Abby

I already know who those wretched flowers are from before Melodi opens the card. By the pale look on her face, it tells me everything I need to know. He knows I hate carnations. I remember the first time he brought me flowers; that’s when everything turned upside down.

I heard the door close as he arrived home. I’d come here after work to surprise him with a nice dinner as it was our three month anniversary. Jacob was the sweetest man I’d met. He treated me like a princess; always spoiling me and making me feel loved in every way. We hadn’t been together in an intimate way, but he was very patient with me and I couldn’t have been happier. I believed he was something special.

As I continued cutting up the vegetables for our roast his strong arms wrapped around my waist. He kissed along my neck, causing goosebumps to rise all over my heated skin. It brought a smile to my lips and a giggle escaped my mouth. He spun me around to face him. His lips sought out mine as he attacked them, devouring me, savouring my taste. His kiss was hard and it left me lightheaded.

“What was that for?” I asked as I ran my fingers through his short messy black hair. He looked bothered about something.

“I need you, Abby. When can you be all mine?”

Whoa! That was a deep question.

“I got you something today.” He turned around and grabbed a bunch of flowers off the table. It was a rainbow of carnations mixed with baby’s breath. I couldn’t say that they were my favourite flower, but his gesture was sweet. A sweet smile swept across my face.

“Thank you, babe, they’re beautiful.” I reached out to take them from him, but he pulled them toward himself fast, as though he was snatching them back so I couldn’t touch them.

“You don’t like them?” He spat the words at me in disgust. A small bit of spittle hit my face and I fought the urge to swipe it away, so I went for subtle.

“What…I…no, I like them,” I stammered. I was thrown by his aggression. It was like he had flicked a switch.

Did I give off some sort of vibe he wasn’t happy about?

His hand reached my upper arm and he gripped it tight, enough to make me yelp in pain. It didn’t deter him; his grip only got tighter. His short nails dug deep into my skin causing my eyes to water and shed a few tears.

“You don’t look happy with the flowers I picked out especially for you!” Anger flared in his eyes frightening me. Alarm bells rung loud and clear in my ears, a warning to watch what I said next.

I sucked up my ball of nerves followed by the fear lurching in the pit of my stomach putting a fake smile on my face. I placed my hand over his trying to un-claw him from my arm. Once his hand finally loosened, I stepped in closer to him. “Baby, I love them so much, they’re beautiful.” My voice was sweet as I could manage under the circumstances. Each word was forced like trying to stick a square block through a round hole.

A grin spreads across his face as he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into his hard chest. My own pounding heart brimmed with fear because I was sure there would be bruises the following day from his vice grip. I had to keep Melodi from seeing them as she already had concerns regarding Jacob.

Was I seeing a new side to him or was this just him?

 

I was so naïve. If only I’d listened to those alarm bells that had rung so clearly that day, then my life may have turned out so much differently. But would I have met Blake? I look around the room and everyone’s eyes are glued on me. A feeling of apprehension washes over me and I wish now I’d stayed away. I look into my sister’s eyes, the eyes I’ve dreamed about seeing for so long. They’re saddened, scared and filling with liquid that threatens to erupt at any second. She clings to Corban, who stands strongly by her side, his arm wrapped around her while gently rubbing and soothing her. I look over my shoulder at Katie and see her eyes are glued to the television. Walking over to the flowers, I pick up the card, scanning over every word.

Hello beautiful,

I’m thinking of you and that pretty daughter of ours. I’m sure she would love to meet her daddy. Don’t think of running again, I’m always watching.

J x

 

Anger burns through me, as I vigorously rip that pathetic card to shreds, tossing it straight into the trash. My hands shake uncontrollably as my chest vibrates. I’m angry, yet equally as frightened. Is that even possible? Right now my emotions are all over the place like paint splashed carelessly across a canvas. I sense Blake behind me, his aura is calming. He’s always been my rock, even back during those hard times.

I feel the bile rising in my throat. I make it to the sink before bringing up the remains of dinner from last night.

Chapter Three

Melodi

Watching my sister sick with fear shoots panic through me. I race over and rub small circles over her back, trying to soothe the flood of emotions that are running through her veins like poison. I lean over to talk to her, to see if she’s okay, and that’s when it hits me- the waft of stomach bile. I quickly step away doubling over, coughing and violently dry retching. I clutch my chest as I take long deep breaths of fresh, clean air, in an attempt to settle that feeling of wanting to be physically ill myself. My whole body trembles. I don’t do vomit well, but I’ve always been able to comfort those who need me when they’re sick.

Abby recovers, washing her face and composing herself. Blake takes my place beside her, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and pulling her securely into him. My stomach settles, but I think that’s only the start of the morning sickness to come.

Oh, how fun.

Blake turns to Abby. “Don’t worry about it, I’ll take care of it.” His words are strong and full of meaning.

Corban’s arms wrap around my waist to rest on my belly. “Are you all right?” His breath tickles my neck as he places a feather light kiss on my skin. I close my eyes as I’m comforted by this sensual moment. Turning in his arms, I look up into his metallic blue eyes that brew with concern.

“I’m good. I guess I better get used to feeling miserable and sick, and now I have another worry.” I give him a weak smile since he knows what I’m referring to.

“I’ll be here to look after you, and if you’re not up for working, then I’m sure your boss will give you time off,” he chuckles, kissing my forehead and making my chest tingle with love and adoration.

I glance back over my shoulder and notice that Abby and Blake have left the kitchen. I step out of Corban’s arms and go searching for them. They’re in the living area with the television on for Katie, sitting on the lounge and talking quietly with each other.

Before I can stop myself, I ask, “So what’s going to happen now?”

Their words fall silent as they both look at me.

“Corban’s going to give us a safe place where I can hide Abby and Katie,” Blake says. “I think it would be best if you went and stayed with Corban—”

“Wait! What?” I cut him off. “So I’m not going to see Abby anymore? You’re taking her away from me again?” I plead. The mere thought of not having her around sends me into a spiral. I only just got her back, and now she has to go away once more.

“It’s okay, Mel. It’ll only be for a short time,” Abby assures me.

“Can I contact you?”

“You can contact her through me,” Blake replies. “Jacob will be watching you. Especially now as he has full knowledge that Abby really is still alive. If we can get her out without him noticing, then he’ll watch you very carefully to see if you go to her.”