Chapter 7

Sara Michaels

The house was colder that morning, even though the sun was already climbing high outside the windows from the dark clouds..It almost looked.like it may rain.

I stood in the kitchen, hands still damp from washing the breakfast dishes Emily had barely touched.

My finger throbbed under the fresh bandage from yesterday’s cut.

Every little sound from upstairs made my shoulders tense…The sound of Emily’s laughter, Tom’s low voice answering her, the occasional creak of the floorboards.

They hadn’t come down yet. I told myself it was better that way. Better not to see them together. Better not to let my heart bleed again in front of them.

I wiped the counter slowly, trying to keep my mind blank, when the door swung open behind me.

Emily walked in wearing one of Tom’s silk shirts….my favorite one, the pale blue he used to wear when we went out for dinner. When he was still in love with me.

It hung loose on her, the sleeves rolled up, the hem brushing her thighs. She looked like she belonged here. Like she had always belonged here.

She stopped when she saw me, tilted her head, and smiled that sweet smile that never reached her eyes.

“Morning, Sara,” she said, voice dripping honey. “You’re up early. Cleaning again? How domestic.”

I didn’t answer. I kept wiping the same spot on the counter, slow circles, pretending she wasn’t there.

She stepped closer, heels clicking on the tile. “You know, I was thinking… Maybe you should sign those papers today. Tom left them on the dining table last night. He said he wants it done before the weekend. Clean break and all that.”

My hand froze. The divorce papers. I hadn’t looked at them since the night he handed them to me with that cold, detached look. I hadn’t wanted to believe they were real.

Emily leaned against the counter, crossing her arms. “Or are you still hoping he’ll change his mind? That’s cute. Really cute.”

I swallowed hard. “I’ll sign them when my deal with him is done.”

She laughed cruelly. “Oh, honey. You’re not in a position to decide when. Tom’s already moved on. Look at you…still wearing yesterday’s dress, still cooking for us like a good little wife. It's so pathetic.”

I turned away, rinsing the cloth under the tap. I wouldn’t let her see my face or let her see how much it hurt.

She stepped right behind me way too close.

“You know,” she whispered, breath warm against my ear, “I could make this easier for you or harder. It's purely your choice.”

Before I could move, she suddenly stumbled backward with a dramatic gasp, and her hand flying to her chest.

“Oh my God!” she cried, loud enough for the whole house to hear. “Sara, what the hell? You pushed me!”

I spun around, eyes wide. “I didn’t—”

She staggered back another step, clutching the counter like she was about to fall. “You shoved me! Are you trying to hurt me? After everything Tom’s already doing for your mom?”

I heard heavy footsteps thundered down the stairs. Tom appeared in the doorway, his messy hair still damp from the shower and his white shirt half-buttoned. His eyes went straight to Emily and not me. I wondered when I started becoming the villain.

“What happened?” he demanded, his nose flared.

Emily’s lower lip trembled perfectly. “She… she pushed me, Tom. I was just talking to her and she shoved me hard. I almost fell.”

Tom’s gaze snapped to me coldly.

“I didn’t touch her,” I said quietly, voice shaking despite my effort to keep it steady. “I swear, Tom. I was just standing here.”

He stared at me for a long second, then looked back at Emily. She was already pressing herself against him, arms around his waist, face buried in his chest.

“She hates me,” she whispered. “She’s jealous. I get it. But… I’m scared, Tom.”

His jaw clenched. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders protectively like I was made of a dangerous material that would harm her bitchy skin.

“I am trying to tolerate your foolishness, Sara,” he said, voice flat. “But you are forcing me to punish you…you need to learn a lesson..”

My throat closed. “Tom—”

“Now.” He groaned.

“Oh Tom, honey…let me tell you what punishment should be suitable for her. Come I tell you privately.” Emily purred.

He turned away, guiding Emily out of the kitchen like a delicate egg. She glanced back over his shoulder and smirked before they disappeared up the stairs.

I stood there, hands shaking, staring at the empty doorway.

As I reached the table, I saw Mariah coming down the hallway with her cleaning basket. She paused when she saw me, eyes soft with worry.

“Madam…” she started, her voice was gentle.

I looked at her, masking the embarrassment I have just experienced. I decided to keep it to myself. But she looked like she wanted to cry me a river. I hated pity. I didn't want to look like a weak and pathetic little wife.

Tom’s voice boomed from upstairs. “Sara!”

I flinched. “Yes..Mr McCarthy?!”

“Get outside right now and stand in the cold by the pool. Emily wants the patio cleaned, she wants to relax there. You can do it with the hose and don't come back in until it’s spotless.”

I stared at the ceiling, heart sinking.

Mariah reached for my arm. “Madam, please…”

I shook my head. “It’s okay.”

I walked past her, then past the dining table glaring at the unsigned papers that held my mom's life…them lastly past the staircase where Tom and Emily waited.

Outside, the morning air was freezing cold. The pool shimmered under the dark clouds. I picked up the hose, turned it on, and let the icy water pour over the tiles and over my bare feet.

I stood there, shivering, letting the cold soak through me until my teeth chattered.

I didn’t cry…I was set on enduring every second. “Mom, hang on… it will be over soon..”

“Oh Sara, Spray the water over yourself too…” Emily exclaimed.

I did as she requested. I had exactly three hours till my classes began. No big deal.

I let the water from the hose wet my clothes…she laughed loud, while Tom simply watched with his jaw clenched like it would snap. His fists looked like they'd break a wall.

I shivered as my nipples stuck out, it was so embarrassing for even the security and the guard to see me almost naked.

“Tom..It's cold..” I my voice croaked.

“That's what cheaters get…!” Tom snarled.