AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It’s time to make the hard choices I’ve been avoiding. It’s not just about me anymore.
I cry for what feels like hours. But I don’t want to cry anymore. It’s time to be strong. My tears have finally dried up enough to get out of bed. I need to do this for Matthew’s sake.
Thankfully, the nanny started this week, and I’m grateful she’s taking care of Matthew this morning. I peek outside my door and hear her talking to him in the nursery. Satisfied he’s taken care of, I begin to shut my door, but I pause as I hear the front door unlocking.
And in comes Ethan, wearing last night’s rumpled clothes. His hair is in total disarray like someone ran their hands all through it. I can’t help the gasp that escapes me. He hears it and turns my way.
His face turns beet red, and he walks toward me. “Liz, I need to talk to you.”
I put my hand up. “No, just stop. Don’t come near me,” I demand.
He continues to move closer despite what I’ve said. “Just listen. Please.”
I clamp my teeth together. “I don’t care what you did last night or who you did it with. Just leave me alone,” I grit out angrily.
He doesn’t listen. He walks right up to me and tries to take my hand. I snatch it back, but it doesn’t stop him from talking. “Nothing happened last night. I was at Dax’s place.”
“Really? Then why is there lipstick on your shirt? Why do you smell like you bathed in perfume?” I accuse coldly. “Screw whoever you want. Just keep it to yourself, and don’t come here and lie about it. The least you can do is be honest with me.”
“I’m sorry. You’re right. I should’ve come home last night. But you practically shoved me out of the condo, and I was upset. It’s no excuse, but I just need you to let me explain what happened.”
“So, you sleeping with random girls is my fault now? I can’t do this anymore, Ethan. I can’t play this game with you anymore.”
“Me either. I don’t want this either.”
“I’m glad we agree that things need to change. I won’t continue to live like this.” I look down at my feet and fight the tears I thought were gone. “I’ve made a decision. I won’t be going back to work at the Anders Group. I’ve taken a new job.”
“No, Liz. Please don’t quit because of me. You love your job. If you don’t want to see me, I can make sure our paths don’t cross.”
I shake my head sadly, still not looking at him. “No, it’s not that. I need a change. I need to set myself up for a better future. I was offered a job as a paralegal, and they are going to pay part of my tuition to go back to law school. This is a good opportunity for me. It’s something I’ve wanted for a long time.”
Ethan lets out a shaky breath, sounding relieved. “Okay, well, that’s a good thing. I’m glad we have a nanny, then. If you’re going back to school, we’ll need all the help we can get. I’ll be able to help in the evenings, of course, but we might need to hire a night nanny for occasional nights when I need to work.”
“Ethan, the job is in Syracuse.”
“What?” he asks. “What did you say?”
“It’s in Syracuse, about four hours from here. Matthew and I are going to move there in one month.”
The color drains from Ethan’s face. He shakes his head several times before responding. “No, you don’t mean that.”
“I’m sorry. I’ve made my decision. I have to do what’s best for me and Matthew.”
“Let’s sit down and talk about this. Just give me five minutes. If this has to do with last night, nothing happened,” he pleads.
For a moment, I feel bad for doing this to him. Then, I smell the perfume on his clothes again. Anger and sorrow mix inside me in a violent storm. I have to get away from him before I completely lose it.
“I’m sorry, Ethan. Please, I need you just to leave me alone right now.” I step back and close the door as he looks at me in shock. And then Ipromptly burst into tears. Again. Only this time, I’m not sure the tears will ever stop.
And I don’t even care if he can hear me cry through the door.
Damn you, Ethan.
Hours later, after a nice, hot shower, I feel a little more human. I still have a raging headache, and my eyes are sore from crying, but at least they’re a little less red and puffy. I put on an oversized sweatshirt and leggings and slip on a pair of flats before leaving my room. I realize I can’t hide here forever. I might as well face the music.
Ethan is nowhere to be seen. The nanny, Tessa, is playing with Matthew on the floor.
“Hi, Tessa. Any idea where Ethan is?”
