23. Destiny
23
DESTINY
T he tension in my shoulders slowly eases as the city completely fades in the rearview mirror. Miles of open road stretch ahead, promising a reprieve from the chaos.
Avery's soft snores from the backseat provide a soothing soundtrack to our impromptu road trip.
My phone buzzes, startling me from my thoughts. Mom's name flashes on the screen. I take a deep breath before answering.
"Hey, Mom."
"Destiny! What's going on? Are you okay?" Her voice crackles with concern.
"I'm fine, Mom. Just needed to get away for a bit." I grip the steering wheel tighter, willing my voice to stay steady.
"But where are you going? Is Avery with you?"
"Yes, Avery's here. We're heading to the cottage." I pause, choosing my words carefully. "Things got a little crazy with the press. I just need some space to think."
"Oh, honey." She sighs. "Is this about Adam? I saw something on the news..."
"Mom, please. I can't get into it right now." I glance at the GPS. "Look, I'm still driving. I'll call you when we get to the cottage, okay? I don’t want to be on the phone while I drive."
"Alright, sweetie. Just... be safe. We love you."
"Love you too, Mom. Talk soon."
I end the call, exhaling slowly.
After a few moments of silence, I reach for the radio, desperate for a distraction from the whirlwind in my mind.
The soft strains of an old jazz tune fill the car, and I find myself humming along. It's a welcome change from the chaos of the past few days.
My eyes flick to the rearview mirror, catching sight of a car some distance behind. It's been there for a while, but I shake off the paranoia. This isn't some spy movie; it's just another traveler on the road. Maybe another lost soul hoping to find peace outside of the craziness of the city.
I drive slower, taking in the natural beauty around me and I can't help but marvel at the transformation. It's hard to believe this tranquil scene exists just outside the concrete jungle of New York.
"Look, Avery," I coo softly, even though I know she's fast asleep. "This is what real trees look like, not those sad things in the paintings hanging in our place."
The lush greenery stretches as far as the eye can see, a welcome contrast to the glass and steel I'm used to. It's almost comical how quickly the scenery changes. One minute you're dodging taxis and the next you're surrounded by nature's masterpiece.
I roll down the window, letting the fresh air flood the car. The scent of pine and wildflowers replaces the familiar city smog, and I take a deep breath, feeling some of the tension leave my body.
Gosh, that feels so good.
"Maybe we should've done this sooner, huh, cupcake?" I glance at Avery in the rearview mirror, her tiny face peaceful in sleep. "Mommy's been a bit slow on the uptake."
The road curves ahead, revealing a breathtaking view of a lake nestled between the hills. I slow down, drinking in the sight. It's moments like these that make me question why I've stayed cooped up in the city for so long.
I can’t help but think that photos of this spot would make a stunning background for my laptop. The temptation to pull over and soak in the scenery tugs at me, but I resist. I want to reach the cottage before nightfall.
I glance at Avery in the rearview mirror, her tiny fist curled against her cheek.
"Just wait till you see the lake, baby girl," I murmur. "Mommy's gonna show you how to skip stones." I smile, knowing that it would be a waste of effort since she won’t remember anything, but the thought alone makes me happy.
A pang of nostalgia hits me as I remember Adam's terrible attempts at skipping rocks. His competitive streak always kicked in, determined to outdo me. He never could, though. Not with skipping rocks.
I push the memory aside, focusing on the road ahead.
"New memories," I remind myself. "That's what I need to focus on instead."
Remembering that I left my work unfinished, I reach for my phone, tapping out a quick message to my assistant.
"Taking a few days off. Handle anything urgent. Thanks."
I toss the phone on the passenger seat, determined to not touch it again while I’m on the road.
Guilt gnaws at me. I've already neglected work lately, and now I'm running away. But the image of those vulture-like paparazzi outside my apartment steels my resolve. This isn't just for me; it's for Avery too.
"Your first vacation," I say, smiling at her sleeping form. "Sorry it's not somewhere more exotic. We’ll go somewhere awesome when you’re older and can truly enjoy the experience, I promise."
The road winds through a dense and beautifully green forest, dappled sunlight playing across the windshield.
"We're gonna have so much fun, Avery," I promise. "Just you and me. No cameras, no drama. Maybe we'll even spot a deer or two. I’ll take lots of photos to show you one day. And to show your dad."
As I drive, I start making mental lists of things we'll need. Groceries, diapers, maybe some toys for Avery. The cottage should have most essentials, but it's been a while since anyone's been there.
"Note to self: check if the place has cobwebs," I mutter. "Wouldn't want any eight-legged surprises, would we, baby?"
The guilt about work nags at me again, but I push it away. Sometimes, being a good mom means knowing when to step back and put your family first.
And right now, that's exactly what Avery and I need.
My heart skips a beat when I notice in the rearview mirror that the car that used to be far behind now tailing me. It's been there for a while, but I brushed it off. Now, as it speeds up to match my pace, dread pools in my stomach.
A flash catches my eye. I turn to see a camera lens pointed right at me from the passenger window of the car beside me.
"Shit," I mutter, gripping the steering wheel tighter. Paparazzi. Have they been following us this whole time?
I force myself to take deep breaths, fighting the urge to speed up. The last thing I need is to get pulled over with these vultures circling. I check on Avery in the mirror. She's still sleeping peacefully, oblivious to the chaos around us.
The paparazzi car swerves closer, trying to get a better angle. My hands shake as I struggle to keep the car steady. In a moment of desperation, I grab my phone and hit Adam's number on speed dial.
Ring. Ring. Ring.
"Come on, Adam," I plead, glancing nervously between the road and the persistent car beside me. "Pick up, please."
The call goes to voicemail. I hang up without leaving a message, frustration and fear battling for dominance in my chest.
The other car shows no signs of letting up. I'm trapped on this stretch of roadd with nowhere to safely turn off. My mind races, trying to figure out how to lose them without putting Avery at risk.
I ease off the gas, hoping the paparazzi will take the hint and back off. No such luck. The car stays glued to my side, the passenger's camera flashing incessantly.
"Come on, give it a rest," I mutter through gritted teeth.
My knuckles turn white as I grip the steering wheel tighter. Avery's soft breathing from the backseat reminds me to stay calm. I can't risk swerving or making any sudden moves with her in the car.
The paparazzo leans out the window, his camera aimed directly at me. Rage bubbles up in my chest.
"Hey!" I shout, knowing he can't hear me. "Back off!"
I glance in the rearview mirror, relieved to see Avery still sleeping peacefully. The flashing camera catches my eye again, and I fight the urge to flip them off.
"This is ridiculous," I say to myself, scanning the road ahead for any possible escape routes.
The car inches closer, its mirror nearly touching mine. My heart races as I keep hold of the steering wheel, trying to maintain control. The road ahead curves sharply, and I know I need to slow down.
"Back off!" I shout, desperate for them to just leave me the hell alone.
By now, my heart pounds in my chest as I tap the brakes, hoping they'll take the hint. Instead, they accelerate, their bumper now dangerously close to my rear wheel.
I frantically glance in the rearview mirror, checking on Avery again. She's still asleep, blissfully unaware of the danger we're in. I have to keep her safe.
The curve approaches fast. Too fast. I try to slow down more, but the paparazzi car is right on my tail.
"Come on, come on," I mutter, willing the car to stay on the road.
Suddenly, I feel a jolt. The paparazzi car has tapped my bumper. It's slight, but at this speed, it's enough.
My tires screech as I lose control. The steering wheel jerks in my hands, and I'm fighting to keep us on the road. But it's no use.
We're veering off, the edge of the road approaching at an alarming speed.
"No, no, no!" I cry out, desperately trying to regain control.
But it's too late. We're going to go off the road.