Open Hearts

Bella Rolland stands at the bedroom door, suitcase in hand. Her tall frame fills the frame as she watches her girlfriend, Mocha Menage, stare at the open closet like she can’t decide what to wear. "I’ll be gone a long time," Bella says softly. "I don’t want you waiting alone." Mocha’s fingers tighten around a hanger. She doesn’t answer right away. "I’m not looking for anyone else," she whispers. "If it gets too quiet, maybe I’ll try. But only if it gets really bad." One year later the door swings open again and Bella steps inside. Her phone lights up with the old messages she never deleted: Mocha admitting she met someone named Ember Snow. Someone who makes her laugh again. Bella swallows hard. What if the space she left was filled too well? The worries scatter when Mocha flies into her arms, kisses her like the year never happened, then pulls back with shining eyes. "There’s someone I want you to meet," she says. Bella meets Ember an hour later. Ember’s dark hair spills over her shoulders, framing full, natural breasts that strain a thin cotton top. Her smile is careful at first, then warms as she senses Bella watching her. They talk on the couch, knees brushing. Bella admits the fear that Ember could replace her. Ember reaches over, fingers sliding gently beneath the hem of Bella’s skirt, stroking the inside of her thigh without rushing. "I’m not here to take anything away," she murmurs. "Only to add." Bella’s breath catches. She glances at Mocha, who nods with quiet certainty. Bella leans in and lets Ember’s touch travel higher, two fingers gliding along damp lace until Bella parts her legs with a soft sound of surrender. Mocha moves closer, lips at Bella’s ear, and together they ease Bella open—slow, shared, unafraid.