INSIDE THEIR MINDS

Anywhere but Here

KATE

I felt utterly useless at work. There wasn't much I could be doing since I will be talking several months off.

I was told my work will be divided between my other office mates, some of which I don't even know. Through my offices clear glass walls I could see everyone working tirelessly, taking calls, answering important emails, setting up conferences, and here I was watching the clock waiting for a text back from Alex.

"So, you don't need help moving things? " She asks.

"I don't think so, Phil hired some people, said I wouldn't have to lift a finger." I texted back then examined my index finger and I couldn't help but smile a little.

"Ok, did you still want me to come over later, maybe offer moral support?" She asks, needing to be involved with almost everything.

Ah Alex, you're amazing and I love you, but you might need a new hobby or a new hubby, either way. Then again knowing the men she has dated in the past maybe staying single would be ok for her, or at least for awhile.

"How about 7, that work? :) " She asks, with a smiley emoji trailing at the enf.

"Sure, see you then. " I send back then try, unsuccessfully, to relax in my chair.

DEREK

I have recieved 10 calls and 15 text messages from Erica in the last three days and I have been able to ignore every single one of them, a new personal record.

Usually she makes me feel so bad that I couldn't stop myself from going over there and try to cheer her up or get her what she needs but last night crossed the line.

I can't be leaving work during the middle of my shift to be driving my ex all over town just to have her drunkenly through herself at me. As much as I used to love her I just can't deal with the drama and the heartbreak anymore. Now everytime I see her or hear from her I can't help but feel anger or hatred, sometimes both. Maybe time will heal things between us, maybe not.

I decided today would be a good relaxing day to just work and focus on the lives of others. My massage clients tend to be pretty talkative and most days I enjoy that and today was definetly one of those days.

I had a full schedule lined up, 6 appointments each 55 minutes. I knew it would be a long day when I started but I didn't realize what all could happen in that span of just a few hours.

Phil

I just want to go home. I just want to be done.

I scanned over the 100 or so emails that were in my inbox and couldn't help but feel utterly overwhelmed. Working from home wasn't exactly am option what with everything all packed up, so for now, I'm stuck here.

Even with the sound on, I checked my phone every ten minutes making sure Kate hadn't texted me yet. The baby, is the baby ok?

With Erica's miscarriages and the multiple pregnancy problems we had with Trevor I could not help myself but to feel worried about Kate, but so far almost everything was running smoothly once she got her diet in order.

I couldn't help but turn my phone's screen once again just to be greeted with our smiling faces with a beautiful lake as our backdrop. Kate, Trevor and I all smiles, it was a beautiful sight to see.

I miss Trevor so much but with everything going on I know my sister's place is the best place for him right now.

Erica

I am surrounded by utter filth. Just sitting on the worn old couch I could see piles of dust collecting on almost every physical surface, but I couldn't get myself to clean it. For almost eight years of my life I had someone to do that for me.

We had a maid, a nanny, a gardener and even a chef from time to time. I never cooked, I never cleaned and I never changed a diaper, and now sitting here in the living room surrounded by half empty cups of day old booze I couldn't get myself to do any of those things.

I don't know who I am anymore without those things. Without my son by my side am I still a mother? Without a husband or boyfriend, or whatever Derek and I were, am I still loved by men?

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I could feel his hands sloppily move over my body his drunk breath almost putrid as he breathed near my ear.

In and out. In and out. Almost robotic. Passionless.

He was cute, enough, I guess, but there was no real spark he knew and I knew it, but we were both drunk what did we care?

Then as fast as it started it was over. "Red head in a turtleneck from the bar two blocks away" was gone and I was left laying naked in my bed, half drunk and alone yet again, still no love to be had.