The Divorce Bargain

FIVE

Isla

Jess didn’t scream when I showed up at her door at midnight with a box in my hand and tears running down my face. That was just how we worked. Rain or shine, good or bad we had each other.

“Oh sweetie, what happened?” She asked, her voice rising in concern.

“Are you ok? Did somebody hurt you?”

I shook my head in answer. “Can I come in?”

“Of course, I’m sorry.” She replied hurriedly while leading me to her couch to take a seat. “Now take a deep breath and tell me who I need to kill.”

A small smile nearly stretched across my lips. She hadn’t changed since the third grade. Always protecting me from the girls in the class who made fun of my hair. She’d kill for me and I knew I would do the same for her.

“Don’t kill anyone just yet. I promise I’ll tell you later. And please don’t tell Keenan I’m here” I said, hands wringing in my lap.

I could tell that she had so many questions but she just nodded in acceptance.

Voice cracking, I whispered. “ Would you just hold me for a while please?”

Jess leapt closer and drew me into her arms whispering. “Oh I’m going to kill him.”

Then I wept in her arms while she rocked me in silence.

———–—

After i had cried for what felt like hours but in actuality was just a few minutes. Jess set me up in her guest room. She offered me food but honestly it felt like I’d throw up if I ate a bite. I was sick to my stomach.

Now it was dawn and I hadn’t slept a wink since I’d gotten here last night. I just stared at the hours went by. I had to turn on my phone at some point but I was afraid that once I heard Keenan’s voic, my resolve would weaken and I’ll run back home only to be taken for granted again. I had to be strong and rip the band aid off.

I reached for my phone on the nightstand whispering to myself, “I can do this, I can do hard things.”

The minute my phone turned on it started pinging, messages up on messages from Keenan, from my sister, from her husband, it was a whole mess.

With the phone in my hand it started ringing. It was my sister.

“What the hell is going on?” She said, her voice low as soon as I answered the phone.

“Last I spoke to you, you were gushing about an anniversary trip with your husband and then the next thing I know he’s banging on my door at midnight asking where you are.”

I opened my mouth to say something but she just kept speaking.

“What were you thinking? You should’ve at least called to tell me you were ok. I was worried sick!” She screamed then started sobbing.

I heard someone in the background asking her to calm down. It could only be Matthew her husband.“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.” I whispered, eyes tearing up.

“I just had to leave and I didn’t think, I’m sorry Liv.”

“Where are you? Are you safe?” She asked, sniffling.

“I’m over at Jess’ house, I’m totally safe. I’ll tell you everything later, I promise.”

“Are you sure?” She asked, her voice unsure.

“Cross my heart. I love you.” I said, a hand on my chest.

“I love you too.” She answered.

Then Matthew’s voice came over the phone.

“We’re glad you’re safe Isla. Talk to you soon.” Then they hung up.

Now it was time to call my husband. I really wish I could push off this conversation but I’ve been a coward for long enough.

He picked on the first ring.

“Oh thank goodness you’re safe. Isla what the hell is going on? Where are you?” He said, his voice frantic.

“I’m at Jess’ house. Meet me there, we need to talk.” I didn’t give him the chance to say anything else and just ended the call. Keenan had a way of getting me to backtrack on my decisions. To give in to his visions and demands. That wasn’t going to happen this morning. I was going to end this marriage before it ended me.