The Pinnacle of Life

Winding the Velar down her driveway, she saw Sean’s Tahoe already sitting in its usual spot. Seeing this brought her peace. Sean made her comfortable in a way no man ever had. Though in the beginning, before they were both sober, things were a bit rocky. It took him going to jail for a final time and then both seeing the bigger picture for sobriety to prevail. It's a miracle for two people to get clean together, but they had surpassed their goals and made themselves a fantastic family. As she pulled up beside his vehicle, she looked at their home together. She loved their two-story log cabin with the tin roof and stone chimney. Sean was waiting for her on the swing that centered the wraparound porch. As she walked up the steps, the moonlight was shining on his glistening, muscled chest and arms. He was so sexy, but what drew her attention, what always drew her attention, was his alluring smile. All she wanted after the long day she had, was him to hold her and say how proud he was of

“Let’s take the back way so I can spend a little more time with you.” Sean said as he whipped the car down the side road. It wasn't a question. He was direct and to the point. Jaimee liked when he took command. “Oh sappy and sentimental Sean. I like it.” She teased. “You’re going to be gone two whole months, that deserves a little sentiment, don’t you think?” Sean’s eyes looked distant. She could tell he was upset that she was going to be gone so long, but he was trying to hide it from her. She had known him long enough to realize he didn't like to put on a face for anyone. Always the optimistic. She loved that about him more than anything. She remembered when they were still on drugs and he was living in his car, even during the dead of winter, he never complained about anything. His spirit was always fighting to see the best of every situation and, for the first time, she understood how his constant optimism would be great on her journeys. She wished he were going too. “I love ta

After calling home to let them know she had made it, Jaimee slept for three days. She was so tired, in fact, she barely noticed her hostel or other surroundings on the way there. The trip had been absolutely exhausting. She had seen beautiful clouds through the plane window and the mountains of Nepal reminded her of a much grander scheme of her own home of the hills of West Virginia. Her body was finally rested and she was ready to explore. She gathered her backpack and went out into the lovely country of Nepal. The street vendors were plentiful and she loved the vast array of goods she was able to find. From fruits and vegetables, to beautifully woven tapestries. The vivid colors on the streets struck her fancy and she found herself visiting every stall. The people were friendly and most of them spoke English. To her surprise, the people of Nepal learned English in school and had been for the last 50 years.First she had to grab some food. She tried some Dal Bhat Tarkari (rice lentils

Jaimee was home by the fireplace, bandaged arm and ribs, less two fingers, but alive and grateful for every breath she took. The family was sitting with her and listening to her story for about the fourth time. They each had questions and made her feel so much joy it was inexplicable. Sean asked one last question, but seemed a bit hesitant to ask. “Are you sad you didn’t make it to the top?” “I’ve thought about that and a few times I pictured myself staring out from the peak of the mountain, yelling that I’ve made it and hearing my echo, but honestly, you guys are my peak! I’ve made it, just having you all by my side. That will always be enough for me! I love you guys.” “We love you too,” AJ chimed in, “but we love you a little less since you can’t flip us off when you get pissed off anymore.” Everyone laughed. She was happy. Just for today. --------------------------------------- "Good morning, baby!” said Sean as he brought a tray to the bed. “I just made you a cheese omelett

Jaimee went for a walk after seeing her beautiful cabin and everything that should have gone so right with Sean went so terribly wrong. She shook her head trying to figure out what she could have done differently. She loved Sean, why couldn't she show him right now? Why did things feel so difficult with him and so easy with Jack? She shrugged it off and kept walking. She needed to build her strength but more importantly, she needed to clear her head. Jaimee had a ready made family with Sean. It was perfect, and yet, she couldn’t stop thinking about Jack. Jack was rough, burly and inappropriate. He didn't care about other peoples feelings. But he cared about hers. Still he just swept in out of nowhere and created chaos. He was a maddening whirlwind, but he had still swept her up and she wasn't sure what she should do about it.Why? What was it about this man and his broad shoulders, six pack abs and all over muscular physique that kept drawing her in? Sean’s beautiful mocha complexion a