EMMA.“Let me get something straight, you want me to release my sex tape?” I asked, in disbelief. Kristy nodded like what she said was absolutely normal.“That's insane.”“My plan might be insane, but it works.”I didn't know what to say to that. In a way, Kristy did have a point. If the tape was out, and about, Isabella would have nothing to hold me down. If she wasn't the first to release the tape, she would be furious. I imagined the look of surprise, then anger she would wear. It would be satisfactory.“How sure are we that Stella will want to take the job?” I asked.“I've been monitoring her profile. Ever since she started working at your company, she has changed the way she dresses. For some reason, I think she's trying to emulate you. She admires you.”That was hard to believe. Given everything that had occured in that office, and my life in general, I didn't think anyone would look at me in awe. Heck, I would be lucky to find someone who didn't glare in disgust.“I don't think
EMMA.Stella was stunned, I was frozen in place. Kristy’s jaw was wide open. We all looked at each other, not knowing what to say. I had to give Stella her flowers, she was sleek in her business. No one would have ever guessed she would be in such an occupation. I had expected her to try covering up as soon as she saw us, but she didn't. She just stood there, naked.“Who are they?” One of the nude men asked.“Give us some privacy, please.” Stella replied. All three men walked out of the room.I took a quiet step forward, with Kristy by my side. I turned to see that she was fully flushed.“How do you do it?” she asked.I touched her by the arm. “That's offensive,” I muttered to her.Stella waved my opinion off. “It's fine. I've been into this for four years.” She replied.I remained fixated as she pulled out a towel, and wrapped it over herself. I took a deep breath, finally able to focus.“Let's have a seat,” she offered.I looked around, not wanting to touch anywhere they had had s
ISABELLA.“You have to be fucking kidding me!” I screamed, throwing the wine bottle across the room. I heard footsteps run up the stairs.I picked out my phone again, taking a closer look. The headline was the same. I wiped my eyes repeatedly. It couldn't be true. The tape couldn't be leaked. I hadn't given any blogs the green light.I wiped slowly, reading through the message. As I scrolled further, realization hit me.The blog hadn't just released the tape, they even gave the wrong fucking identity. I read through, seeing that they tagged as the said woman in the tape. That was dirty, but wrong. I tapped on her profile, and opened it to see a ‘Stella McCartney’. They had the wrong woman!“Who the fuck is that?” I asked, out loud. The door to my room opened. I looked up to find two of my maids, standing confused.“Ma'am, are you alright?” One of them asked.“I'm fine. Leave.” I replied, still focused on her page. Her face looked familiar. I could tell we had seen each other once or
EMMA.The seconds seemed to go by slowly as he approached us. I watched him, not sure if I was watching in adoration, or in anger. He knew I didn't want him anywhere close to my sister, but he still approached her.“Zara,” he called out her name, stretching his hands forward.“Zayn,” she called back.Seeing someone use his middle name was news to my ears. “How are you feeling now?”“I’m good. I'll be better soon.” She replied.“It's a pity this happened right before tryouts for the tournament.”“I know right?”“Maybe you'll try again next year. Moreover, you still have two years left in the university.”“Yeah. Please sit,” she offered.He sat on the opposite side of the bed. I felt invisible, none of them acknowledged me. I was grateful for that. After all that had been going on, it was nice to just watch a normal conversation, and pretend Alex was truly my boyfriend. One who got along perfectly with my younger sister.Their conversation flowed from sports, to school, to a lecturer s
ISABELLA.I stood before the door to her home with my phone in hand. It had taken less than an hour for me to find her address. I didn't know if I should knock or not. I clinged onto my handbag, trying to clear my thoughts. After three bottles of wine, my thinking had gone haphazard. I was spoke too slurry for El to understand, and the hefty feeling in my chest was still there. I closed my eyes, trying to muster some confidence.I wouldn't threaten or harm her. All I needed was a plain conversation between us, and she would explain why she took credit for a clip that wasn't hers.I heaved a deep breath again. “No need for drama,” I told myself, knowing fully well I couldn't do it… Maybe I could. I definitely could.I pressed the doorbell, but nothing rung. Rolling my eyes in disdain, I took a step back. Of course she couldn't afford a working doorbell. The sneaky, lying piece of shit was looking to use my husband as a means out of her poverty. I snorted, before tapping gently on the
ISABELLA.I watched, panting as she scurried into the empty chair. My eyes darted around quickly, searching the environment. On one hand, I wanted to end this menace. On another, I wanted to make Stella pay. If I used Stella as a scapegoat, her partner would learn not to toy with me. I watched the bitch’s lip quiver as tears flowed down her eyes.“Oh will you shut up!” I barked at her, still tightening my grip on the knife.I needed another weapon, and a rope. Her mobility was a great risk for me. I considered checking the cupboards, but even in my drunken state, I knew taking my eyes off her was a great risk.“Fuck!” I cursed out loud, banging my palms on the desk.She shivered, and shook in fear. I wiped my eyes with my palm. Sweat had gathered all over my face. I touched my neck, only to find out my temperature was dropping slightly.“It's all your fault!” I started to speak, “you ruined everything! You should have just stayed in your place. One mistress I can deal with, but two…tw
EMMA.I walked out silently, weakened by all Stella had said. I forced my hands into my pocket, trying to push out the thoughts in my head. The fear in Stella's eyes was as clear as day. Nothing I could say would change her mind. She feared for her life, and I couldn't blame her. Isabella was crazy. Coming over to threaten Stella with a gun was the height of it. I sighed deeply, before taking in the air in the atmosphere. I knew it was a matter of hours before Stella went live, and once she did, it would take blogs less than an hour to connect dots and make everything public. I didn't know if I should head to the hospital or my home. I wanted to lay my head, and forget everything, but I equally knew I had to check on my sister. I was all she had. Leaving her alone at the hospital was unwise.I wiped my eyes, trying to stop the tears from pouring. I shouldn't have released that tape. I should've bought more time. Now, it was out, and my only escape had decided to flee for her life. W
EMMA.“I don't understand this,” she said out loud, pushing her weight up. I watched her struggle to sit right.“Please just lay down. You're not strong enough to sit.” I said to her, I didn't want to approach her just yet. She would be contaminated with the sin that I was. “Emma, why?” She asked in a deep sigh. Confusion was bold in her eyes. “Why would you do such a thing? Like, why? I don't get it! It makes no sense!” She shouted.I covered my mouth with my palm, trying to stifle the tears. I didn't want to cry before her.“Emma, this isn't you! You're better than this! I know you are!” I watched her scream the words out, veins bulging from the side of her head.I wanted to tell her that I wasn't better than what I did. I did in fact, fit into the description the press gave. Whatever Stella had said was right.“Emma,” she called my name, in a deeper sigh. Disbelief was all too evident. “Emma,” she called again, “I want to believe this is a lie. I want to believe you were framed.
EMMA.I stared into the empty space, watching the grass filled lawn. Kristy looked around, carefully taking in the arena.All the vibe , soft joy, and excitement had faded, and now it was time for business.I took a deep breath. The entire street was silent. I repeated that again. If anything were to happen, everyone in the neighborhood would know.Our voices would be loud.I shut my eyes, recalling how my mother used to slam pans as she shouted at us.The neighbors would come out, listening as she threatened to cut us off, and send us into the streets if we didn't behave.Why didn't Zara remember that?I clearly did. I recalled how a neighbor approached us, asking why we always defended our mother whenever the cops came to save us, and we would recite what she taught us, “she is our mother. We cannot survive without our mother.”Bullshit. Our mother had been ready to choose a man over us. Our mother threw tantrums because the man she wanted didn't want her in return.Our mother wa
EMMA.Kristy drove swiftly through the roads, with cool music playing in the background.We had driven off the part of town with numerous buildings, and we were currently passing through a number of line trees. I watched how beautiful nature could be.The silence and soft waves coming from the trees. It was beautiful to see.“How are you feeling?” Kristy asked, pulling my attention.I turned to face her, “I'm good. How about you?”“I'm alright.” She replied, with a deep heave.“Do you want to switch?” I asked,I knew I would eventually have to take the wheel for a while, but I didn't think it would be so soon.“No. It would just be helpful to have someone to talk to.”“Oh-” I sat up straight, “what's up?”“I'm just curious about your plans. I wasn't eavesdropping or anything, but Laura mentioned the possibility of you not returning. I thought this was just a short visit to see your sister. Are you really leaving us?”I took a deep breath, “I honestly don't know how it'll play out for
ISABELLA Slowly, my eyelids pushed open. I looked around, noticing that Alex and I had somehow ended up falling asleep on the balcony. We were laying on a spread chair, and I was on him.I wiped my eyes gently, clearing my view. How had we ended up here?I remembered us talking, and then I said a lot of things that had been needed. He said the things on his mind too. We eventually cuddled, and fell asleep.I remained in the same position. I could hear his heart beating gently.I loved the way we were. Just silence and peace. We hadn't even had sex in over a week but I felt this was the closest we had been.I heard him grunt, and shuffle, so I lifted my weight off him.He opened his eyes gently.“You're awake,” I said to him.As I watched his lashes move repeatedly, my heart swell with joy. Was this what it felt like to be in love?He grinned gently as he saw my face. “Good morning,” he greeted.He reached out, touching my face.“You look so pretty today,” I grinned at his complimen
ISABELLA.For the first time in years, I pulled out a blunt, and lighted it.Looking down through the windows, I watched as most people were gathered at a cubicle, partying, while the others stood nearby.They seemed happy, and…content. The exact opposite of what I felt.I took in a deep breath, before moving the cigarette to my mouth.A deep sip, and I pulled it out.How did I end up in such a life?I had imagined so many ways my life would turn out, but never did I think, despite all my hard work, that I would end up unsatisfied, sad, and tired.I had worked for this. I had worked for the money, for my home and for my husband. Now, I had lost almost everything.My daughter seemed like a distant relative who had no relationship whatsoever with my husband. Even I couldn't have a stable relationship with my husband. The memory of Emma still lingered in my marriage, and when it wasn't lingering, I was still bothered who he might be sharing his bed with.Emma wasn't entirely the problem,
ISABELLA “Who are you?” I asked, clenching my jaw.“It’s great you've finally decided to hold a conversation with me.”“That's not the answer to my question.”“My name is of no importance. You'll most likely never see me again.”“Good. Now, fuck off.”He chuckled. “You've always been a fiesty woman, Isa.”“Fuck. Off.” I spat even harder.The knowledge of Alex purposely leaving me out here was beyond heart breaking.“I have a lot more things to say to you.”“I have no intention of hearing it.”“My first question is, why him?”“Why what?” I asked, annoyed that he ignored my replies.“Why Alex? What's so special about him? He publicly disgraced you with a cheating scandal, he's currently ignoring you at your marital vacation? So, why him? What's so good about him?”“None of your fucking business.”“No, Isa. Don't be stubborn.”Who the hell did he think he was? “Leave.” I quickly said to him,“I believe that, by now, we would have accepted the fact that I'm not leaving anytime soon. You
EMMA.“So, now that Liam has given you the much needed permission to do whatever you want to do, what's the next plan?” She asked, breaking the silence.“I'll communicate with Kristy, and see if she'll be available to go with me in two days time.”“That's a solid plan. Is there anything else you need?” She asked,I could tell she was implying something from her tone, but I couldn't tell what it was.“Not really. Is there anything I should need?”“I think so,” she replied,“And that is?”“Give me a minute. I'd rather show you.”I sat quietly as she walked up stairs. She arrived a few minutes later with a pink gift bag in hand.There was a wide grin spread on her face.“What's that?” I asked, still in doubt.With all Laura had done for me, if she offered me another gift, I might just break down in tears.“I got a little something for you,” she said, still holding the bag.I felt the tears building up in my eyes.“I knew you would need it, and I didn't want you to be bothered. Here, take
EMMA.His words left me dumbstruck. My lips parted, but the words croaked in. I clamped my lips shut, pushing down the thousands of thoughts in my head.I thought he had forgotten me. I wished he had forgotten me!Why did he remember me?“You remember me?” I managed to croak out,His grin grew sly, and sheepish.“Now, onto business,” he said, ignoring my question. I blinked repeatedly, trying to recall if that had actually happened or if I was hallucinating. I had read somewhere that people often hallucinated once they had survived a traumatic experience, and it was safe to say my experience was traumatic. Was I losing my mind?I closed my eyes, then opened it. He was still sitting right before me, so that conversation had to have happened.I wasn't hallucinating. I couldn't be hallucinating “Oh my God,” I muttered out, understanding the implication of things.If I wasn't hallucinating, then he did remember me, and if he remembered me…“Are you alright?” His voice came in a thick,
EMMA.Laura arrived at four minutes after seven pm. I had just rounded up my third movie of the day. I had watched one, and was halfway through the second when the girls finally came. We talked for hours, and they finally left.I Ioved their presence, but them risking their spouses for me wasn't worth it. I wasn't comfortable knowing they were endangering their marriage.“I'm home,” Laura announced, as she walked in.“Welcome,” I replied, turning to face her.“Thank you,” she replied, pulling off her red bottoms. I watched as they both ended up on different sides of the room.If there was one thing I had grown to notice about Laura, it was how disorganized she was. No one was perfect-that I knew-but I had somehow concluded that she was. Aside that, she seemed to have her life I order. Moreover, it explained how she kept up with her social, and work life. Arranging her personal life wasn't needed at the top of the chart to me. She was on track.I watched as she dropped her handbag rec
EMMA.About eight weeks had gone by since I left that dungeon, and I still had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. It felt like the weeks I spent there had quadrupled, and taken even more months or years because it felt like the system had cut me out. Everything was the same, but different. I couldn't explain it. Everything looked the same, but felt different. I no longer felt like a young woman in her prime. I felt like an ex convict, and although I knew I was not actually convicted, it didn't make me feel any better. I had spent months in there fighting for my life. My brain, and thinking patterns had been altered.I took a deep breath, staring at the blank television. I was still too lazy to approach the sockets, and maybe it was better this way. I hated the noise that came from the TV, knowing fully well that I wouldn't be able to focus even when it was turned on. I was already too bothered about stuff.I was still deep in thought when I heard the doorbell ring.I gently wal