Legally Bound

Jessica sat in her bed room, staring at her suitcase which was packed only half way. Italy was going to be her escape, the fresh start she needed, far away from every chaos that came with her life in Los Angeles. But the battle for divorce, Ethan’s cheating, and the secret that was growing within her made things feel even more heavier for her.

She placed her right on her belly, feeling the slightest flutter under her fingers. A bittersweet smile formed on her face as this happened. In a few months, she was going to be the mother of a child and the child would automatically become a part of Ethan’s life forever even though it would know him.

“Jess, are you ready? Your father and the Thomas are waiting in the car.” Janet called out to her from the hallway.

“Yeah, I’ll be there with in a few minutes.” Jessica replied, taking in a deep breath before pushing all those disturbing thoughts aside.

They were headed to one last meeting with the lawyers to finalize everything about the divorce arrangements. She wasn’t really expecting to see Ethan there as he had been meetings like these, probably because he was home pampering Olivia, his new bride. The thought made her heart ache in her chest, but she waved if off win a few seconds. She remembered that she was breaking free from him.

“You doing alright, kiddo?” Joseph asked from the front seat where he sat with the driver, glancing into the rearview mirror to catch a glimpse of his daughter’s face.

“Yes, daddy. I’m as okay as I can be.” Jessica answered, forcing a smile out.

“You’ve always been a strong child, just know that we have got your back no matter what.” He said, stretching his right hand backwards for her to touch him.

“I know that’s why I can’t wait for this to be over.” Jessica said, grateful for her parent’s support whenever she called for them.

When they arrived at the location of the law firm, the cars that had moved with them all parked. Jessica suddenly began to feel a slight pain in her stomach as she arrived. She followed her parents into the office that they had been led into by the office staff. Lois, her lawyer, was already seated and waiting with documents for their arrival.

“We are set for you, Jessica. Ethan won’t be coming in today but his legal will represent him and are ready to proceed.” Lois greeted, welcoming them in with a warm smile before directing them to their sits.

The began and was straightforward. Conversations about property division, settlements that needed to be made financially, and a clean break were all had in the room. Jessica joined in whenever she was called out for something, other times she was thinking about her life with her baby. She thought about how she would better individual and turn her life around with Ethan in it.

“Jessica, we would be needing here on this document. This would finalize the divorce completely and once Ethan signs, you can both go your separate.” Lois spoke, drawing Jessica’s mind back to the room and the paper she was placing in front of her.

Jessica stared thoroughly at the pen and paper in front of her. All they need was her signature and she finally pour in the last piece of sand needed to completely bury the coffin that held her childhood dreams of living happily ever after with Ethan. She picked up the black inked pen, her hand shaking as he signed her name on the paper.

“Congratulations, Jessica. You’re free now.” Lois jubilated.

Jessica let out a fake smile. She was free but it didn’t feel like that at all but she left the office teeling herself that eventually, it would.

After the long tiring meeting, her parents decided that it was only right that they went out celebrate the end of their daughter’s loveless marriage. They choose to sit at a quiet café, trying to make the mood less tense for their daughter.

“You’ve got a new life waiting out there for you. You are free to do whatever it is you want to do.” Her mother said, assuring Jessica as she touched her hand.

“Yes, mum. My journey to Italy would be just the thing I need.” Jessica nodded in agreement.

“Alright, you’re already packed so we should be expecting a date for your departure soon.” Joseph said with a big smile on his face, proud to see that his little girl was ready to spread her wings and fly.

Jessica hadn’t chosen a date yet but she was already packing. She wasn’t going to tell Ethan about his child because as she was concerned, he was going to be a good father to their child. He was already too busy with Olivia and she was also going to bring in a child for him into the world. This thought made her blood her boil hot within her system but she maintained her composure in front of her parents.

Their lunch break was nearly over when her Samsung device buzzed on the table. It was her lawyer, Lois.

“Hey Jessica, we might have a problem. I just finished a call with Ethan’s legal team and it seems he is unwilling to sign.” Lois announced to Jessica.

“He says that he has been trying you to get you to talk to him but you won’t even pick up his calls or answer his messages. This seems personal and not legal so you are not in any way obligated to see him.” She added, surprising Jessica as she spoke.

Jessica clenched her fists together, listening to her lawyer talking. What would Ethan possibly need from her at a time like this? The documents were evidence that they were done but now he was demanding a meeting for no reason.

“I’ll think about it, Lois. Thanks for calling me.” Jessica murmured into her phone before putting it down.

“What’s going on now?” her father wondered.

“It’s Ethan. He has been trying to meet with me and now he doesn’t want to sign the document unless I agree to meet him.” Jessica answered, confused at why this was beginning to frustrate her.

“What a wimp. You don’t have to see him, you’ve done your part.” Joseph said, his face tightening as he spoke.

“I know but I’ll just hear what he has to say. It’s better I do it now so I don’t delay my journey.” Jessica responded, biting her lower lip.

“Fine. Just be careful when you do.” her mother said, motioning they begin to go home.

Jessica complied as she got up from the sit to where their cars had been parked but her mind was still in turmoil. What could he possibly want after everything he had put her through?