Redemption.

Chapter 3: Blurred Vision

Diamond

Patrick rubbed his mouth and formed a side fist at his lips. He sniffed back his running nose, refusing to let any tears fall. "Okay Owen, go and play." I said, sniffing after. Once he left the room, I stood to my feet. Patrick eyed me with angry, red eyes. His stare pierced my soul, causing me to quiver inside.

"So, s-so you're gonna just continue to throw me and Owen out of the door? Do we even matter to you anymore? H-how do you think that a marriage between you and him would work?" Patrick asked, stuttering out of fury. "How long will you continue on letting the people around you, who you supposedly love, suffer? From your bullshit Diamond!" Patrick spoke in a loud whisper, displaying his obvious anger while pacing back and forth.

I was speechless. Tears continued to stream down my face at his words. The guilt that was building up inside wanted to break free so bad. I kept it hidden all these years. I wanted to bring back the days where I used to be the victim, just so I can be free of this shit. "So, you have nothing to say?" Patrick questioned staring me down, waiting for an answer.

"How do you expect me to answer that Patrick?" I cried. "Why would you even question my love for Owen?"

"And what about me? Did you forget about the one you first loved? The one you lied to? The one you deceived? The one you left for a guy that you told me not to worry about? The guy you wanted me to defend you from?" Patrick gave in and let the tears fall, wiping them away quickly. His words stabbed me where it hurt the most. My heart.

"What are you so afraid of?" Patrick whispered, calming his fury.

"I-I...Patrick...I just don't want to hurt anyone anymore," I rubbed my eyes, "You don't think I miss how things used to be? I wish I had you and Owen back more than anything...I just couldn't find the courage to leave Anthony, knowing what he was capable of doing. Plus, we have two kids together."

"We have one too, did you already forget?"

"That's not how I meant to put it Patrick. All these years together with him...I just..."

"You do not fucking love him Diamond," Patrick growled. "I know you more than anyone, probably more than you know yourself. Like you said, you're just afraid. Once you stop being a coward, then your life will stop bringing you trouble." Patrick said. He shook his head and exited my room, leaving me weeping in sorrow.

1:30 PM

Family and friends began to arrive early. The yard was almost full of screaming children, running everywhere or stuffing their faces with candy from the candy table. The adults were sitting at their own tables, playing cards or laughing, just having a good time. When I entered the yard, I saw a little girl running around with Owen and other kids. "Slow down baby or you're gonna fall." A woman with beautiful, cherry red hair told.

"Okay, mommy."

She sounded like Diana. I walked over to the woman with the red hair and tapped on her shoulder. When she turned around her eyes widened. "Diamond! Hey! Oh my God, I didn't know you were here yet!" She yelled loudly in excitement, snatching me into a tight hug.

"Hey! I missed you so much!" I smiled. "And you dyed your hair! It looks so good on you!"

"Thanks! Where are the boys?" She asked. I searched around and found them playing with Owen and Diana.

"There they are." I pointed to where they were throwing balloons in the air and catching them.

"Oh my God, that's them? I just saw them running around and didn't notice. Come on." Tammy grabbed my hand as we walked over to the kids.