Only One For Me By Yosh Episode 40A Chapter by Yosh After Christmas, New Year rolls around with Oumou getting her place ready to spend the holiday with her boyfriend, Ambrož. However, what happens when the unexpected comes knocking on her door? TW: This story includes sensitive, distressing, and traumatizing themes related to violence, rough upbringings, and uncomfortable subjects. It is recommended that viewers exercise caution and refrain from proceeding if they are unable to engage with such content. Viewer discretion is advised. Only One For Me by Yosh ____________________________________________________________ Reading key: Anything to the side in bold is narration. Anything to the side with a "character's name:” are inner thoughts. Anything in bold italics and regular italics are stage directions. Lines are numbered for the reader to keep track. Anything () is extra information. ____________________________________________________________ Episode 40: The day is December 31st, 2004. It's a Friday evening. Oumou hosts a New Year’s celebration at her place with Ambrož planning to join her after he gets ready for the both of them to spend the holidays together after preparing food for the dinner they’ll be having. Oumou places some last-minute decorations around her place, wearing a blue long-sleeve polo with a white sweater vest over it, paired with a long mustard-colored plaid skirt with cream-colored flats that have burgundy-colored accents around and a bowtie in front. She pairs her outfit with a burgundy headband, letting her afro poof out, and wearing gold jewelry. She glances back at all her decorations proudly, letting the holiday vibe fill her body with excitement. Line 1) Oumou’s inner thoughts: In less than a couple of hours, it’ll be 2005. Line 2) Oumou’s inner thoughts: It feels so surreal for the year to end this quickly. Oumou gets a knock on her door, assuming Ambrož is the one who knocked. She lets out a sigh of amusement. Line 3) Oumou’s inner thoughts: The good thing about this year is that I get to share this holiday with my boyfriend for the first time ever. Line 4) Oumou’s inner thoughts: I bet this will be a cherished memory down the line for the both of us. Oumou swiftly makes her way over to her door, not thinking twice about who’s behind it. She opens the door in excitement, ready to greet Ambrož. Oumou Line 5) Ambr- Oumou freezes in her stance in shock, not anticipating to be staring at her family the moment she opens her door. She glances at them in disconcertion, wondering why they suddenly decided to visit her. Oumou’s mother speaks in a tone of excitement, handing a gift bag and bouquet over to her. Oumou’s mom Line 6) Surprise, ‘Mou! We’re here to spend the New Year’s with you! Oumou’s mother leans in to hug Oumou while Oumou, on the other hand, rigidly continues her tenseness, trying to process their arrival. Oumou’s mother pulls back, glancing into her daughter’s face joyfully. Oumou’s mom Line 7) We’re so happy to see you, love! Oumou’s father hugs her next, speaking in a manner of cheer. Oumou’s dad Line 8) You have no idea how much we’ve missed you! Her brother, Lamine* hugs her next. *Remember that Oumou has a younger brother who’s in high school (refer back to episode 12, line 87). He speaks in a yearnful tone. Lamine Line 9) It’s not the same without you at home. Oumou hugs her brother affectionately, only happy to see him. After they finish hugging, Oumou glances at her parents in confusion. Oumou’s father happily smiles at her. Oumou’s dad Line 10) Aren’t you excited to see us? It’s been around 3 months since we’ve seen you. Oumou speaks in an apprehensive manner. Oumou Line 11) I just didn’t expect you guys to visit so abruptly. Oumou’s mother releases a chuckle on happiness. Oumou’s mom Line 12) That’s the whole point of a surprise, silly! Oumou replies hesitantly. Oumou Line 13) I just wish you guys would’ve given me a heads-up. I’ve already made plans for the day. Oumou's father speaks in an insistent way. Oumou’s dad Line 14) Can’t you put your plans on the back burner for your parents just for today? Oumou’s mother speaks in an eager tone. Oumou’s mom Line 15) It’s New Year’s Eve, ‘Mou. We flew in just to visit you. Oumou speaks bitterly, standing her ground on her parents' intrusiveness. Oumou Line 16) And why couldn’t you guys visit me during Thanksgiving? My birthday? Christmas? Oumou Line 17) I never got an explanation from that. Oumou’s father speaks in a reasonable manner. Oumou’s dad Line 18) ‘Mou, don’t you know how difficult it is to get plane tickets during this time of year? Oumou’s dad Line 19) We were barely able to find the chance to visit you for the New Year’s. We just got lucky. Oumou’s dad Line 20) We could ask you the same thing, though. Why didn’t you visit us during the holidays? Oumou speaks in a tone of resentment. Oumou Line 21) For the same reason… Oumou's mother tries to diffuse the tension between them all, interjecting awkwardly. Oumou’s mom Line 22) Well, then that settles that. There were complications, but that’s all in the past now. We’re here now, and we’re going to make the most of the holiday with our entire family. Oumou finishes her previous statement, glancing into her parents’ eyes upsettingly. Oumou Line 23) I also didn’t make any effort to visit you guys because it didn’t seem like you wanted me to come. Oumou’s parents look at her in shock at the unexpected remark. Oumou’s father speaks in a manner of offense. Oumou’s dad Line 24) How can you say that, Oumou? We’re your family. Of course, you’re always welcome at home. Oumou speaks in a tone of doubt. Oumou Line 25) I’m not so convinced. You guys don’t understand me at all. Oumou speaks begrudgingly. Oumou Line 26) Let’s not brush off the fight we had before I moved*. *Refer back to episode 12, lines 90�"100. Oumou’s father responds dismissively. Oumou’s dad Line 27) That’s all in the past now, dear�" Ambrož opens his door, making his way over to Oumou with a bouquet in hand. Because they’re next-door neighbors, Ambrož steps out of his door only to see Oumou conversing with her family. He looks over at her in surprise. Oumou glances at Ambrož nervously. Oumou’s family glances at Ambrož in confusion, noticing Oumou’s attention diverted onto him. A bit of silence goes on between everyone. Oumou’s father breaks the silence, speaking in a skeptical manner, noticing the bouquet in Ambrož’s grasp. Oumou’s dad Line 28) What’s going on, Oumou? Do you know this guy? Ambrož reassures himself, making an awkward introduction. Ambrož Line 29) I-I’m Oumou’s next-door neighbor. It’s nice to meet you all. Please, excuse me�" Ambrož tries to open his door again to get back inside, but Oumou quickly hands her bouquet and gift bag over to her brother, approaching Ambrož to stop him. She speaks in a low tone, explaining everything to Ambrož frantically. Oumou Line 30) Look, my parents have made an unexpected visit for the holidays�" Ambrož cuts Oumou off, speaking reassuringly. Ambrož Line 31) Don’t worry about me, Oumou. You’re the one who said you wanted to spend the holidays with your family*, so now’s the golden time to do so. I won’t meddle in your family’s celebration. Enjoy the holiday with them. We can catch up later�" *Refer back to episode 33, line 96, and episode 36, lines 25 and 26. Oumou speaks in a manner of desperation. Oumou Line 32) Don’t do that. We’re the ones who made plans together for the holidays. Sure, they paid me a surprise visit, but that doesn’t mean we still can’t celebrate the holidays all together. Ambrož speaks in a tone of unease. Ambrož Line 33) I don’t think your family would be comfortable including me. Oumou speaks in a considerate manner, prioritizing Ambrož’s hopes. Oumou Line 34) So, what? They’re not allowed to drop this on me so suddenly when I’ve made plans with you. I’m not going to change anything because of them. Oumou Line 35) Are you uncomfortable? Ambrož speaks in a tone of confusion. Ambrož Line 36) Are you saying you want me to introdu�" Oumou’s father interrupts Ambrož and Oumou, wanting answers. Oumou’s dad Line 37) Oumou, what’s going on? Oumou takes in a deep breath, patting Ambrož’s back reassuringly. Oumou Line 38) Mom, dad, Lamine… I’d like to introduce you all to Ambrož. Ambrož awkwardly waves at Oumou’s family, with them glancing back at him in confusion. Oumou speaks in a sincere manner, not caring if her parents will disapprove of her news. Oumou Line 39) Not only is Ambrož my next-door neighbor, but he’s also my boyfriend. Oumou’s parents look at her in immense shock, their eyes wide in disbelief. Ambrož looks at Oumou in shock as well, not expecting her to reveal that information to them. Oumou speaks in an explanatory tone. Oumou Line 40) The both of us were planning to spend the day together… Oumou Line 41) But since you all are here, I’ll leave you guys with two options. Oumou Line 42) You can either spend the holiday with all of us, including Ambrož, or you guys can leave, allowing me to continue with my plans the way I anticipated. Oumou speaks in a stern manner. Oumou Line 43) But I won’t be scrapping my plans just because you guys decided to visit me unexpectedly. Oumou’s parents question her in disbelief. Oumou’s mom Line 44) Since when do you have a boyfriend? Oumou’s dad Line 45) Why didn’t you tell us about this before? Oumou speaks in a tone of dejection. Oumou Line 46) We weren’t necessarily on the best speaking terms, so I didn’t feel the need to tell you guys. Oumou’s parents glance at Lamine for confirmation. Oumou’s mom Line 47) Did you know about this, ‘Mine? Lamine glances at Oumou nervously (Oumou and Lamine would call and message each other frequently, so she told him about Ambrož). Oumou looks back at Lamine in guilt, feeling bad for putting him in this kind of position. He replies with uncertainty. Lamine Line 48) I-I didn’t know. Ambrož glances at Oumou in remorse, knowing that she’s going through a rough time with this interaction. Oumou speaks bluntly, wanting to wrap this confrontation up. Oumou Line 49) Anyway, what’s it going to be? Oumou’s parents think to themselves, glancing at Oumou in betrayal. Oumou’s dad Line 50) L-Let’s spend the day together if Ambrož won’t feel uncomfortable. Everyone glances at Ambrož for reassurance. He speaks in a nervous manner. Ambrož Line 51) T-That won’t be an issue. But, perhaps it’s best if I leave you all to spend the holiday as a family? I don’t want to intrude. Oumou glances at Ambrož upsettingly, tugging on his arm to bring himself closer to her. She speaks in a low tone, encouraging him to stick around. Oumou Line 52) I already told you that it’s fine. Don’t exclude yourself like that. Oumou’s father interjects, speaking in uncertain reassurance. Oumou’s dad Line 53) That’s alright. Oumou doesn’t want to spend the day without you, so we might as well get to know you while we’re at it. Oumou’s mother speaks rashly. Oumou’s mom Line 54) Yes. Let’s just head inside already. It’s freezing out here. Oumou nods her head, letting everyone into her place. She sets all the gifts she’s received from her parents and Ambrož aside and helps them remove their coats, hanging them on her coat rack. Oumou’s mother compliments her place, trying to lift everyone’s spirits. Oumou’s mom Line 55) Your place looks great! The decorations bring everything together nicely. Oumou replies awkwardly. Oumou Line 56) T-Thanks… I tried my best. Oumou speaks in a polite tone. Oumou Line 57) Ambrož and I prepared food for today earlier. There should be enough for everyone. Would you guys like to eat? Oumou’s father speaks in an agreeable manner. Oumou’s dad Line 58) That would be lovely. Oumou responds confirmingly. Oumou Line 59) Alright, then. I’ll get that set up. Ambrož speaks welcomingly, leading everyone to Oumou’s dinner table. He offers all of them a joyful smile. Ambrož Line 60) I’ll help her out. You all have a seat. Lamine speaks in an eager tone. Lamine Line 61) Want me to help? Ambrož speaks insistently. Ambrož Line 62) Don’t worry. You all are our guests. Everything will be prepared soon. Relax in the meantime. Ambrož and Oumou make their way over to the kitchen to reheat and set all the food they cooked earlier for the feast. Ambrož speaks in a low tone, loud enough for only Oumou to hear him. He speaks in a manner of concern. Ambrož Line 63) Are you doing okay? Oumou responds in a tone of exhaustion. Oumou Line 64) Not at all. I feel so disoriented. Oumou speaks frustratingly. Oumou Line 65) I just can’t believe that they’re bombarding my plans like this. It’s not fair. Oumou continues explaining her irritation resentfully. Oumou Line 66) They’re also disregarding the elephant in the room about the fight we had before I moved, as well as not keeping the best in touch with me… Oumou speaks in a manner of guilt. Oumou Line 67) I’m only really glad to see my brother, but now he’s put in a difficult position, having to endure all this awkward tension because of the argument I’m having with my parents. Oumou speaks in a hopeless tone. Oumou Line 68) And now you, too. This whole night’s ruined. Ambrož stops Oumou, placing his arms on her shoulders. He speaks in a reassuring manner. Ambrož Line 69) Hey, easy. I know things aren’t going the way you wanted to, but you need to calm down. Ambrož speaks encouragingly. Ambrož Line 70) Take in some deep breaths. Oumou does just that, closing her eyes as she tries to regain her composure. Ambrož offers Oumou his solace. Ambrož Line 71) Everything is going to be alright, okay? The night isn’t ruined. Ambrož speaks determinedly. Ambrož Line 72) I was bound to meet them one way or another, and today just so happened to be that day. Ambrož Line 73) I’ll try my best to make a good first impression. Let’s just all enjoy dinner together. Oumou nods her head. Ambrož continues helping Oumou out. Oumou speaks in an agreeable manner. Oumou Line 74) Yeah, you’re right. If we keep calm, everything will be fine. A thought comes across Oumou’s mind, prompting her nervousness to become heightened. Oumou Line 75) I’m sure they’ll ask you all sorts of questions today. Are you sure you’re prepared enough to answer? Ambrož speaks in a relaxed tone. Ambrož Line 76) I think I’ll be fine. Oumou speaks in a precautious manner. Oumou Line 77) If anything, just lie, okay? Ambrož replies assertively. Ambrož Line 78) I’m not going to lie to your family, Oumou. That’s not right. Oumou responds frantically. Oumou Line 79) But there are some things you can’t tell them. What about your age*? What are you going to say when they ask that? *Remember that Ambrož told Oumou that he can’t tell her his age (refer back to episode 22, line 48). Ambrož speaks reassuringly, trying to calm Oumou down. Ambrož Line 80) I’ll just tell them a half-truth. Oumou speaks in a tone of concern. Oumou Line 81) You haven’t even told me the half-truth. What are you going to say? Ambrož replies nervously. Ambrož Line 82) Listen, I can’t elaborate any further, but externally, I’m 18, so I’ll just say that. Oumou shouts at Ambrož in a whisper, questioning him confusingly. Oumou Line 83) 18?! What is that even supposed to mean?! Oumou speaks disagreeably. Oumou Line 84) You can’t say that. My parents will freak out knowing that you’re younger than me. Oumou Line 85) Just say you’re 22, like how you did when we first met*. *Refer back to episode 12, lines 35�"39. Ambrož speaks opposingly. Ambrož Line 86) Oumou, lying to you led to bad outcomes. I don’t want to repeat the same mistakes. Oumou replies in a tone of frustration. Oumou Line 87) D****t! I’ll just try my best to maneuver the conversation to a different subject so that they won’t ask that question. Ambrož speaks consolingly. Ambrož Line 88) Don’t worry, Oumou. If we converse calmly, there won’t be any issues. Everything is going to be okay. What’s the worst that could happen? Oumou speaks in a hopeless manner. Oumou Line 89) I can already tell my parents disapprove of you. Ambrož speaks in a dismissive tone. Ambrož Line 90) That’s just conjecture, Oumou. Try to clear your mind. Being frantic about this won’t do us any good. Ambrož speaks at ease. Ambrož Line 91) Don’t be nervous. We’re going to have a great night, okay? Ambrož and Oumou swiftly finish preparing dinner, setting the table, and placing complete dishes for everyone to dig into. Ambrož speaks welcomingly, seating himself down with all of them. Ambrož Line 92) Dinner is served, you all. Please enjoy! All of them dig into their plates, awkwardly enjoying the meal, while Ambrož nonchalantly digs in. Oumou’s father slides in a compliment to break up the awkward tension. Oumou’s dad Line 93) This food is delicious. You kids sure know how to cook. Ambrož speaks proudly. Ambrož Line 94) That’s mainly all Oumou. She’s an amazing cook! Oumou’s mother speaks in a mutual manner. Oumou’s mom Line 95) She better be. I’m glad my teachings have paid off*. *Refer back to episode 28, line 26. Lamine hands his cup over to Ambrož (they’re sitting next to each other). He speaks politely. Lamine Line 96) Would you mind filling my cup with apple cider, please? Ambrož happily smiles at Lamine, speaking charmingly. Ambrož Line 97) Of course. Let me just get it open. Ambrož pops the cork off the apple cider, filling Lamine’s cup. Lamine thanks Ambrož appreciatively. Lamine Line 98) Thank you. I love apple cider. Ambrož responds joyfully. Ambrož Line 99) Glad to hear it. Does anyone else want some? Oumou’s parents hand their cups over, allowing Ambrož to pour the apple cider into it. Oumou stares at Ambrož in disbelief, wondering how he shifted the tension between all of them. Line 100) Oumou’s inner thoughts: Just how is he so cool? Oumou’s parents awkwardly thank Ambrož. Oumou’s parents (at the same time) Line 101) Thank you… Ambrož speaks in a captivating tone. Ambrož Line 102) Please enjoy. Anyway, allow me to formally introduce myself… Ambrož Line 103) As you all know, my name is Ambrož Hudec. I also have recently moved to Detroit along with Oumou’s timing…
Ambrož Line 104) I work at an office*, and Oumou and I recently got together, though we’ve known each other for around 3 months… *Refer back to episode 33, lines 26 and 27. End of episode. Copyright ©2024 under United States Copyright office, Library of Congress. All rights reserved. This literary work is protected by the U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of the work without permission is prohibited. The offender will be traced and will face the full extent of the legal ramifications as stipulated by the law. © 2024 YoshAuthor's Note
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Added on December 31, 2024 Last Updated on December 31, 2024 Tags: #romance, #mentalhealth, #adventure, #charming, #comforting, #cozy, #deep, #detroit, #enthusiasm, #dedication, #passion, #devotion, #fluff, #wholesome, #friendstolovers, #cleanromance, #originalstory Author
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