Us: And Them

Alexsia and Kiel have committed completely, unconditionally, and irrevocably to being an 'Us'. They've planned out the remainder of their college years and are happily stepping into their future together hand in hand. Alexsia's bubble of love with Kiel is perfect — on the inside. Outside the bubble, not everyone agrees. From them she hears, "You two are too different, too young. You're in too deep, too soon." Even as the volume and intensity of the criticisms increase, she easily ignores them. After all, she has Kiel. When their plans get undermined, Kiel refuses to alter them and his behavior begins to change. Although Kiel denies he's pulling away, Alexsia knows their 'Us' is unraveling. It's up to her to resist the external pressure driving them apart and refocus Kiel on being an 'Us', all while suppressing her increasing fears that the naysayers are right. This story is a continuation of "Us: An Intimacy Innovation".