Annie and Lily come over for the first time in a while. It feels so nice to be surrounded with my girls, and their hugs when first arriving feel like something I’ve deprived myself of. “I wish you’d find out the gender,” Annie groans as she stretches herself out on the sofa. “I want to know if I’m
For once in our friendship, my friends don’t pressure me to open up with them. They just protect me. I’m not used to such behavior from my sarcastic, goofy friends. It’s nice, because ever since I left Ryan I’ve felt as if the entire world has demanded answers, even if I’m not ready. It’s not unti
“How did you even find out about this?” I demand, so lost how this is even possible. “So, you don’t even bother to deny it?” He scowls. “Three people know I’m pregnant; how could you possibly know?” He glares at me, no answer now that I’ve called him out. To my horror, my brain starts to put t
He’s the one who’s saved me more times over than I can count. This apartment, at the pool, with my trauma, all of it. Without Derek, I would have completely fallen apart; unraveled in the office or my kitchen floor. His door remains shut next door. No movement, and no Derek. I don’t know what’
The police have been through the apartment and have spoken to us individually. While Lily and Annie went inside, I’ve been out here. I can’t move off this stoop. I’m frozen to the spot, and even if I wanted to move inside, I don’t know if my body would let me. “Esme?” I look up at one of the det
The past few days have been hazy for me. Trying not to get lost in the daze of emotions has been tough. Derek called and left a message while I took a nap one day. “Stay home, focus on your health. I’ve cleared it with all the appropriate channels.” I’m going to use up all of my sick and vacatio
My heart yearns for each word on my screen. God, am I just a complete idiot? I keep doing this to him, trying to make the right decisions when they only make me feel hollow inside. Maybe I should have him come over. Discuss everything. Actually have a real conversation instead of pushing what I wa
“Why the hell are you calling me?” I snarl. “I’m going to call the cops, because this is against the fucking restraining order.” “I know, but please don’t, though!” She sounds desperate and out of breath. I don’t know if I’ve ever heard my cousin beg before. Kind of odd. “What do you want?” “I
I decide to call Detective Mattison, even though it’s a Saturday. I haven’t heard anything still, and now I’m starting to grow more curious and annoyed. “Detective Mattison,” he greets. “Hi, detective, this is Esme Price, the woman who’s divorce and restraining order cases came across your desk
Bea’s party ends up being a nice time. I chat with multiple other adults at the event, mostly the coworkers, and meet the kids running around. The kids sing Happy Birthday to Bea, and she blows out the candles to her pink cake. The presents are also super cute, ranging from stuffed animals to chil
“Me, too.” I look back at Derek, then at his daughter again. “You know what? Your dad has your gift from me. You want to open it now so none of the other kids get jealous?” Bea’s face lights up, and she picks up on my silliness. “Can I, Daddy?” He hands back the bag. “Your birthday, baby. What
“Oh, like drugs,” I tease. “You caught me. Setting up for kid’s birthday party is like crack. I don’t let others watch me, and it gives me the same type of high.” I can’t stop myself from snorting a laugh out. “Didn’t realize how much I missed that.” I’m still smiling, though confused by wha
Bea’s birthday party is happening at the local park of the town. They’ve cornered off a gazebo, with multiple picnic tables under the roof of the area. Presents sit stacked on two of them, taller than any of the kids. Derek and Tris are at the table with the cake and snacks. “Miss Esme!” Tris cr
“This is Esme,” I speak robotically, getting ready for whatever I need to be doing. **** The end of the day finally comes, and I grab everything that I can bring home with me. I want to catch up with everything and put my feet up. Even in these flats, my swelling is still a problem. Not only t
Monday morning, I awake to texts and phone calls all from Ryan. I’d blocked his number, but each message comes from another phone, totaling four different possible burner phones. “Why?” I ask the ceiling as though it’ll answer me. Today I’ll be going back to the office. I’ve grown stir crazy in
This can’t be good for the baby. Next thing I know, I hear ringing in my head. My eyes are super weak, and it’s difficult to crack them open. Well then. I guess I was able sleep after all. It’s bright in the room, and I can tell it’s late morning already. My tired eyes look around, finding my ph
I fall to a thunk on the ground, my hip and butt taking the brunt from falling out of my bed. My eyes are still mostly closed, but I know what’s going on. The nightmares are here once again. I know the cold sweat and the feeling of being clammy. And it seems like it’s all falling back to one thing