#Charlotte townhomes

[charlotte-nc-living]

Queen City Townes

Choosing the best rental townhomes Charlotte feels like a big decision. Of course, you do not want to get stuck in an unhappy situation for the duration of your contract. To avoid this from happening, make sure you check out the different townhomes for rent in Charlotte. One of the most-sought after Lower Southend apartments is the Queen City Townes. These brand new pet-friendly Charlotte townhomes bring you to the center of the city. With just a 5-minute –walk to the nearest light rail train station, you can have your way to the Uptown, UNC Charlotte or to any metro point in the city. The three bedroom townhome Charlotte also comes with direct-access private garages. To top it all, the Charlotte townhomes have luxurious in-unit amenities and elegant finish.

Charlotte, NC

Each city has its own pros and cons. For Charlotte, the advantages definitely outweigh the disadvantages. First of all, Charlotte’s location is the primary attraction for many newcomers. The city is very accessible via commute because of the numerous bus lines and the top-notch high speed rail system. It is also a few hours from the mountains or beach, which means you can easily go on a quick vacation should you decide to spend a family weekend in these areas. On the negative side, traffic congestion, limited ethnic diversity, and history of hurricanes are some of the downsides of living in Charlotte. But if you can live with these issues, the city has so much potential for growth which can support your future.

Carowinds Amusement Park

Carowinds is North Carolina’s premier entertainment destination. It features more than 60 world-class rides, a top-notch waterpark, and family friendly live entertainment. The amusement park is housed in more than 400 acres of land. For more than 49 years, it has received millions of visitors from all over the world. While the park is open all year round, it is best to visit during Halloween and Christmas season where it features the famous SCarowinds and the WinterFest. The thrilling rides and the cool arcade games will keep you entertained the whole day. But since it is a very popular tourist attraction in the state, expect long lines in each of the rides.

Charlotte Ranks High for Affordable Student Housing

Despite the plummeting rise in the rent, Charlotte remains to be in good standing when it comes to student housing affordability. The Queen City remains to be on the top 10 most affordable cities for college renters where one student reported saving $100 a month on rent after transferring to the city. With Charlotte apartments becoming more popular these days, renters may have limited options as the demand is increasing. But in order to get the best deal, make sure to search the different neighborhood and set your criteria when it comes to apartment hunting. Your budget, accessibility of the apartment, and amenities are just some of the factors that you should consider.

Link to Map

Driving Direction

Carowinds

300 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273, United States

Get on I-77 N from Avenue of the Carolinas and Carowinds Blvd

6 min (1.3 mi)

Follow I-77 N to W Woodlawn Rd in Charlotte. Take exit 6 A from I-77 N

7 min (6.8 mi)

Follow W Woodlawn Rd and Old Pineville Rd to Thorndale Ln

2 min (0.7 mi)

Queen City Townes

4928 Old Pineville Rd, 

Charlotte, NC 28217

[astoldbychae]

TAGGED!

People you'd like to get to know better

Thanks for the tag @cinamun 💛 sending you all the virtual hugs!

Last Song:

Favorite color: Gold

Currently Watching: Chicago PD (Season 6...whilst lusting over Atwater)

Sweet/Spicy/Savory: Been on a lil Spicy kick lately.

Relationship: Aww, what a cute concept 🥺

Current Obsession: Searching luxury apartments & townhomes in various states

Last thing I googled: "Charlotte NC to Memphis TN"

Tagging (no pressure, only if you'd like to do it): @berberriescorner @percosim @soulthesimmer @shymaymay

[moremorrae]

Shadowmoon Legacy Part 6: The Letter

Gonna be trying out some different stuff in the writing portions of this one.

It's been a couple weeks now and Charlotte has gotten comfortable with her new life in Forgotten Hollow. One morning a mysterious package was left in her mailbox.

Greetings, It has come to our attention that the residency at Windowshild Townhome is once again home to a resident of Forgotten Hollow. As this is the case we will resume delivery of our best curated items suitable to life in our community. We hope you enjoy the complimentary gift we've provided and wish you and yours a very long and prosperous life. Sincerely, The Grand Coven of Forgotten Hollow

The package that came with the letter was just as confusing. In it were two simple... bags of juice?

Looking them over Charlotte was hesitant to try them. Unlabeled except for a purple staff on one and a stylized frog on the other. Not quite sure what to do with them she sends a message to Jeremy over Social Bunny.

Charlotte: hey, I got a strange package today Jeremy: Oh? Anything interesting? Charlotte: sends a picture of packs Charlotte: any idea what they are? Jeremy: Odd... I don't think I've seen anything like that. Would love to look them over though. Charlotte: meet at magnolia? Jeremy: Sure, meet you there.

Meeting up at the part Charlotte shows Jeremy the letter she got and the odd juice packs that were in the mail.

"Grand Coven of Forgotten Hollow?" asks Jeremy.

Shrugging her shoulders. "I haven't heard of them, maybe it's Forgotten Hollow's NAP group?" She turns over one of the packs. "Either way, sending juice packs in the mail?"

Looking over the other one Jeremy laughs. "It wouldn't be the weirdest NAP put into place, I heard in Evergreen Harbor they voted to wear bags on their heads all the time."

"Fair enough. So... think you could figure out what this is?"

He pockets one of the packs while standing up. "Easy, I've got a friend at FutureSim that can check it out. It's probably just some out-of-season Spooky Day prank. What with how Forgotten Hollow looks I wouldn't be surprised."

"Maybe, though writing a whole letter to go with it is a bit more effort than the usual prank day trick."

The two spend a bit more time chatting in the park before going their separate ways for now, each with one of the odd packs to take home. On the way Charlotte considered just opening it, turning it over and over as she walked up the steps to her home. Not coming up with any clear decision she stashed it in the corner of her fridge and went about her other business.

Sometime in the early evening, she heard a knock on the door. She went to see who was at the door only to find no one there. Confused she looked around only to kick a new package off the steps.

She was confused at the second odd package to end up at her door. This time an old-looking book with a note attached to it.

We heard you were looking for something like this, hope it helps whatever you're up to. ~ L. & C. Vatore

Charlotte brought the book inside and began to look it over. It quickly became clear that this was exactly what she was looking for...

Encyclopedia Vampirica Volume 1

This is a much longer post than the ones before, I wanted to try out having more dialogue and whatnot to better characterize everyone. What can I say, it's hard for me to write any kind of story without dialogue lol.

Had a good time mixing in some of my own made-up lore with the various lore and tidbits already in the game. I could make this a super grounded story but I like having the silly sims touches be cannon in the story (looking at you, We Wear Bags NAP).

[flaremberts]

Whatsup...

🏖 As you may have noticed it's been since October, but we made it back to our favorite spot...the beach and took a test run on our new chairs that we can fold up and put on our backs for the days we can't or don't wanna take our beach buggy full of stuff (it is also important to note, they are extra for guests).

🛩 Only one more plane ticket to purchase before we can say we are ready for our big trip to Cancun to celebrate the accomplishments of college graduates in our family (3 in the next year).

🎓 The first graduation is for Frooze who officially submitted her application to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for her Master's degree.

📚 The next graduate, Jo found out a couple great achievements recently with another invite to this semester's gold ticket event with potential employers and a successful addition to the Dean's List.

🚗 The final graduate, Ebaugh notified us of his newest venture as a Doordash driver/delivery person to grab some extra cash.

🏈 The Super Bowl was pretty entertaining for a game that didn't involve the Steelers, but seeing the baby bump on Rhianna was a small concern for those of us who would like to see her on tour at some point.

🎰 Other vacation plans are coming together nicely like our next trip to Vegas where we will be joined by our dear friends for their first time in Sin City.

🛏 Speaking of dear friends and plans, we are fast approaching our first overnight visit at the townhome from OUR friends and we are so excited...our kids have all had visitors stay with us, but now we will get to finally show off our home and beach community!

💻 Work...no one wants to hear about work!

[cool-in-pineville-nc]

Experience Family Fun

For families searching for 4 bedroom townhomes in Pineville, Blu South offers an array of exciting amenities to enjoy. One of the highlights is the resort-style pool, a favorite among residents. People love resort-style swimming pools because they provide a luxurious and relaxing environment for both kids and adults. At Blu South, the pool deck and second-story balcony offer stunning views and ample space for lounging and socializing. Additionally, residents can stay active with turf flex fields, a 9-hole mini-putt, pickleball, and basketball courts. For those who enjoy nature, Blu South provides 3 miles of walking trails, perfect for strolls or morning jogs.

The Geography of Pineville, North Carolina

Pineville, North Carolina, is situated in the southern part of the state, close to the border with South Carolina. The town's geography is characterized by gently rolling hills and lush greenery, typical of the Piedmont region. Pineville is near the Catawba River, providing recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating. The town enjoys a mild climate, with hot summers and cool winters, making it pleasant to explore the outdoors year-round. Pineville's convenient location near major highways, including Interstate 485, offers easy access to nearby cities like Charlotte and Rock Hill. Overall, Pineville's geography provides a picturesque backdrop for residents and visitors to enjoy nature and outdoor activities.

President James K. Polk State Historic Site

The President James K. Polk State Historic Site in Pineville, North Carolina, is a fascinating destination where visitors can learn about the life and legacy of the 11th President of the United States. The site features historic buildings, including the reconstructed birthplace cabin of James K. Polk. Visitors can explore exhibits that detail Polk's early life, his presidency, and the impact of his policies on American history. Guided tours are available to provide insights into Polk's upbringing and political career. The site also holds educational programs and special events throughout the year, making it an engaging destination for history enthusiasts of all ages.

Major Backlash Over Pineville Electrical Substation Proposal

An electrical substation is like a traffic hub for electricity. It takes high-voltage electricity from power plants and transforms it into lower-voltage electricity for homes and businesses to use safely. The pros of having a substation in a community include providing reliable electricity for everyday needs like lighting and heating. It helps distribute power efficiently across neighborhoods. However, there are also cons to consider. Substations can be noisy, especially if they're close to homes. Some people worry about health risks from electromagnetic fields generated by substations, although scientific research hasn't conclusively shown harmful effects. Additionally, substations can be eyesores in otherwise scenic areas. Balancing the benefits of reliable electricity with community concerns is essential when planning and locating substations.

Link to maps

President James K. Polk State Historic Site 12031 Lancaster Hwy, Pineville, NC 28134, United States Head west on State Rd 3640 toward Lancaster Hwy 0.1 mi Turn right onto S Polk St Pass by 7-Eleven (on the right in 0.6 mi) 1.2 mi Continue onto Pineville Rd 0.6 mi Keep left to continue on South Blvd 0.8 mi Use the left lane to turn left onto E Westinghouse Blvd 0.3 mi Turn left onto Blu Central Rd Destination will be on the left 125 ft Blu South Townhomes 920 Blu Central Rd, Pineville, NC 28134, United States

[carmenmiller]

10158 Forest Landing Drive Charlotte North Carolina

Charming two-bedroom townhome nestled in the heart of the vibrant university area. This cozy townhome boasts two primary bedrooms, ideal for privacy and convenience. Recently upgraded with new carpeting on stairs and second floor, along with fresh paint throughout, creating a modern and inviting ambiance. The kitchen shines with brand new appliances. Don’t miss the opportunity to call this…

[tradedmiami]

LOAN IMAGE: Zach Lutwak-Fitzgerald DATE: 02/21/2024 ADDRESS: 3010 West Boulevard MARKET: Charlotte, NC ASSET TYPE: Multifamily ~ UNITS: 29 LENDER: Roc Capital LANDLORD: Exponential Equity Group BROKER: Zach Lutwak-Fitzgerald (@ZFitzgerald40) - Black Bear Capital Partners (@BlackBearCapitalPartners) LOAN AMOUNT: $11,165,000 LOAN TYPE: Construction Loan LOAN TERMS: The construction of 29 for-sale townhomes, spanning across 7 buildings, is being financed via a facility of loans at 90% LTC that include a 18-month term, per loan, at a fixed interest rate and full-term interest-only payments. #RealEstate #TradedPartner #Charlotte #NorthCarolina #Multifamily #ExponentialEquityGroup #RocCapital #ZachLutwakFitzgerald #BlackBearCapitalPartners

[driverdefens]

Explore UNCC Student Apartments for Comfort, Convenience, Community

Boulevard 98, conveniently located near UNCC, offers ideal student housing. These furnished apartments & townhomes near campus feature top-notch amenities. Enjoy spacious, contemporary units, per-person contracts, & roommate matching at Boulevard 98.

[hakesbros]

San Antonio, Tx Actual Estate & Homes For Sale Re

Our homebuilding expertise is second to none. Founded in 1948, Ryan Homes has built more new homes san antonio than 460,000 homes. That expertise goes into each home we build - together with yours.

This info is not supposed to be used in determining a person's eligibility to attend a faculty or to use or profit from other city, town or native services. The choices are subject to errors, omissions, adjustments, including worth, or withdrawal with out discover. The knowledge regarding actual property for sale on this website comes in part from the Internet Data trade program of the San Antonio Board of Realtors.

San Antonio blends a wealthy heritage with modern innovation, leading to a metropolis teeming with true Texan heart. San Antonio’s distinctive environment displays centuries of favor and a various array of culture, which is best exemplified within the La Villita Historic Arts Village. The Alamo could be new home builders san antonio the most renowned construction within the city, but there are a lot of magnificent historical buildings to see—from the Emily Morgan Hotel to the Meyer Halff House. Parker retired from the NBA in 2019 after 17 seasons with the silver and black and one last season with the Charlotte Hornets.

Chance of rain close to 100%. North winds 15 to twenty mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Temperature within the mid 40s. North winds around 15 mph with gusts up homes for sale san antonio to 25 mph. North winds 10 to fifteen mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Showers with a slight likelihood of thunderstorms within the afternoon.

Our agents are experts of their local market, so they’ll guide you thru the entire bidding process so that you get the most effective deal in your money. According to Caballero, home prices home builders in san antonio look like stabilizing. The 3-month moving average of new home sales prices statewide had been slightly greater last month at $463,514 from $461,511 in November.

San Antonio has its share of excellent new home communities. We see a strong growth in and across the San Antonio space in all instructions. This great information means you'll find a way to select a model new home growth near your employment to minimize your commute. Spanish, Craftsman, cottage, farmhouse and conventional exteriors provide excellent curb appeal. Potential homebuyers have various new development choices including decrease upkeep townhomes, starter homes and sprawling single family homes on bigger heaps.

There are several actions that might set off this block together with submitting a sure word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed information. We know there’s lots to assume about in relation to discovering your house. So, we’ll be in your nook to help you rejoice the thrilling whereas we allow you to uncover the information you’ll want. "It has, in each means, been good for our household." "The homes...they mainly promote themselves as a end result of they're modern, they're environment friendly, airtight."

Find totally furnished flats in San Antonio, TX. Apply and reserve online. No utility fee or deposit. Find your next furnished apartment homes for sale san antonio tx in San Antonio TX on Zillow. Use our detailed filters to search out the perfect place, then get in touch with the property ...

[hakesbrother]

Homes With Ranch Homes For Sale & Real Property El Paso,

We have an extremely low stock of homes for sale and since the rates of interest are super low, we have extra certified consumers than homes to sell. Use our mortgage calculatorto see how much it might be to finance a house in El Paso. Renderings, footage, square new homes el paso tx footages, flooring plans, features, and colours are approximate for illustration purposes solely. Square footages are approximate and may differ in development. Nothing on our web site should be construed as legal, accounting or tax advice.

Row of multi-level townhomes with fairly landscaping and a green area in front. All you need to do is get pre-approved or share a pre-approval letter out of houses for sale in el paso tx your lender. With an Opendoor provide, you can remove the contingencies sellers dislike.

We'll keep you up to date when new listings come on the market so you can make the first transfer. We can help you find the perfect Real Estate Agent based on your native market data that will assist you obtain your goals. When it involves turning a profit in your rental property, experience is a vital key. Don't let your house serve as someone else's experiment.

We found 348 Houses for hire in El Paso, TX. ForRent.com provides you with probably the most complete record of rentals so you'll el paso homes for sale find the Houses you’ve been dreaming about. View ground plans and use filters to refine your search. Choose the number of bedrooms, discover pet-friendly Houses, and search for leases with utilities included.

The Charlotte housing market has saved up with the relaxation of the nation, as patrons had been initially drawn to growing job alternatives and enticing home costs. In just home builders in el paso one year, Charlotte has raised its appreciation rate by 25%. Like many different metro areas, the most important issues are associated to lack of housing stock.

Some of the most nicely liked neighborhoods close to El Paso, TX are Bear Ridge, High Ridge, Chaparral Park North, Valley Creek North, Kohlberg. Based on whole acres, Texas has essentially the most land for sale on LandWatch. LandWatch just lately had $46 billion of Texas rural properties, ranches, hunting land and other rural acreage for sale. With tens of thousands of properties and rural land for sale in the homes for sale el paso tx state, LandWatch boasts a combined four million acres of Texas land for sale. The average price of rural properties, ranches, hunting land and different rural acreage for sale in Texas is $689,927. Department of Agriculture, Texas is amongst the high 5 biggest ag-producing states in the nation.

[sardiswoods]

Explore The Charm of Sardis Woods

Sardis Woods is a neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina with a population of 1,788. The median household income in Sardis Woods is $98,493, and the median home value is $334,596. The median rental price in Sardis Woods is $1,737.

This charming neighborhood is bordered by the city of Matthews to the south and east, and by the Ballantyne community to the north and west. Sardis Woods is a quiet, family-friendly community with a strong sense of neighborhood pride.

The Sardis Woods neighborhood is situated in south Charlotte, just minutes from shopping, dining, and entertainment at Ballantyne Village and Blakeney. There are a variety of housing options available in Sardis Woods, from single-family homes and townhomes to apartments and condos.

Sardis Woods is home to a number of parks and green spaces, including Ballantyne Park, Cornelius Park, and McDowell Nature Preserve. These parks offer residents a variety of recreational opportunities, from hiking and biking trails to fishing and picnicking.

Sardis Woods is served by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District. Schools in the neighborhood include Ardrey Kell High School, Community House Middle School, and Sardis Elementary School.

If you're looking for a family-friendly neighborhood with a sense of community, Sardis Woods is the perfect place for you. With a variety of housing options and close proximity to shopping, dining, and entertainment, Sardis Woods has something for everyone.

The History of Sardis Woods:

The first residents of what is now Sardis Woods did not arrive until the late 1760s. These early settlers were mostly Scotch-Irish immigrants who arrived in the area from Pennsylvania. They were attracted to the area by the promise of cheap land and the opportunity to start anew. The area was largely undeveloped and heavily wooded at this time, hence the name "Sardis Woods".

The first few years were spent clearing the land and build rudimentary homes. It was a difficult and dangerous task, as the woods were full of wild animals and the area was still largely unsettled. However, the settlers persevered and slowly but surely the forest began to give way to farmland and houses.

The early years were not easy, but the settlers slowly began to build a life for themselves. They developed a strong sense of community and worked together to help each other out. The community grew and prospered over the next few decades.

In the early 1900s, Sardis Woods began to undergo a transformation. The first hint of this change came with the construction of a new school in 1903. Prior to this, children in the area had to travel to Charlotte to attend school. The new school brought more people into the community and spurred further development.

By the 1920s, Sardis Woods was a thriving community with a population of over 1,000. The area continued to grow in the following decades and became an important part of Charlotte. Today, Sardis Woods is a vibrant and thriving community that is proud of its history and traditions.

The Culture of Sardis Woods:

Sardis Woods is a neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina with a strong culture and community. The neighborhood is home to a diverse population, with residents from all walks of life. The community is close-knit and supportive, and there is a strong sense of pride in the neighborhood.

The neighborhood is known for its beautiful trees and wooded areas, as well as its friendly residents. There are a variety of local businesses and amenities, and the community is well-connected with the rest of Charlotte.

The culture of Sardis Woods is one of community and support. Residents are quick to help their neighbors, and there is a strong sense of camaraderie. The neighborhood hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including a Halloween parade, a Fourth of July celebration, and a winter festival.

Sardis Woods is a vibrant and welcoming community that is proud of its culture and history. The neighborhood is a great place to live, work, and play, and its residents are some of the friendliest and welcoming in Charlotte.

Member Spotlight

The Joint Chiropractic

3339 Pineville-Matthews Rd Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28277, United States

+1 704-486-4247

The Joint Chiropractic — Arboretum Charlotte is a well renowned place for their high-quality chiropractic services. They are very affordable, convenient and specialized when it comes to providing pain relief from neck, head, knee & back.

They are offering $29 New Patient Special which includes a consultation, exam, and adjustment. One can even schedule an appointment at night or on the weekends. If you don’t have insurance, it doesn’t matter!

Open nights and weekends, walk-in chiropractor, no insurance needed.

[lifestyleofluxe]

[sunnypogue]

ok so we know coho!rafe is into spanking and rougher sex but does he prefer just his hands or does he ever use something else for it? if not, does he have any fav sex toys?

nsfw under the cut

18+ only.

at first, he just uses his hands because he's a 20-something male in his first serious relationship. he doesn't have piles of sex toys lying around the townhome.

she introduces her vibrator at some point, which devolves into a conversation about sex toys.

they get drunk and peruse lovehoney one night. she picks out a rabbit vibrator (really leaning into her inner charlotte york-goldenblatt) and a ball gag. he picks out nipple clamps (after she vetoed the paddle) and a princess plug, with the promise she can use it on him one day.

rafe bookmarks a pussy pump & an attaching clit clamp.

she buys a vibrating cock ring the next day.

[flaremberts]

Finals...

As we wind down our week of "family vacation 2022", we made our final meal of the trip to Rusty's at the Port as is our tradition. It was a fun week and despite the sickness and the occasional family argument, we had great weather and awesome memories.

After our also traditional check-out breakfast at Grill's, everyone returned to the townhome for a quick rest. Friday evening the first couple left for Orlando and Saturday at noon the other couple departed for Charlotte.

We are already working on plans to celebrate the graduations of all 3 in 2023. Until then, we will have the birds visit the nest from time to time.

(Made with InstaDan)

[alwaysmychoices]

From Across the Room

Synopsis: Charlie Green and Ethan Ramsey fell in love, and after years together, they fell apart when it became clear they wanted very different futures. But when they have a chance encounter years later, maybe it’s not all in the past...

(separate from my With and Without series)

words: 1.9k 

rating: PG 

Based on this ask from this prompt list. The prompt ("You aren’t my homeland anymore”) is in bold. Feel free to keep asking from that list!

Hit me up if you want to be added to my permanent tag list! 

(photo source) 

I would love to say that I fell in love with Ethan Ramsey the day I met him, but that would be a lie. The first time I laid eyes on him, I thought he was the most handsome man I had ever seen, but as soon as he opened his mouth, I thought he was the rudest, most arrogant asshole I’d ever been forced to interact with. I spent the rest of the week fuming and staring from afar, hating him with such passion that it buried my instant adoration.

But in moments of vulnerability and shared secret smiles, I fell in love with him.

And for some time, we were happy — the kind of bright, beautiful happiness that painted every memory in a golden haze.

I still remember our time together with soft, warm smiles and fluttering butterflies in my stomach.

We got an apartment together where we cooked fancy dinners, painted walls, and printed our favorite memories on photos that we displayed all over our home. On weeknights, we read medical journals on our couch with our dog between us, and on weekends, we woke early enough to wander the farmers market. We took up jogging together in the mornings and shared mystery novels in our spare time.

It was perfect.

We fought, of course. We disagreed about the shade of blue we should paint the bathroom and how protective I should be of my career. He thought I was impulsive, and I thought he was too set in his ways. But our fights never lasted long enough to mean something.

The itch came on slowly. It took me several years to realize that, as much as I loved my life, I still craved more.

Sometimes, late at night, I regret it. I wish I could have been satisfied, that I could have just maintained our happiness.

In the end, I couldn’t help wanting more.

I wanted a family. I wanted a house with a yard. I wanted to leave work early to read bedtime stories to my child and spend my Saturdays cheering on soccer games. I wanted sleepless nights where I balanced my demanding career with my desire for a family.

But Ethan didn’t want more.

He was happy. He had a loving relationship and a career he valued. What we had now was everything he ever wanted but never expected to have.

He understood what I wanted, but he couldn’t give it to me. And I understood why he couldn’t. I couldn’t make him want something, and I couldn’t force him into a life he didn’t desire. It wasn’t fair to him, me, or a potential child.

We tried very, very hard to hold on. We took extra vacations and talked late into the night, hoping that communication and quality time could save us. We toured townhomes in search of a compromise, and we submitted an application to foster rescue dogs.

But it wasn’t enough, and once the cracks settled in, they began to spread.

I wanted more than he could give, and he begrudged me for it. I resented him for resenting me and for not sharing my visions of the future. The love that we shared, as strong as it was, was clouded.

The end came slowly and painfully. We stopped fighting solely because we stopped speaking. We went days without as much as a shared glance, and as winter fell, our relationship went cold and lifeless.

On our seventh anniversary, I was thousands of miles away from Ethan. I was in California, interviewing for a job. Ethan and I were both offered positions, and we saw it as a new opportunity to revitalize our lives and start over again. But really, we always knew that Ethan wouldn’t leave Boston. He didn’t even come with me to visit San Francisco or meet the team we were offered to lead.

Six months later, I was still in San Francisco, and Ethan wasn’t with me.

For the first year, I waited for him to follow me here, and often, I eyed plane tickets, imagining my own grand gesture. I called him late at night, just to hear his voice, and sometimes, he would call me with a consultation for a patient. Rarely was it a real mystery that required my help. I think he just wanted to hear from me, too.

But nothing had really changed. I still wanted a family, and he didn’t.

So, I made a new life.

I bought an apartment and adopted a dog, and I made friends. I went to parks and parties and coffee shops, and I was happy, even if I kept Ethan on my speed dial.

I was introduced to Dr. Mark Williams at a fundraiser. A week later, I met him at a trendy restaurant for our first date, and by the end of the year, he was on one knee, presenting a sparkling engagement ring. I said yes, even if I secretly wished it was Ethan standing in front of me.

Mark and I agreed on everything. We wanted children and dogs and little league games, and we were already looking for a home to build our future.

It was perfect.

Or it should have been…

Sometimes, I still felt like something was missing, something I hadn’t felt since Boston.

Not that I ever said, nor even admitted to myself.

It was easy to pretend that Ethan Ramsey was a part of my past. He was thousands of miles away, and I hadn’t seen him in so long that, if I tried hard enough, I could make his memory hazy. On a good day, I didn’t think about him at all.  

But tonight was different.

Tonight, I couldn’t pretend — not when I was so close.

For the first time in over a year, I was in the same room as Ethan Ramsey, and I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t stop looking over at him, craning my head to catch sight of him in the crowded conference. I was on Mark’s arm, but I could only see Ethan.

Someone was talking — maybe even to me — but I didn’t hear it.

Not until I heard my name.

“Charlotte.”

I jumped, startled into the present. I tore my eyes away from Ethan to find Mark and another man facing me. I vaguely recognized the man as Mark’s friend from medical school that we had met this morning when we signed into the conference, but I’d been so distracted by Ethan that I didn’t notice him approach us now.

“Damon has some intriguing research he wants to share from one of the exhibits. Do you want to come with us, Charlotte?” Mark asked, squeezing my arm.

Charlotte.

Mark called me Charlotte. Something about hearing it in the presence of Ethan made it feel cold and formal.

As soon as the thought registered, I felt a wave of guilt.

I was engaged to Mark. He was compassionate and kind, and he wanted a family just as badly as I did. He was my future, and Ethan was my past.

I just needed to remember that.

“I’ll let you two go ahead. I’ll catch up later,” I encouraged my fiancé and his friend to go on without me, hoping to clear my head and regain my composure in their absence.

I was a grown woman. I was well-respected and responsible. I was not the kind to remain lovesick and obsessed with a former boyfriend.

I needed to control myself.

With my back safely to Ethan, I wandered through the conference, finding comfort in unfamiliar faces. I felt safe in the ambiguity. Few people here knew me, and even fewer knew my complicated history with Ethan. Every step felt like a new beginning, a world where I could write my own future without being unnumbered by my past.

Of course, it had a habit of following me.

I could run to a new city with a new job and a new lover, but I always found Ethan. Or he found me.

Even in a sea of strangers and their disinterested gazes, I saw him immediately. His blue eyes were piercing and determined. I felt like he was looking for me, pulling me to him until I found him in return.

He looked the same, if a bit older. The same haircut, the same hard expression to ward off fans tempted to approach him. He stood taller than the rest, a beacon of intelligence and arrogance. And he was looking at me.

This close, the distance and time between us felt so small. I could forget that we lived on different sides of the country. I could forget the months of fighting and the breakup and our time apart. I could forget the lives we built apart from each other. I could forget everything but how much I loved him.

I imagined going to him, forgetting and forgiving everything we did to each other. I thought about running away from my life – from California, from Mark, from everything. I pictured my life back in Boston, in that apartment we shared with all of our friends.

And the daydream was all so… so tempting.

So beautiful. So sweet. So nostalgic and wonderful.

He felt like home.

And right now, I just wanted to go home…

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a woman approach Ethan. She was young, probably just an intern. Her hands were full of pamphlets and journals, and I decided that she was probably his newest protégé. I felt a sense of relief when he looked down at her and lacked any obvious romantic attachment — not that it was my place to be relieved. I was engaged to another man after all. Who was I to judge if Ethan found someone else, too?

But even as I tried to write it off, I knew that I didn’t want him to find someone else. I wanted him to still be mine, even if I told myself that I didn’t want to be his.

From across the room, Ethan dropped his gaze, whispering something to his protégé. They spoke for a moment, but I couldn’t will myself to look away. I feared that, if I dropped his gaze now, I might not ever find it again. Once they concluded their discussion, his assistant walked away, and his eyes immediately returned to mine.

With a sad smile, he motioned away, signaling that he had to leave. There was something else in his eyes, a silent offer to accompany him.

I could have followed.

I could have moved through the crowd and rewritten my future.

But instead, I shook my head, even if it killed me to do so.

I whispered softly, knowing he couldn’t hear me as I explained, “You aren’t my homeland anymore.”

Before I could change my mind, I walked away.

I thought it would feel freeing, like a final goodbye after nearly a decade of shared affection. I expected to feel confident in my decision. I thought I would walk into my future knowing that I was on the right path.

But as a wiped away my tears, I felt less sure than ever that Ethan was just a part of my past…

Tag List

@starrystarrytrouble​ @utterlyinevitable​ @queencarb​ @eramsey28​ @choicesficwriterscreations​

[theroyalhouseofwinden]

Breaking News!

Hello there dear reader, Simorama here! Today I bring you the hottest tea of the season. There have been rumors that our favorite playboy, and former flame of the Princess Royal, our Princess Charlotte of Windenburg, has moved out of the Sadrid palace.

His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince Eleazar de Aragon of Brindleton Bay was spotted leaving a small (compared to the palace of course!) townhome located in the heart of the spice Market.

As you know dear reader, the spice market has a more than desirable reputation but sources have informed me that the prince chose this location for a specific reason.

Rumor has it that his royal highness has stepped down from his role and is pursuing a law degree. Apparently he decided to focus on helping people in a meaningful way after his twin sister’s death. Which may I add dear reader, the Sadrid Palace had been pretty quite about it.

Either way, this writer wishes the crown prince good luck in all his endeavors. Hopefully we will see him back to his charming self.

Beginning//Previous//Next