Realistic or Modern Anchored for Love

[isax]

Jayden smiled as he watched Amelia fall asleep. He had to admit he missed being able to just hold her and be with her. It had been a long while since they were able to just enjoy each other’s presence. Kissing her forehead gently, Jayden began to fall asleep as well, holding Amelia as close as possible to him. These were the moments Jayden loved and adored. He never wanted it to end but when Bel became fussy closer to the evening, Jayden slowly left Amelia without waking her to care for their daughter. She was hungry and in need of a diaper change. After tending to Bel, Jayden went back to laying beside Amelia once he knew Isabel was asleep.

The day of the dinner came and Jayden was beyond excited and ready to accompany his girlfriend to it. She deserved this nomination, and hopefully award. She worked so hard to get the stories out for other people and she truly proved to be the voice for those who are voiceless. Standing at the door, Jayden cuffed his sleeves and went to go put his and Amelia’s bags in the car. The two had to travel to New York City for the dinner and Jayden felt at ease knowing Isabel decided to come to Chicago to take care of her niece. “Amelia, you almost ready love?” Jayden called out, smiling at his lovely girlfriend, taking her hand when she walked closer and kissed her gently. “Alright you two, break it up. Get going.” Isabel said with a laugh, letting the two say their goodbyes to their daughter. Isabel was glad she was able to come to Chicago. She needed a distraction from the fact that Dawson hadn’t responded to her letter. She understood it would take awhile for him to but she wasn’t expecting it to take this long.

 

[Lexus]

Hearing Jayden call out to her, Amelia rolled her eyes playfully as she grabbed the last of her things. Amelia knew Jayden was just excited. Thanking her best friend and following Jayden out, Amelia prepared herself for a long day. They had a flight to catch and then right after had to get ready for the night and Amelia had a lot to do before then. Once they arrived at the hotel, Amelia started getting ready for the night, her nerves finally setting in. As always, she did her best not to get her hopes up, but as she clasped the bracelet around her wrist a burst of hopefullness overcame her. She wanted to win this for all the precious kids who needed homes. It was a story she didn’t expect to become so close to her heart, but by the end it was her most unforgettable story to date. Walking out with her hair places in a stylish bun Jayden had never seen before and a slightly more dramatic makeup look, she smiled up atJayden. “Are you ready?” She asked going to look for her purse for the evening.

 

[isax]

When Jayden saw just how beautiful Amelia looked with the dress on, he couldn’t help but swoon, pulling her close against him when she got her purse for the night. Kissing her gently, Jayden smiled when he pulled away. “You look stunning. Yes, I’m ready.” He said happily, kissing her once more before walking out with her, getting in their rental car to drive them to Columbia University. When they arrived, Jayden smiled as he stood next to Amelia, beaming with nothing but admiration. Taking her hand, they walked in and smiled as they were escorted to their seats, looking around and taking in how elegant the ballroom looked and how everything was set up. “It’s so elegant in here.” Jayden said softly, adjusting his white tie before smiling at Amelia. “What’s running through your head?” He asked softly, rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb.

 

[Lexus]

“You look almost as handsome as you did in the first ballroom we were in together,” Amelia teased, kissing his cheek. Walking into the scene, Amelia felt her nerves overtake her again, but they settled some when she realized she was sitting next to the other nominated journalists and their guests. Not all of them had spouses because journalism wasn’t a career most people went into when they wanted to marry, but they were all colleagues she knew, worked with and respected deeply for their own works. Nodding at Jayden’s observation she looked over to him. “It is very elegant, it’s a big award. It sets a lot of our careers,” she whispered taking a deep breath before she answered his question honestly. “Just remembering to breathe for now, and that I’m glad you’re here.” For most events she was used to going alone, but having Jayden here for such a noteworthy event kept her anxiety from getting the best of her.

 

[isax]

Jayden smiled at Amelia's reply, kissing her cheek gently before he introduced himself to Amelia's colleagues, smiling at how many of them were humble people, and told him what he already knew about his girlfriend. She was an amazing journalist and truly defined what journalism is. It was heart warming to know so many people thought of Amelia the way they did. Holding Amelia's hand, Jayden played with her promise ring, smiling as the dinner began. As everyone was served food and began eating, the now full-time student looked at his journalist. "I'm truly proud of you. With all my heart." He whispered gently. "And I'm happy I was able to be here with you."

 

[Lexus]

Smiling over to Jayden she ate her dinner delicately while she made conversation with the other nominees, making sure to make Jayden feel included as well. Naturally, with Jayden at the table, the journalists asked the couple about their growing daughter who was under the care of her aunt back home in Chicago right now. "She's adorable, Jayden and getting so big. Amelia's lucky to have you. You're so supportive and that's something she's always going to need with the career she's decided to pursue. I know she's probably hard for you to share with us, we all can't get enough of her. I wish she would come back to The Post," Liv confessed, half teasing, laughing when her former colleague began to blush as the table continued to shower her with their love. "That chapter's over, but I look forward to cheering you on from the sidelines," Amelia replied as the table continued to enjoy their meal and talk about each other's works. Amelia hoped this night would give Jayden a better insight for the people who made up am industry that society heavily depended on but was so quick to bash the people who devoted their lives to the civic duty.

 

[isax]

Jayden was grateful he was able to receive a better insight to the journalistic world. They were amazing people who dedicated their lives to serve others. Enjoying the dinner with Amelia's colleagues, Jayden was excited when the award ceremony began. He was hoping Amelia won because she devoted so much time into this particular story, and it meant so much to Jayden deep down in his heart. When they announced Amelia's name as the recipient for the category she was nominated for, Jayden couldn't stop his beaming smile from forming on his face, giving her a gentle kiss on the cheek before he watched her go up to the stage and give her small speech. He wanted to know what she was planning to do with the award money, although he knew she wouldn't keep it for herself.

 

[Lexus]

When Amelia heard her name being called for the award, she felt all the blood rush to her feet and her ears began to ring. The next few moments to her were a blur. She wasn't sure how she made it to the stage or how she managed to remember to breathe. When she tuned back into what was now reality, she was standing under the illuminated light. staring back at the audience of people who were still applauding and even though she was happy Jayden was here with her, as the moment sunk in for her, she wished Isabel was here to see it too because she was a big part of why Amelia was standing here. There were countless times through their everlasting friendship Amelia went crying to Isabel that she wanted to give up and go down a different path in life because she was tired of being the only one who wanted herself to be this successful on the journalistic path she always felt destined to. Staring back at her colleagues, Amelia bit her lip to keep her tears from falling. In this moment, all the hardship she faced to make it to this defining moment in her career seemed so small, so insignificant and she had no one else to thank but Isabel for that finding her words she finally spoke. still trembling from her disbelief. She still felt as though she wasn't worthy of such an honor so early on.

"Wow, this is an incredible honor... The Pulitzer organization is an incredible organization and I thank them for acknowledging the heroic and meaningful works produced by all the amazing journalists who were nominated tonight, it will always be one of my greatest opportunities to have worked with all of you. I hope to work with you again in the future. There's one in particular who has made her impact on my career and even though she couldn't be here tonight, I just want to remind her I wouldn't have even gone into this industry had it not been for her continuous encouragement and support. Thank you, Isabel. As for the grant, on behalf of my guest of honor tonight who inspired me to produce such a moving piece, we'll be donating the grant in his name to the city of Chicago foster care system and I hope this equally inspires him to continue to make a difference in all these amazing kids lives. He's made a tremendous difference in mine."


Once the dinner and ceremony concluded, Amelia walk hand in hand with Jayden back to their car and it wasn't until they made it back to their hotel room she finally let her swirl of emotions overwhelm her and she let herself cry.

 

[isax]

Once back in the security of their hotel room, Jayden smiled gently as he looked at his whole world and pulled her into a tight hug, cupping her face to wipe away the tears with a gentle smile. "Hey, I know you're overwhelmed but I'm so proud of you, Amelia. We all are and I know Isabel got very emotional when you gave your speech. She was watching the live stream. You're an amazing woman and deserve this award and I can't thank you enough for donating the grant to the children in the Chicago foster care. You don't understand how much that truly means to me." He whispered softly, continuing to wipe away her tears before he kissed her gently.

 

[Lexus]

Looking up at him, Amelia tried to catch her breath, smoking through her sobs. Calming down at the feeling of his touch, her smile only grew wider, but the once meticulously drawn makeup, now was smudged all across her face but the journalist didn’t care. “Yes I do know how much it means to you, that’s why I did it,” Amelia said softly, reaching for a handful of tissues this all felt surreal. “I didn’t think it was going to be me, Jayden. I felt like I didn’t deserve it. Not after all the times I doubted whether this was the right thing for me to do. It kills me whenever I have to leave you and Bel and it hurts me that my family can only define me by my career they never thought would really amount to anything as great as they expected me to be. You don’t understand how close I was to being someone else just to gain support. As much as this is my moment, it’s Isabel’s too and yours. You two are the only ones who ever fully supported all of this and this only reaffirmed I made the right decision bringing both of you into my life.” Sitting up, Amelia pushed herself into Jayden, where she rested her head against his chest. “I love you. I’m sorry I’m a mess,” she whispered looking back up st him through her tear stained smudges of mascara and eyeliner.

 

[isax]

Jayden laughed softly as he held Amelia close, wipping away her tears that continued to fall. Getting up, he went to the bathroom, grabbing a makeup wipe before he came back and had Amelia sit in his lap. “Let me see.” He whispered gently, wiping away the makeup that now streaked his lovers face. “I love you more, Amelia Carson. You don’t look like a mess. You’re just letting out the emotions you have regarding what just occurred and words cannot describe how proud I am of you. I also know Isabel is very proud of you. You deserved this, Amelia.” He said gently, kissing her gently after he wiped away all the makeup from her face, admiring her natural beauty before he laid back down and pulled her close. “Now, we can cuddle and sleep unless you want to shower.” He said gently. “I can run you a bath if you’d like.”

 

[Lexus]

“This dress is itchy,” Amelia replied in a giggle before she sat up, asking him to unzip the back of it for her. When he did, she relaxed her shoulder blades at the feeling of his hands touching her. Reaching over, she took out the three dozen bobby-pins she used to pin her hair into the once elegant bun. She had now been completely transformed back into her mundane everyday look. “A shower sounds nice, do you want to come with me or are you going to admire yourself in that suit for as long as possible? I’m sure you’ll wear many more dashing ones in your lifetime.” As much as tonight was one Amelia would never forget, she was glad it was over because of how much of an emotional roller coaster it was for her. She was exhausted, but as she let Jayden pull her into their countless kiss for the night where he again reminded her how proud he was of her, Amelia began to anticipate Jayden and his own forthcoming achievements.

 

[isax]

"I think I'll join you for a shower. As long as you don't mind." He said with a gentle smile, taking her hands and leading her towards the suit bathroom, starting the water for her to get a head start before he waked out and took off his suit, coming back with towels for the both of them. Getting in behind her, Jayden let the water run between the two of them, hugging her close before he kissed her cheek, then trailed the kisses down to her neck and shoulder. He didn't utter a single word, but rather let the silence speak for him, something the two of them always did.

Isabel had to admit she was taking on as many assignments as possible because she wanted to be distracted. She hated being alone without Dawson but she was back in her hometown for a few days. She promised her babies she would take them to see the Blue Angels, even though the majority of them were all grown and didn't need adult supervision. Making it out to the base, Isabel smiled when she watched Rene get excited as always. Coming to these shows was a family tradition that wasn't going to stop just because Isabel's fiance was pulled into the battle field. Putting on her sunglasses, she thanked Rene for bringing her the icee she asked for, sipping on it while they all sat in the front row. Isabel had to bring her sister along, although she really didn't feel like it. All she seemed to do was try and tear Isabel down now and days and it still hurt Miranda couldn't get over her jealousy. Making small talk with the family, Isabel's heart dropped when the Pearl Harbor reenactment happened. The Blue Angels were next and she wouldn't get to see her show off. "How's your junior year going, Rene?" She asked her nephew softy, happy he was pushing through in college and studying aviation logistics. Isabel knew he would be leaving after graduation to join the Air Force.

 

[Lexus]

"Isabel, stop pestering him," Amelia butted in as she found her b=way back to her seat sitting behind them. "I'll tell him all about the things you used to do instead of study if you don't stop picking at him."

"I like her," Rene replied in a laugh, becoming amused by his aunt's glare towards the both of them before he finally gave in and shrugged his shoulders. "It's going well, probably not as well as you expect, but well enough."

"Haha, that's exactly what she used to say to me," Amelia replied again with a humorous eye roll. "Don't let her get to you, Rene, you're all she talks about and is very proud of you."

"Awweee how sweet," Rene teased in his usual giddy laugh as they all continued to watch the show. It had been sixteen months without Dawson and still there was an irreplaceable void, coming to these shows didn't seem the same anymore without the big showoff there to impress everyone. The whole family was looking forward to the pilot's return. "Have you heard anything from Dawson?"

 

[isax]

Isabel let out a deep sigh at the mention of Dawson. She couldn't believe it had already been 16 months without him. She went an entire year alone and by herself. It was a sad thought but she made the most out of the days. She kept herself busy. "I haven't heard anything from him recently. Last I heard from him he said that he was safe and waiting until the day he gets to come home. I still don't know when that day is." She said softly with a shrug, smiling at her family as they all fell silent. "It's okay, y'all. I'm okay." She reassured them as she continued to watch the show. These shows weren't the same for her and anyone would know that considering no camera hung around her neck. Watching as Miranda got up to go find her significant other (one can only hope), Isabel smiled as her babies moved closer to her. Motioning for Amelia to sit next to her, Angel and Oliver moved to the seats in front of them. Putting her head against Amelia's shoulder, she smiled weakly. "I'm alright. I promise."

 

[Lexus]

"You're such a damn liar," Amelia whispered for only Isabel to hear as Amelia snacked on her popcorn. Amelia was only here for the day because she was on her way to Lousiana for a conference. She didn't want to intrude on Isabel's plans with her niece and nephews but she knew when Isabel mentioned her sister would be coming, that meant she wanted Amelia to come to keep her sanity. Passing off the bag to Isabel, Amelia sighed contently, wiping her salty fingers against her jeans. She hoped Dawson came home soon, she hated seeing Isabel like this, it had been long enough. Plus he missed a lot. Isabel's mini-me was almost two and both Amelia and Jayden were about halfway to finishing their Master's degrees. Amelia ultimately decided to leave her position as editor at the small local paper because it wasn't something she saw taking her career anywhere and the business owner who owned the paper she worked for didn't treat her well enough to keep her. For the past six months she decided to work as Head of PR for the hospital. It provided her with a more comfortable income and a slightly more flexible schedule though not by much. She promised Isabel it was only temporary, once she finished her Business Administration degree she would look for a better editing position. Patting Isabel's head gently with her hand, she smiled when Isabel lifted her head. "Just enjoy the show, Dawson's in the same sky."

 

[isax]

Just enjoy the show, Dawson's in the same sky. Amelia was right, and Isabel knew she was. Being without the man who was going to be your husband for over a year was rough and not something everyone could handle. There were days Isabel couldn't, but the smile that appeared on Isabel's face was genuine, and she had to thank Amelia for that. "I know." She whispered softly, taking the bag of popcorn as she watched the show, smiling at her niece and nephews who became excited just like they did when they were little. Taking Oliver into her lap, she kissed his cheek as they watched together. Moments like this is what helped Isabel get through day by day. She was grateful she took the time to come see her family, even if her sister separated herself to be with her husband. Isabel was glad she did, because she wasn't in the right frame of mind to handle her. The show was nice, nothing like when Dawson was around. Letting Rene take his siblings to go look at the planes that were set up for display after the show, Isabel sat with Amelia. "They all grew so fast." She whispered gently with a soft sigh.

 

[Lexus]

“So did you,” Amelia teased pushing Isabel playfully as they continued to chat. She was happy to bring Isabel some happiness. With their backs turned, part of the real reason Amelia showed up was making an approach. As Amelia continued to reply to Isabel in their conversation, a hand touched her shoulder softly. “Excuse me.ladies, I was looking for the press and the commander said I could find ya here,” the man with hazel green eyes said kneeling beside Amelia. It was the man in the fleet they both recognized, Dawson Covington, still dressed in the uniform he made the trip home in. Smiling, Amelia nodded. “Well, you’re half right. One of us is a journalist,” Amelia replies, laughing when Isabel finally put two and two together and nearly fell into Dawson at her feet before he picked her up and spun her around tightly, Rene recording the whole scene as Amelia asked him to do before the show.

 

[isax]

He was here. The man that held her heart and gave her whole life meaning was here. When Isabel heard the familiar voice, she didn't pay much attention. She only glared at Amelia when she said only one of them was a journalist. She disliked hearing that, even if she knew it was only temporary for Amelia, but Isabel couldn't stop the many emotions that ran through her when her dark brown eyes landed on Dawson Covington. Gasping at the sight, the journalist was quick to throw herself on him, hugging him tightly and not wanting to let go as the tears streamed down her face uncontrollably. "You're home." She whispered faintly, wrapping her legs around his waist as she clung to him like a koala. She refused to let go. "You're here. You're home. It's been too long." She said again, standing when he set her back to the ground. Cupping his face, she was quick to pull him in for a long over due meaningful kiss. Pulling away, the smile never left her expression, and she wiped away her tears, falling back against the pilot as she hid her face in his chest. He was home and she never wanted him to leave again.

 

[Lexus]

Picking up his fiancee in his arms, Dawson held her tight while she continued to recover from her immediate shock of having in back home. Kissing her forehead, Dawson nodded, wiping her tears. "Yes love, it's me, I'm here." Chucking at her disbelief the Navy pilot pulled her into a hug. "I told ya I would be back for ya, It was a hard fight," he whispered into her shoulder before she pulled him into their first kiss in over a year. Wrapping an arm around her, the pilot couldn't help but return it, resulting in the cheers from the crowd as they realized this man was being welcomed home. Through their applauds, Dawson remained focused on Isabel, keeping an arm around her as she fell into his chest. It was obvious he was just as ecstatic to be with Isabel as she was to see him for the first time since he got deployed.

 

[isax]

Isabel wanted to utter words she knew would hurt Dawson if she said them. Don't leave me again. Were words she so desperately wanted to tell the Naval pilot now home from being deployed, but she knew telling him that would do nothing. She couldn't be upset over his choice of career. They both agreed to support one another and she would continue to do so no matter how much it hurt when he left. "I'm so happy you're back." She whispered softly, smiling at the pilot as she held his hand and rubbed the back of it with her thumb. Smiling as everyone who cheered for the couple began to leave, Isabel looked at her family with a bright expression. "Does anyone want to go grab dinner?" She asked with a bubbly laugh, smiling as everyone agreed. Watching the kids run to her car, Isabel stayed behind with Dawson and Amelia, sighing softly as she intertwined hers and Dawson's fingers. "I'm leaving tomorrow back to our home and I'm glad you get to come with me. How long are you staying home?" She asked her fiance gently, biting her lip as she hoped deep down he wouldn't leave for a long while. She hadn't done much planning for their wedding. She couldn't bring herself to plan it without having him home.

 

[Lexus]

“Oh my love, I don’t think they’ll be needing me for awhile. I think they got sick of me and decided to send me home for good, or st least until they can’t find anyone else.” Pulling has into another hug before they reached the car, Dawson placed his uniform cap on her head and kissed her forehead again. “I love you, Isabel, thank you for waiting for me,” he whispered into her ear while their fingers remained intertwined. Looking over to Amelia, the pilot gleamed with gratitude for her help. Pulling away from Isabel for a moment he went to take her into a hug. “Amelia, thank you for watching over her,” he whispered.

“Anytime, officer. It was my pleasure but I’m glad you’re home. We missed ya.” Trying not to cry, Amelia looked up to a man she had so much respect for, one who not only loved Isabel unconditionally, but served his country honorably. To Amelia, Dawson was a real hero, the kind she missed representing, and would again one day. Amelia was greatful to have such a great friend, someone she considered to be a brother. “I wish I could stay for dinner, but this is where I leave, You just got back from work and now I have to go.”

 

[isax]

Isabel smiled as she watched Dawson hug Amelia tightly. It was a great feeling to know two of the most important people in Isabel’s life were as close as they were. It was comforting to know they respected each other as much as they did. “I wish you didn’t have to leave, best friend.” Isabel said softly, walking over to hug Amelia tightly, sighing gently. “I love you. Please be safe and hurry with that masters. I want you by my side as a journalist, again.” She whispered softly, saying her goodbyes to Amelia and blinked when her niece and nephews opted to leave with their parents. Isabel wasn’t against it. She was all for being alone with the man who just returned home. Smiling as everyone drove off, Isabel got in her car with Dawson, holding his hand with her free hand. “Where shall we venture off to for dinner? Or do you want to go back to the hotel?” She asked him gently, smiling when he became curious. “Don’t worry about why I’m not staying at my house. It’s a long story. I’m just glad you’re back home. It’s been rough without you.” She whispered faintly, staring at her lap as she dazed off into her thoughts. Blinking when she felt a familiar warmth tuck a stand of hair behind her ear, Isabel looked up at Dawson and let out a soft smile. “I’m okay. Where do you want to eat?”

 

[Lexus]

"What are you and Miranda fighting about now?" Dawson asked softly. The pilot knew by the way Isabel avoided the subject of what made her upset that's what was upsetting her. Sighing, he kissed her cheek and squeezed her hand. Letting it go, for now, Dawson knew it wasn't the conversation she wanted to welcome him home with. He knew in due time the journalist would tell him what was on her mind. He wasn't that hungry, but to please her, Dawson answered without hesitation. "Italian." Looking over to her. Dawson noticed the slight changes to his fiancee that occurred during his time away from her. "I like your hair," he complimented, noticing she cut it shorter than when he last saw her.

 

[isax]

Isabel smiled at the compliment, driving off the base before looking at Dawson softly. “I’m glad. I wanted to try something new.” She said softly, knowing her hair this shirt was something she had to get used to. “It looks better when it’s steaightened.” She added, gripping his hand tight as she drove the two to Luciano’s, an authentic Italian restaurant down by six points. It was her favorite spot for Italian food in corpus but it was just a little pricey. Making small conversation with the pilot made the car drive go by fast and before they knew it, they were parked in from of the restaurant. Getting out of the car, Isabel smiled when Dawson walked over towards her and she admired every feature that changed. Cupping his face gently, she noticed how much of a baby face he had without his full head of hair and facial hair. Kissing him lovingly before they walked into the restaurant, Isabel pulled him inside and sat at their table. “I haven’t planned much for our wedding. I’m sorry.” She said with a sigh, looking at her lap again.