The Final Revenge

/45/ PT. 1

I'm standing by my window, watching outside as though I was expecting someone. I feel a hand around my shoulder and I turn to look. It's aunt Ruth, draping my shoulders with a scarf.

"A cup of tea for you." She says, handing me a mug.

"You look so pale and sick, Natalie."

"Well, it's because I'm sick, aren't I?"

"You're not. You're only doing this to yourself and the baby. Calm down, have a seat. You standing by the window everyday won't make them get anything on him."

"It's been over a week. How couldn't they have found anything?

"Lucas is a smart man. If he has something to hide, with his resources, he'd do a perfect job at it."

"Do I even want to know what he's hiding? Do I?"

"I had warned you from the beginning. Had you listened to me, you wouldn't be in this mess. You'd be happy with Rocket, finally."

I look at her, confused. "You know I'd never be cap— my phone rings, stealing my attention. I jump up, rushing to get it. I pick it up from the bed. It's the PI aunt Ruth got me. We exchange knowing looks. I accept the call and put it on speaker phone.

"Good day, Ms Richardson. Are you listening?" He asks.

"Yes?"

"It seems like your ex husband is having an affair." He says.

I exhale, "I know that."

"She's pregnant." He says, and my eyes widen in shock. I sit on the bed to avoid losing my balance.

"Pregnant?" I ask, in a bid to confirm. I gasp. "How far long is she?"

"I can't tell, but her belly is a bit big. Ver big." He says in Scottish accent. I look at aunt Ruth. She doesn't look surprised.

"Did you get a photo?" Aunt Ruth asks, collecting the phone from me as my mind begins to imagine a million things.

"No. She had on a face cap and a nose mask. She's got black hair though. Falls right back through her shoulders."

"Laurel, Natalie?"

"No. It can't be, Laurel's a brunette. Who is she?"

"She could've dyed her hair." Aunt Ruth comments.

"Did he just see them?" I ask.

"Did you just see them?" Aunt Ruth asks him.

"Yeah. They're at Antarctica. I can see them from where I'm standing."

I get up from my bed, heading to my closet.

"Natalie?" Aunt calls, but I ignore, picking my coat, skirt and boots.

"What are you doing? Where are you going?"

I ignore her, changing into my clothes as fast as I can. I take my phone from her. "Text me the address, please." I say to him.

"You're coming here?" He asks.

"Do what I say!" I bark. Aunt grabs my hand.

"Natalie!"

"Aunt, let me go. I have to see for myself. It's the only way I can be at peace. It's the only way I can get closure."

******

I get down from my car as fast as I can. I do not bother searching for the PI. I go straight into the bookstore and scan the room. I don't see them around. In fact, the place is quite empty.

"Hello. I'm looking for a man and a woman. Uh, he's tall, she's wearing a hat and a mask." I ask the barista.

"Who are you? Why are you looking for them?" She asks.

"His wife." I respond.

Her jaw drops. She points at the opposite side. "The other exit." She says, and I turn around, rushing to the door. I open it, and I see Lucas opposite, preparing to enter his car. I look forward, and then, I see her. My heartbeat increases. I begin to run after her.

"Wait! I said wait!" I call. She looks back, and immediately, she begins to run off. Bloody hell. "Stop running! Wait!" I yell, but she ignores. She gets to her car and begins to drive off. I divert, and find my way to my car. I start the engine and begin to go after her. I horn at her, but she pays me no attention.

"Ow," I wince, the cramp increasing. I continue chasing after her until I overtake her. I get down and go to her car. I open the door and drag her out. She turns her face away, but I drag her neck and take off her hat. I drag her mask off. I let go of the hat and I stagger backwards as I realize who it is. No way. I must be dreaming. She holds my hand so I do not fall. I look down at her stomach. I stretch my hand out to touch it, but I stop. It looked like she would be due any minute now.

"Lydia." I say, my heart palpitating.

"Na-Natalie, it's not what it looks like. I promise."

I begin to laugh, as I remember seeing her in the store. I remember her number ringing. "It was you," I laugh, piecing everything together. I continue, "This whole time, it was you!"

"If you would just—

"How long have you been here? Did you even leave at all? How long has it been since the both of you have been fooling me?!" I yell at her. My heart was hurt. It felt as though my heart had been ripped right out of my chest. She doesn't respond, instead she begins to cry.

"Answer me, you bitch!" I yell, my blood boiling. I hated her. I hated Luke. I hated them all. "You were more than a friend! I thought you were my family. . . My sister. But you've been nothing more than a common backstabber. I would call you a common home breaker, but it seems like we're one and the same, isn't it?" I begin to laugh, unable to control myself.

"Eh," I cry, as the cramp worsens. "Don't you dare touch me." I warn her, just as another car arrives. I hold my stomach as I try to bear the pain. Lucas begins to run towards us.

"Natalie, what's wrong?" He asks, coming closer.

"Stay the hell away from me."

"You don't look so well, and your belly. Let me take you to the doctor, please?" Lydia asks.

"I'd rather die." I respond, standing straight. I turn, and begin to walk back to my car. I had nothing left to say to Lucas. Everything was over now.

"Natalie!" Lucas holds me, as I fall into blackness.