Running Away

Chapter 2

"My oh my, this is beautiful, ain't it?" Bryan asked cheerily, swishing around the red wine in his glass. "Cheers, my love."

Sera lifted her glass and clinked it with his. She wore a sleek, silk, emerald green dress with complimentary pumps. Her lips were a deep red, her cascading body waves went down her back. Bryan wore an expensive gray knit with khaki pants.

Together, they looked like a perfect image of black love.

After leaving Elias, with the money she took, Sera started over. She wanted a brand new start, and it wasn't long before she ran into a handsome doctor, who had the same dreams of family as she did. Bryan was decently happy to step in as a father for Sera's baby. Bryan felt confident in that role since Sera and Elias were no contact.

That night Sera dropped off baby Emilia with Emilia's grandmother, June. Bryan found it odd how Sera did not tell Elias of Emilia, yet Elias's own mother knew and was actively involved in Emilia's life. June was not pleased to keep such a big secret from her son, but as an ex-wife to a former spy herself, she understood. June and Sera trusted each other. Sera trusted June with Emilia, and June trusted Sera to tell Elias at the right time. Sera had a troubled past of being abandoned by foster-family after foster-family, this made her relationship with June so much more valuable. They shared dinners together, cried together and weekly would attend Church.

Bryan and Sera were off to a fundraiser for a new research modality that was in the start-up phase at the hospital. Deep down, Sera knew no one there was really concerned with the main purpose of the event. All those stuffy, fancy formal dinners were just a chance for all the male doctors to show off the pretty thing they get to go home with. It felt like a pretentious fraternity to Sera.

As Bryan made his way through the grandiose dining hall, he introduced Sera to his colleagues and she felt their disgusting gaze all over her skin, it was always followed with the look of annoyance from the women they brought.

Sera rolled her eyes, "First time seeing a black woman?" She asked in her head.

Sera felt frustrated and bored, the conversation underwhelmed her. She turned to him, "I'm going to run to the ladies room, I'll be right back."

"Don't stay away too long, my love. I don't know if I'll be able to make it without you!" He joked, causing the other doctors to burst out laughing. Sera shined a fake smile and turned on her way outside.

As she walked away she heard the men talking amongst themselves, "Bryan, I don't know how you did it. Where did you find her from? A playboy magazine? She's hot!"

Bryan chuckled, "Fellas, let's just say that looks, riches and class can get you far in this life."

Sera felt anger travel through her and thought, "Riches?" Bryan's yearly salary is child's play for what Elias would bring home in a month. In embarrassment, she shook the thought out of her head. She didn't want to think about Elias and re-open that can of worms in her heart. She hated that she still thought of him so often, but she couldn't help it. Emilia looked just like him. It was a daily reminder. Every time she looked into her daughter's beautiful, green eyes she was reminded of what could've been.

Finally enjoying a momentary break from the noisy gala, Sera sipped her prosecco quietly and stared out into the busy NYC streets. She watched the cars whizzing past one another and allowed her mind to wander freely. A minute turned into two and soon enough she had been out by herself for 15 minutes.

"I got to talk to you, Jesus..." Sera leaned against the railing and closed her eyes. "I should be happy, right? Emi is healthy, I'm healthy, Bryan is–ugh...I don't know anymore, God. I thought this is what I wanted but I can't stop thinking about him. Was I wrong to leave? I don't know, I need Your help. Please help me move on for good."

Sera continued talking to God in the cool, evening air. It was nice. Until...Bryan rushed to her side in alarm. "I've been looking all over for you, darling! Come back inside, there's a friend I want you to meet."

"Oh." Sera replied, feeling unease. "Sorry, I guess I lost track of time."

"I see...Well, let's go back in, there is someone I want you to meet." Bryan held Sera's hand and roughly pulled her in the direction of the gala.

She stopped and pulled her hand back. "I'm actually thinking of going home now, I'm a little under the weather."

"Are you okay? What are your symptoms? I keep telling you about all that Starbucks you drink, it's probably caffeine related-"

"Bryan, I'm okay." Sera reassured him, gently touching the side of his face. "You have a good time with your friends. I'll take a taxi and see you when you get home okay."

"If you say so." He sighed in defeat and gave her a kiss. "I'll see you in a few hours then, darling."

She gave him a warm smile in goodbye. Sera was relieved to be heading home, she looked forward to changing into some pajamas, washing the makeup off and watching a good show. The glitz and glamor of being with a high-status doctor was becoming increasingly exhausting. She enjoyed quiet nights in and the relaxed date nights, but even with her pregnancy and being postpartum, Bryan always opted for them to go out to the town.

It was about a thirty minute ride before she was able to slide her key card to get into the secured high-rise that became home. After her key card gave her access to the building, she had to put in her and Bryan's pin to get the elevator to go to their floor. Lastly, in front of their apartment door, the key card had to be slid once more to unlock the digitally activated dead-bolts.

As soon as she stepped inside and closed the door behind her, a huge sigh of relief came out her mouth. Her mood was already lifting. She slid her arms out of the thin, silk straps and shimmied her body out. Sera then kicked off her heels, now only wearing a matching, lacy, black bra-set and diamonds.

Walking to go and put her clothes away, she noticed the kitchen lights were on. Distinctly remembering that she turned them off before leaving the house she walked over and let out a blood curdling scream at what she saw.

"Elias?!"