u/diva-on-duty

I am absolutely FLOORED by Vicki in this conversation with Kyle 😭 “You should be ashamed.” “You let your family down.” “You let your kids down.” “You’re telling them it’s okay to bail when things get tough.” Like… WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FUCK?!?! I’m so proud of Kyle. I know she is struggling to move on but if anything, I think she’s doing her family a service. There is nothing wrong with showing your daughters that you don’t have to tolerate being cheated on and disrespected just to keep a family together.
Sometimes staying is not the brave thing. Sometimes walking away from a situation that is hurting you is exactly the lesson your kids need to see. And Vicki??? I’m sorry but she is being a terrible girlfriend right now. The lack of empathy is honestly shocking 😭

I’ve been working on a story and finally feel brave enough to share a small snippet of it here. Writing something personal and putting it out into the world is very outside of my comfort zone, so this feels a little scary and vulnerable for me. I’d really love any feedback, thoughts, or constructive criticism as I keep working on it. I just ask that you please be kind with your feedback. Thank you for taking the time to read it 🤍

It’s 6:35pm.

Here comes the crowd. Dinner started at 6. Typical. I guess better late than never.
Madeleine is at the door. I’m behind her, as per usual. I’m like her shadow.

Madeleine is so confident, so charming, so graceful. Approachable, tall, easy on the eyes.

She makes human interaction look so effortless. I’m trembling. Socializing makes me sick to my stomach.

The women showing up here tonight wear Hermes, I’m wearing, “I’m fucking overwhelmed” like it’s a fashion statement.

As the crowd starts to spill in, I run up the stairway and sneak away to the restroom.

White locked cabinet. Key. Pretty bright orange bottle. Xanax and sink water. This should do the trick.

I take a couple of breaths and head back. Jesus. Look at all these fucks.

Madeleine owns and operates the largest LGBTQ+ organization here in New York. She gathered all her friends here tonight with their fat pockets, and coke addictions for her annual fundraiser. All proceeds will go to feeding, and housing the LGBTQ+ community in New York City. Good cause.

I’m walking down the stairway. I can’t find Madeleine amongst this crowd. My throat starts to clog up. Xanax hasn’t kicked in. Anxiety through the roof.

I have to talk to people.

Fuck. Me.

I’ve taken my last step, and I’ve reached the guest room. I feel a hand on my hip and a breeze against my ear.

“Hi baby,”

It’s Madeleine. What a relief.

Madeleine draws in the room with a wine glass and a utensil.

The room goes quiet - All eyes on us.

Madeleine takes my hand and we walk a few steps up the stairway so we are visible to the entire room.

I hate being seen.

“Welcome! I would like to share a few words before dinner. This organization was originally just a thought. I was 16, homeless, and helpless. I was trying to navigate the world - the best you can when you are alone, and a minor. I remember thinking to myself, “What can I create to make sure no one else has to go through this?” It took a lot, at one point, it cost me almost everything to get to where we are today. I am proud to say that we have fed, clothed, and housed the most LGBTQ+ members in the entire U.S. The change we have made, and continue to make is remarkable, and it doesn’t stop here. Tonight, we are dedicating this evening to raising funds to ensure the comfort and safety of our LGBTQ+ community. Donations will be accepted on the West Wing of the home. In the meantime, dinner is being plated. Please indulge, and thank you for coming!” Madeleine says.

The crowd spills over into the dining room. Madeleine looks at me, hand on my hip, then works her way down to my hand.

“I am so proud of you, baby,” I say.

Madeleine grins, and gives me light kiss on my forehead.

“Let’s go eat, baby,” Madeleine says.

We’re all seated and dinner begins. I take a few bites. I’ve completely dissociated. Have you ever felt so alone in a room full of people?

Its been about 30 minutes. I haven’t spoken a word. I’ve downed 2 glasses of wine. I forgot about the Xanax from earlier.

Oops.

My heart is pounding out of my chest. Anxiety, you know?

I excuse myself from the dining table, “I’m going to the powder room. Excuse me for a moment”, I say.

HAHA! “powder room”… Look at me adjusting my speech for these upper class New York fucks.

Here I go again, up the staircase. Fuck, I feel so loopy.

White locked cabinet. Key. Pretty bright orange bottle. Xanax and sink water. This isn’t my brightest moment, but not the poorest choice I’ve made in my lifetime.

I need something to get me through this painful evening.

I had a starring contest with myself in the restroom mirror. Who even is that in the reflection? I didn’t look like this 5 years ago. Weird. I check the time. It’s already been 20 minutes. What the fuck? How?

Suddenly, there is a light knock on the door.

“Baby?”

It’s Madeleine.

I open it. She comes in, and immediately shuts the door.

“Hi, baby”, Madeleine says. “Hi”, I respond.

Madeleine runs her hand down my hips, “Where do you keep sneaking off to? Hmm?” Madeleine says.

I stare blankly. I feel loopy, still. Even more so after my second Xanax. The room is spinning. I can feel everything flowing through my bloodstream. Madeleine can sense the tension.

“Let’s loosen you up at bit, shall we?” Madeleine says.

Her hands run down my body. Eyes locked. I’m in a black dress. Length is above my knees. Easily accessible.

Madeleine’s hand runs up my dress.

“No underwear?” Madeleine says with a grin.

She rolls up my dress past my belly button. She’s teasing me. Hands on my hips. Hands on my thighs. Soft light kisses on my shoulder. She pulls me in close, and works her hand down.

Holy shit. She’s inside me.

She pulls out her fingers, and uses her other hand to grab my jaw line and turns my head to the fingers she just had inside me.

“Would you look at that?” Madeleine says.

She puts the fingers she just had in me, in her mouth. Guiding my head with her other hand, making sure I watch every move.

I’m watching, very closely.

“So sweet.” Madeleine says. “Desert is about to start downstairs, but I’ve already had mine.” Madeleine winks.

My body is on fire. Xanax. Wine. More Xanax. Now this? Jesus.

I want more.

I reach to pull Madeleine closer to me.

The embrace is broken by glass shattering from a distance.

“What the fuck?” Madeleine says.

I pull my dress down, and we quickly make our way down the stair case.

Oh for fucks sake. Its just a bunch of bitches who can’t handle their alcohol.

“I got it, baby.” I say.

Madeleine steers everyone back to the dining room while I grab a dust pan.

I make my way to the guest bath to dispose of all this glass. I open the door. 2 women. A blonde, a brunette, an American Express black card, and a few lines of coke on the vanity.

“Get the fuck out,” I said.

They both snarl at me and proceed to snort the vanity clean before walking out. The brunette shoulder checks me.

Cunt.

I dump the glass in the guest trash bin. I’m met with the mirror again. Who is that?

It feels like I’m on a rollercoaster. My head is spinning. I look down and clench onto the vanity to try and settle myself.

I look up one last time. I’m nauseated by my own appearance.

The wave hits me.

Fuck.

I couldn’t make it to the toilet. I painted the vanity red.

The room is still spinning.

I need to lay down. I wobble to the bath tub. I’m on my back facing the ceiling.

At least I don’t have to look at myself.

I’m shopping for a gift for one of my close male friends and could use some ideas. He’s pretty open-minded and seems to enjoy just about everything so I’m struggling to narrow it down. I’m hoping to get him something thoughtful rather than just another generic gift card. What are some gifts you’ve received (or wish someone would get you) that really stood out? It could be anything practical, funny, sentimental, an experience, food, a hobby related item, or something completely unexpected. Budget is flexible, so I’m open to ideas at any price point. Thanks!

I’m on a mission to find the best baked goods. Loki has been my go to but I want to expand my horizons. I’ve never met a baked good I didn’t like but my favs are banana bread, cinnamon rolls, and fruit tarts. I’m open to everything though. Cookies, croissants, danishes, muffins, scones, brownies, etc. If it’s fresh and delicious, I want to try it. Where are your favorite bakeries, cafes, or hidden gems? If there’s something on the menu that’s so good you’d drive across the valley for it, I need to know

Hello everyone! I’m brand new to reading and would love recommendations. I’m a lonely soul going through a rough patch and could really use a healthy escape. I figured getting lost in a good book might be what I need. My taste is a little all over the place. Part of me wants something sweet, sexy, and romantic. The other part wants something heartbreaking that will emotionally destroy me 😂 What books would you recommend for either of those moods? Bonus points if it’s a story that stayed with you long after you finished it. Thanks in advance! I can’t wait to start this new hobby

Hi everyone! I’m looking to get into riding a bike. I have no idea where to start. I haven’t ridden a bike since I was a teenager. I’ll mostly be riding around my neighborhood, local parks, and paved trails. Nothing too intense. I’m not looking to spend a fortune but I would love something that’s good quality and will last. Where’s the best place in the Salt Lake area to buy a bike? Are there any local bike shops you would recommend, or is buying used the better route? If used, where have you had the best luck? I would also love any recommendations on what type of bike I should be looking for as someone who’s basically starting over. Thank you in advance! I’m excited to join the bike girlies 🚲

Euro gal trying to get in on the American holiday. Who sells the best dogs? 🌭

I take a walk around my neighborhood every day and I want to start exploring more of the valley instead of doing the same route over and over. I’m usually out for about an hour. I’m open to anywhere in the valley. I’m looking for parks, trails, neighborhoods, paved paths, hidden gems, or anywhere with interesting scenery. I love people watching and petting people’s dogs 🤭 Bonus points if there’s a coffee shop or bakery nearby to stop by! What are your favorite spots?