Chapter 4

Aria

I woke up while it was still dark. I had to act and I needed to do so fast. I patted my cheeks lightly as my face was still puffy. My eyes feel dry and the ache in my throat didn't allow me to swallow even saliva. My head was throbbing but none of that really mattered. Well it did because I don't like pain but I would deal with it later.

My mind was racing. I open the window and look down. From the height I could tell I was on the first floor. I tied two sheets together and tied one end to the bedpost. I tossed the other end outside. Using it I successfully climbed out the window. All those years of sneaking out finally paid off.

I looked around searching for any sight of a guard or the men that were at our place. I saw no figure. I mumbled a silent prayer and bolted away. My feet hurt as I was only in slippers but I carried on.

I took the alley and after a while I was on the road. There were no signs of cars. I couldn't hope for a bus on this way either as the people from this side only used personal cars. I spent an estimate of an hour waiting before a red car pulled over.

I made a mental note to learn about cars at some point.

The girl stopped and offered me a lift.

"Where to this early morning?" She asked, her eyes still on the road.

"Spent the night with my boyfriend. Now I have to get home before my alarm goes off and dad knows I'm not home." I laugh at that.

She gives me an amused look but doesn't say a word.

"Where do I drop you?" she asks, observing my face from the corner of her eyes.

My face contorts with worry. I know nothing about this street.

"The next stop?" I say not sure of myself.

She chuckles."I see you're new around here."

I nod.

"I'll drop by my place to pick up a few things and I'll take you to a place you're familiar with. Maybe even your place."She offers.

I thank her and turn my gaze out the window.

"Here we are." She says pulling over. "Monrovia street. Blue House Apartment."

The place was simple yet beautiful until we got inside her house.

Everything was white that it made my eyes hurt and my head feel dizzy.

"Welcome. I'll go get you something to drink and tell my boyfriend to make more breakfast." She disappears into the right where I assume the kitchen was located.

'lucky her, she has a boyfriend who makes her breakfast." I grumbled

The aroma of what was cooking made me realize I was hungry. I smelt eggs and hoped they were boiled and not scrambled.

I thought of checking the time only to realize I had left my phone behind. I curse silently but thank the heavens again figuring out I couldn't be tracked.

The lady comes back and offers me coffee.

"I'm Aria." I blurt out remembering that we had not introduced ourselves.

She laughs lightly and slaps my shoulder.

'odd' I thought.

"The table is set for breakfast." I thank her for the invite and follow her to the dining.

After getting seated and serving she calls out to someone from the kitchen.

"Coming babe." The masculine voice replies from the kitchen.

A figure approached us and I felt karma kicking me in the butt once again.

"Hello. I'm Alex." He greets without even stammering.

I choke on my coffee. He hands me the wipes. I apologize and take his hand squeezing it with all my might. He laughs lightly.

"Aria." I decided to play along the stranger game.

He smiles. My lips form a thin line but my eyes remain cold. Through breakfast I kept on glaring at him. He doesn't even glance at me.

The girl who refused to say her name excuses herself to go take a shower.

"You couldn't be a man and face me for the break up. You acted like a teenager. A very stupid one." I ranted. I was still mad.

"I can explain." He said.

"I'm waiting." I lean back and cross my arms.

His lips part. He opens his mouth and closes them again.

I nod."Nothing to say I see."

"No…it's…" he sighs."I'm sorry."

I didn't need an apology. I wanted an explanation.

"Who is she?" I ask, referring to the girl who refused to say her name.

"Liz." He answers.

"Liz?" I question.

"Yeah. The one who attended the same college as you before moving to Korea." He explained.

That one got me.

Lizz and I were study mates. Till one day she accused me of stealing her money. I broke her nose and got fined. After that I never heard from her again.

She must have gotten plastic surgery. She was never that pretty.

"Oh come on!" I exclaim, pushing my chair back."That Lizz?" I laugh, not really happy. My emotions just skipped the happy part and went to the laughing like a psycho part.

"It's…" He also stands.

"Oh please…" I roll my eyes.

"She's pregnant." He says almost silently.

My crossed arms dropped to my side. I felt different emotions at a go and I failed to know which one to express first.

"How long?" I ask, referring to how long he had kept the relationship hidden.

"Since she came back. Three months." He bows his head. "I'm sorry."

"Don't!..." I held my palm to him." Don't apologize Alex." I cross my left arm over the right one, rubbing it gently.

I just felt sick.

"Can I get a last kiss?" He asks shamelessly.

I gasp and heave loudly.

"No Alex you cannot get a last kiss. You broke my heart." I swallow. "You…" The doorbell rings and I turn to it.

"I'll get it." I offered needing a break from him.

I open the door and the sight before it makes my heart drop. My stomach churns and forms painful knots.

"Hello wife." He greets his voice cold. "You shouldn't have run away." His voice comes out threatening and I step back.

"Time to go home." He steps forward and grabs my wrist.