Dear Ex, You're Erased

Condition

VIOLET

I was a living embarrassment and I knew it. I didn’t need to be told. With trembling hands, I dialed Ralph’s number but just as always, it went straight to voicemail. Immediately, I transferred the money he had sent to me. Fifty thousand dollars was not enough to pay for the damage he had done to my heart.

Nothing could make up for the hurt and pain he had caused me. For the wasted years and wasted love. Goodness, I had been a fool for love! Summoning the little strength I had; I proceeded to my room to pack up my things.

Staying back to fight for my love was pointless. It was a battle I had already lost. Meagan had mocked me on my wedding day, calling me a loser right in front of Ralph and he did nothing. The truth was right there in my face yet I could not recognize it. I mean... our wedding was a very private party and I never took a second to wonder how she had gotten to know about it or how she had gotten access! How gullible!

For the whole of the night, I focused on packing my things and as soon as it was morning, I packed my things. Taking a final look at the house, my heart shattered at the thoughts of my dream being destroyed. I had imagined Ralph and I raising mini us in that house and growing as a family but now.... it was gone.

**

Mother’s face froze in shock, her eyes widened in shock. She gasped and I felt a wave of shame wash over me. There I was, at the gate of a place which used to be my home. I remembered vividly how I had foolishly left everything to be with Ralph. His father and mine were sworn enemies before his father died yet for the sake of love, I was ready to give up everything to start a life with him.

“What are you doing here?” My mother’s voice trembled with emotions as she took slow, hesitant steps to join me at the gate. Her eyes were fixed on me like I would disappear into thin air.

I had no friends, all thanks to Ralph. He never ‘liked’ any of my friends and I had foolishly cut them all off. There was nowhere else to turn to.

“I do not deserve your forgiveness; mother and I know it but I need you now. I need you now more than ever. Please, mother....” I crouched to the floor.

“My baby...” In a sudden burst of emotion, her face crumpled and she rushed towards me, her arms open wide and she enveloped me in a warm, tight hug, holding me close as if she would never let me go.

As mother held me close, I felt the dam break inside me and I began to sob uncontrollably. Tears streamed down my face and my voice shook with emotions.

“I am sorry.... I am sorry, mother. I was so blind; I was so stubborn. I didn’t listen to you and Father and I am sorry for the pain I caused you.”

“Sylvie..” Mother called immediately to the maid and she rushed to meet us. “Get her things inside.” She ordered. My body ached but it felt so good to be back home. Mother raised me up and held me in her hands.

“I have nothing against you. The only issue .....is... your father.”

I could see the fear and concern in her eyes when she uttered those words. I could remember the same look of sorrow and anger etched to his face when I told him I was going to be with Ralph.

“The minute you leave this house to be with that man, you cease to be a member of this family. I disown you as my child.”

Defiantly, I had insisted on leaving the house to be with Ralph.

“And what are you doing here?!” I suddenly heard Father thunder, his voice low and menacing as he emerged from the shadows. His eyes widened in surprise and his eyebrows shut up in anger.

I felt a pang of guilt and shame. I could see the pain and betrayal in his eyes and it broke me deeply.

“Father, i...” I tried to move close to him but he raised his hands at me, urging me to stop.

“You made your choice when you left to be with him. You are dead to us. Get out!” Father turned his back on me. It felt like my heart was being ripped apart.

“Richard, please......” Mother started.

“She denied us right in front of you. The minute she left this house to be with my enemy, she became my enemy and she no longer bears the Carlton name. I do not want to have anything to do with a traitor.” He spoke to mother.

Father had told me how the Pierce family had destroyed all he built and made him suffer before he could find his feet but I had discarded it by being in the past. Now, I understood being a traitor lies in their genes.

“Now, she has realized her mistake. She has come back to apologize because she knew she has done wrong so please, let’s forgive her and...”

“Realized her mistake?” Father scoffed and shook his head before settling to the sofa. “Why are you here?” He turned to me. “He left you, didn’t he? He betrayed you, didn’t he?” he probed and let out a laughter of mockery. “That is the reason why she is back. You have no place in this house as a Carlton and you are not welcome here so get out of this house.”

He stood up and turned to leave.

“Not even as a maid?” I questioned and he halted immediately and slowly, I raised up my gaze to meet his. “I know I lost my position as a Carlton but I am here to apply for the position of a maid and no, you do not have to pay me a dime. I will however appreciate it if I can get.... food even if it is once a day.” I pleaded.

I could see Mother’s eyes narrow as she tried to appease Father and all he did was stand there on the spot.

“There is no position opened for a maid in this house.” He declared and mother let out a gasp. My heart dropped at this statement. “However, the Carlton name is a big one and if you are going to be a member of this family and bear the name, then you have to work for it.” He spoke.

Mother gasped immediately and her eyes interceded between Father and I.

“I am willing to do anything.... to be accepted back into this family.”