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O N E H U N D R E D & T H R E E
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2024-10-29 19:42:56“You…” his words trailed off, his smooth voice of disbelief reminding her for a millisecond of Colton; of the way he struggled so often to believe she loved him, to believe she wouldn’t run away. He was messed up, but she knew that when she met him, when she fell in love with him. Her heart sank at the thought of him sitting in their apartment, wondering how the hell they could make this work… wondering if it was possible for him to ever be in a healthy, functioning relationship. It sank lower at the thought that maybe it wasn’t.
“You love me?” Preston’s voice banged through her ears, drawing her back to the rancid bathroom, to the preened man before her with his baby blue eyes wide in disbelief. “I - I didn’t think you’d admit it.”
Kate wondered if he knew what she was playing at, that her declaration was nothing more than a farce to help her escape this situation alive, but the genu
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Rude Awakenings O N E H U N D R E D & F O U R
Preston’s dapper suit, tightly wrapped around his muscular body, stood out in the crowd, a drink in each hand as he maneuvered effortlessly through the throngs of dancing people, ignoring any and all attempts from the scantily-clad women who aimed to distract him from his task. Without knowing his psychotic personality, he could be easily mistaken for a catch - handsome, charming, oozing an air of wealthy superiority - and given the slim pickings currently grinding their way through the dance floor, Kate could understand why he had garnered so much female attention.Azure eyes honed in on her, his dismissive glare transforming into a warm smile as he slipped between the last few lingerers on the outskirts of the floor, sliding the drinks onto the table.“Thank you for getting them for us,” Kate strained a smile, the nauseating pulsing of her stomach revving up as she realized he was waiting for some form of affection from her. She stood st
Rude Awakenings O N E H U N D R E D & F I V E
The crack of knuckle on jaw pierced through the thick veil of ear-splitting music, Preston’s face lurching to the side in slow-motion, a horrifying spatter of blood spraying from his warbling lips. Through her fog, Kate watched his eyes widen, unwillingly releasing her from his grasp as he stumbled back. Small gasps echoed from the people congregating around, their distorted movements to the beat coming to a standstill. The shock that had implanted in the deep crevices of his forehead dissipated, rage washing over him, turning olive cheeks scarlet. The tension in the air was palpable, the anticipation and dread clawing in the pit of her stomach as Kate’s gaze flickered to the officer, to the voice she’d heard, ensuring they were well prepared, well equipped, for the wrath of Preston Abbot.The tug of her stomach joined with the cinching ache in her chest, knocking the breath clean from her lungs as she caught sight of the absolute fury contorting Colto
Rude Awakenings O N E H U N D R E D & S I X
Once again, Kate found herself tracking the well-worn carpet in the reception of the police lock-up, gnawing the nubs left of her nails as she stared at the door, heart thudding as she awaited its opening; the last thing keeping her and Colton apart. Unsettlingly happy music garbled from somewhere behind the Perspex, the receptionist irritatingly tapping her pen against the desk while her foot clunked atop the metal base of her chair. “I’m so sorry,” Paloma whispered from the seating area, her knees bouncing as she tucked her hands between them, guilt distorting her smeared make-up. “Why did you call him? Why not the police like I asked you to?” Kate hissed, unable to tear her gaze from the door, the anticipation clawing at her stomach. “There was a man standing behind me and I… I thought he was with Preston and I panicked. I texted Heath,” she mumbled. “I told him to call the police. I - I didn’t know what to do. I’m - I’m so sorry, Kate.” “I…” She s
Rude Awakenings O N E H U N D R E D & S E V E N
Tilting her head to the side, Kate scrunched her damp hair with a towel; her body completely cleansed of any remnants of the night, her face red and slightly raw, her gums partially swollen, from the ferocious scrubbing she’d given herself, in the hopes of disposing of any traces of Preston left behind. Colton’s black t-shirt hung from her chest, only outlining the smooth lines of her hips as she walked toward the bed, draping the towel over the hook on the back of the door before she did so.“Are you sure you’re okay?” Colton murmured, dark eyes trying and failing to avoid the olive skin of her thighs, the shirt lifting fractionally as she swept her hair over one shoulder before clambering into the bed. He scratched the back of his neck before folding his arms across his chest, a futile attempt at preventing his hands from reaching out to touch her. “You look like you about skinned yourself.”“Gee, thanks,” Kate ro
Rude Awakenings O N E H U N D R E D & E I G H T
The bed squeaked as Colton sunk in beside her; her body once again cocooned in the soft, downy fabric of their comforter. Kate sucked in a breath, sparkling eyes observing the contours of his bare chest as he shrugged down into the sheets. His biceps flexed as he adjusted himself, flapping the comforter over the back of his legs. He groaned slightly, and she stifled the giggle that threatened to erupt at his frustrations. “Get in bed much?” she teased, a smile dancing on her rosy cheeks at the playful glare he shot in her direction.He poked out his tongue, eyes crinkling closed. “It’s ‘cause you’re hogging all the covers.”“Uh-huh,” she rolled her eyes, mockingly smoothing out the material enveloping her. “It has nothing to do with your inability to get into bed like a normal person.”“Hey! I got into bed just fine, thank you. It’s the fucking sheets I’m having trouble with.&rdq
Rude Awakenings O N E H U N D R E D & N I N E
The smell of bacon wafted in from the kitchen, the gentle hum of the radio mingling with the crackling of fat in the pan and Colton’s soft singing. Kate smiled, burying her face in the pillow to hide the schoolgirl glee dancing across her features. The air felt lighter, the weight bearing down on her shoulders for so long finally lessening, giving her the chance to breathe. Leisurely, she rolled from bed, stretching out her stiff muscles, relishing in the satisfying pop of her back as she pressed her hands into the base of her spine, her head falling back to release the tightness accumulating there. Tendrils of steam twirling caught her eye, and she bit her lower lip to suppress her grin. The mug was still hot, and she cupped it in both hands as she meandered into the kitchen, watching the winged woman dance across Colton’s broad shoulders as he jiggled the frying pan.Instinctively, she rested her cup on the counter and slipped behind him, her hands crawling arou
Rude Awakenings O N E H U N D R E D & T E N
The sofa molded around Colton’s body as he sprawled across it, sock-covered feet dangling over the arm; Kate curled in the small space between his torso and the back of the lounge, one leg hooked over his waist, her eyes – although she tried to keep them open – fluttered closed at the gentle massage of his fingers in her hair. On the rug in front of them, Florence lay on her own foldout sofa, adorned with the cheery face of Minnie Mouse – a gift from Aunt Kate and Uncle Colt for her recent birthday. Her little head turned frequently, ensuring black eyes were focused on the television, not missing any of the important parts of the movie. As much as he hated to admit it, Colton was entranced by the swirls of ice, far too invested in the story of two sisters, a dopey snowman, and a man who talked to his reindeer. Beside them, Heath rested in his armchair, the light of his phone screen emanating on his face as he checked emails. Paloma was resting in bed, her wea
Rude Awakenings O N E H U N D R E D & E L E V E N
Three months later. A dark haze fell over the room; the gray clouds hiding away the small sliver of sunshine attempting to peek through. Kate shifted on the maroon, pleather sofa, her attention drifting between the outdated fashion magazine in her hands and the vibrant light of the television hooked into the corner of the room. She watched the petite, blonde presenter slip onto a bar stool, scoffing as she did so with far too much ease for the skin-tight dress and sky-high heels she wore. Kate was certain she’d fall straight on her damn face if she attempted anything of the sort, even without the inefficient clothing. The click of the mahogany door derailed her train of thought, Charlie’s wispy, white hair – parted precisely and combed to perfection – becoming visible as he stepped into the waiting room. “So, does the same time next week work for you?” he asked, fiddling with the button of his tweed jacket as he glanced over his shoulder. “Do you have a set
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Rude Awakenings O N E H U N D R E D & T W E N T Y
The hot water beat down on Kate’s tired body, doing little to ease the aches and pains of her exhausted muscles and absolutely nothing to diffuse the mental depletion she felt. Perpetually fatigued was now her permanent state of being, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. She hurried to work the shampoo through her now shoulder-length brown hair, keeping one eye on the baby monitor that flashed on the vanity. She closed her eyes momentarily, silently praying that everyone stayed asleep for just five more minutes. Bubbles tingled across her pink chipped toenails - a reminder from her and Paloma’s last day out alone, sans kids. She stifled a giggle, remembering how Colton had phoned her, asking her a million questions while squeals echoed in the background. Upon her return, he had met her at the door, black tee covered in spit-up and mashed banana while exhausted eyes stared at her gratefully. The click of the bathroom door dragged her from her thoughts, squinting eye
Rude Awakenings O N E H U N D R E D & N I N E T E E N
Colton’s wide eyes stared back at Kate, as she panted through yet another excruciating contraction; her entire pelvis spreading apart to allow their baby to enter the world. The floral tones of Bernadette’s perfume wafted through the room as she returned, snapping on a pair of blue latex gloves, a stack of blue sheets tucked under her arm. Another woman trudged behind, not clearly as enthused as Bernadette, sanitizing her hands before sliding on her own pair of gloves. Snapping her gum, she made her way over to the machine beside Kate’s bed, mature hazel eyes peering over square glasses to scan the paper slowly rolling from the machine.“Okay, Kate,” Bernadette chirped from the end of the bed, her short hair curled eloquently atop her head. Kate took in the swirls of brown, ebbing and flowing across her crown as she pushed through another surge of pain. “Kate,” Bernadette smiled, patting Kate’s bare leg to garner her atten
Rude Awakenings O N E H U N D R E D & E I G H T E E N
Shivering as she swept the blankets off her bloated body, Kate groaned, awkwardly clambering from the bed, one hand attempting to massage her lower back as she waddled to the bathroom. The sun had begun to rise, its rays just starting to seep through the small crack of their curtain. It bounced off Colton’s watch face, illuminating a soft glowy spot on the roof. She cast a glance over her shoulder, unable to help the smile that grew across her face at Colton’s muffled snores, his bare torso exposed with one inked hand resting atop it. His wedding ring glistened ever so slightly in the dewy dawn light. She’d always assumed married life would feel no different and for the first few weeks, aside from the bubbling excitement that they’d actually gone through with it, it hadn’t, but as the weeks turned to months, Kate grew to understand exactly why people did it. Knowing that Colton had wholeheartedly committed himself to her for the rest of his life was an
Rude Awakenings O N E H U N D R E D & S E V E N T E E N
The car jounced down the dirt road, wheels spinning stray flecks of gravel through the air. The sky was almost pitch black now, a thick blanket filled with tiny stars that glinted brightly against the navy backdrop. The woods, still filled with the unsettling presence of flashlights, seemed eerier in the rearview, the few police cars that remained at the cottage shining from the glow of the kitchen light emanating from the window. Kate tugged at the threads of Colton’s sweatshirt, pulling the fabric over her mouth as she buried herself into the passenger seat. The radio announcer's voice drifted through the otherwise silent interior, talking about a new song being released by a popular female artist. Kate tried to focus on what he was saying, to push away the intrusive thoughts that were swirling through her mind, but his words turned into a mish-mash of nonsense, garbled sounds that made no sense to her. From her peripheral, she caught Colton m’s hand resting gently aga
Rude Awakenings O N E H U N D R E D & S I X T E E N
“Colton!”Her own voice rang in her ears, the sharp whistle of a gunshot pulsing deep in the chambers of her mind as all other noises diffused, dulling down to an almost non-existent whine. Colton’s body crumpled to the floor, the rifle discharging as it hit the scuffed floorboards; another loud pop burrowing into her eardrums. Attempting to stand, she clutched her stomach, huffing as she brought herself to her feet, watching in horror as a small team of officers, dressed in dark S.W.A.T vests, approached, their movements slow and controlled, methodically assessing the scene before them.“Kate!”Sandy’s voice cut through the mind-numbing noise, the warmth of her hand resting on Kate’s shoulder, preventing her from moving forward. Tearing away from her grasp, Kate stumbled forward, tripping over Preston’s extended leg and careening to the floor. She stuck out her hands, her wrists taking the brunt of the impact as s
Rude Awakenings O N E H U N D R E D & F I F T E E N
Tucking her knees into her chest - as far as her pregnant stomach would allow - Kate covered her ears, consciously inhaling and exhaling through pursed lips in an attempt to steady her erratic heart. Somewhere in the lounge room, she heard Colton shuffling about, the harsh rake of the curtain rings sliding along the thick wooden rods, shading them from the view of the outside. He continued grumbling over the phone, the string of expletives showing no signs of easing as his heavy footsteps clunked past her, growing muffled in the weathered carpet as he retreated into the bedroom. Cabinet doors banged open, the clang and clatter of objects dispersing as he rifled through them before forcefully slamming them shut with an irritated grunt. The anxiety coursing through her triggered the baby, its tiny limbs poking and prodding her stomach as she strove to calm herself down.“You better have someone here soon, Sandy,” Colton spat in the background, the sound of ano
Rude Awakenings O N E H U N D R E D & F O U R T E E N
Stepping out onto the expansive back deck, Kate huddled into one of the wicker chairs, stretching out her legs to allow the tiny glimmer of sunlight to spatter across her sweats. Keeping the knitted blanket wrapped loosely around her shoulders, she clasped the hot cup between her palms, inhaling the sweet nuttiness of her almond cappuccino, lovingly brought back by Colton from his morning stroll into town. The fresh air, thick with the scent of pine needles and earthy rain, consumed her, allowing her to breathe deeply for the first time in weeks, if not months. Casting a gaze out at the dense woodlands before her, she smiled. Even though she’d denied him multiple times, Colton’s insistence on bringing her out to Rhys’ reclusive cabin had been the best idea he’d had in a long time. They’d been there only two days and already she was feeling like a whole new person. Her gaze flittered to the back door as it swung open, Colton’s broad shoulders unclothed, his shirt being used t
Rude Awakenings O N E H U N D R E D & T H I R T E E N
Three months laterPuffing out the influx of air she’d sucked in, Kate smoothed her white blouse over her stomach nervously, the silky material oddly comforting beneath her palm. The musky scent of the courthouse irritated her nostrils, old wood and leather mingled with thick clouds of cologne, emanating from the men dressed in stiff suits as they walked past her, their shoes click-clacking against the linoleum floor. Leaning back, she rested her back against the pastel yellow concrete wall, a chill radiating through her spine, as she tugged her phone from her purse. She smiled at the presence of Colton’s name on the screen and the black love heart nestled beside it.Good luck, baby. I’ll be there as soon as I can. This fucking dick is taking his sweet ass time.The memory of his crestfallen face flashed through her mind, the way his fingers had curled around the neck of his beer bottle as he jotted down the time and date for
Rude Awakenings O N E H U N D R E D & T W E L V E
“How the hell do you have boxes – plural – of stuff? Paloma left with two trash bags,” Colton huffed, sliding the final box from their car across the bedroom floor, watching with a wince as it skidded into Kate’s leg. “Sorry.”“Ow.” She dropped the shirt she was folding, rubbing her leg before frowning up at him. “She forgot a lot of things, and it was easier to pre-fold my clothes and put them into boxes, rather than chuck them into trash bags again.”Knowing it was best not to argue while her sweet features housed a scowl, Colton sunk onto the bed. “D’ya want help?”After spending the first twenty minutes tidying the chaos that was Colton’s clothes, his shirts and shorts scrunched and stuffed into the spaces her absence had left, the remainder of her task was relatively simple. “I’ve just got the rest of this box and the one you just brought in left,&
