Boundaries Book Reviews Novels & Stories

He threw it at me and I caught it. "Open that book and go to page 50, rule 89. Read it." I did as he bid with an eye roll and got to the page, "Rule eighty-nine." I began, "On no account should there be privacy or boundaries between best friends for it creates rifts, and arguments and breaks the relationship."I mouthed it to myself alone knowing I would stutter if I tried to read the words out, I slammed the pages shut, "Who wrote this shit?" "Turn to the covers dummy."

“You are.” I shook my head. “I’m setting boundaries.” “No,” Ryan said. “You’re building walls.” “They’re the same thing.” “No, they’re not.” “Yes, they are.” “No, they’re not,” he repeated. “Boundaries keep people at a distance. Walls keep them out completely.” I looked away. “And which one do you think I’m doing?” Ryan didn’t hesitate. “The second one.” “I can’t trust him right now,” I said quietly.

Life went on around us like nothing important was happening. “I’m not asking for forgiveness,” he said. “I’m asking for a chance.” I shook my head. “You don’t get chances because you finally regret things.” “What do I get then?” he asked. “Boundaries,” I said. “Distance. Time.” He swallowed. “You’re going to keep them from me.” “I’m going to protect them,” I replied. “There’s a difference.” He looked like he wanted to argue. Then he stopped himself. “What do you want?” he asked.

“That whole conversation. ‘Stay away from her.’ ‘She’s under my protection.’ ‘You’re interested in something that isn’t yours.’” Julian stayed quiet. “I’m not a thing,” I added. “I know.” “Then stop making it sound like you’re fighting over property.” His expression softened slightly. “That wasn’t the intention.” “Then what was?” Julian paused before answering. “Boundaries.” I frowned. “For who?” “For him.” “And I don’t get a say in those boundaries?” “You do.” “Really?” “Yes.” “Because it didn’t feel like it out there.” Julian considered my words for a moment.

It was his turn to pace, "I see you still avoid mirrors, you know the sisters aren't here to punish you if you look into one." She chuckled, "I know. Habit I guess," and curses. "I see you still wear a rubber band on your left wrist. The sisters aren't here to pinish you either." He had a solemn smile on his handsome face as he slacked the elastic, it woke him from his nightmares when they become paralytic. "Habit I guess." They both shared a laugh. It felt like their hug, warm and comforting. "One year. I give you one year to do whatever it is you have to do. I know how demanding your coven can be." He said the last part with disgust. Jacob always blamed them for their separation.

Magenta. "I know that you might have a lot of fear inside you. It's never easy to get rid of those, I know but if you're not going to chase your dreams, who is going to do it for you? Your mail man? Your dishwasher? The people around you? No. There will not be anyone to chase your dreams for you. Always remember that." I said and before leaving the podium, "Go beyond your boundaries, you will never regret it." * * * "I'm sorry if we were late. You know already that I am managing this painting org for children. I couldn't leave as soon as I want." Dandara said to start off our conversation.

“If she was holding on to everything… do you think you’d be sitting in that office today?” The question lingered. Allen inhaled slowly. “No.” “Exactly.” He shifted slightly on the bed, one hand coming up to rub the back of his neck. “It didn’t feel like forgiveness.” Zoe’s voice softened. “Forgiveness doesn’t always feel like anything dramatic.” He let out a quiet breath. “It felt like a wall.” “Or a boundary,” she countered gently. Allen stilled.“That’s not the same thing.” “No,” Zoe agreed. “It’s not. A wall keeps you out. A boundary tells you how to come in.”

In the car, Rowan squeezed my hand. "That was incredibly brave." "That was incredibly terrifying." I leaned back, closing my eyes. "Did I just make the biggest mistake of my life?" "No," Nyx said from the driver's seat. "You set boundaries. That's healthy. They'll both respect them, eventually. And if they don't?" "If they don't?" I asked. Her smile was wild. "Then they'll deal with me." I laughed despite everything. Boundaries. Space. Time. It wasn't much, but it was mine.

Levi She blinks at my words. I suddenly feel like taking them back. "Boundaries." She mutters, the word rolling off her tongue like a caress. "Yes." I inch closer without realizing it. She follows me with her eyes. "You just crossed one. Boundaries should be for people who don't already know they're breaking them." She muses aloud, her face smug. A sly grin curves my lips. She swims forward as well, water rippling over my polished shoes which are standing too close to the edge.

Mason moved, rolling her off his lap and onto the bed and then shuffling himself down so that they were lying side by side facing each other. He used a finger to tuck some of her hair behind her ear and then drew it down her cheek. “Children need boundaries,” he said. “Some need clearly defined ones and others just need guidelines. You, poppet, like clearly defined boundaries.” “I do,” she replied nodding, knowing the truth of what he said although she’d never contemplated it before. “I like to know the rules.”