CONFLICT

MEL

A week has passed since my night with Dimitrio. I blocked the number he called me with and swore never to have anything to do with him again.

When I return home from the supermarket, I am no longer surprised to find Mara sitting beside Jonah on the couch. She has been coming over the house more frequently now. It’s as though she and Jonah have started a full blown relationship inside our marriage.

I hear them laugh at something on the television. Jonah lowers the volume and turns to look at me.

“Get us something to eat.”

I paused but immediately continued on my way towards the stairs. What am I to him? A maid? I head to my room.

I haven’t slept in Jonah’s room since the night I caught him with Mara.

I am half way out of my clothes when I feel a pull from behind.

Jonah. He lands a hard slap across my face, I stumble back but I don’t fall.

“Didn’t you hear me?” he snaps. “I told you to get us something to eat.”

My palm presses against my cheek, trying to ease the sting. Tears form in my eyes and as I look up I see Mara giggling behind him.

“I’m not your help, Jonah. She has hands. She can cook for both of you.”

Mara appeared behind him. She was enjoying this.

I can’t believe this is my sister. I have loved and cared for Mara my whole life. I shared everything with her and yet she betrays me.

“Come with me,” Jonah growls, grabbing my arm roughly and dragging me down the stairs.

“Let me go!” I scream.“Get your hands off me Jonah.”

“You will not disobey me in my own house.”

“You are hurting me!”

He releases me once we reach the kitchen.

“Have the food ready,” he orders.

“Or what?”

“I will not repeat myself again, Mel.”

“You both have a lot in common after all. Perfect match.” I blurt out.

Jonah lunges towards me and grabs my neck. My back hits the counter.

He rains slaps on my cheeks and drives his fists into my stomach. I try to get away but I can’t. I claw at his hand, my sharp nails digging into his skin.

“You stupid bitch,” he spits. “How dare you defy me?”

I gasp desperately for air. My eyes fall on Mara, a wicked smile plastered on her face. She stood staring as though she was watching a premium show.

“It’s okay darling. Please stop. Let her go now.” She walks forward slowly, softly placing her hand on his shoulder.

“You shouldn’t waste your time on her.” She pulls him away gently till he lets go of me. I fall to the ground and my hands circle around my throat. I cough and try to steady my breathing.

Mara leads Jonah back to the living room. They were acting like they were the ones married. As though they were meant for each other.

I struggle to get up from the floor holding on to the kitchen table as support. I hear her voice cut in.

“I can’t believe I ever envied you.” She stares at me

“All I feel now is pity. You’re pathetic, Mel.”

I look at her. “I’m pathetic? I’m not the one sleeping with my sister’s husband,” I say hoarsely.

“You jealous slut.” I mutter.

“It’s fine Mel, I know you’re hurting.” She blinks her eyes mockingly. “You can call me whatever you want. But remember I’m not the one getting beat up and disrespected in my own house.”

Mara laughs. I feel pure rage stir inside me.

“When did you become so spiteful?” I ask. She used to be my sweet little sister.

“Oh Mel, don’t play the pity game with me.” She folds her arms.

“You’re more of a bitch than I am. You stole everything from me. I’m only here to claim them back.”

My brows furrow. I’ve never taken anything from Mara our entire lives.

“Get out Mel. I don’t want you in this house anymore.”

“What the fuck are you talking about Mara? This is my house.”

She rolls her eyes. “No! It’s my house.”

“This life. There’s no space for you anymore.”

Mara steps back picking up a kitchen knife. She smiles at me, holding the knife to her wrists.

“Mara, stop.”

Before I can reach her she deliberately drags the knife across her skin. Blood spills instantly. Mara lets out a loud scream and Jonah comes rushing into the kitchen.

“You crazy bitch!” he shouts at me

She collapses to the floor holding her wrists, blood trail down her hand staining the marble floor.

I stare at Mara bleeding on the ground. This was how far she was willing to go to ruin me.

“We need to get you to a hospital.” Jonah says, lifting her into his arms.

Jonah has never gone this far for me. He has never felt even the slightest bit of concern.

“By the time I return,” he said in a cold voice. “I don’t want to see you in this house.”

I feel a tear drop. He walks away in hurried steps.

I scream at the top of my voice “Fuck you!!!” Scattering the dishes to the floor.

I run out of the kitchen and head to pack my travel bag. I was never happy in this marriage but I didn’t cry and my heart didn’t ache as much.

I hear Jonah’s car pull out the driveway. The embarrassment was too much for me. I grab my set of keys and leave the house.

I get into my car. It’s the newest model. I was always privileged to the most expensive things. Jonah didn’t lie about that. I turn the key in ignition and the engine starts.

I have not driven for fifteen minutes when I hear the car engine jerk.

It jerks a fourth time then it dies.

“Not now, Fuck!” I get down and open the hood. I let out a deep sigh.

I take out my phone to text an engineer. I hear a voice behind me.

“Do you need help?”

That voice. I turn around and my jaw drops.

Dimitrio.