CHAPTER 4

Scarlett.

Others had a way of flushing out their pain, either by crying or feeling so locked up in their emotions, but for me, it was different. I would work my ass out.

I added more soap flakes to the clothes, twisting a control key of the washing machine. I had just finished cleaning the rooms, cooking and doing the dishes.

“Get a job, it'll distract you from all these shit. “ Ma headed to the sink, turning on the tap to rinse the ketchup on her hands.

“I'm not taking any job, mom.” Maybe after a week or two - for a reason I'm yet to ascertain, myself.

“You need to take him off your head. He isn't worth a space.” We both knew he had. Still figuring out if he didn't have the largest space. She damped her hands on her apron, drying up the wetness, yet again picking another item.

“You saying it reminds me even more.” Now I couldn't stop thinking of him. The thought intensified. The way he used to kiss me, the way he made love to me, infact the…”I'll never leave you.” promises he made.

“Oh , Scarlett…” Ma said. I tried to hold the tears, with my Adam's apple moving up and down. I looked up to her. Her eyes filled with sympathy for her daughter with a cursed fate. Her pale face peeked out pink hue from her cheek to the top of her nose.

“I've always known you to be a strong woman, don't fall my hand now.” Her thumb rubbed my pale face, wiping away the agonized tears.

Ma with her pep talks . She never failed at it. But how long could she keep up with my home when her's was equally on blaze . At least it was better than mine - they still lived together. She wedded a good for nothing drunkard who stole her cash to get himself intoxicated in cheap alcohol.

Thank goodness he was my step father.

“I've heard you. I'll try not to - only when you stop reminding me .” Silence broke as her frown transitioned into a giggle.

“Be strong for mama. “ Of course I will. “Let me get my lazy self busy.” she said, perhaps she felt the need to do something as she went to pick a jar from the cupboard.

It's day three since I left that godforsaken matrimonial home . I could imagine how much sex they'd make to each other on a daily basis. How creepy.

Ma went back to the sitting room, leaving me to continue my laundry…My head wallpwed inot what reasonable reason that propelled him to cheat on me. Was I less beautiful? Judging from the lady he brought, (without any harm of demeaning her in as much as she's a slut after my husband) I could bet a hundred dollars I was more beautiful than she was.

In every manner. Facial beauty, character wise…but he chose her. Not like she had bigger butt.

What men really want was a mystery to me. I should have gone with the guys that troubled mentor give them my heart in the first place. But foolish me went after him…now I'm paying for it.

I wouldn't say I regretted my actions, but I did. To the fullest.

“Where's your daughter?”. A voice said from within.

“Get the fuck out of here.You think you can just break her heart and come in here whenever you choose?”

I dried up my hand in a haste to find out what was happening as my pinky toe hit the edge of the door.

Ouch

I bore the pain and got to the scene.

“Just who I've been waiting for.” Aaron said, with a smile I hadn't seen give. It wasn't one I could recognize. It was giving manipulative.

Perhaps he read my letter. Was he coming to apologize and take me back? My heart swayed to how I would hug my chest out of him…how I'd make to him, yeah…

Did he read my letter? My eyes beamed with joy.

He seeped towards me. “I think you forgot something.” He raised an envelope and slapped it against my face. My eyes twitched,in shock …or better still…disappointment.

“Sign the fucking divorce papers. “ He said to my ears in a whisper .

“Aaron…” I called. I grew tired of begging. What was it with him? I knew I was obsessed, but no one ever told me obsession cost this much.

“Yes, love?”

“It's obvious you've made up your mind, isn't it?”

He let out a victorious grin. “Thank God, you finally get it. Thank God!”

I paused, trying to process and allow his words flow freely through my veins. It was clear his mind was made. Tears welled up in my eyes.

Fine, I'll do this then.

I held my gaze at him, picked up the papers, opened it, with my gaze stilled fixed on him. I sensed amazement in his eyes. The disbelief I was over my obsession with him .

I drew out a pen from his breast pocket. I had somehow managed to notice it. I signed the fucking divorce papers.

“You're happy?” I didn't know how what had come over me. The man I loved; the one I was literally obsessed with was finally walking away from my life just because of a single signature.

But I didn't regret it. Not when he didn't reciprocate the love/likeness I had for him.

It was finally over. This.

I grabbed him by the collar.”Now get the fuck out of my house.” I released him off my grip. God saved his newly shaved face from my spit.

“Yeah, I will,” he said in a devilish smile. “But ensure to take your mother to the hospital. She's sick in the head.”

Ma stood there in disbelief, watching her “favourite” son-in-law (ex) insult her.

“Hey, how dare - “ “Mum…” I gave her a gaze to let go. I could feel how suffocated she was suppressing the anger.

Aaron's eyes ran through the house as he left with a poisonous giggle.

Motherfucker didn't even shut the door. I swore, he’d come back to me; begging. That was one thing I swore and whenever I did, it never failed. I kicked at the door as it went shut.

“Oh, mom, I'm so sorry…”

“No…no. I should be saying that to you. You made the right choice by letting go of that asshole. I never knew he was that type.” Yeah…I did, but it hurt. The kind of hurt that hurts good.

“I'm okay.” She could see the hidden tears in my weak eyes. I slipped into her cold embrace, being vulnerable; something I hadn't done I quite a while.

A terrific bang interrupted, detaching my skin from her's.

“May God help me if it's that son of a bitch, I'll -” her speech hung as she opened the door.

What happened?

I moved closer to see a man. His face rang a bell. Wasn't he the landlord?

“Helo-sir?” Ma’s voice broke. “I know you know why I'm here.” Brutality echoed in his voice.

Yes, his name…I remembered.

“With all due respect sir, you have no reason whatsoever to barge into my house. The last time I checked, I wasn't owing you.”

“Then I suggest you recheck.”

My gaze slowly shifted to Ma. What was he talking about?

“Pay me my money, woman. Or else, you'll hear from the cops themselves.” He said.

I knew what was happening as ma's silence left a hint. My voice stuttered now.

“Uh…I'm sorry. I'll pay, just give me some time.”

“I've heard enough of that. You have only a week to raise funds or else, prepare to be homeless.” He dashed out.

Troubles upon troubles.

“What the hell, mom? “ My weired face queried.

“I know I should have told you earlier.” I remembered giving her the money to pay for it. Where had it gone then?

“Your step father…” he had better not.

Oh, no. Don't tell me he used it for his… shit (alcohol) .

“He took it.”

Wow, I wasn't surprised. ”Don't get mad the day I call the cops on that man for theft.”

“I know you wouldn't do that…” if he pushes me to. Which he was already doing.

I sat my ass on the couch, swallowing my face into my palms.

Why now? When my heart was broken? Perhaps the universe was against me the whole time.

“It's fine.” I rubbed my palm against my forehead.

Now I had to consider the shit she had been pestering me about - finding a job.