Expect The Unexpected

Chapter 47

Maria’s POV

I woke up feeling like something was wrong. The bed that I was in didn’t seem familiar and for a split second I didn’t even know where I was. But then, like a tsunami, everything flooded back. I turned to my side and saw Sam fast asleep. I couldn’t quite understand what I was feeling. I wasn’t sure if it was the fact that I was upset that I slept with him or the fact that I actually felt something for him. I didn’t feel like debating whether or not this was a good or a bad idea. For the first time in a long time, I felt as ease. I had never noticed how stressed I had been. I suddenly felt like I could relax and take a deep breathe. I knew that things were far from okay but I didn’t want to stress over anything. In fact I just wanted to stay in bed for the rest of the day and let time pass by, let time heal my wounds and let me forget everything that had happened in the past few weeks.

I knew that I had to go back to the apartment to get my stuff and as much as I didn’t want to I knew I had to. I had to face my pain and accept what had happened.

I was engaged to a murderer and I was sure that it would take a long time for me to at least get some sort of sense of how I didn’t see it. How I had missed the fact that he was capable of something like this. I did notice that he got angry and was prone to begin arguments but I never really thought he was capable of doing something so violent.

I decided the sooner I got my things the faster I could begin my new life and never look behind.

I didn’t know what exactly I felt for Sam but I was sure that I wanted him in my life. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that without him I wasn’t going to be happy. To think of it, he seemed to be the reason behind my happiness while I was with Michael.

I got out of bed and threw on the clothing that I had on last night. I left a note on the pillow telling Sam where I was and that I’d be back soon.

The apartment seemed cold and empty and maybe it was but this time it felt different. It felt like all life was missing, like nobody could ever live in this place again.  I tried to keep the thoughts of Michael out of my head as I packed my stuff. I had three large suitcases and I packed the most essential things that I could think of. I didn’t bother bringing most of my clothing or dishes. I felt like I needed to start a new beginning a new life. In the end I only packed one suitcase and left the rest behind. I didn’t need this and I had enough money to buy everything that I needed.

Sam called two hours later asking me if I was alright and if I needed help, I politely told him that I was fine and that I just needed this time to myself.

With a final glance around the apartment I accepted what had happened and left it all behind me. I locked the door and when I turned around to leave I almost ran into Greg, my landlord.

‘’Oh bella’’ He gave me a sympathetic smile.

‘’What happened is terrible and it is sad to see you leave’’ He said with a strong Italian accent.

‘’It’s ok Greg, I loved living here but I need to move on’’ I said

‘’I understand’’ Greg said and patted me on the shoulder.

‘’Let me give you back the deposit.’’ He said already hurrying down the stairs.

‘’Greg no wait’’ I called after him, making him stop and turn to look at me.

‘’I don’t need the deposit, keep it’’ I said and handed him the keys. Greg looked at them and smiled and nodded.

‘’Good luck Maria’’ He said and with that we parted. That chapter of my life seemed to be finished; it was time to begin a new one. Or maybe even a new book, something different, maybe even move out of London and start a new phycology department. I was sure that Mario and Mary would be fine on their own.

Once back at Sam’s apartment I felt like I had arrived home. In fact this was going to be my home until I found my own place, but deep down I didn’t feel like I needed to find a new place.

‘’Hey’’ I said when I entered the living room. Sam was sitting on the sofa watching TV, what he was watching made me stop in my tracks.

‘’…the local police have arrested Michael Riley for the death of Judith Quinn last night. He has been charged with second degree murder and will go on trial this afternoon. It seems like there is no escape for him this time…’’

Sam suddenly muted the TV and left the woman in the TV making weird mouth and hand gestures.

‘’Maria’’ He said and stood up.

‘’It’s all over’’ Sam said and walked over to me. I felt a lump form in my throat as they showed an image of Michael in handcuffs. I had felt so positive this morning and I was sure that I was going to get over this in no time, but I knew that that wasn’t the case. It was going to take a long time for me to accept what had happened.

‘’come here’’ Sam said and pulled me into an embrace. In that moment I knew that Sam was going to help me. With his help I was going to be fine.

I knew that Vicky was going to help me out too, but I wasn’t sure how I would tell her what happened, but then again, I was sure she would see it all on the news. All I had to do was wait for the phone to ring and listen to her for a good few hours. She was supportive but sometimes she was quite judgemental. I understood her though; she was already there to make sure I was fine. She only wanted what was best for me and I loved her for that. I couldn’t have asked for a better friend.