Self Love

Chapter 6

I woke up with a slight headache, in an unfamiliar room. My parents stopped me from sitting up. After a few moments, I finally gathered my bearings. I was in the hospital.

"Where's Malcolm?" I asked when I saw Jake. I could feel the tension in the room the second I said his name.

"Gone." Jake answers.

I ask Blair to get me a glass of water. I also asked them what the doctor said.

My vitals are okay. I just need water and enough rest.

"Guys he's back. Okay, he's back. I've seen him, Jake saw him but this time it's different. I won't take him back. I've changed. I'm better. He isn't going to be back in my life."

"That's what 19 year old you told me. It's just a talk. We're done. Over. 3 months later you have bruises and a black eye. So excuse me if I don't believe it this time." Alex spoke up.

"You told Alex and I that you were going to see a friend and the next thing we know is you come knocking at my door on your 21st birthday with bruises all over you, a busted lip, a black eye and you want to know why? He hurt you. Malcolm did. So Skye we're a bit apprehensive and with reason." Jake answers pissed off. "Get a restraining order." At that moment a bouquet of flowers is brought in by the nurse. Perfect timing. I take the note that came with it.

"Red has always been your color by the looks of things. Get well soon. ~L"

"Who are they from?" My mom asks, sniffing the red roses.

"A friend." I answer smiling.

Blair takes the note and I see that mischievous grin on her face that tells me she will be teasing me about it. Jake seems to know who sent them as well if the scowl is anything to go with.

"Well whoever sent them has good taste." My mom chimes in. My dad picks up on the vibe that he's to dislike this sender from Jake and now Alex's scowl. Men.

Well I like the roses and since they are for me that's all that matters. Well like these flowers I will bloom into the person I want to be and that person is a strong and independent woman. That means I am done with Malcolm but this time I mean it.

I am done with him for good.

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I moved out of my parents house to be away from their smothering but it unfortunately followed me to my house. My mom's been here the whole day. I was discharged last night. I had to beg for her to leave because she somehow thinks I'll pass out again. I won't let Malcolm dictate my life again. I know my family is worried that I'll let him in again but I won't. I can't. Now that I am finally in control of my life, I've seen how toxic he was. How toxic we were. In a way, I contributed to it all by letting him back in every time but not anymore.

I went to work the next day and it was a nightmare. Everyone kept giving me these looks of pity. Everyone had this sorry expression worn on their faces when I walked pass them. I hated it. I'm not helpless. I'm not fragile. I'm not broken. I held my head up high. No reason I had to look the role they drew me in their narratives. The boss who had a panic attack. I heard a rumor questioning my competence to continue working and that only fuelled my anger. Malcolm took away my innocence and now in a way he's responsible for my colleagues doubting my capabilities. Nonetheless I took on the world with a graceful stride and made it business as usual at the office. I took on as many files as I could and pushed myself to take more. I proudly finalized 3 contracts and was halfway done with 2. I am very capable. I hate that I constantly have to prove that because of who I am. 1st I have to prove myself because I'm a woman. Secondly I have to constantly prove myself worthy because a lot of people think I got it because of my family. No matter how hard I work those 2 reasons will always cloud people's judgment of me. But I will definitely not let it hinder me. I work hard. End of discussion. 

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Sixth chapter down.

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