"I can't do this anymore."
The words are piercing, loud amongst the quiet and watching walls of their bedroom. And Randy pauses by the door. She isn't sure where it came from, or why it was bubbling up inside her now.
But as the frustrations fell from her lips like boiling water, she couldn't stop.
"I'm sick of you treating me like this, Randy!"
Not even as Randy peered at her from over his shoulders, his usually chocolate ambers clouded with anger. He cocked his brow at her, and when he turned to face her, the nonchalance on his face only fueled her anger.
"Treating you like what? Like my future wife? Sorry I'm not home as much as you'd like and I'm busy trying to build a future for us."
The scathing reply made her falter, for only a moment, before she shook her head.
No, not this time.
She would say her piece.
"No. That'
The bags under her eyes left her feeling ragged. Bringing her fingertips up to her face, she rested them there, against the darkened flesh. Patting away a dollop of concealer as she hid her sleepless night away from the prying eyes of her office.Every time she went to close her eyes, she saw Randy. She couldn't stop remembering the look on his face when he pushed her away, the anger on his face as recoiled away into the vase.That desperate to get away from her.Where had the love in his eyes gone? When had they stopped being so gentle?The hollow feeling in her chest was consuming. And as she checked for phone for the hundredth time, she could only stare in silence.He hadn't returned any of her texts or calls in the last 24 hours. Randy had never even texted her to assure her that he had arrived safely to...wherever he went. She was sure he thought she was ungrateful and couldn't
Kailtyn all but gawked at the restaurant ahead, her eyes darting around as she tried to hide her face from view behind Jackson's towering shoulder. She felt self-conscious as they weaved through the crowd, the click of her heels loud amongst the sidewalk. She was overly in tune with the glances spared at them. As if they knew the person leading her by the hand wasn't her fiancé. She knew it was ridiculous, and she had already told Jackson twice that she wouldn't run away if he let go of her hand. She had even pointed out that she hadn't tried to jump out of his car on the drive over to try and sway him. But to no avail. His grip had stayed firm. The proximity made her blush as she swallowed down her trepidation with a slow blink, the slope of his arm so close, she could almost brush her lashes against it. It made her nervous. It also felt ...
The thrum of alcohol scorched her throat, the liquid a smooth burn that her taste buds couldn't decide if they liked or not.But as the crystal clear liquid was slid at her in the form of another shot glass, Kaitlyn noted that the room was a bit warmer than she recalled. The glossy hue on her cheeks reflected back at her from the adjacent mirror on the wall.She felt giddy. Nerves alive as her leg bounced happily against the booth she resided in."We should do this more often." She giggled out, her hands reaching out to steal a scoop of goopey cheese off his plate.Jackson snickered, his own lime green shot glass being pressed against his lips as he gave her a smirk. "See, I told you that you should live a little."The crunch of the chip all but made her moan as the cheese, for some reason, tasted way better than earlier. It was if everything was just a little more satisfying. And as her g
"Jackson! Is this where you ran off to hide?"Kaitlyn watched, perplexed, as the girl with bouncy chocolate locks all but skipped over to Jackson. The brunette’s small hands falling on his shoulders as she wrapped around him in a hug. The atmosphere was intimate, a closeness that Kaitlyn couldn't quite place.Taking a small sip of water, Kaitlyn ignored the weirdest hint of irritation she felt at the close contact between them.Her lashes narrowing as she noted that Jackson sure was chummy with women.It was a weird feeling, one she hadn't been expecting.Frowning, she set down her water bottle with a small thud.“Jeez, it’s been way too long. I’ve missed my other half.”Kaitlyn didn't have time to reflect on her words, surprised when those wide eyes went her way instead. The blonde from earlier followed her, his smile significantly more tense than the woman’s. But maybe it was just her im
She wasn’t sure how much time had passed. Between the conversations, the drinks, and the dancing; All Kaitlyn knew was that she felt more alive than she had in years. The dynamic of Jackson with his friends, so special and intriguing, that Kaitlyn felt like she had just opened a secret treasure, only for her eyes to see. The way he talked to them, so open and gentle. It reminded her of how it had been when Joshua still hung around her and Randy. The open teasing, the love that just was always there… She didn’t know Jackson could have something so… similar, if not better. Hannah and Spencer, those two seemed like they’d die for him. Joshua, her and Randy had been the same, the three of them inseparable. Well, until Randy became obsessed with his work… Joshua had all but vanished too. Pink lips pulled between her teeth, and Kaitlyn’s red hair became entangled around her fingers. She wondered if maybe she could befriend Jackson’s friends too. She
Chapter 12: The Aftermath She knew they needed to talk about it. And as her leg bounced with nerves, she found herself unable to leave her room. Anxious and full of trepidation as she stared ahead of her at her innocent bedroom door. It was the bedroom door she had shared with Randy for so long, that the events from last night almost made her sick to her stomach. Jackson's breath on her ear, the way he had tangled his fingers in her locks. It was like a tender secret. And it broke her heart. "How could I have let anyone... get so close to me." Kaitlyn's face fell into her hands as she sank onto her bed. Hating how her skin felt hot to the touch on her palms. While she hadn't technically done anything, it was close enough to make her feel like she betrayed Randy. The thought of him even holding another woman the way she let Jackson
There was an awkward silence that permeated about the house. The walls listening, the carpets unmoving as Kaitlyn sat herself gently on the couch. The tension was enough to give her goosebumps, and as she watched Randy lean against the wall across from her--she felt all the more anxious. "All right, Randy. I'm listening. What did you want to talk about?" The house was silent at Jackson's departure. Randy had insisted that Jackson leave the house for a few hours while they discussed whatever was so important. The worry that had fallen away at his smile was back tenfold. Multitudes of scenarios rushing at her mind as she tried to pinpoint Randy's intentions. Would Randy want to call off their engagement? She had always secretly hoped that day would never come, but right now, she wasn't so sure it hadn't. She'd loved him since she was a young child, chasing after his vibrant and loving personality i
Stifling. Annoying. Painful. Those were all words that haunted the house around them. And Jackson could only watch, lashes narrowed as the couple crumbled in front of him. This wasn't what he signed up for. "Hey, I'm home." Kaitlyn greeted as she walked in through the door. Her classic heels stepping in at 6 on the dot--like she always did on the days she worked. But today, it just annoyed him. Jackson turned away, not bothering to greet her verbally. Instead, he merely lifted a hand and waved at her, waiting for her to walk on by like she did every other day this week. That night at the club, it felt like a bad joke. At least, it had ever since Randy came home. The status quo back in effect as sadness washed over the house like an obnxious rain cloud. Kaitlyn resembled a broken doll these
Epligue ( 77 ): It was everything she had ever wanted. Kaitlyn had never known she could be so happy. Kaitlyn breathed in. Her world coming together as she held her chin high.She was dressed to the nines, gliding in time with the music as her mermaid style dress flowed around her. It was white with pink lace, and she still wore the red heart necklace over the open V-Shaped bodice. She felt like a real princess then, the audience gaping at her as her curled red hair spilled from her pink diamond rose clip. Her arm was laced with Joshua, who was prepared to walk her down to the alter. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I'm sure you wish your father or uncle could've been the one to.." He started, but Kailtyn smiled. Cutting him off. "No, this is perfect. You're exactly who I wanted to be here." Joshua quieted down then. And then, to both of their nerves, the music started. Josh began walking beside her as he tried to hide the flustered crinkle to his eye
Chapter 76:When she finally sat down at home, it was like everything had suddenly caught up to her, snagging her down by her ankles.Tears had fell from her eyes, and she had held onto Jackson, desperately. The harsh images she had seen, the violate relationship brought back unwanted memories.She wondered, if that broken scene she'd witness between Randy and Natalie, had been how Jackson had viewed her and Randy? Was it as heartbreaking to watch?She hadn't asked that though, no matter how much she wanted to. Because as he cuddled her close, and she wrapped herself up in the scent she had come to love, she knew it just didn't matter anymore.And this time? She truly felt that way. It was like the sound of a chapter closing, and all the new pages were just of Jackson. And she couldn't help but be grateful for that.Randy was gone.Natalie was gone.So, too, would Josh. She had no
Chapter 75: "She wasn't happy that I left." "When is she ever happy with you?"Natalie countered with a sigh. They were sitting together in her apartment, her body snuggled close to him. He froze at her words, as if they struck him like a brisk slap. Those delicate fingers twirled around in her hair. "You could give your life for her and she'd still find something to nag you about. It's kind of sad..." Her whispered words were so sweet despite their message. "S-She didn't nag me," Randy defended, trying to understand why Natalie would say something so cruel about his fiance. Randy knew Kaitlyn wasn't like that. She was the most patient woman he knew. She was always putting up with his absences and long work hours without complaint. Her smile always on her face whenever he came through the door. Well... except lately. It felt like every time he came home, there was a fight.
Chapter 74:Lies and truths had melded into one, and he didn't know how to make his way out.He could see the three of them standing there, but it felt blurred and surreal. Like his grip on reality was slipping.Randy had never felt like such a failure before as he stood in nothing but his boxers and t-shirt. It was one Kaitlyn had bought him years ago.He felt dirty and filthy, as he sat beneath their stares. They all knew what he had done.It wasn't supposed to be like this.Natalie was supposed to make him feel better. She was supposed to love him.But right now, he felt so fucking cold.Josh's angry words splattered all over his ears, but he couldn't make sense of any of them. He couldn't make sense of why everyone was so angry, couldn't make sense of why he had gone back to the same woman he swore to never contact again.He glanced at her now, and her blue
Chapter 73:He had seen her cry, so many times.Yet somehow, as she stood in the center of the decaying lawn, looking lonely and tired, watching her eyes swell seemed even more painful. Her red curls were hanging over her shoulders in wild abandon, her lips set in a furious scowl that didn't suit her gentle features.At least, Jackson didn't think they suited her. But then again, Kaitlyn was like his own special brand of sunshine, and she was always smiling with him.So to see her eyes look so cold, it unnerved him. But that coldness faded away when her blue eyes met his.And then, she looked so vulnerable. Standing there with her dirty jeans and cardigan that hung off her shoulder. Her bottom lip had started trembling when she spotted him."Jackson..." She said his name again, and he wasted no time. He hopped the fence, not giving a fuck whose property it was. He crossed the space in no time to pull her i
Chapter 72: Branches scraped her knees, reaching out for her ankles like a warning to stay away. Yet, Kaitlyn didn't listen.She kept walking in the trees that were so large that they blocked out the sun above, her hands coming up to rub her arms. It was eerie, being alone in the woods. But she swallowed up her nerves and pressed forward. Randy's lies were twisting her insides, and she fought hard to hold onto anything that proved her suspicions wrong. She realized that once again that she wanted to believe the best in him. Yet for some reason, those hopes never went far. That hope was dwindling again, when she finally came across an old, worn down house. Kaitlyn faltered as she eyed the odd looking home, feeling out of place as she stepped past the fence. The lawn was torn up, and the abandoned atmosphere made her think twice about entering. Her mind conjured up the worst possibilities. Was Randy in danger? Was th
Chapter 71:Leaving the house had been harder than she thought. She was nervous the whole way, her fingers clenching and unclenching on her keys as she traversed through town. It was hard to enjoy her walk when she couldn't shake the feeling someone was watching her.Maybe, she was paranoid. But with everything happening, it was hard to tell. She knew she should tell someone, but it felt childish. Like a prank or maybe she was trying to downplay it because she didn't want to believe it was happening.She had finally caved and called Randy, and he had sounded skittish the entire time he was on the phone. It had done nothing to calm her nerves. She had sweetly asked him if he had happened to send her something in the mail, and he asked no why, sounding horribly confused. That had been answer enough.It wasn't him.She frowned. She should've known better, each envelope had no return address. It was clear they were being manuall
Chapter 70:The drawings had unnerved her for days, her moods fluctuating as she gathered her apartment together.It was hard to keep them a secret by this point, Josh and Jackson both noting her odd behavior as she drew into herself the last few weeks.It made starting over hard, as she tried to keep on a brave face in Jackson's presence. A part of her wanted to tell him about the weird drawings that kept winding up on her doorstep and mailbox, but given their recent reconciliation, she didn't want to do anything to hurt their relationship. She had a feeling the drawings had something to do with Randy, as he was featured in most of them.But she knew he wasn't capable of drawing at all. She also couldn't see him doing something like this--no matter how manupliative he could be, it didn't seem like him.So who?She didn't really know, but she was growing increasingly worried. Every picture was a moment she
Chapter 69: Jackson's warmth enveloped her. The feel of his arms causing her to freeze in place. He was so warm, and it was a jolt inside her veins. Slowly, her fingers came up to clutch at his clothes. Sandalwood. Home. The smell invaded her senses, and without even thinking, she burrowed her face into his neck. The little strands of his hair tickling her eyelids as she breathed in the scent of his shampoo. Jackson was finally home. She didn't dare say a word, afraid that she'd start crying again if she did. Or that he'd move away. But it seemed her fears were for nothing. Because his arms were pulling her closer, tugging at her body like he was afraid she'd disappear. She blinked once, realizing then that she could feel his heartbeat along the side of his neck. His heart was racing. The knowledge made her face grow warm, her chest tight. "Don't cry because I'm fucking stu