After escaping from Geoff, I became very paranoid in everything. Whenever I see a new face in Marshville, I can't help but be scared thinking that that person is working with Geoff. I can't imagine a life without my daughter. I am willing to do anything just to make her safe.
"Why are you so quiet? Are you really scared of me? I don't know your husband, I swear!" His cheeks are now red, a signal that he is already drunk.
"What happened to you and your wife?" I asked. They said a drunk person is one of the most honest people in the world. Since he already knows everything about me, I guess it is just fair for me to know about him as well. He got his phone and typed something again like the last time I asked about him. He then gave me his phone with a picture of a pretty woman on the screen.
"She is my wife, ah no, ex-wife. Probably, our divorce papers are now approved. She is a very simple woman, you know. That's why I fell in love with her. She doesn't like the
I woke the next day in the bedroom assigned for me and Sarah. Whoever works here at night can sleep in this area comfortably. I looked for my phone immediately to look for the time. Luckily, my phone is on top of the bedside table. I don't really know how I managed to come here after last night. I remember drinking a lot, but I can't remember every detail of what happened. It's already half past 10 in the morning. I got up immediately and found Sarah in the reception area."Why didn't you wake me up? Sorry, I should have helped you clean the area. Were there a lot of empty cans and wrapper in here?" I asked Sarah."I didn't wake you up because I can guess that the man upstairs disturbed you the whole night like what he did to me the other night. And what empty cans are you talking about? I didn't see any cans in here.""Really? Did I put them away before sleeping? I should throw the trash!""I already did. Don't worry about it. The bin was almost empty. T
"I don't want a grand wedding. Simple one is okay, something private. I want Athena to be there, my mom, Annie, Danny and the people in Marshville since they are also like my family.""I want to give you a bigger wedding than the last one you've had.""We got a civil wedding, nothing grand, no wedding dress, no guest. I prefer that one, except with the no guest part.""He's rich. How could he have that kind of wedding?""He never loved me. He only married me so he could make that bitch jealous and also to have a baby.""Do you want me to crush them?""I just don't want to see any of them anymore and that they won't bother me and Athena again. I don't care what happens to them.""Will you really let them go that easily? After all that they did to you? Your husband and that woman, I bet they are still so happy now and the mother.""Regina also helped me, not that much but I don't have any grudge against her. She never wanted me t
"Hahahahahahahahaha!" The lobby was filled with his laughter. I removed my arms immediately from his neck and got up from my seat."Come here, sorry. I didn't mean to tease you. Sit down. I won't do it again." Colin saidI was still confused of what was happening. We were both serious talking about our plans a while ago when he initiated the first move. What is happening now? I look at him in total confusion."Sorry. Come here. Sit down." He grabbed me by the arm and sat me to the chair where I used to sit."I now know why your husband didn't take you seriously. You are too naive, too innocent."I was still staring at him blankly. I feel so humiliated."You trust others easily and you don't know how to say no when someone asks you something. Life isn't like that. You should always use your brain before doing something. People will take you lightly and they will take advantage of you because you just give in so easily." He explained. His expl
I snatched the phone from Danny's hand when I had the chance. She didn't protest nor say anything. She was just staring at me with a blank expression. She seems so surprised and confused at the same time.I went to the bathroom immediately and locked the door."Hello. Joan here. (pause) I expected it would happen. What does he want? (pause) I can't let him see my daughter. He might take her from me. I will die if that happens. (pause. I'm starting to hyperventilate so I tried walking back and forth in the small room to calm myself down.) What should we do then? (pause) Okay. Yes. (pause) I guess I have no choice but to wait. Please make sure he won't find us. (pause) Thank you. (pause) Yeah, see you soon." I was about to say something when the call ended. He didn't even ask me how I am.I had to stay in the bathroom for a while. I could see a shadow beneath the bathroom door so I'm sure Danny is trying listen to our conversation. I know she is very curious, and
As time passes by, I feel more and more tense. The white dress I am wearing is not close to a wedding dress, but it still makes me feel pretty. Something that I haven't felt before. I have been married once but it was never with such extravagant. What am I thinking? I'm not even sure whether it is a wedding I will be attending!I was ushered by the two women and Danny downstairs. Athena was waiting for me at the end of the stairs. She is wearing a pink dress with a basket in her hand."Baby! You look very beautiful. What is it that you're carrying?" I asked after giving her a soft kiss on her cheek."I'm a flowel gil today mommy," she said sounding very proud. "Daddy said I'm petty (pretty).""Who's daddy?" I asked. Hearing this word from her makes me feel so scared. The last person I hope she would meet is her father.The front yard looks very bright and elegant, totally opposite of how it looks like on a typical night. The place that used to be so calm and dark is now filled with lig
Hearing the news that my mom is here made me feel so excited. I was never close with my mom. In fact, I hated her when I was young until before I got married. I used to hate her for always leaving me at home alone and for growing up independently. I sometimes even think that growing up without a dad is one of the reasons why I fall in love with a guy easily. I have always longed to have a father who can guide and help me with my decisions, something I look for in a man. But those memories are now just memories. I am finally meeting her again.I ran as fast as I can towards the beach to see my mom as soon as possible. I can't remember a time when I missed her this much, maybe I never had that time in my life.I saw her playing sand with Athena. Beside them is a figure of a woman. She has a curly hair and looks pregnant. I tried to look closely who it is and was surprised to see that it is Annie. Far from them are John and Colin, talking.I ran towards my mom and
The next day, almost everyone gathered in front of Dorothy's apartment to send us off. The atmosphere was a mixture of sadness and happiness. Sadness that I, Danny and Athena have to say goodbye to the people we considered our family. Happiness because we can finally start a new life, a life without fear. I can also see some women smiling at us, I think they are also happy to know that we are finally safe, and we are finally free.These people started arriving since early morning. Some volunteered to help us pack our things while others gave us gifts and letters. Everyone promised not to cry today because we know we will be meeting again someday. Colin told us to leave most of our things behind since we will not be needing then anymore, but all the things we have now remind us of how we survived hiding from Geoff. It is filled with good memories and leaving them would seem like I am also ready to forget those behind so despite his suggestion, I still packed everything we have
I slept in Athena's room that night. She was so happy to see her barbie themed room. Her room size is similar to our former apartment, but if I have to choose between the two, I will definitely choose to stay in the smaller one. Nancy, I and Athena used to stay in one room and every night, Nancy and I would talk about anything before sleeping. Now, I don't even know where I should sleep.I am happy to see my daughter enjoying her first night in our new place. She has many toys and also her own wardrobe. It has many clothes in it. She has all kinds of dresses, shorts, blouses and sleepwear. She also has many pairs of shoes, things that I can't buy on my own. I wonder how he knew Athena's shoe size and how he prepared everything. He acts like her real father. I can see how Athena adores him and he also shows so much affection for her.After hours of playing with her new toys, Athena finally felt tired and fell asleep. I put her to bed and took a shower. I don’t kno