.

She also said she was going to call me soon, and I wanted to have plenty of time to talk to her.

"I think it would look really good on you," the woman spoke again, eyeing the bodysuit draped from the hanger I held. "It never hurts to see."

I shrugged, "I guess so," I agreed, determining I would try to be quick.

Maybe sending a risky photo to Monroe would be worth it, too.

She hates being teased, but I find it kind of amusing.

I knew I would most likely pay for it later, though.

Totally worth it.

I quickly stripped out of my clothes once I was alone in one of the dressing rooms.

I only kept on my smooth black underwear, given that this clothing hasn't been washed and could've been anywhere.

It still looked cute on—and my chest was entirely exposed.

Specifically, my nipples hardened from the cold air.

I furrowed my brows, hearing the soft patter of steps near my dressing room.

They were really close.

Then there was nothing.

Not a sound.

Just silence.

My stomach fluttered in a weird way.

Like when someone’s behind you, but they’re not.

Something felt off.

"Hello?" I called out, knowing there wasn't anyone in here when I entered.

I'm sure it would be obvious if an employee were in here.

I shook it all off, deciding to take a few pictures in the mirror, posing just for Monroe.

I sent them to her without a further thought, typing up a brief text to send.

Me: do we like this?

Then I quickly got dressed, feeling very... weird.

It genuinely sounded like someone was in here, but maybe not.

Maybe someone was passing by.

By the time my clothes were on and I was walking out of the dressing room, my phone buzzed with a few notifications from Monroe.

She had hearted all the pictures I sent her, the typing bubbles appearing.

Ro Ro: I adore it, darling.

I smiled slightly, typing again with one agenda in mind.

Me: perfect, i was planning to wear it out soon

I watched the typing bubbles immediately appear, hoping that was enough to tease her.

Ro Ro: You know better, Liberty.

I pursed my lips when my smile widened.

Me: i do?

It was innocent and purposeful—I know she felt it.

I quickly grabbed the bodysuit, exiting my dressing room as Monroe's text buzzed through.

Ro Ro: I don't mind teaching you again, darling.
Ro Ro: I'll handle you tonight.

Her texts made my face burn up, quickly typing back my response.

Me: i was kidding Ro Ro

I waited for her to type again, but there was nothing.

So I sent her another text.

Me: of course i know baby

Then I glanced up, furrowing my brows when I noticed a burgundy dress hanging by my dressing room door.

I don't think it was there when I entered.

Maybe the employee left it for me to try?

I shook my head, deciding to send Monroe another text since she hadn't responded.

Me: i wasn't going to wear it out

But still—there was nothing.

Somehow, I had teased myself more than her, and it left me on this stupid edge.

Even after checking out and buying the stupid bodysuit, I was still checking my phone, hoping she had answered.

"Thank you for your help," I told the nice employee as she handed me another bag to add to my arms. "Also, I never got to try on that burgundy dress you left in there."

The woman tilted her head, "I didn't leave anything. Maybe one of my other associates did?" she said, making my brows furrow.

But I decided not to make a big deal of it, especially when the woman began glancing around for one of her associates to check with.

It doesn't matter anyway—I wasn't even planning to get the dress.

So I decided to politely tell the woman goodbye, leaving the Gucci store as I checked my phone yet again.

Monroe still hadn't responded, and it easily left me wondering where her head was at.

Surely, she knew I was teasing her.

But even I knew that didn't matter.

I think that makes it worse.

My mind was a mess of different scenarios that Monroe could possibly have planned, unable to stop checking my phone for a response.

By the time I made it to Zion and Sarai's, there was still nothing, and I had basically spiraled by this point.

I tried my best not to check my phone—I even set it far away on the kitchen counter during dinner.

They had picked up Taco Bell for us, and we sat in the living room for once, eating and watching a random movie.

The fries were so crunchy, and the crunchwrap supreme was the perfect warmth.

I was too full to finish it all, but it was definitely what I needed after a full day of shopping.

"We need to discuss these grad events—oh, and our trip," Sarai said as she paused the movie.

"I was thinking Tulum," Zion said as he sipped on his Baja blast, texting on his phone.

I immediately nodded, "I like that," I agreed, furrowing my brows when Zion chuckled at his phone. "Who are you texting?"

Sarai raised a brow at her boyfriend, seated on the armchair across from us. "Yeah, you've been really into your phone."

"It's just Monroe," he said, briefly flipping his bright phone around. "We're talking about the grad trip coming up, too."

"What the hell?" I said, dramatically parting my lips. "I don't think she's even texted me back," I said, quickly standing from the couch to grab my phone.

"She said you're in timeout right now," Zion said with a chuckle, making me roll my eyes as I grabbed my phone.

"I don't like this," I mumbled, eyeing my empty lockscreen.

"Okay, wait," Sarai said, leaning up from the couch. "Ask her what she thinks about a European summer?" she asked, making me roll my eyes.

"Don't ask her anything—she hasn't even answered me yet," I mumbled as I sat back down beside Sarai.

"Europe is a stretch," Zion said, quickly typing on his phone before locking it.

I knew he and Monroe were one hundred percent gossiping about me.

Ziona gets on my nerves.

"We'll be working, so we can't do too much," Zion added, making Sarai dramatically sigh.

"I know, but the internships that I'm looking at are pretty lenient," she said, but Zion only shook his head.

"Most of the jobs in our field don't play that," Zion said, glancing over to me. "Tell her, Libs."

I blinked awkwardly, "I think they're more serious," I said with furrowed brows. "I don't know yet. I'm taking a break this summer."

Sarai smiled. "Must be nice," she said, nudging my arm.

Meanwhile, Zion looked confused.

"Does Mama Maris know that yet?" he asked, making me roll my eyes.

"I'm not sure, maybe you should ask her gatekeeper," I sarcastically replied, making Zion jokingly flick me off. "Besides, it doesn't matter anyway. Monroe has everything covered."

Sarai tilted her head. "Like... financially wise?" she asked.

I hesitantly nodded. "Yeah, we decided that I should take the summer off. I deserve a break," I briefly explained.

Zion shrugged. "We all deserve a break at this point. Good for you, Libs," he determined, making me smile slightly.

Sarai still seemed confused.

Or maybe she was processing everything.

I'm not sure.

"So you decided together about your future?" Sarai clarified further, making me laugh slightly.

"Yes, Sarai," I said, shaking my head with an amused smile. "Or not even my future since it's only a summer break."

Sarai nodded a few times, "I get that—I just wanted to make sure you wanted it too," she explained, lightly nudging my arm.

"She's clearly excited," Zion pointed out before I could say anything else. "Let Libs have her little summer break, babe."

Sarai rolled her eyes with a smile. "Yeah-yeah, I was just making sure," she murmured. "You're a guy, so you don't think as deeply as we do."

I chuckled. "Unless he's in that Ziona mindset," I pointed out.

Zion flicked us off, making Sarai and me laugh.

He's so easy to mess with, honestly.

Especially with the whole Ziona thing.

"Look, as long as you're happy, Libs," Zion said as he took another sip of his Baja blast.

"Yeah, always," Sarai immediately agreed. "I just remember you being excited to be independent and have your own money and job. I was just trying to look out."

I remained silent for a moment, distantly recalling how much I wanted to work.

I wanted to break away from my mother.

And technically, I have, so it doesn't even matter anymore.

"It's just a break anyway. I'll work soon enough," I quickly point out, hoping they weren't thinking any of this is permanent. "I deserve a break—Monroe even said I did."

Sarai nodded immediately. "Of course—you've worked hard, and Monroe is really nice for offering all of this to you," she didn't hesitate to agree, making me smile.

"She's really nice," I agreed with a smile. "She always has my best interest in mind," I added, remembering exactly what Monroe had told me.

"That's good, Libs," Zion said as he stood from his chair, walking toward the kitchen. "We think she's nice too."

"Yes, we had a lot of fun last night too," Sarai said, making me smile wider.

I'm so happy that Monroe hit it off with my friends.

"I got the cinnamon delights," Zion suddenly said, walking over to us with the other Taco Bell bag.

Sarai clapped happily while I smiled.

Or tried to smile.

I don't know... now I'm kind of thinking about what I used to want.

I was really excited to be more independent and on my own.

Now it feels like I'm not anything like my old self, but maybe that's not necessarily a bad thing.

I feel safe with Monroe—I don't have to be in this fight-or-flight mindset anymore.

I don't need to be as independent as I wanted to be, and that's a blessing.