Saudade

Chapter Five

Chapter Five

Scarlett's POV

I grab Georgia, and I get the hell out of there. That was too close of a call. I think about having Georgia switch barns, but that would make Nate question me and then he'd probably get angry and I'd get another beating, so I decide against it.

We drive home in silence, neither of us talk and the radio is off. The minute I pull into the driveway Georgia climbs out of the car and scampers off into the house. I stay rooted to my seat, still buckled.

I had a chance, to change everything. To make things right. To make a better life for Georgia and I, but I didn't take it. Why? Was I more scared of Nate or of what Matt would say? I could have been happy again, but I didn't take the chance.

Taking a deep breath, I unbuckle myself and drag my body out of the car and into the house. Georgia is nowhere to be seen when I enter.

"Georgia, honey, where are you?" I call out into the empty space before me.

"Are you mad at me mommy?" I hear a faint sob.

"Of course not sweetie," I try to coax her out.

She slowly comes out from behind the couch, her eyes casted downwards. "I'm sorry mommy, I was just trying to help. I don't like seeing you hurt."

I rush over to her and take her in my arms. "I know honey. Do not mention this to Nate, what just happened. I promise you that Nate will never hurt you."

"Okay mommy, I promise." I scoop her up in my arms.

I take her to her bedroom and put her down. "You get changed and I'll call Miranda's mom to see if you two can have a play date, okay?"

"Okay mommy."

I pick out some clothes out of her closer for her to wear as she undresses.

As I turn to leave, to call Miranda's mom, Georgia calls after me. "Mommy, how do you know Matt?"

I gulp, without turning to look at her, I reply, "We used to be good friends while growing up."

"Oh," is all she says.

I walk out of the room and just as I close the door, I hear her mutter, something obviously not meant for me to hear.

"I wish Matt was my father."

A silent tear falls from my eye and I turn to leave. Oh, how right she is.

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Matt's POV

I stared after her while I left. Did she lie to me? I can't tell. But one thing was for certain, I knew that Nate was doing something to her. I have never seen her so afraid in her life. Not even when we were running from the cops.

Running from the cops. Hah. Good times.

But aside from her current state, she still looked stunning. Her hair was still long and golden. Her cheekbone were protruding more. She looks like she's lost some weight. Probably stress from that bastard.

A knock at the door interrupts my thoughts.

"Come in," I snap, reverberating back to my old self.

Hannah waltzes in, a seductive smile on her lips. Oh boy.

"Matty, it looks like you've had a bad day today," she purrs, creeping closer to me.

"Yes, I have," I sigh, wishing she'd just go away.

"Well do you want me to make it better," she bats her eyes and runs a finger down my chest. But for some reason this time, it doesn't turn me on.

She leans in and starts kissing me. I try to kiss her back, but my mind keeps drifting back to Scarlett. I keep picturing Scarlett instead of Hannah.

Groaning I push Hannah off, leaving her looking shocked.

"What the hell, Matt?" she asks shock.

"I'm not in the mood," I deadpanned.

"Well get in the mood," she pouts.

"No. Just get out."

She looks at me, her mouth hanging open. What was I thinking? Ever hooking up with her. She is nowhere near as amazing or perfect as Scarlett.

Realizing I was serious, she turns on her heel and stalks out of the office.

Once I am left alone, I think back to Scarlett and Georgia. My heart hurt at the thought of Scarlett. My heart never fully healed from breakup.

That's when it hits me.

Georgia is seven years old. Scarlett and I broke up for really no apparent reason seven years ago.

Either Georgia is my child and Scarlett didn't cheat on me.

Or, Scarlett has been telling the truth and Georgia isn't mine and Scarlett did cheat on me.