Summer of first love

18

Roseann and Keith's marriage continued to deteriorate, especially as Keith's drinking escalated. One night, after arriving home from the studio, Roseann found herself confronting the familiar tension that had plagued their relationship.

"Where have you been?" Keith slurred, his words thick with alcohol.

"In the studio," Roseann replied, trying to stay calm.

"No, not for this long. You were with him."

"Yes, in the studio I was, but so was the rest of the band."

"I don't believe you."

Roseann knew Keith's distrust stemmed from his fear of Braeden. He had heard the stories of past issues between them and worried that Braeden might hurt her again. His concern was valid, but his jealousy was misplaced.

"Well, I swear that is where I was."

"Prove it!"

"How?"

"Tell me you love me."

Roseann's heart sank. "Now, Keith, we both know that's not true. We both know we only got married for Marty, so he would have a mother or at least a memory of his real mother."

"That's not how I saw it."

"Are you drunk? Because whenever you're drunk, you forget the real reason we married."

"Tell me you love me and I'll believe you."

"No! Because I don't. I don't love you. I only married you for Marty. It wasn't out of love; it was because of a promise to my dying best friend that no matter what, her son would have a mother or at least some sort of memory of his mom. She couldn't trust you to do that. She thought you'd marry some woman and pass her off as his mother, making sure he didn't know his real mom. That's not fair to him."

Keith's face reddened with anger. Roseann could sense the impending violence and backed away slowly. "Keith, please, don't—"

But it was too late. Keith lunged at her, grabbing her arm and throwing her against the wall. Roseann hit the wall hard and fell to the ground, momentarily blacking out. When she came to, her vision was blurred. She struggled to stand, her head and arm throbbing with pain. Groping her way to the phone, she managed to dial a number she knew by heart.

"Hello?"

"Thank God you answered."

"Roseann, what's wrong? You sound like you're about to break down. What's Braeden done now?"

Roseann's voice was barely a whisper. "It hurts."

Then, with desperation, she added, "It wasn't Braeden, honest. Just get here as quick as you can. I need to go to the hospital. I'll explain everything when you get here."

"Okay, I'll be right over."

"Hurry."

Within minutes, Luana arrived at the apartment. "Roseann?"

"I'm in the living room. Marty is upstairs in his crib. Avery is in her room asleep."

Luana quickly gathered the children. "Okay, I've got Avery, Marty, and his diaper bag. Let's go get you looked at."

"I should mention, I can't see."

"Why, that little... he's so dead. Where is he so I can give him a piece of my mind?"

"Luana, he's gone. He took off."

"If I ever see him, I swear to God I'll—"

"Can we just go, please?"

At the hospital, the doctor examined Roseann. "Good news, you'll be just fine. You've got some bruising on your arm, no serious injuries. There's an eye doctor coming; he should be here soon. Just sit tight. If you need anything, let me know."

"Thank you. So I'm going to be alright?"

"Yes, so far it's looking that way."

Roseann sighed in relief. "Oh, thank goodness."

The doctor left, and Luana said, "I'm going to go get Marty and Avery something to eat."

"Thank you for looking after them. He's five, and she's only three, so I don't know if they'll remember any of this, but I hope they don't."

"You want me to call Colton?"

"Yes, please. Can you? I think having him here might make me feel less anxious."

"Sure."

Luana went to a payphone and dialed Roseann's home number. After a few rings, Colton answered.

"Hello?"

"Hey."

"What's up? Everything okay?"

"I, uh... I'm at the hospital."

"What happened? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, but Roseann—"

"IS SHE OKAY? WHAT'S HAPPENED?"

"Calm down. Just get here already. Meet me at the cafeteria. I'll explain everything."

Colton agreed and arrived at the hospital quickly. After being briefed on the situation, he went up to Roseann's room. She had just finished her eye test when the eye doctor entered.

"Miss Hathaway, I've got your results."

The room fell silent as everyone awaited the results.