We Took A Chance

It is really disappointing to see how high the divorce rate is in the United States. Everyone likes to think it would never happen to them, but the risk is high. It was a shock when last year my mom announced she and my dad were calling it quits.

"It hasn't been ok for a while, Zoe." she told me as we sat in a busy cafe. People around us minding their own business, I couldn't help but wonder who all has gone through the same.
"Mom, you've been together 28 years. How can you just get rid of that?" The concept of throwing away 28 years of marriage was something I couldn't wrap my head around.
"It's not working anymore. We've done our part, raised you in a happy home, and now it's time. You're 23, you are a woman now. You'll be ok."

My mom believed I'd be ok, but I haven't been. This past year has been hell at home. I'm glad that I'm 4 hours away at college and don't have to listen to the constant bickering. The thought of my parents divorcing made me self conscious about my own relationship. If they couldn't be happily ever after, what hope did I have?

Back then I was in a serious relationship with Andrew. We had known each other since Senior year in high school and been together for 4 years, since we were 18. I always thought we'd be together forever. He was supposed to be the man I'd marry. About 4 months after the big announcement, I ended things with him.

It wasn't that I didn't love him, but the fear of the unknown was consuming me. I'd ask myself if I was setting myself up for failure, whether 10 years or 30 years from now. No one was ever safe.

"Zoe, babe, I love you. Why are you doing this? Please tell me." he pleaded for answers but not even I had them.
"I, I don't know. I just can't continue with this." I was being unfair, but I had to guard my feelings. Can't fail in a relationship if you don't have one.
"You don't love me anymore?" Of course I loved him, it's why I had to get rid of him.
"Not anymore." I lied.

My lies worked because we've been broken up for a few months now. He's moved on while I've had to deal with my mom complaining about everything wrong with the divorce.
This morning was, what I hope, the last of it. My parents signed their divorce at last. They are free, no longer Mr. and Mrs. Allen. Just David and Rebecca after 28 years. My family would never be the same again.

This is when I decided I'd never fall in love and get married. Marriage has lost it's true meaning and I didn't want to take any part in it.

Notes

Hello there! Yes, it's me with a new story I've been brewing for a bit. This chapter is short and only serves as a background from Zoe. She is clearly affected with her parent's divorce and now we'll see where life takes her. Will post 2nd chapter after this.

Sub, vote, comment. It motivates me!