Forced Vows

Back again

I wouldn’t consider myself to be girly but that doesn’t mean I don’t like shopping. The mall was huge with a fountain in the middle. It was spacious and sophisticated unlike the one back home.

I spent a couple of hours looking for suitable clothes and with my arms full, waddled to the nearest cafe. The weather outside was cold and my fingers had frozen. I slumped down on a chair and started rubbing my hands together, my nose was numb and my ears were cold but I was happy. I ordered a mocha, a small sandwich and a glazed donut.

For around half an hour I stayed in the cafe before finally making my way out. It was 4 o clock by then. Now I didn’t know what to do. I looked around and sat down. I had planned to be back by around 9 o clock which is when my cab was going to arrive.

I decided to visit the aquarium which was only a few minutes’ walk from the mall. After that I took a walk around the town, it was a pretty little place with a hint of old school luxury in it but like the mall, there were a lot of new buildings. At around 8 it started raining, I was used to staying outside for a long time but I had not come prepared. I made my way to a restaurant, and ordered some food. I took jacket potatoes, a coffee and ice cream. I eat ice cream in every weather.

It was finally 9 o clock. I felt my tummy churn at the thought of meeting my dear husband and quickly made my way to the cab.

Throughout the drive, my tummy was sinking as I wondered what would happen, all the different possibilities came to mind. Maybe he wasn’t home? Maybe...maybe he would accidentally kill me. Before I knew it we were in front of the hotel. I got out slowly and gulped. Alright, stay calm Hazel.

I walked to our room and gulped, taking out my key. I opened the door as quietly as I could and shuffled inside, placing my bags on the floor and taking my shoes off.

I could hear someone talking on the phone, his voice brisk, he turned around and stopped, his eyes meeting mine and darkening. I wondered if I had time to walk back out his look made me nearly pee in my pants.

“Call me later” Evelyn said quietly into the phone. He hung up on the person and placed the phone back into his pocket.

He stared at me for a couple of minutes, taking in my wet hair, bags of clothes and coffee . I tried to act as if nothing was wrong or that I wasn’t peeing my pants and took my coat off.

I walked cautiously forward to the doorway, he didn’t move.

“Where the hell were you” he asked quietly, his words venomous.

I ignored him, trying to sidestep him and failing.

“I’m asking you a question Hazel” he said sharply, grabbing my arm before I had time to slide away.

“None of you business” I muttered trying to wrench my arm away. “get off my arm” his grip only tightened.

“What the hell were you thinking?” Evelyn spat, nearly breaking my arm. I tried to pull my arm away, not wanting to look him in the eye. He pushed me back onto the wall so that I had first seat view of the fury on his face and the anger in his eyes.