Part 7: The Confessions of a Stupid Romantic: Do you really know your partner?

Day 2:

            The day before, Dan and I had our first session with my cousin. This couple challenge wasn't as fun as I thought it would be. After the session Dan drove me home. It was a little awkward in the car since we didn't speak. When we finally reached my apartment, he walked me to my door. He took a deep breath.

            Dan: I'm sorry I didn't tell you how I really felt about us moving in together. It's just that you're the longest relationship I ever had. If we ever decide to take the next step, I would want to be 100% sure about it.

            Me: I guess that seems fair. I'm sorry that I that I thought you were forceful in your advice. I know you were just trying to help me out.

            He showed me his toothy grin. That made me kiss his sweet lips. He began to rub my lower back.

            Me: You should stay for a little bit.

 

            The next day, we were back in Jova's office. I kissed Dan before we began.

            Jova: I'm so happy you came back! Today, we're going to do something a little different. I'm  going to talk to you two individually, mostly about your last relationships.  Dan, you're first.

            Me: Wait, what?

            I didn't know how I felt about this. Alone? His past relationships?

            Jova: Beth, I would like you to go outside, please.

            So I did, but I did tried to listen against the door. Why was I acting like this? And why didn't I have super hearing?

 

            It was my turn. I started to nervously shake my leg. Jova was on her phone.

            Jova: Yeah...she has a 2:30 appointment...I know...she is such a freak.

            Me: Ahem!

            She finally got off the phone.

            Me: So what did you talk about with Dan?

            Jova: Nothing much. You're a very lucky girl. He's crazy about you.

            I sighed with relief. I guess I didn't have anything to worry about.

            Jova: But his ex is still a big part of his life.

            Me: What?!

            Jova: Yeah, she still works with him in some of his assignments. He dated her for five years. You didn't know?

            Me: No!

            Jova: Oh yeah, he didn't want you to feel threaten or something.

            She has to be lying. He told me I was his longest relationship. Six months is nothing compared to five years. And he didn't want me to be threaten? Why would I be threaten? And she's his co-worker too?! Some many things were going through my head that I saw Jova's mouth moving, but heard nothing coming out of her.

            Jova: Hello! Are you okay?

            I snapped out of it.

            Jova: Enough of you guys. Andre called me yesterday. We talked about getting back together. I got over him being engaged with that Swedish supermodel.

            Me: Are you sure? That doesn't seem like a good idea.

            Jova: Maybe. I'll talk it over with my therapist.

            She got up to open the office's door.

            Jova: Dan, you can come in now.

            Dan took a seat right next to me. Too close to me. I couldn't look at him in the eye. He tried to put his arm around me but I pushed him away.

            Dan: What's wrong?

            Me: You dated your ex for five years? And you still work with her?

            Dan: How do you know that? I didn't date her for five years. I knew her for five years.

            Me: You didn't tell me because you thought I would feel threaten? Do I look like an insecure girl to you?

            Dan: That's not what I said. You're twisting everything!

            Me: These are things you should've told me before we started dating!

            All these secrets were making me very heated and emotional. I took my bag and walked out. First, I find out that I didn't know that much about Charlotte and now I find out that I don't know that much about my own boyfriend.

 

DAY 3:

            Today is the first time I've seen or spoken to Dan after our last session. After that last session Dan tried to contact me all day. Through texting, calling, and facebook. I wasn't having it. I was too upset to answer him.

            Jova: Yesterday was really tense. Somehow, Beth found out about Dan's ex. Now I feel that she should talk about her past boyfriends to even everything out.

            Me: Fine, I'll take about my last loves.

            That made Dan cringe a little. He looked at me hurt.

            Me: My first love was in high school, his name was Erick. We even talked about moving to California when school ended, but I had to let him go when he got football scholarship in another state. My love after that was George.

            Jova: Oh, I liked George!

            Me: Me too. We had amazing time together.

            Okay, I'm lying. I never loved Erick. He left me for a cheerleading whore. George was also a guy who did me wrong. He has to be one of the biggest mistakes of my life.

            Dan: You mean the same guy who controlled almost every part of your life? Why would you ever love someone like him?

            Me: At least, he didn't work with his ex and never told me about it. Maybe if you tried to put me as a priority than we wouldn't have this conversation.

            Dan: Priority? You are on the top of my priority list. I don't make any decision without thinking about how it would affect you!

            Me: Really? Then what was your thought when you decided to keep this secret from me?

            Dan: I thought you would feel bad of the fact that I'm working with a girl with a real career!

            I gasped. My mouth started to shiver. Tears were starting in my eyes.

            I thought he helped me in my writing because he felt I had potential. Not because he felt bad for me. I guess his ex has more talent then I'll ever have. How did we get to this point? The lying, yelling, and trying our best to hurt each other.

           

Part 6: The Confessions of a Stupid Romantic: Let the Couple's Challenge Begin!

 

            Ashley: How stupid are you?

            Me: What do you mean?

            I was at Ashley's boutique. The store was filled with vintage and European  inspired couture. I just told her about my couple's challenge.

            Ashley: I think you're making a big mistake. No offense, but your cousin is a terrible relationship therapist.

            Me: No she's not. She has a lot of experience in marriage counseling. She has treated the most famous people in the world. They all credited her in their weddings.

            Ashley: They also blamed her in their divorces. You and Dan are in a good place right now. Don't let her challenge ruin it. By the way, Shouldn't she focus on improving her own relationship first before trying to improve someone else's?

            She was talking about her on-and-off relationship with a big-time movie director, Andre Borelli. He was incredibly talented and charming. I was so excited to meet him, I've been a fan of his for years. He was the sweetest thing and he made Jova really happy. Everything was going great until she was offered a job in Paris to be a diplomat's relationship therapist for three years. Andre thought it would be bad for them, because he loved LA and doesn't believe in long-distance relationships. They fought publically about it and once they had a fight so big it made headlines.

            Apparently Andre is very demanding and dependent. Unfortunely , Jova is the exact same way. So, one night they were at a Hollywood restaurant and they were arguing about her moving to France. In the middle of it, she started throwing silverware and plates at him. He decided to the same thing. It ended with them being banned from the restaurant and Jova crying in the parking lot. The next day, she went on a TV interview spilling all their secrets. A sane person would never contact Jova again after that, but Andre was still in love with her and he wanted to make things work.

            Me: But, that was the past.

            Ashley: I hate to tell you this, but you're delusional. This challenge will only bring pain into your relationship. You're anniversary is next week, you don't want any tension before then.

            I love Ashley, but she doesn't know what she's talking about. Dan and I are too much in love to have this damage us.

 

DAY 1:

            Dan and I was in her rented office in Manhattan. She was busy talking on the phone.

            Jova: ...She was here the other day and she told me that she's been having a hard time staying sober...I know...her husband doesn't even know about the baby.

            Dan: I think we should leave. I really don't have a good feeling about this.

            Me: Nonsense.

`           Jova finally got off the phone. She looked at us with excitement.

            Jova: I'm so happy you two came today. Let's start easy. What do you guys like about the relationship? Beth?

            Me: I like how he always supports me in everything I do. Like my writing. Whenever I'm writing a short screenplay or a fiction article, he's there to edit my work and give me pointers on ways that I can improve my style.

            Jova: Do you take all of his advice?

            Me: No. I know what works for me.

            Jova: Do you think that he can be forceful in his advice?

            Me: No. Maybe. Sometimes, I guess.

            Dan looks at me, surprised.

            Dan: No I don't.

            Me: It's not like it's a big problem. When you do act like that, I  just ignore it.

            Jova: Have she ever told you about this before?

            Dan: No, never.

            Jova: Interesting. Now, Dan, what do you like about the relationship?

            Dan: Well, I thought it was her honesty. But, I guess it's how caring she is.

            I smiled.

            Jova: Is she ever a little too caring? Is she smothering?

            Dan: She can be. She also moves the relationship a little fast.

            Me: What do you mean?

            Dan: You want us to move in together. You already but "Hers" and "His" towels. I'm just not ready to make such a big step.

            I can't believe this. I thought he loved those towels. He tweeted about it. Maybe this relationship isn't as perfect as I make it seem. Maybe I am delusional.

Part 5: The Confessions of a Stupid Romantic: Do you need a marriage counselor when you're dating?

            A lot of things has happened recently, but life with Dan has been going great. A month ago my former best friend ran out from her wedding to be with a blonde stripper. Her former fiancé is having a great time on his yacht with his former secretary and other clueless women. Charlotte is now living back with her parents and dating a priest's son.

            Dan and I are at our favorite Chinese buffet. We're waiting on my cousin, Jova, to have lunch with us. She's a famous marriage counselor, her clients include: Katy Perry and Russell Brand, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, and JLo and Marc Anthony. I couldn't wait to see her again. Her busy schedule in LA doesn't always fit in mine in NY. I saw her nine months ago but we always talked on the phone. We even talked about writing a book together about marriage. I bet into my eggroll when I saw her black flats walking through the Chinese buffet's doors.

            Me: Jova!

            Jova: Beth!

            We had a big hug and gushed over each other's outfits. She wore a red and white striped shirt under a navy blazer and dark jeans. I wore a flowy soft pink halter dress and gold sandals. My hair was in a black ponytail and hers, also black, was cut shoulder length. I loved her new bangs.

            Me: C'mon, baby, take a seat.

            She took one across from Dan and I. She never met Dan before, she only knew what I said about him through the phone. Trust me, I said a lot of good things.

            Me: Jova, this is my boyfriend, Dan.

            Dan: Nice to meet you! Beth told me a lot about you.

            Jova: And she told me a lot about you too. How's your writing doing?

            I forgot to mention that Dan is a fellow writer. He's an accomplished freelance journalist. I have to admit I'm a little jealous that he's more accomplished than me, but its fine because he loves to help me become a better writer.

            Dan: Great! I just finished an article on gun rights for Times Magazine.

            Jova: That's cool. Twenty-two and you're already in a big-time magazine. How about you Beth?

            Me: Well, I'm blogging. But I got a new job as a script consolation's assistant at a local film studio.

            Jova: Congratulations, you're getting closer to your dream.

            She clapped her hands together

            Jova: Now, the real dish. How are you two, together?

            Me: Great, Dan and I are going to celebrate our six month anniversary next week. Our anniversary was weeks ago but we were too busy to schedule anything.

            Jova: That's so cute! What do you guys have in mind?

            Dan: Um, maybe a trip somewhere or a night in a fancy hotel.

            I playfully punched his shoulder.

            Me: Don't ruin the surprise, babe.

            Dan: Don't worry, you won't expect a thing.

            I kissed him on the cheek. I know I'm getting ahead of myself, but I think he might be the one. I haven't dated a lot of guys but I never felt so happy with someone before.

            Jova: You know what you should do before then? A couple's challenge!

            Dan: A what?

            Jova: A couple's challenge. Nothing major. A week challenge full of exercise's that bring you two closer together.

            Dan: Are you sure? Me and Beth are pretty close already. I mean, I don't think you need a marriage counselor while you're still dating.

            Jova: C'mon, it'll be fun. I promise. Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphrey did it.

            Dan didn't looked like he loved the idea.    

            Me: Maybe we should try it. It's just one week. What could go wrong?

            Dan: A lot, maybe. We don't need this. We're fine by ourselves. (To Jova) I don't want to seem rude but we're not doing it.

            Jova: Shouldn't you both agree on that.

            Me: Yeah, I say let's do it.

            Dan: Are you serious? We're having an argument right now because of it.

            Every couple fights, right? Dan and I fight but over little things. We never had a big fight about our relationship before.

            Me: Dan, I love you, and I believe that we can overcome anything. Whatever happens, we can get through it.

            Dan let out a sigh and grabbed my hand.

            Dan: Fine. I'll do it.

            Jova: Great!

            She clapped her hands together again.

            Jova: I'll send you the worksheet tomorrow.

            I was so excited! Am I making my relationship stronger or did I make one of the biggest mistakes ever?

Part 4: The Confessions of a Stupid Romantic: White isn't for Innoncence

            Me: What are you doing, Charlotte? And with a stripper?!

            This whole thing seems so unreal. First my best friend becomes a runaway bride, then we find out she has a STD and now she's in a limo with a blonde stripper! A guy who we didn't think she liked.

            Weeks ago, we decided to give her an early bachelorette party, and we also decided to follow tradition and get her a stripper. He dressed up as a cop and danced all over Charlotte. She was so  disgusted, she even pushed him away. She said that she'll never want him on top of her again. I guessed today she changed her mind.

            Dan: How could you do something like this?

            Charlotte: You don't understand! It's not what it looks like!

            Me: Thank get out of the DAMN car and tells us what it looks like!

            She put back on her wedding dress and stepped out of the limo. The dress was wrinkled up and I don't want to know what those stains were. Her mascara was running, lipstick smeared and she reeked of shame.

            Charlotte: I'm so sorry that you have to see me like this. I'm so...sorry!

            That's when she started to cry.  And that's when I realized that she was still my best friend.  I asked Dan for a handkerchief and wiped her tears. She leaned against the limo and told us her secrets.

            Charlotte: I'm such a terrible person. I wasted your time, money and the worst part is...I've been lying to everyone.

            Dan: What do you mean?

            Charlotte: I love Josh and I always wanted to get married but I've been having a hard time dealing with the fact that I'm gonna be someone's wife.

            Me: That's why you ran off with this guy?

            She nodded.

            Dan: I bet you getting Chlamydia from Josh made you more scared, huh?

            Charlotte: Actually...I'm the one who gave it to him.

            I never thought Dan and I's jaws could drop so low. I mean, Charlotte was voted most responsible and clean in high school. I so wont to change my vote.

            Me: From who?

            She pointed to the stripper.

            Charlotte: After my party, I found out he forgot one of his handcuffs, so I wanted to return it before he left. I stopped him and that's when we went at it in his car. I just wanted to make a mistake. Then, I kept making this mistake for weeks. During that time, I've noticed that I been losing money from my purse. Now I realize it might be this guy who've been taking my money. I've been blaming Josh for everything to hide my shame, including the STD.

            The blonde peeked his out of the limo's window.

            Blonde: You have a STD?

            Me: Shut up, a-hole!

            Charlotte: I either got it from him or the priest's son.

            Dan: You know you have to tell Josh everything, right?

            Charlotte: I know...I know.

            When we stepped into the church, everyone was horrified to see their precious bride turn into what a dark alley threw up. Ashley almost fainted when she saw what became of her designer gown. We reunited Charlotte with Josh and she bared her soul. I can tell you that he was NOT happy. He screamed at her, called her things that I will never repeat and promised her that he'll take his new secretary on their honeymoon. Charlotte was devastated, but what do you expect?

 

            Since the guests didn't get to see a beautiful wedding, they demanded a reception. That or they were going to sue. Dan and I ate at our assigned table alone.

            Me: I thought I knew everything about Charlotte, but I guessed I didn't.

            Dan: You learn new things about people every day.

            Me: Like she has a thing for exotic dancers in cop uniforms?

            Dan: And that Ashley's dress is a great hiding place for a bride or you know, groomsman.

            I laughed. He took my hand over the table and kissed it.

            Me: Thank you for being here for me, I couldn't do this without you.

            Dan: My pleasure.

            He kissed my lips and reminded me why I was so crazy for him.

#2 The Confessions of a Stupid Romantic : Something Old, Something New, and Gone - The Next Chaper after The Love Car

            Photographer: Everyone move a little closer.

            Us bridesmaids tried to squeeze into each other in our beautiful yellow dresses the best we could.  I couldn't believe that one of my best friends, Charlotte is going to get married. She looked stunning in the strapless white wedding gown with the dramatic train that my other best friend and fellow bridesmaid, Ashley designed. An original AshD design.

            Honestly, I wasn't really looking forward to this day. I didn't like the groom, Josh. He always seemed shady to me. He was a successful businessman who always got to close with the women he worked with. Charlotte was his former secretary for goodness sake. I told her of my worries and she admitted that the circumstances wasn't ideal, but she really loved him. She didn't appreciate me doubting her relationship. She wanted me to respect them and be one of her bridesmaid. I gave in when I heard, "bridesmaid".

            Photographer: Okay ladies, we're done here.

            We gave Charlotte the biggest girl-on-girl hug ever. She wiped her tears.

            Charlotte: Thank you girls for supporting me today. I know Josh isn't the best but I might be making a big mistake, but I don't care.

            I tried my best not to roll my eyes.

            When we arrived at the church where the wedding was being held, it was beautifully decorated in sunflowers in yellow ribbons. I met up with Dan who looked adorable with his yellow shirted matching suit. He's suppose to walk me down the aisle, after one of the groomsmen got a terrible itch from a girl he met in Brazil. Dan kissed me in on the cheek and I tried not to jump on top of him. We been together for six amazing months. He inspired me to become a more humble person and his white Volkswagen Beetle still puts a smile on my face.

            The wedding finally began, and us bridesmaids tried to control our excitement, except for Tatiana. There always has to be that one bitch who has to cry over anything. That's Tatiana. The music started and Dan and I walked down the aisle. We smiled at each other. Maybe in the next wedding, it would be me and him who would be getting married.

            As we got into our positions we waited for Charlotte to gracefully walk down the aisle. After a couple of minutes we all got a little worried, especially Josh. Fifteen minutes later, we were still waiting. Where the hell is Charlotte? Her dad came out and said,

            Charlotte's Dad: I can't find her anywhere!

            What the Hell?! The bride is missing!