Jennie
Congratulations.
The word kept on playing over and over in my head like a broken record as I placed the last of my clothes into my suitcase. Leaving behind the dozens of designer wear that Lisa had insisted upon buying, I took only what I had come with.
I could no longer stay here as the melancholic air threatened to pull me under. Bile rose in my throat as suffocation consumed me. It had been almost two hours since that dreadful argument and the fast approaching third hour showed no sign of a return from Lisa. I always knew this day would come.
A distinct feeling had a part of me foreseeing the outcome, which was why during the past week I had made accommodations to stay for a bit with Irene. With no income, no job and no savings, I was penniless. The first time I had ever had to depend on someone was Lisa and the position I was in at the moment guaranteed that I would never allow it to happen to me again.
Taking the single suitcase down the stairs I looked around the magnificent suite one last time wiping away the stray tear that rolled down my cheek as I was prepared to leave. Grabbing my bag, the front door was suddenly pushed open as an emotionless Lisa strolled back in. Freezing me to the core with a look that chilled my bones, as we gazed at each other while I stood rooted to the spot.
Looking into her once warm eyes, they now looked at me filled with distaste and opened hatred. A cynical smirk appeared to the corner of her beautiful mouth as her gaze swept down to the suitcase at my feet. Breaking the tension filled air, she spoke first in a quiet serene tone. Not at all what I had expected.
"Are you sure that you are pregnant, Jennie?"
Tears filled my eyes as I nodded and took in her pained reaction. She closed her eyes for a brief second before the despised look returned and something much similar to disappointment filled her golden specs.
"You really had me fooled." she continued saying in that maddening soft tone filled with irony as she stepped fully into the penthouse shutting the door behind her, effectively blocking me from leaving as her body leant against it, "You used your virginity as a one-way ticket to a high class lifestyle." Lisa reproached.
"Lis..." I began through my tear clogged throat before her voice boomed throughout the quiet room.
"Enough!" she shouted making me flinch and as on instinct my hand rose protectively to my stomach. She regarded the gesture as her pink mouth thinned into a line of irritation.
"Here the real joke comes in. I have a suggestion or an ultimatum, see it as you please. Firstly before I continue on are you keeping the child?" she asked.
Without hesitation I answered, "Of course."
A chilling smile ghosted her lips as she replied, "That's what I thought."
"Secondly..." she continued on, "Where were you going?"
Finding my voice I faced her squarely, "I have to leave Lisa."
"You were going to take the baby away from me?" she asked as her eyes mirrored her shock.
"I can take care of this baby on my own." I stated fiercely as a surge of protective instincts suddenly consumed me.
"And how do you propose to do that? By living off the next man?" she stated mockingly.
Did she think I was going to another man?
Before I had time to explain Lisa said icily, "How insensitive do you think I am Jennie? Make no mistake I will be there every step of the way for my child and a marriage will ensure and solidify that I do. It is the mother I do not give a damn about."
"Marriage?" I questioned cutting her off as shock waves filled my system from her choice of words.
She was addressing this like one would discuss a business deal with their enemy. But that was all I was to her. A signed paper and rightful ownership.
"No child of mind would be brought up for less than he or she is worth and illegitimate, Jennie." Lisa stated with clear despise, "But I can assure you or warn you as a matter of fact not to warm up to the status that my wife would entail. You and I are nothing. We may be sharing a child but nothing else. My lawyers would be taking care of that part. You are a cheap, vile woman with an innocent face. I will take each and any of my mistresses and flaunt them publicly. Maybe then you will understand your worth. If you dare run away..." she paused before fixing me with a seething stare that left me trembling, "Do not make me fight you for custody. I promise you I will track you down and sue you. You would never want to take the legal route with me and dare you attempt to take that baby and run." Lisa warned in a sinister tone.
I never thought I would ever be thankful that my heart was broken before because that meant I had nothing inside me left to break. Not even minuscule little pieces. It felt empty and hollow, absorbing her words like a gunshot wound.
Her words left me winded and gasping for breath as no sound came out. Black dots filled my vision as my body swayed. My last sense left me inhaling Lisa's cologne as my world went completely black.
