Against my better judgement, I go back upstairs after walking Mason out. I know that entering our bedroom meant that I would some explaining to do. So I step into the room as quietly and carefully as possible. I sit down and decide to discuss everything with her. “Why do you want to go so badly?” It was a genuine question. Claire was never one for confrontation, especially when it came to Charlotte. I can remember how she’d squeak when she’d ask me not to go and how harshly I’d responded to her pleas. “I want her to know that I’m not backing down. What she did to me and our family is sickening and I want her to know how determined I am to hold her accountable.” Claire truly changed. She had grown the confidence to speak up for herself while staying with Jasmine but this was different. Having the boys has given her a sense of bravery. She wasn’t doing this for her - I can see it now. She’s doing this for them. She wants to protect them and prove that she can face the difficult things
After Mason takes his leave, I take a moment to stare at my husband. I was frustrated to see him diminish the importance of Charlotte’s arraignment. I wanted him to go as well. Not only was it a closure of sorts but it also shows her that Leo won’t have her. And maybe that would be enough for her to leave me alone.Would Charlotte begin questioning herself with the very same questions I’ve asks myself since my fifth wedding anniversary after she staged that accident?Do I deserve this?Why would someone do this to me?Is there something I could’ve done differently?Is this worth it?Is he worth it?I can remember the countless times that I lied awake at night and asked these questions over and over. Slowly, they engrained themselves in my memory and part of me, wants her to feel that same level of uncertainty. I wanted Charlotte to feel how I felt. To hurt the way I hurt - without an act of violence being the cause. To feel completely unsettled with every breath - the exact way that s
I look over at Leo as Claire finishes tending to the boys. He nods in agreement to my silent question.“Claire, Mason thinks that we should have a police officer here for security during the storm - as a precaution.” I sit silently as Leo starts. I watch as Claire seems withdrawn.“Charlotte is coming, isn’t she?” She asks coldly as she stills.“We’re not sure but we’d rather not take any chances.” I add softly.“When will her charges reach arraignment?” Leo interrupts. I knew what he was trying to do but unfortunately, Charlotte could not be moved to the county jail while under admission for mental health evaluation or treatment. “Her first arraignment for what she did to Claire along with your previous partners begin tomorrow. I did take the liberty of speaking to the judge this morning and he was no interest in postponing the hearing. But there’s one thing you should both know.” I watch as their eyes remained fixated on me, waiting for my revelation. I felt almost guilty for havin
It’s now just the day before the storm and I can see Claire’s anxiety had settled. She’s quickly adapted to motherhood and I can see it distracts her from her own emotions. I worked on a few preparations to keep her from feeling uneasy. Thankfully, she’s barely noticed. She’s been too busy tending to our boys. Her postpartum depression seems to have faded as well.I, on the other hand, have become restless in watching her to make sure my wife is okay. Mason called about an hour ago and said there was something he’d like to tell Claire and I. Part of me wanted to refuse but it seemed crucial. Mason never wanted to intrude unless necessary and I knew that better than anyone.I hear a knock at the door as I make my way downstairs quietly. Elena opens the door and makes a shushing motion to Mason.“Ms. Claire is asleep with the boys. You must be very quiet.” Mason nods in understanding.“Hey, let’s take this out back. I don’t want to wake Claire for another thirty minutes.” I motion for M
My long awaited escape was slowly coming into view. In just four days, there would be a severe tropical storm. This would surely trip the power for a few good minutes allowing me to fit the first access vent before the generator kicks on. Once I’m inside, I could rest easy, knowing that I would be undetectable. I decide to read over the blueprints one last time for good measure. Then I’d dispose of them secretly through the toilet to ensure no one is the wiser of my escape.Soon, Claire would be permanently out of the picture. Leo will be mine as he should be and his motherless child will be the only misfortune in my plan but I could raise the twerp to be an asset. Surely, if the child loves me then Leo will have no choice but to kiss the ground I walk on. He’d never be able to leave me then.“Your delusion is greater than your plan.” My mother mocks as she’s seated on the bed next to me.“I’d really love it if you’d just say something nice for once. Or better yet, say nothing and dis
I wake up to pump and check on the boys again. Lucas was sleeping peacefully while Logan seems to be dreaming. I can see little twitches and movements. I decide to pull him out of the bassinet and begin rocking him in my arms until he’s soothed into a peaceful sleep. I then change his diaper and place him back in the bassinet to repeat the same cycle with Logan. I found it amazing how consolable they were for newborns. I begin pumping and decide to turn on the news to distract myself from the nerves that refused to settle.“Breaking Weather Report, it seems that there is a severe thunderstorm on its way. In just four days, we will be facing winds of up to thirty-five miles per hour and extreme rain. Residents are warned to seek shelter inside or to evacuate if in the red zone pictured behind me.” A storm is coming? I pause the television to see that we’re safely outside of the red zone and realize that Leo’s plan for vacationing would have to wait. There was no way for us to make it o