“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
Even I’m not this heartless. How could I ever want that for anyone, even for such selfish people like Melinda and Ryan? “Ryan left me because I lost the baby. I went to the hospital. When he got there and I told him what had happened…” she bites her lip, tears falling down her face. She crosses he
Working from home is a little easier than just getting through the day. I got permission to stay out of the office for the rest of the week. Getting lost in the information and phone calls is better than brooding over my ex. Friday is busy, but having taken time off, I blow through all my notes, c
I sigh. “If you can’t issue the order, then legally, there’s nothing you can do. So even though he’s been harassing me, showing up at my house, all of this? He’s still able to get away with it.” “Bullshit,” he sneers. I get into everything, explaining Ryan’s appearance earlier in the week, the w
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
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
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 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
“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
I sigh. “If you can’t issue the order, then legally, there’s nothing you can do. So even though he’s been harassing me, showing up at my house, all of this? He’s still able to get away with it.” “Bullshit,” he sneers. I get into everything, explaining Ryan’s appearance earlier in the week, the w
Working from home is a little easier than just getting through the day. I got permission to stay out of the office for the rest of the week. Getting lost in the information and phone calls is better than brooding over my ex. Friday is busy, but having taken time off, I blow through all my notes, c