Onyx

Chapter 5: In Which She has Hallucinations of an Apparition (Onyx)

"It's way too soon to even think like that. How could you be so insensitive to my marriage, Ruby?" My words are laced with venom at the mere thought of betraying him as I enunciate each syllable of her name at a pace that is still unlikely to penetrate her iron skull.

An exasperated sigh slips through my lips as I stare out at the impending moonless night forming through the wooden blinds leading to the patio. Silence fills the air as I realize my harsh tone of voice.

"I'm sorry Ruby..." My voice trails off as the picturesque ribbons of raven and lilac begin to envelop the night sky mirroring the dark bruising marring the inside of my chest.

What doesn't she understand? Even if I were to even consider another man, he still wouldn't be Him.

No other being would ever replace that, another pang of guilt floods my veins at the mere thought of someone else touching me in the places He discovered. His touch could never be reenacted by another. My face scrunches in disgust at the unbridled thought of another man grinding sloppily against me at some high-end club downtown.

"You've already sent him the papers Nyx. If you hadn't noticed, he sealed his fate when he decided to start messin' around on you. Another thing, just because he shows up all sudden with a check doesn't mean he's sorry for what he did. He's probably just compensating for his guilt because of his recent mail." Her emphasis on the last word has my eyes rolling into the back of my head.

"You deserve more than that. And I'm not askin' you to get eloped tonight, just come out and spend time with me? I don't want you to fall back into that dark place. At any rate you can at least test the waters. Please Onniegirl." Ruby's southern drawl warms my tundra of a heart for a millisecond at her newest addition to the overgrowing list of nicknames.

Bitch.

"One drink." I grit out as I bite down on my tongue, the metallic taste of disdain building in my throat. Somehow, I already know I'll regret agreeing to her idea of a girl's night out.

I'd prefer my bonnet, pjs, and wine fuck you very much.

I usually find the crass woman hysterical, the one who happens to have been my best friend since childhood, but as of late the only smile I've been able to conjure is a weak grimace at best.

One that probably explains why everyone seems to know how to steer clear since our separation. One that I may need to consider readjusting if I ever want to resume my love life.

As if I will ever be capable of that monstrous feat, I'd honestly prefer to drink a cocktail of cleaning products. This isn't something that Ruby is not aware of... She simply just doesn't care for my "theatrics" as she has reminded me countless times. As if mourning the inevitable divorce from my husband is a felony.

The near demonic shrill laugh echoes through the phone from the vivid ruby-haired woman, filling the silence on the receiver as I bite down on the corner of my lip. Bitch ignored my apology completely, but she isn't completely wrong. Khalan made his mind up when he decided that our marriage meant nothing. My life should not be on hold while he...

He...

I regret sending that ominous text to Khalan when I found his note, but I felt out of control in that moment. Every fiber of my being yearned for him then. Throughout my entirety of living on this strange planet, I have only felt these disastrous sentiments for him.

And I wholeheartedly hate him for it.

Although Ruby would light a fire to my ass if she knew about the text I sent or the constant nightmares that plague my sleep. The nightmares of black eyes and intricate tattoos.