Ways I Wait for You

Jonas and Mel are inseparable throughout their high school days. They rely on each other as they traverse the taxing trials of high school life, even as distrust and jealousy begin to seep in the cracks of their sturdy foundation. When Jonas leaves for college—finally able to escape his abusive father—Mel feels left behind and allows her insecurities and distrust in Jonas to open wide those cracks.

A few weeks before she is to join him at college on her full scholarship, Mel and Jonas break up. Days later, Mel’s mother is diagnosed with ALS. Unknown to Jonas, Mel gives up her scholarship, opting to stay home to take care of her mother. Jonas, hoping to reconcile with Mel when she arrives at school, suffers when she never shows.

Now, close to a decade later, Mel lives a stunted life as she takes care of her mother in her final weeks. Jonas, a big-wig Finance Consultant, has returned to Jewel Lake to handle the affairs of his now-deceased father. When they run into each other, the attraction and strong feelings they once shared spark into full flame. However, until they confront the miscommunication and mistrust that kept them apart all these years, their second chance may not ever begin. Mel must decide if she can accept the way her life turned out, or if she is strong enough to forge ahead with her old dreams and see if true love can transcend their shared grief.

© 2024 Murphy Ellis