EMMA Weekends had to be my favorite aspect of the entire year. Those moments when you were free to breathe, and just exist. No deadlines whatsoever, no expectations. Just being a normal human being. I tugged at the waistline of my joggers as I walked through the aisle. Currently, I was in search of some apples, but after that I would pick up potatoes. It had been a minute since I actually cooked. My recent promotion ate up most of my time, barely leaving me enough time to grab a bite, talk more about making a meal. “Do you need any help?” A sales girl asked as she walked up to me. I turned to her. “Not really,” I replied. She seemed to be new around, as every other worker knew who I was. I was a bit peculiar about the foods I bought, hence causing me to use much time in sorting. I sighed as I picked out the yogurt. Tomorrow, I would have to be at that dungeon facing Isabella and her crazy schemes. I wasn't prepared for it. As I walked up to the counter, I noticed
EMMAAlthough it was last minute, I had gotten a date for my Sunday evening. Originally, I had no intention of leaving the comfort of my home, but after much thought I realized the easiest way of pushing Alex off my mind would be to get another man in there. So,I opened up tind.er for the first time in weeks, and luckily there was a nice gent waiting to be responded to. I replied to his texts, and within minutes he had made reservations for us to hang out. Call it perfect timing but we were both free this weekend, and in need of a break from life.I applied red lipstick as I watched myself in the mirror. I decided to let my hair down today, and for the first time in weeks, I noticed how long it had gotten. I probably needed a haircut. This length wasn't exactly professional. As I stared at myself, I smiled broadly. The makeup had covered most of the dark circles, and heavy eye bags I had. I turned to the side, measuring the size of my waist through the mirror. My black, low slit d
EMMA.My jaw remained clenched as John inspected his car. I could tell he was panicking, and I understood why. If whoever Alex had sent to mess up the car had stolen a few items, it would have made more sense. We would have tagged it as a burglary. Now, I didn't even know what to call it.“This is messed up,” John said as he took a step backwards. “Anyone who did this really needs help,” I voiced out with more enthusiasm than I imagined.John turned to face me, obviously surprised. I'm sure he hadn't expected me to be so enraged over the situation. On a normal day, I would be worried rather than annoyed, but today, knowing who was behind it all, I just wanted to snap someone's neck.“I need to get you home,” he spoke, as he walked closer towards me. I massaged my arm with my left hand. It was getting chilly. John noticed that, and took off his coat. He wrapped it around me.“Let's book a cab for you,” he said as he led me into the street.“What about you?” I asked. I wasn't comforta
EMMA. I couldn't breathe. I touched my neck, trying to force the air down my lungs, but it wasn't moving. All eyes were fixed on me. I could see smug smiles on the faces of many, and a look of disdain on others.“She's such a loser!” I heard a woman whisper.I closed my eyes. “What more do you want from me?” Isabella asked. She had been ranting for what felt like forever. I wanted to run, I wanted to disintegrate, but I couldn't move. My lips quivered as she spoke.Soon enough, someone else stepped up.“That's enough, Mrs Blackwood.” I heard a male voice say. His voice was thick, and loud. He sounded aged. “This isn't professional, hand over the microphone.” He demanded.I stood, unable to speak. “Get out!” Isabella barked at him. He remained unfazed. I recognized him from the board of directors.“Hand over the microphone, or I'll have no other choice but to throw you out.” “You wouldn't dare!” She threatened.I saw how stern his eyes looked, and I could tell he was more than rea
ISABELLA.It was two minutes to midnight, and Alex was yet to return. I hissed as I took another glance at the clock. Why did I expect him to return on time? Most times he didn't even spend the night over.I crossed my legs, placing a pillow on my thighs as I recalled our last major fight. It was two months ago. Alex had returned barely past three am, and when I tried to confront him, I was ignored. I tried explaining that the public was getting wind of our marital issues. We no longer appeared as a couple in public, we no longer went out together. We were falling apart, and it was drastic. Blogs would soon be out for us. I didn't want to be the woman who couldn't keep her husband. Why wasn't he seeing my reasons? Despite all I had said, Alex was unmoved. “If they think there's something wrong with our marriage, then they're most likely right,” he replied.That night, I felt something snap in my chest. I recalled the first night I had found him in bed with that whore. I was shocke
EMMA.I walked into the office with my head held high. I knew everyone stared as I walked by. I was wearing a new suit. One that I bought for myself. I wanted everyone to know I could afford my clothes. The theory of me stealing Isabella's clothes was fake, and far fetched.“Good morning, Ms Martinez,” Anna greeted with a smile as I passed by her desk.I had purposely walked in late just so everyone could see me.“Morning, Anna. Any meetings scheduled today?” I asked, lingering outside the office. More people passed, and I watched as their eyes lingered. That was good.“I'll come in with your schedule, ma'am.” She replied. I could tell she was even more excited than I was.“Good. I'll be expecting you,” I replied.I strode into my office.I watched as Isabella watched me from her desk. I dropped my new handbag on the desk.Anna walked in immediately. “Did you see the look on everyone's faces?” She asked, her eyes glistened in excitement. “It's good they have something else to talk abo
EMMA.At about six-thirty, I heard my phone ring. I picked it up to find out Faith was calling. This would be the first time I was speaking to her since the wedding. I answered the call immediately.“Hey, babes!” her vivacious voice came through the phone in a squeal. I loved how she was always excited to speak to everyone.“Hey, darling. Or should I say Mrs Marcus?” I teased.“That's about right!” She replied with a smile. I placed the phone by a stack of books, revealing my upper half.She had the phone close to her face.“Where are you at?” “Guess,” I bit my lip. There was a possibility they had flown to a different country to round up the honeymoon. “Maldives?” I guessed. I could see a bikini strap on her shoulder.“Why would you think that?” She asked, with a grin.“You're wearing a bikini,” I pointed out.“Oh, that. I just went for a quick swim in the pool” she replied. Her moist hair was plastered on her forehead.“Where are you then?”I watched as she pulled the phone backwa
ANNAEverytime, the thought of Alex passed my mind, I would always tell myself I was done with him. I would always promise to never return back to him, but I would always find myself back in his arms. As I picked up my panties from the floor, I felt tears welling up my eyes. I had let him use me again. I succumbed to his schemes. I turned to find him buckling up the belt in his trousers.I quickly threw my shirt over my head. I stashed the bra in my hand bag. It was already too late.I picked up my phone, and walked out the door without another word. I wasn't sure I would be able to actually speak to him without crying. I had betrayed myself l, yet again.I heard his footsteps fall behind me, as he hurried to catch up. I increased my pace.“Emma,” He called my name. I wiped my eyes, as I walked even faster. I didn't want to ever see his face, again.His hand gripped me, pulling me towards him. I turned to face him, and before I could even think better of it, my hands flew right across
EMMA.“So, you're worried there's a chance someone will recognize you?” Kristy asked,“Of course. It'll be a shame.”“No it won't.”“Do you know what you're saying? If someone recognizes me as the girl from Alexander's scandal, they will label me a slut and home wrecker. I would be doomed.”“No one will recognize you. The media focuses on too many people at once. By now, they're already looking at other celebrity scandals.”“You have a point though,” I agreed, taking a seat.We looked around, watching other booths. They were filled with different people, each having casual conversations.“Everyone looks so normal,” Kristy stated out.I turned to face her with a smile, “I was thinking the exact same thing!” She grinned. “No extra dinner dresses, not really any heavy makeup. Everyone just looks casual, and normal. It's beautiful.”“Indeed, it is.” I agreed.A waiter approached us with a menu in hand. “Welcome ladies,” he greeted us with a broad smile,Kristy sheepishly smiled back, a
EMMA.We both walked out of the house. I left my head hanging low, I didn't want Kristy seeing me so teary.“I'll drive,” she offered, taking the keys from my hand. I didn't resist it.I didn't think I would be fit to be behind the wheel.I sat into the shotgun seat of the car, still keeping my head low. There were so many reasons tears kept pouring from my eyes, but I couldn't focus on one.I sniffed hard, as Kirsty got in.I wiped my eyes, looking up to meet the pitiful look on her face.“Are you good?” She asked,I nodded.“We need to find where we can lay our heads tonight,” I said to her, looking at the road.“Where do you suggest?”“I don't know anywhere here. It's so foreign, and different.” I replied,“I'll just look up some places,”I remained seated as she scrolled through her phone.“Okay, there's one a few streets from here. We'll check it out,”That was fine by me.“Or would you prefer somewhere far from your home?”“No, it's cool.” I replied,She turned on the car, and
EMMAI watched as my-our mother rather- walked them towards the stairs, and watched as they climbed up.“Walk careful, darlings.” She said to them,She had never cared for me or Zara like that. We were always pains in her spine.She turned to face me, and for the first time, I noticed how much she had aged.Her eyes had wrinkles all over them, and her lips were thinned. She was older, but seemed lighter.The dark aura I had grown to know had dissipated.She sat on the chair opposite ours.We watched each other in silence. Me, in anger, and her in…I couldn't tell what emotion it was.How dare she treat them like actual children after what she had done to us?I knew there was no way those children were biologically hers, but she treated them better than she treated us. Weren't we deserving of her love, and attention?“It's been years,” she finally spoke up, breaking up my spiral.“It has,” I replied matter of fact.“How have you been?”“been good.” I replied.I didn't want to start up
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