The Divorce

/Annabelle's POV/

Hours had passed since Ethan's shocking request, and I had locked myself up in my room, seeking refuge from the toxic atmosphere that had consumed my home.

My eyes scanned the space, settling on the brown envelope lying on the bedside table. The words "Divorce petition" stared right back at me, a harsh reminder of Ethan's ultimatum.

I needed someone to confide in as I felt like my heart was going to break into a million pieces if I kept the overwhelming feeling all to myself. So I picked up my phone and dialled Diane's number, my hands shaking.

"Hey girl, how are you doing?" Diane answered on the first ring, her voice booming from the other side of the line.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my voice.

"What's going on, Annie? You are scaring me. " Diane's voice turned serious.

"He asked for a divorce," I replied all at once as I felt more tears stream down my face, my voice failing me.

"Who?....wait what?!" She stuttered from the other side of the phone, her voice laced with obvious anger.

"The nerve of that asshole!" She exclaimed, and I knew Diane too well to know that she'd have murdered Ethan a long time ago if it was legal.

"I don't understand him. He wasn't even there when Betty had an attack, and now the first thing in his head is to serve you divorce papers?!" She continued. " How insensitive can he be?"

" I know," I sobbed, my head starting to feel heavy.

"He's blaming me for Betty's death. He is claiming I'm a terrible mother. Was I a terrible mother, Dee?" I questioned, my voice cracking.

"That's a bloody lie! You were an amazing mother, Annie. Betty's death wasn't your fault, " she replied, her voice firm.

" I guess Ethan would beg to differ," I said, a sad laugh escaping my lips.

" Oh, please, Dee. You can't believe what he said. That man has no conscience. He has always been selfish, " she spat. " But this? This is a new low"

I nodded, even though she couldn't see me as I felt a lump in my throat. " I don't know what to do, Dee. I feel so lost. "

"We'll get through this together," she promised. "We'll figure it out."

I took a deep breath, feeling a tiny sense of comfort. " Thanks, Dee."

" And Annie," Diane's voice turned stern.

"Yes?"

"Don't you dare blame yourself for Betty's death or this divorce? Ethan's the one who has messed up, not you."

I smiled weakly, nodding my head as I hung up. My gaze drifted back to the envelope while biting my inner cheek.

*******************************************

I had drifted off to sleep, exhausted from crying, but was jolted awake by the sudden opening of my door.

" Oh shit," I muttered under my breath while holding my head as I felt a headache starting to form. Penelope stood in the hallway, her eyes scanning the room before it settled on me.

"And what are you still doing here?" I asked, slightly irritated by her presence.

"Hmphh! I live here now, " she shrugged, making her way into the room. My eyes widened, and I almost felt like it would come out of its sockets.

" What did you just say?" I demanded, my voice rising as I couldn't believe what she was uttering.

Penelope smirked. "You heard me right. What are you thinking about delaying signing the papers? Don't you think it's rather stupid to live in a house with someone who doesn't even want you?"

I felt a sting from her words, but I held still.

"Someone disgusted by the sight of you?" She continued.

"This is my home," I countered

"Not for long," She snorted. "You know Annabelle, I think you should stop prolonging the inevitable. Ethan has made it clear that he wants nothing to do with you."

My eyes narrowed. " You are enjoying this, aren't you?"

Penelope smile widened. "I'm just facilitating the inevitable, that's all,"

"Leave!"

"Or what?" She taunted, daring me. " You'll go over crying to Ethan? Oops, I forgot. He's done with you." She completed, smiling with malice.

I stood up, feeling my hands get sweaty. A feeling I got when I was nervous, or I couldn't contain my anger anymore.

"Get out of my room!" I demanded once again, my voice firm.

Penelope smiled sweetly, but I could see the malicious glint in her eyes. "You are being dramatic, Annabelle."

She took a step back, her eyes locked with mine, and then suddenly her heel caught the edge of the carpet. She let out a tiny shriek as her legs buckled, and she collapsed on the floor with a dramatic flail of her arms.

"Ow!" She cried, clutching her wrist. I stood there, my eyes rolling. "Oh, stop with the pretence already," But before I could mutter another word, Ethan burst into the room. The same room he had avoided, like a plague for days now.

"What's going on here?" He asked. His eyes sparkled with concern as he scooped her from the floor and placed her on the nearby chair.

" I just wanted to talk to Annabelle because I sensed she was going through a lot. But she got all violent and pushed me. " she cried, feigning innocence, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

" What the fuck is wrong with you Annabelle! Why are you so insensitive? You know very well that she is a sick patient. Yet you pushed her to the ground? " Ethan fumed, not at all giving me a chance to speak.

" Please don't yell at her. I understand she is going through a phase." Penelope added, still feigning innocence.

" You are just going to believe her? She staged the fall. Don't you get it?!"

" Staged her fall?" He laughed dryly. " You need to get your head checked. How does that even sound right to you?" He shouted, pushing me to the side as he scooped Penelope from the chair he had placed her on earlier and headed out of the room.

" I can't keep up with this violence in my home. Sign the fucking divorce papers!" He spoke, looking at me over his shoulders before he headed out of the room.

Tears streamed down my face as I watched Ethan leave the room with Penelope in his hands. I felt like I had been punched in the gut as I realized he had moved on and I was nothing but a hindrance.

I walked back to the bedside table, my legs suddenly feeling heavy. I picked up the brown envelope, took a deep breath, and pulled out the divorce papers.

I picked up the pen, my hands trembling.

"I'll sign it"