EMMA.“What you're saying is untrue,” I said, unable to believe anything, and everything.Laura slowly shook her head. “It has to be untrue,” I refused to believe, “please tell me it's untrue,” she didn't say anything, “Laura, please” I pleaded. I didn't want to believe it, I couldn't believe it. “Laura,” I called her name. Our eyes met.God! She wasn't lying. I couldn't sit anymore. I stood up, pacing around the room. I needed to clear my head. I needed something to push the thoughts back, I needed a drink.“God!” I muttered out, unable to think clearly.In all that had been happening, my heart felt like it had been shredded to a thousand pieces.“This can't be true,” I kept muttering out. It couldn't. It just couldn't be true.It had to be impossible. No. Alex wouldn't deny me. He wouldn't leave me to fight for myself. He loved me.“Emma,” Laura called my name. I immediately turned to face her, hoping she would reveal the truth. This…it couldn't be it. “I need you to sit for a min
EMMA."Emma!” I heard both voices call my name as they rushed towards me.For some reason, Kristy caught up to me on time, breaking my fall.We both ended up on the floor, with minor casualties.I remained still as she adjusted her position, getting off the floor.The door opened, and the cop walked in. “Any problem?” She asked.Kristy shook her head, as she wiped the dust off her jeans.The cop watched me silently, with a skeptical look on her face. For someone who was charged with drug trafficking, I could only imagine the thoughts that rammed through her mind.She walked closer, and I tried pushing myself up, but failed.“She's fine,” Kristy grunted, as the woman touched my neck, searching for a pulse.“I'll be back in five minutes,” she announced, as she walked out.I remained frozen, unable to think or breathe properly.I needed to clear my head. This couldn't be happening to me.Alex couldn't have denied me. My sister couldn't be in a coma. It had to be impossible.My mother co
ISABELLA.I sat, silently, watching as they both walked in. Laura in a white suit, and John in black.“Mrs Blackwood,” he acknowledged, as he stretched forth his hands.I smiled gently, receiving his handshake.“I'm Laura Miles,” Laura introduced herself, stretching forth her hands.I clasped mine together, holding back my sneer. “I know who you are,”I watched as she retreated her arm.“Can we sit?” John asked.“Sure,” I replied, trying to hide the edge in my voice. I didn't want Laura on my chair, or anywhere near my office for that matter, but some level of pettiness was beneath me.They both sat, watching me intensely. I focused my eyes on Laura. If she had any tricks of her sleeves, they were bound to fail.“How may I help you?” I asked both of them, impatiently. None answered immediately. I turned to face John, “you do know my husband and I have decided not to get the divorce, right?” “I am quite aware of that,” he replied.“Good,”“We're here for a different purpose,” “What i
ISABELLA “Why do we have to talk about her?” I asked, after a long minute of silence. I could already feel the tears dripping down my eyes.Alex brushed them off with his thumb, “oh, baby, it's nothing to cry about,” he consoled.I sniffed, gently wiping my nose. Why did he still have to talk about her? Why couldn't she leave our marriage? Even after all I had done, he still wanted to talk about her. He was clearly thinking about her.She was everywhere. The bitch was plastered on my marriage. She had her permanent seat at the table.“Alex, I don't think we should talk about the woman that nearly destroyed us,” I said to him,It was best to get it in the air that I didn't want to be affiliated with her. I wanted her to be a forgotten part of my past.“Baby, we-”“No, Alex. We can talk about it some other time.” I refused, gently touching his arm. I looked him straight in the eye, “tonight is for us, okay?”He nodded, “whatever you want princess,”“Thank you,” I appreciated him, The
ISABELLA.My fingers were as good as nonexistent. I grunted in discomfort as I tugged them from within me. Maybe I just needed some sleep. If my brain was shut, I would forget all about this. Maybe tomorrow, I'd be too busy to remember. Moreover, I had a planned trip with my husband, and daughter.I grinned as I snuggled into the duvet. Sleep was all I needed.I shut my eyes, willing for the thoughts in my head to stop, but it didn't. Every time I closed my eyes, an image of Emma would just pop up. She was living rent-free in my head.I sighed, turning to the other side. I usually slept better on the right side of the bed. The thoughts only worsened. The sex tape played repeatedly in my head. I sighed, looking at the ceiling.Maybe laying upwards would help me sleep. I placed a palm on my chest, closing my eyes.My eyes could barely remain shut for five minutes. I immediately sprang off the bed.A little bit of workout should help.I started with some squats, then a few jumps.Panti
ISABELLA.“Wow!” He gasped,I giggled, too weakened to speak.“That was-”“-the best sex of my life,” I completed it for him.He nodded in agreement. I wished I could deny it, but that was an impossibility. What had happened between us was nothing short of mind blowing.We remained in silence, taking in the moment. He bent to kiss my forehead.“I have something to tell you,” he said,“What's that?” I asked, eagerly.“You wouldn't believe it, but the first time I met you, I almost couldn't resist the urge to kiss you,” he confessed.My eyes bulged in surprise. That wasn't the reaction I had expected. John was a good guy. I expected some guilt, and the part where I would have to convince him, and-“-well, I couldn't do that, because you're someone else's wife,” he continued, “and at that time, I was still with Emma. I didn't believe in cheating, or compromise, so I pushed everything back,”“Would you have said anything if I didn't make the first move?”His eyes bore into mine for a minu
ISABELLA.“Let me get something straight,” I started, pointing a finger at him, “you don't want me to help Emma?” I asked, in disbelief.“Why should you help her?” He asked,If this was a prank, he had to end it here. I blinked repeatedly, unable to understand what he was saying.“We're talking about Emma Martinez,” I explained,He chuckled, before speaking, “I know,”“No, you don't get it. I don't think you get what I'm saying. I'm saying I want to try helping her out of this case so she doesn't rot in jail,” I tried explaining. He had to be misunderstanding me.“I totally understand you. What I don't understand is why?”“Because she needs to be helped!” I exclaimed,“She has her attorney. Why would you want to help the girl that tried to ruin our marriage?”What the actual fuck? This couldn't be Alex. It had to be someone else. The Alex I knew would be on his knees worshiping me because I decided to help his mistress.“Who are you?” He chucked at my question, “sit, baby” I sat, wa
ISABELLA.I stepped down from my car, casually stepping into the building. As much as I wanted it to seem like I wasn't interested in any sort of attention, I knew I couldn't appear in public alone at this time. The two bouncers I allocated to myself walked before, and behind me. After the reservation I had made, Laura came up with the silly idea of us meeting at the station. It was easier to for us to discuss in the presence of Emma Martinez, plus our appearance in public would make it known that this was a plan. People had to think I had decided to make the move. I had, but not in the way I wanted them to think.I walked into the station, ignoring all the ogling, and cameras that were flashed my way. It was good to know I could pull this much attention.“Excuse me,” I called out to an officer. He turned, and on realizing my identity, beamed at me.“Mrs Blackwood,” he acknowledged me in a jovial tone. “Great to see you,”I forced out a polite smile, ignoring his familiar attitude. P
EMMA.Kristina's words might have not completely changed my mind from the aspect of death, but it did give me a new perspective. “Emma, I am always here for you. I have always been and I forever will be. Nothing will ever change that,”“I know,” I admitted.Deep down, I knew that Kristina would always be there, come rain or sunshine, she would never leave me, but that was the problem.I was a burden.“If you know that, why would you consider making such a horrible decision? Why would you knowingly hurt yourself? You're better than this.”“No, I'm not. I am most definitely not. I am a burden. I am a problem everyone keeps trying to solve. All I do is bring worry, and pain. Look at it now, I've brought on a new worry for you. You were not supposed to spend more than two days here, but I already know you're considering taking a week off just so you can take care of me because I’m a burden. All I do is bring issues, and problems. I don't do anything good. I can't make any good decisions.
EMMAI couldn't believe I ended up on the floor. I laid still, unable to move. All my joints were hurting, and my muscles felt like jelly.I groaned as I felt an inner pain on my waist.I closed my eyes, trying to push back tears.These days, it felt like all I did was cry. Every little thing caused my eyes to be teary, and I hated it. I hated being weak. I hate being vulnerable. I hated being unable to help myself.“Fuck this shit!” I cursed out in frustration, wiping my eyes.I was still thinking of a way to get myself either the water or a way to my bed when I heard the door open. I craned my neck to find Kristina at the door.As soon as she saw me, her eyes widened and she gasped. Literally everything in her hands fell to the floor, and she rushed towards me.“Emma! Are you okay?” She asked, touching my body.I groaned as she touched this idea that hurt. “My eyes are open, so I'm definitely fine.”“You're on the floor!” She exclaimed.As she saw the wounds on my hands, she gasped
EMMA.The warmth of the sun gently pulled me up from my deep sleep. I opened my eyes gently, still in doubt that I could move.I tried moving a finger, and to my surprise, it actually moved!It moved!I wasn't hallucinating.I smiled gently. Just as I was about to turn to check who was beside me, I heard a little mumble.I needed no one to tell me it was a man. What man was beside my bed?In curiosity, I turned around and to my surprise, the sheriff was there.He was in a black t-shirt, and jeans. He laid lazily on the couch, and if my presumptions were right, he had slept here overnight.How did he know I was here?I was still trying to compile everything when he stirred awake.As soon as he noticed I was awake too, he sprung up.His shirt was ruffled on his chest, and the arms hugged his huge muscles.He rubbed at his darkened eyes gently before speaking to me.“How are you?” He asked, gently.I wanted to reply, but I was still too awestruck to speak.How did he end up here? How di
EMMA.The soft, slow, yet strong push of the wind, moved me gently towards the water.My eyes were still closed as I heard, and felt the splash.I closed my eyes refusing to give into the kick of opening my eyes.Soon enough, I felt the water flow into my nose, and that was when I got back to my senses.I flapped my hands in the water, trying to find a way to stay atop but the pull of the water kept trying to pull me in. The water which had seemed calm was suddenly ready to swallow me. I grew on alert immediately.I opened my mouth, trying to get some air, but salty water flowed right in.Right there, fear set in. I flapped repeatedly, trying to stay above.I didn't want to die. What was I thinking?Why did I jump?Why did I take that step?Tears built up in my eyes as I tried my best to stay above the water.“I don't want to die,” I kept repeating to myself. I really didn't want to die.I looked around, trying to find a way out, but I was lost. I was in a large lake, and no one would
EMMA.Soon enough, our food arrived and Kristina was brave enough to ask the waiter for his number.First, he had smiled politely as he rejected the offer.I wasn't the least bit surprised. I knew it had to be against some sort of rule for them to give out their numbers or identities. There would be compromise.“He'll be back,” Kristy said as he walked out.I chuckled silently as I dug into my meal. It was truly amazing how much she believed in her beauty and energy.Of course, a lot of good looking people knew what they were but hers was divine. It was lovely.Hours later, we had somehow finished all our meals and were ready to leave. Luckily, Kevin returned to pick up the bill.She paid, and he handed us a receipt.As he walked away, I watched Kristina smile into the receipt.“Why are you smiling?”“Nothing,” she replied, tucking the paper into her jeans.“Kristina!” I exclaimed in a low tone,“I told you he'll be back.”“Girl…”She pursed her lips, smiling broadly.“Girl, you're go
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