Chapter THREE
1353 Words
Tamara, are you inside?
The voice echoed from my room
“Come in,” I shouted sharply, staring at the door
The door creaked open.
“Hi, Mom. Good morning,” I said gesturing my hand on the bed for her
She walked in and sat beside me on the bed,
“I haven’t seen you since Friday.” She smiled moving closer to me
“Mommy…” I whispered, and before she could say anything else, she pulled me into a tight hug, squeezing me tightly and patting my hair gently
In that moment, I just wanted to be her baby again.
I wrapped her arms around her even tighter returning her hug
“Are you okay, Tamara?” She raised my face staring into my eyes
“No, ma.”
The words cracked something open inside me. I loosened my grip and slowly held up my hand with my bare ring finger.
Her jaw dropped.
“What happened?”
Tears gathered instantly, but I forced myself to speak.
“Ma… he cheated on me.”
My voice broke. “It was all a lie. Everything. He deceived me… so I ended the engagement.”
Her eyes widened. She pulled me closer, her arm stretching across my shoulders.
“It’ll be fine, Tamara. I know it hurts, but it will get better. You’ll meet someone better, someone who adores you, luckily you found out before marrying him.
Her voice was the comfort I desperately needed. Tapping me gently on my shoulder and rubbing my head
“Thank you, Mom. You make everything better,” I sobbed.
“What else am I here for if it isn’t to guide my kids?” she whispered, brushing my hair.
“I love you.”
I pulled back slightly, staring deep into her eyes “Mom… I want to move to a new city. New York.”
“What?” She snapped. “Where is that coming from?”
“Stop being paranoid!!”
“I’m not being paranoid!” I cut in. “You’ve been under my care all your life. Why now? Why suddenly?”
“Ma…” I exhaled slowly. “I can’t function here anymore. I’ve lived in this city all my life. I want to change new environment, new opportunities… a better life.”
Her face paled instantly.
“I don’t like this,” she said shaking her head vehemently
“Ma, I’m twenty-three. I want to be independent for once. Living alone in a new city will give me that.”
Her expression didn’t soften.
“I’ll talk to your dad. But for now, my answer is no.”
She stood and banged the door behind her.
I swallowed hard.
At least I said it out loud.
Whether or not I’d regret it, at least I made an effort to get over everything even if this would cost me a lot
I grabbed my phone, randomly checking for apartments on lease in New York.
Everything was too expensive.
But I found a small place in Brooklyn.
pretty much okay for a start
I didn’t have enough money, I just had barely enough to survive.
“I need a job as soon as I get there,” I whispered.
“Stacyyyy!” I called out, walking down the hallway.
“Have you missed me?” I teased.
“You wish,” she rolled her eyes.
That was us love and annoyance in equal measure, but inseparable.
“You okay?” she asked. “I heard Mom banging the door.”
I sighed. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier. I’m leaving Georgia for New York.”
“What? Why?”
Her voice rose. “Did something happen? Why so sudden?”
“No, no… I just need a change. After everything.”
“So how will I see you?” she cried, moving closer, gripping my hands.
“Let’s get through this together as a family. No need to move away. Please.”
Her voice broke me… almost made me change my mind.
“Stacy… I’m twenty-three. I’ve never left Georgia. I want to explore. I think New York is calling my name.”
Her eyes turned red.
“If you insist…”
“I’d miss you so much, sissy.”
She said embracing me
“I’m not getting kidnapped “Okay, now release me, I teased
We have a lot to do than dwell on this
“We’re baking tomorrow, remember? Let’s go shopping for it.”
Christmas Eve was my favorite. Everything about it filled me with joy. I couldn't explain the warmth my heart needed.
“I hope I always get to be with my family for Christmas,” I murmured, watching the lights outside as Stacy snapped photos like the Gen Z she proudly was.
We reached the grocery store. I picked out turkey, potatoes, and veggies then went to our favorite aisle.
Baking supplies.
A tradition.
Cookies. Cupcakes. The holiday essentials.
We filled our basket, checked out, and caught a taxi home.
As soon as we got in, Dad asked to have a personal conversation with me
I followed after him and Stacy continued unpacking.
“Your mom told me everything,” he said gently. “You’re an adult now. I’ll respect your decision… but are you sure you want this?”
“Yes, sir.”
He silently handed me an envelope. Cash.
My heart clenched knowing the family’s financial stress but he still wanted me safe.
Thank you so much Dad, I said giving him the biggest hug, I left the room excited that at least my parents have accepted
I guess it’s time to pack I murmured to myself
Ohh s**t Stacy!! I need to get back to the kitchen
The banging at the door intensified
“I’ll get it,” I said, wiping my hands on a towel.
I’m coming
I opened it…
And froze.
It was Cole!
Why are you here?
My face changed, my heart tightened
I slammed the door, but he kept knocking relentlessly. My sister, Stacy seemed to notice and came rushing over.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, her eyes wide
“It’s Cole,” I snorted. “I don’t want to see him.”
She tapped my shoulder gently.
“At least let’s hear what he has to say before judging him.”
I hesitated but finally opened the door. There he was, on his knees, tears streaming down his face.
“I’m sorry, Stacy. I love you, I really do” he said, his voice shaking. “We’ve come such a long way to turn back. Honestly… we shouldn’t do this to ourselves. Please.”
I took a step back, staring in pity. Every word he spoke made my heart skip
I quickly ran off to my room, burying my face in my pillow. I couldn’t handle seeing him, a part of me wanted to forgive and take him into my arms , that’s how vulnerable I was.
“Not now, Cole,” I whispered, amidst my tears.
Stacy ran after me, holding me from behind in a warm embrace. Her arms felt like a shield around me, and I clung to her fingers tightly
“I don’t know what to do, Stacy. Should I forgive him? Should I stay or leave? I’m so confused,” I admitted, my tears soaking her shirt.
“I can’t handle this anymore,” I added, voice trembling. “He hurt me. I can’t forgive him. This… this could all be a pretense too.”
My phone buzzed. I checked it and saw my email confirmation for my flight
The choice glared over me to stay and face Cole, the man who had betrayed me, or leave everything behind for a fresh start in a new city and life.
Stacy stroked my hair softly. “Listen to your instincts. They’ve never failed you. If they tell you to go… You go. If they tell you to stay… You stay. But whatever you choose, I’m here for you.”
Now I’m here torn between choosing love and a better life
- Writer
