A Ruin Of Roses (Used to be: My Mysterious Husband)

TWENTY-THREE

𝙳𝚞𝚋𝚕𝚒𝚗, 𝙸𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍, 𝟷𝟸:𝟹𝟿 𝙿.𝙼 𝙼𝙰𝚈 𝟸𝟺𝚝𝚑 𝟸𝟶𝟷𝟾
[𝙿.𝙾.𝚅 𝙹𝙰𝚇𝙾𝙽]

The weight of the situation is crushing, and the anger that burns within me feels insurmountable. Jayce, ever the level-headed and supportive friend, reaches out and places his hand on my shoulder, trying to calm my rising fury. I glare at him, my frustration evident, and he lets out a heavy sigh.

"I think we should give him a break," he suggests, his tone compassionate.

But my anger is too potent, my emotions too raw to consider leniency. "He ruined my marriage," I snap, bitterness lacing my words. "I'll beat the information I need out of him," I declare, determination hardening my gaze.

Jayce's concern deepens as he tries to reason with me. "I understand you're upset, but this isn't going to get us any closer to their boss," he cautions. "You're in a weak state, and they know that."

I look down, my anger momentarily giving way to a sense of helplessness. Jayce's touch, a comforting presence, eases my agitation, if only temporarily.

"Fine," I mumble, reluctantly agreeing to his advice.

With Jayce's guidance, we leave the room, exiting the grim environment of the interrogation. Everything feels impossibly hard now that they are gone. The absence of their laughter, the void where we used to watch movies, the longing for the moments when we would tell really bad jokes to each other – it's all a stark reminder of the emptiness that has engulfed my life.

Jayce leads me out of the building, each step taking us further from the only semblance of home I had known. I find myself staring blankly at the passing scenery, trying to ignore his worried eyes and the turmoil that churns within me. The prospect of going back to an empty house without my family feels unbearable, and I can't help but long for it all to end, no matter the cost.

𝙱𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚘𝚝, 𝙸𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍, 𝟺:𝟷𝟺 𝙿.𝙼 𝙼𝙰𝚈 𝟸𝟺𝚝𝚑 𝟸𝟶𝟷𝟾
[𝙿.𝙾.𝚅 𝚁𝙾𝚂𝙴]

"I'm sorry," Jenny says gently, her hand rubbing my back as I hunch over the toilet, dealing with the morning sickness that has become an unwelcome companion during my pregnancy. Nausea and discomfort seem never-ending.

I groan, my head pounding as I lean back, trying to catch my breath. Giselle joins Jenny in offering comfort, her soothing touch a lifeline in this difficult moment.

Hellen chimes in with a reassuring statement, "We're all here for you."

"Thank you," I whisper, my voice still shaky. "You guys are amazing," I add, gratitude filling my words.

Sarah is sent on a mission to grab a cold, damp rag from the freezer to help ease my discomfort. I can't help but smile, despite the challenging situation. "I hate the morning sickness. That was the worst with Jayden, too," I share, hoping to lighten the mood. Every mention of my pregnancy serves as a reminder of what Jaxon might think.

"I wouldn't know," Giselle says quietly, her voice holding a tinge of sadness.

Sarah returns, bearing a note and a rose. I take them from her, my curiosity piqued. The writing on the front of the envelope is messy and unfamiliar. With trembling hands, I tear the note open and begin to read it to myself.

"You don't know us, but rest assured, we know you all too well. Every step you take, every secret you hide, we're watching, lurking in the shadows, learning your every move. Our presence is invisible, our intentions shrouded in darkness. Stay close to home, for straying too far from safety may lead to dire consequences you couldn't possibly fathom. The darkness that encircles you is relentless, and our reach is infinite. You're not alone, even when you believe you are, and your every move is a step closer to a darkness that threatens to consume you. Be cautious, for the unknown terrors that lie ahead may be more frightening than you can imagine."

 The message on the note sends a chill down my spine, and I quickly toss it into the toilet, flushing both the ominous message and the rose down. 

Giselle, concerned and curious, can't help but ask, "Who was it?"

I hesitate for a moment before deciding to lie, wanting to shield them from this unwelcome intrusion into my life. "Jaxon," I reply, and they both release sighs of relief, thinking the situation is less dire than it actually is.

"I'm sorry, hon," Jenny mutters, her empathy palpable.

"It's fine. I just want to be left alone for a minute," I say, my voice reflecting the genuine need for solitude. They nod understandingly and exit the bathroom, leaving me to grapple with the mounting fear and anxiety that has resurfaced.

Something deep inside me had been warning that a situation like this might arise. Even with our separation, the danger seems to persist, and I realize I have no one to turn to. If they are indeed watching me, they would know if I called the police, and it's unclear what actions they might take. I'm trapped in a perilous situation with no apparent escape. I pace back and forth, the weight of uncertainty pressing on my shoulders.

"Momma, are you okay?" Jayden's concerned voice calls out from behind the closed bathroom door.

I open the door, and he stands there, his eyes filled with worry. He opens his arms, and I lean down to hug him tightly, needing the reassurance his presence provides. "I saw the note before Sarah. What did they mean?" he asks his innocence in stark contrast to the menacing message we've just received.

"Hey, we're safe, okay? We'll be fine," I assure him, cupping his face in my hands and looking into his eyes. "Trust me," I whisper, my words carrying a conviction I'm not sure I fully feel.

"I trust you," he says, his trust in me unwavering.

I wrap my arms around him, holding him close as he sighs and speaks his own truth. "I miss Jaxon," he admits, his voice filled with longing.

Tears well up in my eyes, and I can't help but agree. "Me too," I whisper, wishing for the day when our family can be whole again, free from the shadows that threaten to consume our lives.