Chapter 5: Leaving

Hearing Nick talk in the living room made me feel uneasy. I knew if I asked him for anything, he wouldn't give it to me. I also knew my guy friends would help me, but if I reached out to them, Nick would beat me for talking to other men.

Feeling conflicted, I took one more step out of my room and heard Nick’s footsteps approaching. The nausea that swept over me didn't help, especially with the smell of alcohol wafting toward me.

“What are—”

I puked all over Nick just as he started to talk, and some of it went into his mouth. He bent over and puked a second later. Once he had finished, he straightened up and said, “Get in the car. Now.”

I walked to the car, but Nick passed me without acknowledging my state. As I made my way down the two flights of stairs, I feared falling. I tried to take it slow and steady, but Nick’s voice echoed again, shouting, “Can you hurry it up?”

He kept yelling as I made my way down, and once I reached the car, I held my stomach, trying to ignore him. I already felt like shit, and now I wanted to die from the pain in my heart. Each insult Nick hurled at me made me feel worse.

When I finally sat down and closed the door, I screamed as he punched my shoulder.

“Next time, don’t take so long to get in the damn car, grandma.”

The pain from his punch was sharp, more painful than I expected. I thought it would only get worse, but it faded just as quickly as it came. I continued to pretend like it hurt, as I had been doing since I got back with Nick. In reality, I had healed quickly after every beating he gave me.

The drive was short, and we arrived at the emergency room quickly. Nick worked his charm, acting like the perfect gentleman. He signed us both in, explaining why we were there, but I started seeing spots in my vision, and then a woman shouted from somewhere nearby.

The sound of machines woke me with a terrible headache. I couldn’t stop myself from panicking; Nick was going to hit me. He was going to make sure I couldn’t walk for a week after what happened.

When I opened my eyes, there was no one in the room except a beautiful young woman sitting in a chair beside me. She had autumn-colored hair and the longest legs I had ever seen on a woman, paired with a slim figure in a sundress.

As I tried to stand, she got up and walked over with a cup of water. I took it, but I dropped it when I heard Nick yelling from the other side of the door.

“What do you mean I can’t see her? She’s my wife!”

I held the bed sheet tightly as the woman beside me spoke softly, drawing my attention.

“It’s alright. If he asks who I am, just say I’m your cousin, Natasha, and I’ll handle him. In truth, I’m friends with Al— I mean, Taylor. He was devastated when he came back to surprise you with breakfast and found out from Silas that you’d left. But we can talk later.”

Just as she finished, the door was forced open, and in came Nick. He looked like he had been in a fight. If his superior found out, he’d be in serious trouble.

He glanced at the woman—Natasha—who told me to act as if we were related, even though I had never met her before. She extended her hand to him.

“I’m Natasha, Mirabella’s cousin. I heard from my aunt that she was in the hospital after fainting.”

Nick wasn’t happy to know a relative of mine was here. He would have to keep up his gentleman act, and I knew it would lead to more pain later.

He took her hand, but I could see he was being forceful, trying to make a point. Natasha didn’t even flinch, but now Nick was the one grimacing from the handshake.

“Good handshake, Natasha. Have you told her yet?”

Nick looked at me, sad and confused. I had no idea what was going on, and that scared me. I feared that not knowing would lead to him hitting me again, forcing me to remember or create the image he wanted.

Natasha spoke firmly, with a strong attitude directed at both Nick and me.

“No, but if it’s not too much trouble, I’d like to tell her the happy news myself. I don’t want my cousin to feel bad when it’s the happiest news of her life.”

Nick sighed heavily through his nose and nodded at Natasha. He glanced at me, showing the same expression he had when we first met.

Natasha sat down and pulled out a small, cute white plush wolf. It looked adorable. She walked over to me and smiled.

“His name is Love! A special surprise for you.” I took the wolf, and as soon as I did, I caught the scent of Taylor. Natasha continued, “Go ahead, open it.”

I opened my eyes to see a small, folded image. Just as I took it, Natasha pulled out her cellphone and called someone. Nick immediately questioned her.

“Who are you calling? She doesn’t like her parents.”

Natasha responded in a low, irritated voice.

“It’s my brother. My relatives aren’t her parents. She’ll be just fine. We grew up together until her mom divorced her dad.”

Taylor’s voice came through the phone, making my heart race.

“Nat, give me a second to answer you.”

Before I could say anything, a woman’s voice interrupted. Natasha gave me a knowing look, and I tried to stay calm.

“We’re waiting for you!” The raspy voice of a woman could be heard before Taylor cut her off. “I excused myself for the evening, and you heard me say that. Get out and learn to listen when I speak.”

The woman grunted in annoyance and slammed the door. All I could think was that Taylor must have a good reason. He has to. I hugged the plush wolf tightly until Taylor spoke again.

“Sorry about that. She’s a real pain, and getting rid of her has been tough with all her fake accusations. I’ll tell you both about it later. What’s up, Nat?”

Natasha smiled and cheerfully replied, “Just sharing some awesome news while we wait!”

She turned the phone toward me, and Taylor’s eyes lit up with a smile that left me mesmerized. Nick, however, interrupted the moment.

“Alright, nice family reunion, but can we please get on with it?”

Taylor didn’t appreciate his attitude and responded with annoyance.

“Hey, don’t talk to us like you own us, airman.”

Nick rolled his eyes and waited for me to open the envelope. As soon as I did, I gasped at what I saw inside.

Before I could respond, the door opened to reveal a nurse holding discharge papers and a bottle of prenatal pills.

Taylor’s eyes widened with nervous concern as he noticed the pills. “Why are you taking pills? What happened? Natasha, what’s going on?”

I quickly tried to calm him down, holding the image in my hand, though fear gripped me. My voice trembled slightly as I said, “I’m... I’m pregnant.”

Taylor’s entire expression shifted to one of shock. Before he could say anything, Nick cut in, his tone laced with annoyance.

“Congratulations. I’ll get the car. Are you coming with us, or should I drop you off somewhere?”

Natasha gave me her cell and walked out with Nick who sighed heavily as he left, following the door closing behind him.