Chapter Seven Home Sweet Home

They say absence makes the heart fonder, but that couldn't be true in this case. I walk in the home Jackson and I shared for a year, for the last time. The walls are white, and everywhere I look, I see him. This place was once my home, sweet home. But I can't take it here anymore. I walk through the hall into the bedroom; nothing here has changed. His dirty clothes still lay in a pile on the floor.

I've been gone for almost a month, and it doesn't look like he's changed a thing. I grab all the suitcases I own and pack the rest of my belongings. I know since it's the morning, he won't be here. It's better this way. He's not ready to let me go, but I'm damn sure prepared to let him go.

Before coming back to LA, I had my real-estate agent find and furnish a penthouse. That's where my best friend Kia and I will be staying. The best part is it's on the other side of the city, away from him. I finish packing and hear voices in the hall; it sounds like Jackson and a woman's voice.

Just freaking great, I don't want him to know I'm here, so I hide in our long walk-in closet while throwing my bags inside with me. I hear the door open, and the voices get closer. Please don't let them be coming in here. What a jerkwad we haven't even been broke up a month. My stuff is still here, and yet he's bringing home another woman.

My mind travels to a darker place. What if Jackson has been doing this all along? I gave him everything, but I wasn't good enough? I hear our bed squeak.

"I'll be right back, Tamara; make yourself comfortable."

"Okay, baby, hurry back."

What the hell he brought home, Tamara? This man, I need to text my best friend. I need help out of this mess before I see something I don't want to see. I know I'll text him.

Babe, I've been thinking, let's talk. I'll be over in twenty minutes. Will you be home?

Ohm, I'm kind of busy right now with work and everything. How about tonight?

I miss you, and I can't wait.

Okay

Great I'll see you in twenty minutes.

I may have to see his ugly face, but I won't have to hear them do the dirty.

"Sorry, Tamara, I'm going to take a rain check. "I hear him call out.

"Why baby, we haven't even started?"

"Work just called, and they need me on set like now."

"Okay, but I need a ride."

"Fine, but we have to hurry."

I hear heifer Tamara get off our bed, and the door closes. Thank God they're gone! I grab my suitcase and wait a few more minutes. I may not be able to get everything, but I got what was necessary. I walk out of the bedroom down the hall and out the front door shutting and locking it behind me. A piece of my past that soon will be forgotten.

I walk down the street a good way and get into my red Mercedes. After throwing the suitcases in the back, I text Kia that I'm on my way. He's already there waiting for me since I had things I needed to do today.

Twenty minutes later, Jackson texts me. I'm here; where are you?

I'm sorry, Jackson, something's came up I'm sure Tamara can keep you company.

Tamara means nothing. Tati, don't be like that. I thought you missed me

I miss you about as much as I miss a cavity.

When were you going to tell me you moved out?

Oh, about the same time you were going to tell me you screwed Tamara in our bed.

What are you talking about, Tati?

So now you're going to play dumb?

I don't know what your problem is, Tati, but there's no other girl; I've been heartbroken since you left.

Wow, they say you're an unbelievable actor. I almost believe you except for one little thing.

Which is?

I saw you two with my own eyes. Goodbye, Jackson. Have fun with your whore. Ta ta

I turn my phone off and throw it in the seat next to me. I pull back onto the road and drive to my new home. About twenty minutes later and I'm pulling into my parking garage. I take the elevator up after punching in the code. The doors open, and I'm welcomed with a beautiful Bermuda green entryway. The table sets a vase of flowers and another entrance where I have to enter in my code. I enter the code, and I step inside; the smell of fresh-baked cookies fills the air.

"Tati, your home!" Kia calls out.

I look around to take in my surroundings; the walls are beautiful earthy tones, beiges, and greens. The couch is dark, mocha, and made of leather. Everything is perfect. The TV  hides in the wall, and paintings that I've painted lay hung up on the walls. This place finally feels like home to me. I wanted to paint many times to decorate my and Jackson's house, but he'd never let me.

"What do you think of the new place?" I ask.

"I think it's one hundred percent Tati and I love it!" He says

"Your baking cookies?"

"Yeah, you want some?"

"Of course."

He pours me a glass of milk and plates me some cookies. I take a cookie and dip it in my milk. The soft, warm, gooey cookie melts in my mouth.

"It's delicious, Kia; you should become a chef."

" I would, but I make a better model than a chef."

"Speaking of, did you have any trouble finding the office?"

"Nope, it was easy as pie. I dropped off my portfolio, and they are going to call as soon as they have a potential client."

"That's great, Kia." I was dreading coming back to LA until I realized this is my home, home sweet home.