Roses From the Devil

» two

I paced the length of my living room, biting my nails and running my hand through my hair. I'd sent Jack to have a bit of free time before he started his homework, but truthfully, it just gave me time to further ponder over the news and worry myself to death.

My laptop - open to the article I was currently writing - sat at the coffee table across from the sofa I tried to settle on. But all my focus was on the TV. On the news. His image flashed across the screen multiple times, coming out of the courthouse, surrounded by guards, bombarded by news reporters.

He looked the same as ever. Auburn hair still just as fiery. Green eyes just as piercing. His smirk just as smug and deceiving, promising nefarious acts.

Breathing uneven, a wave of dizziness washed over me and I finally allowed myself to welcome the soft embrace of the couch behind me. Running a hand down my face, I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to sink back into the pillows.

He would look for me. And he would find me.

All those crimes that he had committed - they were so glaringly obvious. All touched up and put on a pedestal for the entire world to see. I could see him for what he really was. And yet, I couldn't stop writhing - couldn't stop beating myself up for not seeing all the signs sooner.

I was young, naive. And in love. It blinded me to everything he did - everything he was from the very beginning.

A loud knock on the door startled me from my thoughts, and I jerked as I whipped around on the couch to the front door.

He's not here. He's not here, I tried to reassure myself. He can't know where I am. He was just released from prison in California, all the way on the other side of the country.

If only I had known that bastard wouldn't stay in jail forever, I would've been more careful. More secretive. I had tried to change my last name, but it was a lengthy process. And though I was still acknowledged by my father's last name on some papers, my ex-husband's followed me and Jack on most of our medical reports and bills.

Another knock came from the door, this time more rapid, and I eyed the door warily.

I'm safe. Jack's safe. We're safe.

There's no possible way he's gotten here so quick. He wouldn't know where to find me.

I stood shakily to my legs, and approached the door slowly, just as the person rapped on the door again. Lifting myself to my tip-toes, I peeked through the peephole, and I almost sagged in relief when I caught sight of the grinning face of my neighbor.

Inhaling a deep breath, I let out a small laugh, and threw the door open. "Liam!" I exclaimed happily.

"Hey, Iz," he responded with just as much enthusiasm. "How's it going?"

I thought back to the news - of him - and forced a smile to my lips. "Could be better," I admitted truthfully.

Liam's brows rose. "Life?"

"You could say that," I said, just as I heard Jack's small feet bounding up to the door from behind me.

"Uncle Liam!" he shouted, and jumped into Liam's awaiting arms, who laughed loudly.

"What's up, tiny?"

Jack frowned, and then held up his arm for Liam to inspect. "I'm not tiny. I'm getting bigger and bigger. I'm almost as big as Mommy!"

Liam took Jack's arms between two of his fingers and chuckled. They continued goofing off with each other, and I watched quietly, a small smile on my lips.