Chapter 5
ALEXIS
We drove for hours, only stopping if absolutely necessary.
I was a turbulent, emotional mess, flipping from uncontrollable weeping to wallowing silence to angry threats. Nothing helped. Especially the talk with my parents.
I didn’t have to call because they’d had a visit from Owen. They were blowing up Alicia’s phone—probably after finding out I’d abandoned mine. They were worried, and rightfully so.
In all honesty, they were the most supportive parents a girl could ask for, but they were also big on communication, always wanting to talk things out. Which I most definitely did not want to do.
I demanded a no-contact rule with my soon-to-be ex-husband. Do not talk about those lying sacks of shit. Do not mention those lying sacks of shit. Do not even say their names in my presence, or you’ll find yourself promptly added to the blocked list in my life.
Some might have thought I was being immature or even selfish. I called it survival. There was no other way for me to push through, or I would truly crumble.
Why did those disloyal assholes deserve closure? All they wanted was to make themselves feel better. Well, I would never give them that. All they wanted was to take from me. Hadn’t they taken enough?
Sensing my unhinged state, my parents and sister relented and didn’t mention them again. They kept their promise, and in doing so, I kept my sanity—well, what was left of it.
We settled into Alicia’s apartment in the early hours in the morning, the city noise and blinding lights unfamiliar yet so welcome.
I got into bed next to my sister. Alicia fell asleep instantly after letting our parents know we’d arrived safely. I, however, was beyond wired, rest evading me due the barrage of negative thoughts.
Owen and Everly abandoned me.
Betrayed me.
Now they’ll live happily ever after, in the future I envisioned for myself.
Exhaustion soon took hold and shackled me to the depths of oblivion, where I wished I could stay.
I woke with a start, soft voices trailing down the corridor into Alicia’s room, in which I was alone. The blinds were closed, but that didn’t prevent the streaks of sun peeking through the sides.
After cleaning myself up in the bathroom, I followed the distinct smell of coffee.
My parents were huddled on the couch while my sister was in the kitchen. I stood in the archway, frozen, not wanting to break down again, not wanting to show weakness.
Hadn’t I cried enough?
They catalogued my appearance. One didn’t have to be a genius to take in my puffy eyes, reddened face and pale pallor.
Instead of saying anything, my dad opened his arms wide in invitation, and I launched to his side. My mum and dad held me between them as I let go. Let everything go.
Along the way, Mum and Alicia had joined the tearful party while Dad continued to console. When we had finally settled with a fresh cup of caffeine in hand, all that remained was rage. Undiluted, ugly rage.
“Divorce. That’s my answer. The only answer.”
Mum shifted. “But—”
“I don’t want anything to do with them. I hate them.” Mum and Alicia shared a glance, and I snapped. “What?”
Alicia bit into her bottom lip, considering. “Maybe you should talk to him? Get answers before you—”
“Before what, Alicia? The worst has already happened.”
“I’m just saying. Divorce is so final.”
I scoffed. “And a baby isn’t? Unless you are in fact insinuating that I should ignore that my husband knocked up another woman. My supposed friend , Everly. Is that what you’re saying, Alicia? Just want to be clear on where your loyalties lie, that’s all.”
Her face dropped at my accusing tone. I was harsh, but it was vital. I had already been betrayed by two people I trusted—and one of them had even promised sacred vows. He vowed to love and protect me forever. What a joke.
Alicia rolled her shoulders back. “I am loyal to you , Alexis. You are my sister, my blood. You don’t ever have to ask that of me. I just want to make sure you don’t have any regrets.”
“The only regrets I have are marrying that two-timing man whore and letting that homewrecking slut into my life. Once they’re gone, I will have no more regrets.”
Mum turned to push an errant hair behind my ear. “We will support whatever you decide, darling. If you’re sure.”
“I’m sure, Mama. He has chosen his path, and now I have chosen mine.”
I could sense they wanted to say more, but they respected my boundaries and my decision.
The rest of the day, we researched divorce lawyers and made enquiries. By the end, I was exhausted and emotionally drained.
I stood on the balcony of Alicia’s apartment as the sun descended, causing a burnt orange glow to stain the city skyline.
Dad stepped up beside me, his hands grasping the rail next to mine. That’s when I noticed his grazed knuckles.
“What happened?” I held my breath, knowing the truth would wound me, yet wanting it anyway.
“I punched him. Your mother only let me get one hit in, so I’m glad I made that one count.”
I nudged his shoulder with mine. A slight spark of amusement filtered away as soon as it came, leaving only worry behind.
“How’d he take it?” I whispered. I didn’t even know why I cared.
“He didn’t fight back. Owen was… broken before I even got to touch him.”
“ I’m broken too, Dad. ” My voice cracked.
Dad pulled me into his side, whispering into my hair, “You, my girl, are not broken. You are strong and intelligent and made for bigger and better things. Your so-called friend, Everly, may be having this baby, but she will never find love from the father. She will go on knowing Owen will always belong to another. And your soon-to-be ex-husband will regret this for the rest of his life. He already does.”