CHAPTER 2

LISA`S POV

I stare at my twelve-carat rock of a ring as tears well down my eyes. I will undeniably miss this place, despite the lack of sunshine and rainbows every day. I had built a life here, even though the foundation seemingly was not very strong.

“I can`t believe he had the balls to inform you about the divorce in such a ruthless fashion,” Jane says exasperated. “Did you tell him about the…”

"No."

“What will you do about it, keep it?”

“I don`t know.” I sigh. “Camilla is also pregnant.”

“Say what? How do you even know that? You first met him yesterday, right?”

“James told me.”

“It`s okay, darling. You`ll be fine.” She looks me in the eyes, smiling weakly.

I watch as Jane packs my clothes into a suitcase. “Make sure you call me every day. I want to know the details, especially the part where I have to welcome the newborn.” Jane says as she zips my suitcase. "She has been my one and only true friend in this house, and I always told her almost everything about my life, including the pregnancy. She cheered me during my accomplishments and encouraged me during tough times. She was my only rock.

“I will, Jane. So you promise to be present during my delivery?” I ask, playing with my ring.

“Of course, darling. Why would I not do that?” She says laughing. “I will give him a name.”

I burst out laughing knowing that she always suggests the most outrageous names that were in use during medieval times.

Sighing, I walk to her for a hug. I need it. “Be a good girl for me, Lisa.”

“I will.”

In the middle of our embrace, the door busts open revealing James, fury plastered on his face.

“Cut that little session of yours right now. I want you gone out of my house.” He shouts, grabbing my suitcase and throwing it out of the door. Jane gasps in utter shock but quickly composes herself, aware that James is unpredictable and could dismiss her at any moment.

“Out. Now.” He opens the door wide enough and yanks me out of the room, making me fall to the ground with a thud. My body hurts but I hurriedly scramble up and pick up my suitcase. Without wasting time I ran down the freight of stairs as I dragged my luggage till I was out of that haunting house, breathing heavily.

I walk to the gate without looking back. I hail a cab and immediately get in.

“Where to Miss?” The driver asks as the car rolls down the street.

“781 Fountain Avenue, please,” I say between strained breaths as I struggle to catch my breath, my heart thudding in my chest.

*****

 The flowers in the garden are dry.

All the tulips, roses, and lilies that used to stand around our home are now wilted. It`s because she is not here. She spent hours nurturing her flowers, always smiling and humming hymns.

My mother.

She is nowhere here and so are her flowers, reminding me of the bleak hearts she left us with.

I open the door and the scent of cake baking in the oven hits me, reminding me of home.

“Hello?” I say as I place my luggage on the floor and walk to the kitchen. She runs toward me and I catch her in my embrace, inhaling her rose-scented hair.

Milly, my younger sister is singing one of my mother`s all-time favorites: What can wash away my sins hymnal. “Look at you, all puffed up, Liz.” She says eyeing me from head to toe. “Damn, give me a 360-degree turn, Lisa.”

Good God. She already suspects something is off. These are the perks of having a nosy sister, what can I say?

“What?” I take a stool at the island and pour myself a mango juice.

“Do not be ridiculous. Your nose tells me something else. Oh, and your eyes…Are you pregnant?”

“Umm, yes?” I sip the drink, trying to avoid making eye contact with her.

“Aww Lisa.” She smiles coming for yet another hug. “I am so happy for you.”

Walking to the oven, she wears the oven gloves, takes out muffin cakes, and places them on the counter to allow them to cool off. She removes her apron and pulls up a stool on the island next to me.

“Now, tell me everything. Everything, I need the tea.” She says, taking my hand and holding it in hers. “What exactly happened?”

“Milly, I swear you do not want to know shit.” My eyes sting, threatening to shed tears but I blink them back. I cannot afford to have her see me look pathetic like this.

“It is ok.” She says embracing me while gently rubbing my back.

Ring. Ring.

Her ludicrous ringtone makes us break from each other and she runs to the counter to pick up her phone and answer it. Her bleached blonde hair in a messy bun unravels and falls on her back. She has managed to attain the length that she always dreamed of having.

“Hello?” She says. “Yes, you are speaking to her.”

“Which hospital did you take him to?” I watch as she intently listens to the person on the other end. “Okay, I am on my way right now.” She hangs up the phone.

“It`s dad right?” I ask, putting my coat back on.

“Yeah, the care worker at the facility says that he has been rushed to Grace Care Hospital.”

We lock the door and drive to the hospital in dead silence.

*****

“Hello, I am here to see Michael Crown. He was brought here today.”

Milly tells the receptionist while I wait behind her. A patient is rushed to the ER by the medics as he bleeds from a gunshot wound on the stomach. The hospital lounge is filled with patients who are seeking treatment.

“What is your relation please?” The lady at the reception asks us.

“We are his daughters,” I say moving close to the reception desk.

“Take the elevator to the fifth floor. Turn on your left to get to the male wing. He is in room 110.” I say before following Milly to the elevator. She presses the call button for the elevator and we wait in silence.

The elevator slides open and…

Oh my God! Not today, please.

Mrs. Middleton.

Her plump red lips filled with lip-filler curve into a wicked smile.

The ring.

The same ring.

She is wearing it. Reminding me of how much of a vile woman she is. We watch as the elevator doors slide to close, Mrs. Middleton eyeing us intently.

My stomach churns, and I taste bile in my mouth. Before my brain can decipher what is happening I find myself in the bathroom, emptying the entire content of my stomach in the toilet. I flash the toilet.

Flash those thoughts off my mind.