Frayed Bonds

The unexpected visit

I settled into my chair by the window, laptop open, and social media notifications catching my attention. Instagram beckoned first, its notifications piling up since I started sharing my work and book reviews. My followers had grown significantly, but one notification stood out - someone named "Mike_ig" had liked every single one of my posts, all within the last minute. Curiosity piqued, I checked his profile before returning to my feed.

Just as I started scrolling through reels, my phone rang, jolting me from my seat. I rushed to my bed, grabbing the phone with a smile as I saw Max's name. "Hey handsome," I said, warmth radiating through my voice.

But Max's heavy breathing and tense silence confused me. "Babe, are you there?" I asked, fear creeping in.

Then, his explosive words shattered the calm: "IS THIS WHAT YOU'RE DOING IN JOHANNESBURG, EMILY? FUCKING AROUND?"

Taken aback, I stuttered, "What? Max, what's going on?"

"WHO THE FUCK IS MIKE EMILY? I SAW YOUR INSTAGRAM!" he bellowed.

Calmly, I tried to reason, "Max, I don't know anyone named Mike. And how did you see my Instagram?"

But Max's anger only intensified. "IT DOESN'T MATTER. BOOK THE NEXT FLIGHT AND COME BACK. TOMORROW."

My own anger flared, tears streaming down my face. "Who do you think you are, talking to me like that? I'm not coming back. I'll stay with my parents the whole week. Get your shit together, Max!" I hung up, fury and hurt warring within me.

I slid to the floor, tears streaming down my face. Just then, my door swung open, and Lydia rushed to my side. She wrapped her tiny arms around me, holding me close.

"Shhhh, it's okay, sissy. I'm so sorry," she whispered, concern etched on her face. "I heard you shouting and thought I'd check if you're okay."

Words caught in my throat as I sat there, the sound of my sobbing filling the air. Finally, I pulled back, attempting to compose myself. Wiping away tears, I forced a sad smile.

"I'm okay, babe. One of my patients from work passed away. They called to inform me."

Lydia's expression softened. "I'm so sorry, sissy. I know how much you love your patients, and how they love you." She stood up, pulling me with her. "Come, get some rest. You'll feel better in the morning."

She guided me to bed, then snuggled beside me, wrapping her small hands around me. Her gentle touch soothed me, and before long, I drifted off to sleep, grateful for my little sister's comfort.

-NEXT DAY AT HOME-

I heard a light knock on my door. "Come in," I said, opening my sleepy eyes.

"Hey honey, there's a man here to see you. He says he's your friend from Cape Town," my mom announced.

I looked at her in confusion. "My friend?"

"Yes, honey. Come on. Don't keep him waiting." Mom left my room, closing the door behind her.

I dragged myself to the bathroom, peed, brushed my teeth, and combed my hair. Wrapping myself in my silk robe, I headed downstairs.

In the kitchen, a man was chatting with my mom. As I entered, my confusion turned to shock.

Max sat on one of the chairs, wearing his charming smile.

"Oh honey, your eyes look a little swollen. Did you sleep late?" my mom asked, concern etching her face.

"I slept a bit late, but I'm okay," I replied, forcing a tired smile.

"Hi Max, what brings you here?" I asked, trying to hide my unease.

"I was in town on business and thought I'd stop by," Max said, walking up to me. He gave me a light hug and a peck on the lips.

My mom's eyes sparkled. "So, you're friends, huh?"

My cheeks flushed. "Mom, this is Maxwell Black, my boyfriend. Max, this is my mom."

Max smiled warmly. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Mrs. Davis. I couldn't leave without seeing your beautiful daughter."

I knew the real reason Max was there, and it had nothing to do with charm or business. How did he even find my house? I wondered.

Mom's light laughter filled the room. "Oh, I see. Emily, you didn't tell me there's such a handsome man in your life?."

I thought to myself, Because he's crazy and controlling. We've only been dating six months and already attending couples therapy for his insecurities.

I forced a laugh. "Haha, mom, I was just waiting for the right moment. Besides, it hasn't been that long."

Max chimed in, "Nonsense, it's been six months, Mrs. Davis, and I feel like I've known her my entire life." I rolled my eyes at his exaggerated statement.

Mom invited him to stay for breakfast. "Please join us. I'm sure Thomas will enjoy not being the only man in the house for once."

Max flashed his charming smile. "Of course, Mrs. Davis, it would be my pleasure."

I felt annoyed by the display. "Mom, I'll shower and then come down for breakfast," I said, turning to leave without acknowledging Max.

As I reached the top step, I heard Max ask my mom where the bathroom was, and she directed him.

In my room, I closed the door and leaned against it, wondering, What the hell is going on with Max?