Tragedy of Love

A New Beginning

After the confrontation with Preston, I sat on the edge of the bed, my heart still racing. I needed to get away, to put some distance between us. I dressed in sweats and a hoodie, keeping it simple and comfortable.

I waited until I was sure Preston had left the house. Peeking out the window, I saw him pull out of the driveway and disappear down the street. I waited a few more minutes, just to be certain, before I went downstairs.

The house was eerily quiet as I descended the stairs. I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of my decision settling in. I went back upstairs and pulled out two suitcases, opening them on the bed. I packed quickly but carefully, taking only what I needed. I didn't plan on taking everything—just enough to start fresh.

As I packed, I came across a photo of me and Preston. In it, he was kissing my neck and holding my baby bump. The memory hit me hard, but I couldn't let it sway me. I took a pair of scissors and cut him out of the photo, leaving just me and the baby bump. I packed the altered photo into the suitcase.

Once everything was packed, I dragged the suitcases downstairs and into the garage. I opened the back trunk of my Jeep and loaded them in, closing it with a heavy sigh.

Back inside, I gathered my purse, laptop, and the essentials I needed for work from my home office. I didn't leave anything behind that I might need later. Finally, I returned to the garage, got into the car, and started the engine.

As the garage door opened, I felt a mix of fear and relief. I didn't know where I was going, but I knew it had to be somewhere away from him. I drove out of the driveway and onto the open road, letting the uncertainty of the future wash over me. All I knew was that I was moving forward, and for now, that was enough.

~~~~~

I decided to get some breakfast from IHOP. As I placed my order, I ignored my phone until I was finished. When I finally checked it, I saw a missed call from Madison. With a sigh, I called her back.

"Denise! Why aren't you at work? You didn't even tell me!" Madison's voice came through, sharp and concerned.

"Good morning to you too," I replied, trying to keep my tone light. "I had a rough morning."
"I called in sick," i explained, my voice flat. "I couldn't face going in today."

Madison let out an exasperated sigh. "You can't just disappear like this, Denise. What happened?"

I told her about the confrontation with Preston, the packing, and my decision to leave.

"I'm so sorry, Denise," Madison said sympathetically. "I'll leave work and meet you at IHOP. You shouldn't be alone right now."

Despite my insistence that she stay at work, Madison declared she was leaving immediately to meet me at IHOP.

I gave her an annoyed look, but she just grinned waving me off."Stop looking at me like that and tell me what happened." she demanded, her eyes searching my face.

I filled her in on every detail. Each time I mentioned Preston, her eyes twitched with barely suppressed anger.

When the waiter came back, she ordered some food. "So, where are you going now?" she asked, once her order was in.

"I don't know," I admitted. "Maybe a hotel until I find an apartment."

Madison immediately offered for me to stay with her, but I shook my head. "Thanks, but I'm good. Actually, I just remembered my grandfather left me his house in his will. It's not too far from here. I've kept it in good condition, renting it out as an Airbnb. I could use that."

Madison's eyes lit up. "That's perfect! You'll have your own space."

I nodded, feeling a bit more hopeful about the situation. Then Madison's expression shifted to a sly grin. "So, what about Kevin? I saw him in a really good mood today."