The Unwanted Runaway

Self Sorrow

Anna’s POV

It has been an entire week and I have exhausted every effort to contact Denton, only to be continuously sent to voicemail. As if that isn't painful enough, it's now Christmas and Travis has taken Ellie to his family's home in Montana while I am left alone in the apartment. I offered them a small amount of money, but they refused to take it. I couldn't bear to be a burden, so I insisted.

But before all of this, there was a glimmer of hope. A few days before the fire that shattered my world, I went into town with Brooke and Mia. It was then that I stumbled upon a stunning, expensive solar military watch. And without hesitation, I purchased it for Denton as a Christmas present. I had to use the money I got from pawning Joey's engagement ring, but it was worth it. That night, when I left with Brooke, I gave her the watch and asked her to leave it on Denton's kitchen table with a note. A note that expressed my undying love and gratitude for being my knight in shining armor, magically healing my broken heart.

But now, as I sit here on this makeshift couch bed, I can't help but feel like my heart is no longer there. It's as if I am completely numb, dead inside. Every morning, I wake up feeling sick, unable to keep down any food. Yesterday, when I was home alone, I tried to make myself some eggs. But the smell of bacon was enough to make me violently vomit. I couldn't even finish cooking. And then, in the afternoon, I started to feel better. Or so I thought, until the smell of mayonnaise made me sick all over again. I don't have the money to go to the doctor, so I'll have to figure out what's wrong with me later. But for now, I'll just lay here, feeling alone and broken.

Christmas has always been a time for celebration and joy, but to me, it's just a stupid holiday. I still have no phone, but I've come to terms with it. After all, there's no point in having a phone when the ones I want to talk to clearly have no desire to speak to me. So here I lay, in this empty apartment, with nothing but my shattered heart and broken dreams.

As I sit here, another agonizing week has passed. The calendar now reads New Year's Eve, but the joyous celebrations of others only serve as a painful reminder of what I have lost. Ellie and Travis are still absent, and won't return until January 5th. The days have dragged on, each one a torturous reminder of their absence. I've tried to distract myself with mundane tasks, like cleaning, but it's all just a pitiful attempt to fill the void in my heart.

Even Netflix has lost its appeal, as I find myself unable to focus on anything else but the emptiness within. And yet, I push myself to keep going, to keep the apartment spotless. It's the least I can do for the couple who graciously let me stay here. But despite my efforts, no one has come to visit, and I haven't had the strength to leave the safety of these walls. My appetite has vanished, lost in the sea of emotions that consume me. And even when I do try to eat, my stomach revolts, unable to hold down anything.

But yesterday, as I forced myself to step outside for some fresh air, I realized the reason for my constant nausea. I mustered the courage to visit the clinic in this small town, grateful that it was not the one where Brooke works. As I wait for the results, fear grips me. What will Denton say when I tell him? Will he even want to speak to me, or will he continue to ignore my existence? And if he does find out, will he force me to get an abortion? Will he hate me even more, or will he use this as an opportunity to take the child away from me, knowing my history of clumsiness?

The unknown future looms over me, and I am terrified. But one thing is certain, I don't need Denton. Even if he were to miraculously come back, I can't subject my heart to any more pain. I will raise this child on my own, without his presence or his judgment. I refuse to be with someone who would rather jump to conclusions than have a simple conversation with me.

As I gently place a hand on my belly, I feel a mixture of love and fear. I know I will do everything in my power to give this child the best life, even if I have already messed up my own. I am strong, and I will not let Denton's absence define me. And just as I come to terms with my decision, a knock on the door interrupts my thoughts. With a deep breath, I steel myself and open it, ready to face whoever stands on the other side.

The doorbell echoes through the empty halls of my heart, a painful reminder of the people I used to call friends. "Anna, open the door please. It's Brooke," her voice calls out, followed by Mia's pleading voice. "Please, open the door for us."

I close my eyes and take a deep breath, bracing myself for the inevitable confrontation. Slowly, I make my way to the door and come face-to-face with both Mia and Brooke. Their expressions say it all - pity, concern, and a hint of judgment.

Mia's blunt words hit me like a punch to the gut. "You look like s**t," she says, her tone filled with disappointment. Brooke's words follow, cutting deep into my already broken heart. "Well, yeah, she does. Denton broke her heart."

I shake my head, unable to meet their gaze. "What's the point? It's New Year's and I have no reason to celebrate. I'd rather stay here and wallow in my pain."

With a sarcastic tone, Mia responds, "Oh, she speaks." But her words are accompanied by a gentle hand on my shoulder, a silent reminder that she's here for me.

Brooke's voice is laced with determination as she refuses to take no for an answer. "No way. We're not letting you waste away in this house. We're here to take you out and make sure you have some fun."

I try to protest, but my voice is weak and my willpower even weaker. "I don't want to go out. I went out yesterday for some fresh air and that's enough for me. You guys can leave."

I try to push them away, to protect myself from their pity and concern, but I am too broken to do so. They laugh at my feeble attempt, knowing that I need them now more than ever.

"I've got Mama Rose watching my kids, so you have no excuse," Mia says, a hint of playfulness in her voice. "We're taking you out and we're not taking no for an answer."

Defeated, I look at both of them and say, "Fine. But just for a little while." I know I can't resist them, and deep down, I know I need their company more than I realize.

With their help, I finally get out of my dirty, stale clothes and take a refreshing shower. As we walk out of the apartment , I feel a glimmer of hope in my heart, knowing that with my friends by my side, I can get through this heartache.

We all pile into Mia's truck, the familiar scent of leather and pine filling the air. Mia turns on the radio, but the music doesn't seem to lift my spirits like it usually does. I stare blankly out the window, my heart heavy and broken.

"Thanks for coming, Anna," Mia says with a smile, her tone filled with excitement.

"Yeah, we're gonna have so much fun!" Brooke chimes in, her eyes shining with anticipation.

I try to muster a smile, but it falls flat. I didn't want to go to Dukes Bar & Grill, especially not tonight. But I couldn't say no to Brooke and Mia, they were just too excited.

As we pull up to the bar, Brooke and Mia practically bounce out of the truck, eager to get inside. I slowly follow behind, my steps heavy with reluctance.

"Come on, Anna!" they call out, already halfway inside.

I take a deep breath and follow them, the familiar sights and sounds of the bar surrounding me. But I can't shake the feeling that I don't belong here. That this place, with its free food and alcohol, is just a distraction from the pain I feel inside.

"Why are we even here?" I ask Brooke and Mia, my voice laced with sadness.

"Because it's a girls' night, silly!" Brooke laughs, motioning between herself and Mia.

"But... Denton and Evan are here too," Mia adds with a smile.

My heart sinks even further. I thought it was just going to be us three, a chance to forget about everything and just have a good time. But now I have to face Denton, the one person who I can't seem to get out of my head.

"Denton's here?" I ask, my voice trembling.

"Yeah, he's with Evan at the bar," Mia replies, not noticing the pain in my voice.

I feel a wave of panic wash over me. I can't face Denton, not after everything that's happened between us. But before I can say anything, Brooke speaks up.

"Why isn't Jason here? Where's your fiancé?" I ask Brooke, trying to distract myself from thoughts of Denton.

"He's back at the ranch, helping Uncle Luke with some paperwork and hiring contractors for a new barn. He'll join us later," Brooke explains.

"Why isn't Denton helping with the ranch?" I ask, trying to sound casual.

"Uncle Luke told him to take a break. He's been working nonstop for the past two weeks, fixing things and running the ranch," Brooke replies.

"For what it's worth, Anna, Denton does miss you," Mia chimes in, trying to offer some reassurance.

I scoff at her words. "That's definitely not true. He hasn't even bothered to call or check up on me," I say bitterly.

Brooke looks at me with concern in her eyes, gently placing a hand on my shoulder. "Anna, we know it's been tough for you. But you can't give up on love just because one person broke your heart. You deserve so much better than that." Denton will come back around. I’m sure. once he realizes the truth.

I shrug her hand off my shoulder, feeling the weight of my hurt and depression pressing down on me. "Easy for you to say, Brooke. You have Jason. You have someone who loves you and actually wants to be with you."denton made it clear that night. And is actions only proof that he only used me like everyone else does because he didn’t call me or talk to me in these past two weeks. It’s like I don’t even exist anymore.

But Brooke interrupts, a glint of hope in her eyes. "Well, maybe seeing you tonight will do him some good," she says with a smile.

I shake my head, tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. "No, not me. No matter how much makeup or cute clothes you guys put me in, it can't hide the pain I feel inside," I reply, my voice breaking.

Brooke and Mia share a solemn glance, their hearts heavy with unspoken worry. But before they can voice their concerns, Denton and Evan appear at the bar. The sight of Denton sends a pang of ache through me, for I know that our encounter will only add to the complexity of my night.

My throat tightens as I contemplate the daunting task of telling Denton, the man who once held my heart and is now the father of my unborn child, about my pregnancy. But as he avoids my gaze, I am left wondering how I will even find the words to break his heart and shatter our already broken relationship.