An escape

I closed and opened my eyes so many times to make sure I was seeing the right people and truly, it was them standing right in front of me.

Evelyn’s face lit up with the biggest smile and before I knew it, she already pulled me in for a hug.

She smelt like heaven, I smelt like spice.

Disgusted by the stark difference, I immediately pulled away from the hug, creating distance between us.

She looked hurt by my actions, but she instantly hid it and plastered her smile.

“Isa, I have missed you.”

I wish I could say the same. 

This probably makes me the biggest bitch on earth, but I do not want Evelyn back, not now, not in the nearest future.

My gaze slid to the man, who had been silently watching the interaction between us, and as always his eyes were cold and calculating.

I hate how much it feels like he can see right through me all because of that one night.

“Isa? Are you not happy to see me? Look, I even got you a birthday gift!”

The chirpiness of her voice seemed to trigger the headache I had even more and I winced. I massaged my temples.

“Isabel, what is taking you so long to get to the door?”

My heart dropped to my stomach the second I heard Scott’s voice, and his footsteps now sounded closer than ever.

“Who are the-“ I spun around just in time to see the way his eyes widen and millions of emotions flickered in his eyes at the sight of her. “Evelyn?”

“In the flesh.” She took a step forward, showing off her perfect dentition. “Hello, Scott.”

For the first time in 3 years of being married, I saw a genuine smile form on my husband’s face.

My stomach turned and I felt a bile rise in my throat when he shoved me aside just so he had enough space to give Evelyn a hug.

I was still the other woman. Even with the ring on my finger and his name attached to mine, I was still nothing to him.

“Let’s get you a seat, and Happy Birthday, Eve, I’ve been looking at the time so I can wish you once it’s 12 AM over there, little did I know you were already here.”

He has been keeping in touch with her? And he remembered her birthday? 

We were twins, her birthday was mine as well, but he never wished me instead he was waiting for the perfect time to wish her?

The truth hit me right in the face again like a brick. He remembered, he just didn’t deem me important enough to wish me.

I was going to really throw up.

“Let me get my coat and we can…”

Someone cleared their throat behind me, then Desmond made his way in and stood beside Evelyn. The smile on Scott’s face instantly vanished.

“Careful,” Desmond’s voice was cutting, and his actions even more biting to Scott, who looked like he had seen a ghost when Desmond wrapped his arms around Evelyn’s waist and pulled her in. “She’s my guest. If you’ll excuse us, we have people to meet.”

I watched as their frames disappeared into the house, Scott was about to storm off after them but I immediately grabbed his wrist.

“Please, I don’t feel good. Can you take me to the hospital?”

He snatched his hand out of my hold and backed away, eyes blazing with anger.

“Do you really have to be this pathetic?”

“What?” 

The throbbing in my head was getting faster and more painful, it felt like I would pass out anytime soon.

“Your sister shows up and suddenly you are sick? You already have me to yourself, Isabel, there is no need for all this antics.”

Antics? I felt like I was a millisecond away from death and he thinks I’m playing games? Because of Evelyn? 

“This is not a joke, Scott. My head hurts really bad and I’m dizzy, please.”

I hoped my plea would at least show my sincerity, instead his eyes hardened even more.

“You disgust me, Isabel. I wish you were half the woman Evelyn is.”

Dark spots appeared before my eyes and I dropped to my knees. I could only see his feet  through my blurred vision, I watched as he walked away, his footsteps louder than they should be.

Three years. 

Three good years of slaving away, and all I get in return is hate. Hate so potent I could taste it.

If death could come right now, that would be a great consolation. 

My body got heavier to hold up and so did my eyelids, all my efforts to at least still remain on my knees proved abortive. Soon enough, I found myself giving in to the heaviness and the darkness that was overwhelming me.

Right as I was about to hit the floor, strong hands caught. My heart skipped a beat and even the corners of my lips tugged up in a smile.

Scott.

He came back. Of course, he did.

Mustering as much energy as I could, I pried my eyes open just so I could get a look at him. The moment I managed to open my eyes, my smile disappeared and my world seemed to spin faster than ever.

Desmond Blackwell.

His grey eyes were filled with concern as he stared down at me. 

“Isabel? Can you hear me?” He tapped my cheek lightly with his fingers, “Isabel?”

He checked my pulse, then pulled me to his chest as he fished out his phone and dialed a number.

“Get the car to the doorstep.” Ending the call, he tossed his phone aside and tapped my cheeks again. “If you can hear me, please nod.”

A teardrop rolled down the corner of my eyes and with great difficulty, I nodded, and I heard him release a breath.

My husband was in there, possibly laughing with no care in the world with another woman, but the man, whom the world presumed the devil was the one cradling me to his chest. 

“I don’t want to be here anymore.” I whispered, “Please, take me away.”

I felt him stiffen behind me, then he nodded. “As you wish.”