EMMA “Hello,” Kristina's voice rang through the room.“Hey, what's up?” I asked, picking up my last pair of jeans, and dramatically folding them. I was trying as hard as I could to avoid packing by myself.“I'm good. Are you fine?” She asked,“I am. Is there any reason I shouldn't be fine?” I asked, confused.I knew what her reply would be already.“I'm just checking in to ensure the interview didn't weigh you down,” she said,Ever since the day Alex interrupted my interview, I had refused talking about it to anyone. Yesterday, I had mustered up the courage to actually talk about it, and Kristina got herself worried. I wasn't sad, because my hopes for that job weren't at its highest.“ I'm actually good. Most people don't get a job on their first try.”“You're right,” she agreed.“Yeah, so what's up with you?” I asked, referring to her makeup.“I'm actually preparing for a dinner date with a few clients.”“Dinner date with clients? Why not lunch?” “We've all been occupied with wo
ISABELLAChrist. I never knew heartbreak could hurt this bad. My chest was heavy, my eyes were watery and as much as I didn't want to admit it, I was hurt.I sniffed, trying to cool myself. This shouldn't hurt. I shouldn't be hurt. I picked up a wipe, trying to clean the makeup off my face. My media team had somehow managed to get the people convinced that I was the one who had asked for a divorce, and over a thousand and one people were behind me. They all supported that I left Alex because of his cheating scandal. If only they knew…Now, a number of people were on our tails. Distant friends were calling, and offering help, “trying to see if they could help us reconcile”. If only they knew how bad our marriage had been destroyed. It was beyond reconciliation.Worst part was, the media was on our heels. Someone had discovered that Alex was in the same town with Emma. Of course, rumors were already out, claiming that they had returned together. As no pictures had been posted by blogs
ISABELLA.The dial tone clicked.I stood in my room, confused. I obviously didn't want to open the door for him, but I had to.If he was honest, and did all those things he said he did for me, then there was no need to be scared. Was there any need?I huffed, trying to calm my nerves.I had to come up with a better plan. I was an intelligent woman, and I would know how to navigate this.I walked to my closet, picking out a set of fresh, clean clothes.As I picked out my joggers, my eyes sighted the perfect weapon at that moment.I picked the dagger up. Three years ago, I had gotten it from one of my trips to Egypt. Silently, I placed it at the back of my pockets. I walked out to the entrance of the house. The windy aura of the environment welcomed me into the night. I looked at the time. 9:59 pm.I had 911 on the speed dial.“I'm outside!” I shouted, trying to get his attention.How did I go from fighting for a divorce to dealing with a murderer?“I know,” he answered,I felt goo
ISABELLA“What's wrong?” I asked, into the phone.I heard more panting, and heavy breathing, but no reply.“John! What's wrong?”“You need to come over,” he said,“Where are you?”There was no response.“Are you at home?” I asked,“Yeah,” his voice came out in a hollow whisper,“I'm on the way.” I walked towards my shelf, and picked up my car key.Quietly, not locking the door, I walked out.Ross would have to choose between watching over my house, or me. I didn't give a single flying fuck.I stepped into my car, and got the car to start. In no time, I set out for the road.As I drove down to his residence, I occasionally looked around, taking in the environment. Ever since the divorce proceedings had started, John and his boss had advised that it was wise for me to stay low-key until Alex returned. —I stepped down from my car, after parking at the perfect spot. I knew Ross could see me from wherever he was, but I didn't care. Moreover, it was good to have an extra eye when necessar
EMMAWhat to wear when your boyfriend wants to introduce you to his friends, and possibly their girlfriends too?I sighed, sitting on the bed. I had packed up most of my clothings, and getting ready for this date meant I had to unpack almost everything. I bit my lower lip, trying to think of what to do next.I walked off the bed, and out of the room. I had been packing for hours, there was no way I would mess it all up right now. “Emma,” I heard my mother's voice call me,I turned around to find her stepping in through the backdoor. She had three grocery bags in hand, and I offered to help.“Thank you,” she appreciated me as I dropped the bags on the counter. I looked through the backdoor. It would probably be the last time I saw it. As much as I loved my family, I prioritized my private space. I would visit, but surely not for long hours. “I'm waiting for the moving company to come help me move my things,” I informed her.Her eyes widened. “I didn't think you'd be leaving so soon,”
EMMA.I slid the green icon right. I knew I shouldn't have, but I did it.With a heart filled with guilt, I pulled the phone towards my ear.“Hello,” I said into the phone,I heard him breathe a sigh of relief. “How are you?” He asked,“Meet me at the funside park. By the bridge. 9pm.” I replied immediately.I didn't have time to chat. I ended the call immediately and dropped the phone on my bed. I wanted to leave it by. That way, there was absolutely no way anyone could reach out to me.With that, I walked out of the house without informing anyone of my location. I needed some time alone.It was just evening, and I had no idea what I would do until that time, but I just knew I didn't want to face Samuel. I couldn't risk hurting him one more time. I sighed.9pm.I endeavored to be at least ten minutes to the bridge. I wanted Alex to know what it felt like to wait on someone forever. I wanted him to feel the same anxiety and pain that I had felt in all these years with him.As I appr
EMMA “You don't deserve a second chance. What you deserved is to be roasted like a fucking cow,”His jaw opened, and I watched him stand in shock. Anger boiled within me. I wanted to throw him through that bridge, and into the water. I wanted to hurt him. I wanted him to feel as much pain as I felt.“Alex, I want you to leave manhattan. I don't want to ever see you here. Return home to your wife or whoever the fuck you love enough.”“I love you,” he whispered,“Spare me that crap. We both know it's a lie.”“Emma, I am serious. I love you. If I didn't, would I be here, trying to win you back.”“Why did you lose me in the first place? Why did you try to replace me? Why didn’t you defend me? Why did you leave me to die?”“Emma, listen to me. I wronged you, and I accept that. I betrayed and disappointed you. I wasn't the man I should have been, but I am sorry. I am extremely sorry.”“I don't want your apology.”“What did you want then? Tell me. I promise to give it to you.”“I want to le
EMMA.My eyes slowly opened. I looked around to find the room still dimly lit. Samuel had pushed himself towards the edge of the bed so much that he was almost falling off.My brows fell as I watched him. I didn't want to inconvenience him too much. Moreover, I didn't want him that far away from me. I wasn't some bug or infection.I looked at his wall clock. It was almost three am.Silently, I rolled towards his side of the bed, and placed my arm over him.He jerked, but then I felt him steady.“Emma?” He called me in a groggy tone.“Mhmm..”I replied. I wasn't in the mood to talk.“Are you okay?” He asked, not moving.For some reason, he was as stiff as a board.“I am. Are you okay?” “Yes.” His reply was short.“Please turn around,”He didn't move. He was still laying stiff.“Samuel,”“Mhm?” He replied,I sat up on the bed. “Face me.”He didn't move nor reply. I pushed him to face me, and what I saw had my jaw to the floor.I looked at his face and he had shame written all over it.
EMMAAs I approached Isabella, she eventually paused then turned around. I watched as she crossed her arms across her chest, “what do you want?” She asked ,with a sneer.“I want to talk,”She chuckled. “You want to talk. After years of ruining my marriage, you want us to talk? What do you want to talk about?” She spat,I pleaded an arm forward. “Please, just calm down. I have left Alex, haven't I?” She hissed, “We know you only left my husband because you found another site to dig your gold.” I sighed, “you have every right to be mad at me, and to have awful thoughts about me.” I continued, she only glared harder, “I just want you to know that I am sorry. I truly am. I have wronged you in many different ways-”“And you'll do it again.” She cut in.I sighed deeply, “no, I won't. I won't do it again, because I'm sorry. I have left Alex.”“Oh, no no no. You can have him. Gone are the days when I wanted him. You can fucking have him. I'm done with him.”I sighed, “fine. For what it's wo
EMMA I stared at him in shock. He couldn't be serious, could he?“What do you mean?” I asked, confused.“I already knew.” He repeated,He had a sly smile on his lips. I was too stunned to speak. Could this be a dream? A crazy dream. I blinked twice.How could my mother tell him, and not tell me.He saw the confusion on my face, and began to speak, “I know you're confused, but let me explain. Your mother and I already talked about you before you arrived at manhattan.” He explained, “she always complained about you and Alex and how she wished you would always leave him. When I met you at first, I didn't know you were her daughter, but as time passed, I found out.”“Why didn't you say anything?”“You said you weren't ready to talk about it and I didn't want to force you.”I don't know what to say, “I-I…if you knew, why did you still stay with me?”“I met, and studied you. I realized you were more than just a silly affair. Emma, your affair went viral, there's barely anyone who doesn't
ISABELLAI watched as Chris's face bent into a frown. I expected him to stand up to Alex, and claim his position, but either he was too chicken or just knew his place, so he stepped back. Alex stood before me, and I ensured I had anything but the slightest of smiles on my face.I watched as he skimmed me from head to toe. “You look…stunning,” he said,I couldn't remember the last time he had looked at me like that, or even looked at me at all.“Are we going to dance, or will you keep gawking at me?” I asked, raising a brow.He took a step back, “let's dance,” he said, stretching forth his hands. I took it, and followed him to the dance floor.The song chosen was a slow, and soulful one. We danced rhythmically, with his hands on my waist, and mine on his shoulders.I took a whiff of bus perfume, and my knees weakened. Alex never played with scent, and that was one of his most attractive attributes. The dance continued, and I silently searched for El through the crowds. It was hard t
ISABELLA A knock pounded on my door. I knew it could be no one else but him.“Come in,” I said, applying the final touches to my makeup. I knew he wasn't aware that I had changed my mind and would be attending.I listened as the door opened, and he stepped in.“You're coming,” he simply stated,“Yes.” I replied, dropping my lipstick. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, “do you have a problem with that?” I asked, facing him.“No,” he replied, but I could clearly hear the tension in his voice.“What? You don't like that I'll be able to see you stalking her?” I wanted to ask, but I suppressed it. Talking about Emma had gotten me nowhere. It was time to play fair.I picked up my bag. “Can we go now?” I asked,I watched as his eyes fell on my legs. My dress wasn't exactly short, but it held my curves accentuating my look. The dress had an open back, and thin arms, giving way for me to show off my toned skin. My hair was down to my shoulders, and I had red lipstick on.I watched as h
EMMA.The burial was done soon enough, and I wanted nothing more than to return home. New York just felt like the place where all bad things happened to me. I didn't want to return here.I silently remembered Kate and Faith. Both had been unable to make it for the burial, and although I wanted to be infuriated, I knew I couldn't blame them. Faith was in the last month of her trimester, and her husband had informed me she was due at any date. I couldn't risk her losing the baby due to a heart attack from such a news, so we kept it away from her.Kate on the other hand had relocated out of the country with her husband. I was wise enough to know the expenses for returning back were too much. She could repay her respects later on.God, how did we get separated so soon? I always thought we would all grow old together. I sighed. Truly, Kristina had left all she owned in my care, and I didn't know what to do with it. I wasn't sure I wanted to sell the house just yet, but I didn't know what
EMMAAfter days of trial and error, we had finally been able to get Kristina laid to rest. I had thought that by now, I would have left the denial stage, but that was a lie. I was still in denial as much as ever. My mind just couldn't grasp her not being alive and with me. It made no sense.I crossed my arms across my chest as the priest read from the bible. I looked around. Not even one of her family members had made an attempt at attending. Samuel had offered to invite his family to stand in, and luckily, they all did. I was eternally grateful for that.I looked around. The only person that wasn't seated was Samuel's mother. She had excused herself minutes ago.I sniffed, trying to push back the tears that had been formed in my eyes.What would happen to our dreams of growing old together? They were all just…gone! Just like that! Everything we had budgeted.Samuel held my hands tight. He hasn't known Kristina for the longest time, but even he knew how kind of a person she was. If o
EMMA.Okay. This resemblance was beyond extraordinary. I stared at her for a long time trying to decipher if I could spot any difference between her and Kristina. Finally, I closed my eyes.If I hadn't seen Kristina's body rotting on that floor, I would have been so confused she was the one.“Any problem, ma'am?” She asked,I shook my head.Samuel helped me place an order. I sat still, not knowing what to say or do.“Hey,” Samuel said, bowing his head to meet mine.Tears had piled up in my eyes. I wanted feedback from the cops. I wanted to know what had happened to my best friend. “Have you heard anything?” I asked,He picked up his phone, and scrolled through, “nothing yet,” he said, dropping his phone.I sighed. “They're not taking this seriously enough! They need to do better!” I screamed,He touched my back, “darling, I'll ensure that they work faster and put this at the top of their books.”“Thank you,” I thanked him.I was drained. “I want to go home. I'm tired.” I said,and by
EMMA Zara had retained her dorm from last semester. It was a Saturday, and I knew she had no class. I hadn't been good enough of an elder sister to know if she had a job. I sighed. I really needed to change. There was a lot of things I had slacked on.“I'll be out in a few minutes,” I said to Samuel,“Take your time. I'll be working from here.” He replied, bringing out his tablet.I walked out of the car, and headed into her hostel. They were girls everywhere. I looked around, trying to see if I could recognize anyone. My eyes were clouded with tears.“Block C1 room 5,” the words rang in my head, as I continued walking. I looked at the doors trying to determine what block I was on. I silently hoped the room number I had memorized was accurate.After a few minutes of walking, I finally arrived at the said room. I could hear some voices from inside. It sounded like the tv was on. I knocked.“Come in,” Zara's voice replied.I pushed the door open, and she screamed as soon as she saw me.
EMMAI couldn't move. I blinked, but I couldn't move. Samuel dropped the phone on the table, and turned to face me.I opened my mouth to speak, but words wouldn't leave them.“I-”Jesus Christ. He wrapped his arms around me. I still didn't move. My eyes were fixated on it. I couldn't see anything else.Samuel's hand crawled up my head, and he touched my head gently. “I need to move closer,” I said, still in a state of doubt. He moved out of the way, giving me the space I needed. Although, I could see what was before me, I felt like I needed to move closer.This had to be some sort of prank. This couldn't be true.I bent down, and although the stench grew stronger, I ignored it.“She can't be dead,” I whispered.I wanted to feel the tears crawling up my eyes, but I didn't. They refused to fall.“She can't be dead,” I repeated, “she can't be dead and decaying!” I screamed. “No! Kristina is not dead! She can't die! She wouldn't do this to me! She can't do this to me! We are in this l