The Swiss Escape

Civil Split

I had not spoken to Alex since our break-up a week ago. He has tried to call and text me a few times, but I just ignore them. In the beginning, he still wanted to give me a ride to and from school, but I always refused.

The students are playing at different stations in the class since it’s a rainy day. I haven’t told anyone about the break-up. I am sure people will figure it out since we are no longer arriving together. Mrs. Kol and I observe the students, making sure no one fights over a toy or hurts themselves.

“What happened with you and Alex?” Mrs. Kol looks at me, curiously.

“What do you mean?” I respond, not wanting to talk about it.

She rolls her eyes, “Well, you were both showing up and leaving at the same time, and now you’re not. Alex has not been in the best of moods. What happen?”

I let out a sigh. “I walked in on Lana, touching him through his pants. He didn’t push her away. She even made it a point to say that she could still affect him. He still clearly loves her. I’m just second best.”

“She always knew how to use him. He would just let her do it. It’s like he’s powerless to do anything when she is around.” Mrs. Kol looks at me with sad eyes.

“I need just to stay away from men. I think my radar to pick men doesn’t work. I keep picking up losers.” I say, shaking my head.

“Alex isn’t a loser, but he is human. He’s worried about you. Why else would Alex walk by our room everyday still to make sure you arrive safely or wait outside your apartment to make sure you get home okay. I don’t think he picked you second. I think his second showed up and played him. Like she always has.”

“He does those things?” I know Alex still betrayed me. Maybe he and I should sit down for a talk. “Maybe he and I should talk.”

Mrs. Kol nods, “I would be happy to babysit. Kayla is such a sweet child. You’re doing a good job raising her.”

“I will take you up on that.”

“Great. I will be at your house to get Kayla at four, and since tomorrow is Friday, why don’t you plan on me bringing her in the morning. That way, you and Alex can have more time together.”

I feel tense. “I have never spent a night away from Kayla.”

“Really, she’s three?”

“Johnny’s parents lived in Florida, so they never got to see her. My best friend Jen is someone I trust to help me bury a body, but I wouldn’t trust her for long with my kid. Defiantly not overnight.”

“Still, everyone needs time to themselves and their partners.” Mrs. Kol is one of the most amazing people I know. She and I have similar stories when it comes to relationships. “You deserve a night to yourself. A mother can’t do it all.”

I nod. “My life hasn’t changed that much since moving here. If anything, I get more time for myself. I would work when Kayla napped or during dance class. Then when we got home, we would play, then it was time to make dinner, Johnny would get home, we would eat, I would put Kayla to bed, and then I would clean the house. By the time I finished everything, it was after 9. I would have an hour before I went to bed to do something. Often it was taking a shower and reading.”

“How much time do you have now?”

“Well, I have Fridays to do a deep clean of the apartment, and since my place is a third the size my house was, it’s easier to keep clean. It only takes me thirty minutes a night to clean up, and then I have over two hours to myself.”

“That is good.” Mrs. Kol looks at the clock. “Oh, it’s almost time to go. Let’s help the kids clean up and put the toys away.”

I grab Kayla and head home. Once I get home, I quickly pack Kayla a bag. Mila will be here soon.

A hear a knock at my door. It’s Mila. “Is Kayla ready?” I call Kayla, and she comes running. She wanted to be a big girl and wear her backpack with her clothes.

I hug Kayla and kiss the top of her head. Then I tell her to be good. Once they leave, I try to think about what I am going to say to Alex. I should at least hear what he has to say.

It takes a while for me to arrive at Alex’s house. Feeling nervous, I take a few deep breaths. Then I knock. I hear someone approaching the door. When it opens, I expect to see Alex, but instead, I find Lana. “Hello Kamryn, what can I do for you?” I am surprised at how well I can understand her German.

“I need to speak to Alex,” I tell her in a harsh tone.

“He’s a little busy. I took a lot out of him. You know how men get after certain activities.” Lana has a smirk on her face.

I see Alex walk into view. His hair is a mess, and he isn’t wearing a shirt. Without saying a word, I turn and leave. I hear Alex call after me, but I just keep walking. It hurts that he already moved on, and worse, he moved on with Lana.

When I get back to my apartment, I notice there is an envelope on my counter. I open it. It’s a letter from Johnny.

‘Kamy,

I hope you had fun on your little vacation. It’s time for you to come home. I suggest you do this now before anyone gets hurt. I would hate for Kayla to lose her mother.

Love,

Johnny’

He found me. I need to pack a bag and run, wait, how did this get in here. Did he break-in? What if he is still here?

I quickly run out of my apartment. As I run out of the building, I feel someone’s arms wrap around me. I am just about to scream when I hear Alex’s voice. “Kamryn, it’s okay. What’s wrong?”

I open my eyes and see a concerned Alex holding me. Why isn’t he with Lana? They were doing something. “He found me. Johnny was in my apartment.”

Alex pulls me closer to him. “It’s okay. I will keep you safe. Where is Kayla?”

“Mila is watching her. She asked to babysit so I could talk to you. Mila convinced me that maybe you cared about me.”

“I do care about you, Kamryn.”

“Then why was Lana in your house? Why did you sleep with her?” I can feel the tears running down my cheeks.

“I didn’t sleep with Lana. She showed up at my house with Denis crying. She was making a scene, so I brought her inside. Denis spilled his juice on me, and I went to take care of my shirt. That is when you showed up. I didn’t do anything with Lana. She isn’t the woman I want.”