prologue
I rushed around my small house making sure I had everything. I checked and checked my bags twice before running down to the kitchen. I reached on top of the fridge, grabbing an old cookbook I never used, and opened it to reveal the secret compartment I had cut into it. Inside was a one way ticket to my freedom, and a load of cash saved from years of babysitting and working at a café. I shoved all of it into my small backpack and threw the book back into place. I then went into the draw and grabbed a notepad and pen. I scribbled the note with haste and placed the shiny diamond ring onto it. This life wasn’t me. It wasn’t where I needed to be.
Leaving was my only option.
I grabbed my two duffle bags and walked out the door not bothering to lock it. I had all my shit out of there. I didn’t care if his was stolen. I walked down the quiet road and to the bus stop, where I waited patiently. I saw a curtain in a nearby house move slightly, and watch as a young woman came out the house. She slowly walked over to me in took in my appearance.
“Your Jakes wife, aren’t you?”
I nodded slowly and forced a smile before introducing myself. “I’m Austin” She gave me a slight nod before looking down at the bags. I saw her frown before looking at my face. And then my arms. I knew she saw. She saw the fading reminders of why I was leaving. She saw the marks Jake had left on me. He always came home late from work. Always making excuses for himself.
He always claimed to love me but I could see through it.
She looked at me tucking a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. “I’m Ashley. My fiancé, Jason and I live next door. I’m surprised we haven’t met you before. Jake always says you’re too busy to come over. I swear Jake and Jason are inseparable!” she smiled kindly
I looked at her confused. “Jake spends time at your house? Weird. He always seems so busy with work. He never finds much time to be home.” Ashley smile fell. She knew that something wasn’t right. I could see it all over her face and I know she could see everything on mine.
She looks around in order to change the subject. She looks back at my bags again, “are you going somewhere?” I sigh and hear the noise of the approaching bus.
“Look, Ashley. Jake and I have our issues. And I think it’s best for you to not get involved. Now I’m not telling you who you can and can’t talk to, but Jake isn’t the best company to keep. And you seem too nice to be surrounded by his influence. I wish the best to you and Caleb.” The bus had now parked up near the curb and I motioned for him to wait. I turned to Ashley one more time “also Ashley, if Jake asks, you haven’t seen me.” She nodded and watched as I boarded the bus, handing the money to the driver.
As the bus pulled away, I watched my house fade. Along with the tears, abuse, everything he had put me through was gone. Absorbed into the walls, stairs, and floor. I let one tear fall but that was it. I wouldn’t miss my past life. I needed a new, fresh start. It was my turn at my happy ending.
