New Beginnings: Leaving the Past Behind

Tangie was ecstatic about her upcoming move to Germany, courtesy of a new promotion. With her parents having served in the military, Tangie had spent a significant portion of her life in Germany before relocating to the States in high school; however, she and her parents regularly returned to Germany to reconnect with friends.

As Tangie was getting ready to head out and run some errands, her phone buzzed. It was her friend Lisa calling.

“Hey Lisa, what’s up?” Tangie answered.

“Hey girl, what are you up to? Hopefully nothing, because I was thinking we could go check out that new Thai spot,” Lisa said excitedly.

Tangie hesitated for a moment. “Girl, I do have some errands to run, but I’ve been craving Thai food lately. Alright, what time are you thinking? I’ll just place an online order for my new luggage real quick.”

“That’s what I’m talking about!” Lisa said, thrilled. “So, do you want me to come pick you up, or should we just meet there?”

Tangie smirked to herself, thinking, Oh, no way. Lisa loves to chat with everyone and completely loses track of time.

“Nah, girl. I’ll just meet you there,” Tangie replied.

“Okay, see you then!” Lisa said cheerfully before hanging up.

Later that evening Tangie and Lisa met up for drinks and some good Thai food, they had just a good time even though both were happy but sad because Tangie would be leaving in two weeks.

That entire week, they spent as much time together as possible, given Tangie’s hectic schedule, which included packing and preparing for the service company to transport her belongings to Germany. Additionally, Tangie stopped by her office to collect her desired items for the move to Germany.

Tangie was just about to finish packing, Tangie’s thoughts turned to her boyfriend’s impending visit; she knew he would press her to stay after she offered him the opportunity to accompany her, but he declined, so she straightforwardly told him she had no interest in a long-distance relationship, especially one spanning Germany, and as a result, he expressed a desire to visit and cook one last meal together prior to her leaving.

That evening, as promised, Tangie’s boyfriend Jason arrived and prepared her favorite meal, consisting of pasta and his lemon mousse cake. They spent the evening relaxing and engaging in conversation. However, Tangie’s heart raced as Jason knelt before her, a small velvet box in hand. His trembling voice echoed through her apartment, but Tangie didn’t hear his words—her mind was already set. “Jason,” she said, her tone steady but kind, “please, stand up.”

Jason froze, stunned by the firmness in her voice that Tangie said no to his proposal. Rising to his feet, he stumbled over his next words, his face etched with regret. “I messed up, Tangie. I… I need to tell you something.”

Her stomach tightened, bracing for what was to come. “I’m expecting a child,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. Tangie’s breath hitched. She blinked, her face unreadable, even as her mind raced. He’s asking me to marry his ass while someone else is carrying his child?

Before she could respond, Jason dropped another bombshell. “The baby… it’s with Lisa.”

The name hit like a slap. Lisa. Her friend. Her girl. Tangie’s world tilted, but Tangie gathered herself. Without a word, she rose from the couch, walked calmly to the door, and opened it. “Jason, leave,” she said firmly.

“Tangie, wait—” he started, but she cut him off with a hand. “Go. There’s nothing more we need to talk about.”

Once the door closed behind him, Tangie exhaled sharply. She poured herself a glass of wine and replayed the betrayal in her mind. Memories of Lisa flooded back—how she hadn’t touched a drink during their last hangout. The realization struck hard: She’s been hiding this right in front of me, that bitch.

Her anger simmered as she found her stashed blunt, lit it, and let the music soothe her. She texted her friends in Germany, who were thrilled about her return. They ended up doing FaceTime late into the night, their laughter and shared excitement soothed her soul.

The next two days were a blur of last minute packing of family what nots and preparing for her permanent move. She felt lighter with each step, ready to leave Creston Oaks—and its tangled messes—behind.

The night before her flight, Lisa’s name flashed on her phone. Ignoring the first three calls, Tangie finally answered the fourth, her voice calm but cold. Lisa fumbled through excuses and apologies, but Tangie cut her off. “Congratulations on the baby, Lisa. But we have nothing else to talk about.” With that, she ended the call.

Tangie stared at the blank screen for a moment before smiling. For the first time in weeks, she felt truly free. The past was closed, and her future awaited her in Germany, where excitement and opportunity beckoned.

As dawn broke the next morning, Tangie left Creston Oaks for good, her head held high, ready to start anew.