by R. S James
Colton: If I can’t have you bitch, no one will.
Colton: I mean it Claire. Don’t do anything stupid.
I jump, when there is a knock on my window, and I look up, seeing it’s Morgan.
“You okay? Well, that’s kind of an oxymoron, isn’t it? I can clearly see you’re not, so please tell me what happened.”
“Well, I have fifteen missed calls from my soon to be ex, and I haven’t gotten to listen to the voicemails. There are also five text messages. Should I forward them to you?”
“Let’s go back inside and listen to the voicemails. That way I can record them, and I’ll have you send me screenshots of the text messages just in case we need to use them.”
“Okay.” Just then my phone starts ringing, flashing Wolverine Rental.
“Oh, hang on this is the rental company my friend and co-worker Jaime told me about. They are very affordable and try to meet all of your requests. They have a listing that I called to make an appointment to see.” I stop talking to him, and then answer the phone. “Hello. Yes, this is Claire. I received your number from Jaime, who I work with at the hospital, and I was looking on your website and saw a rental on North Tommy Road, and I would like some more information on that please.”
I listen, as a girl named Ava, gives me the details about the rent, security deposit, and all the ins and outs of the property. “Will I be able to see it today?”
“Yes, ma’am. Is one o’clock, okay?”
“Yes, I can be there. Can you give me the number of the house, so I know which one it is?”
“124 North Tommy Road.”
“Thank you so much, and I’ll see you soon.” I hang up, and then get out of the car.
Walking into the office, I forward the screenshots of the text messages to Morgan, as he gets a tape recorder, and then begins talking into it. “This is Morgan Bliss with Claire Mercier on August 22, 2016. Claire came into the office this morning. She was in here for about forty-five minutes, and her husband called several times. Here are the voicemails from Mr. Colton Mercier, during that time frame.”
Each message has the date and time each call came in, after each one, we wait a few seconds, before playing the next. They go from begging me to hear him out, so I’m sorry she means nothing to me, to you will not divorce me, and finally, to if I can’t have you, then no one will. He is seething with anger in every message.
Once they have all been played, I’m completely freaked the fuck out! I look at Morgan, thinking why couldn’t I have found a decent normal man like this to fall in love with? I can admit now that I’m not as in love with him, as I once was. If I was a different person, then we might have made it work, but he and I are like oil and water. We will never be good for each other. I know I can’t be with him anymore because he will destroy me. I will always care about him in a way because he gave me my beautiful children, but he is toxic to my life.
Leaving Morgan’s office, I head to the rental property. I really like it, and it fits the kids and my needs very well. With all that’s happening and how quickly, I just don’t feel comfortable signing a long-term lease, right now. So instead, I decide to wait.
“Ava, this is a beautiful property, and thank you for showing it to me. At this time, I need to speak with my kids. Can I get back to you?”
“Absolutely, and please, take all the time you need. Just call me once you have made your decision.”
“Thank you so much, Ava.”
Maybe this is the start of a new beginning.
Claire
I lay with Molly on her bed, looking at houses for rent just in case. I don’t know if I want to stay here or not. It’s going to be hard constantly seeing Colton and Clarissa together, so I need to check out all my options. After looking for a while, I finally see a house that takes my breath away. It’s the one I’ve always dreamt about. Sitting straight up, I grab the laptop to stare at the pictures, falling even more in love with the inside.
It's a two-story white, farm house with black shutters and a black steel roof. The lawn is full of rich green grass and flower beds around the porch, which wrap around the entire house. It’s beautiful, and it really needs to be mine. I start searching for the address, but I stop, seeing a big problem. It’s in Colorado.
“Why does the house being in Colorado have to be a problem? Can’t you just move?” Molly asks.
“Are you trying to kick me out already? If us staying here is too much, please let me know, and we can crash at a hotel or something.” She moved us in with her, until I can find a new place.
“No! You guys are fine here. I’m just thinking maybe you need a change of scenery. What better way to start your new beginning than with a final goodbye to this place?”
“I was actually thinking the same thing, but I need to talk to the kids, before I do anything. Maybe, after they graduate, then we can move.”
“Mom, Carson and I both graduate soon. We have nothing holding us here, so let’s go check the house out, and then we can go from there. Spring break is next week, and it’s the perfect reason for us to go,” Carly says, standing in the doorway.
“What about Carson? Do you think he wants to move?”
“I have nothing holding me here either, so let’s blow this place. I’m done with all the drama around here. You told us how dad was cheating, but we already knew of some of it. This is for us, as much as it is for you. We are so tired of not knowing, which one of our friend’s moms our dad might have banged. We are also tired of looking at younger kids, wondering if they could be our siblings. We need a new beginning, and in order to get that, we have to start with a goodbye to the past.” Carson says, speaking up behind Carly.
“Okay, then. It looks like I’ll be booking a trip to Colorado.” I start to look up airfares, but they stop me.
“No, Mom. How about the three of us drive?”
“Okay, so it’s a road trip with my kids.” I say, sounding excited, and everyone laughs.
******
Twenty-one hours later, we finally make it there, and the house is perfect. It’s even prettier in person. It’s so peaceful here, and the flowers are so vibrant and colorful. “I could sit on the porch and swing for days.”
“Wow, Mom. Listen to you already, and this is just the outside,” Carly chuckles at me. Oops, I guess my thoughts came out of my mouth.
“You have no idea. It’s the house straight out of my dreams.”
“Well, let’s not waste any more time.” I jump out of the car and start walking up the sidewalk, as my phone rings. I sigh with relief, when I see it’s Molly, and not Colton.
“Hey Molly. What’s up?”
“Claire, where are you?” Her tone sounds terrified and low.
“Why?” I ask, trying not to freak out.
“It’s Colton. He says he needs you.”
“What do you mean he needs me?” I walk away from the kids, so they can’t hear this conversation.
“Shit, I don’t know. He called me with some excuse about you being in an accident, and that you were asking for me, so Frank and I raced over here. When we got here, he told us that you were mad and wouldn’t talk to him, so he wanted me to call you. I was about to lay into him, when his phone rang, and he went outside to answer the call. What do you want us to do here?”
“Listen to me carefully, you and Frank need to leave there now. I’m going to meet with the real estate agent here and get this process moving.” I’m pacing and panicking because I don’t want anything to happen to my friends. She agrees to leave, and as soon as I hang up with her, I’m on the phone with my attorney.
“Morgan, the kids and I are in Colorado, checking out a new potential house, and Colton called my friend, Molly. He told her some story about me being in an accident, and when she got to the house, he said he needed them to get me to talk to him.” He tells me not to worry about it, and that he’ll handle things on his end, and I hang up feeling a lot better.
&nb
sp; Walking into the house, I feel a calm wash over me, as I realize this is where I’m meant to be. I’m smiling from ear to ear, as I follow behind Mrs. Paige, the real estate agent, as we go from room to room. The kitchen is my absolute favorite. It’s yellow with black appliances and grey cupboards, and it’s just stunning.
“If you don’t like the color, you can change it. There is also a half bathroom right here under the stairs.” She says, as I notice the dining room is pale blue, and it’s large enough for a table. There is an incredible view of the woods and running stream behind the house, and the living room is large with a fireplace. I stand here, picturing myself decorating for Christmas, and my stomach fills with butterflies.
All the bedrooms are upstairs, so we walk up slowly. The first one is large enough for a king size bed and dresser, leaving plenty of room to move around. The next door is a bathroom, and it’s a peach color with cream around the top of the walls.
Walking down the hallway, I realize the opposite side is the next bedroom, and it’s just as large as the first one, and the only difference is this one is an indigo blue color. The next door is a linen closet, and then, at the complete end of the hall, is the master bedroom, which is light grey. It honestly feels like such a peaceful room. I’m so comfortable in here, like I’ve been here forever. This room has an attached bathroom with a claw foot bathtub too. It’s even more beautiful than I ever imagined.
Mrs. Paige tells me about the skylights in every bedroom and both of the full bathrooms, and I didn’t even notice them. “So, do you like it?” She asks me with a smile, while holding the application in her hands.
“No, I don’t just like it. I’m in love with it, and I would move in today, if I could. What do you guys think?” I ask the kids.
“I’ll leave you to discuss this in private. I’ll be downstairs, if you have any other questions, or anything else for me.”
“Mom, it’s beautiful. We should head back, pack up, and move in as soon as possible.” Carly tells me, laying her head on my shoulder.
“I would love too, but I have to wait, until the divorce is final.”
“Well, let’s go talk to Mrs. Paige and see what our options are.” She says, as we all head down stairs.
“Mrs. Paige, we would love nothing more than to start the paperwork today. However, I have to stay in Michigan, until my divorce is final. What are our options?”
“We can start the paperwork, and if you’re approved by the bank, then you will officially be a homeowner in Colorado. More than likely, you will have to come down and sign papers once everything is done.” She stops for a minute, as her whole face lights up. “I almost forgot the most important part. Come with me.” I follow her, as she shows me the very high-tech security system.
“Let’s sign some papers!”
I’m so excited, and I can feel the butterflies, even more so now. I can’t wait to show everyone our new home. Carson was right. We need to make a clean break from Michigan and leave behind all the bad memories.
This is going to be amazing.
Claire
Once we get back home, the first place we go is to Morgan’s office. He is on the phone, so we wait patiently for him to be done. Once he hangs up, he tells me that his brother, who is a police officer, has offered to go with us to the house. This really surprises me, but also gives me hope that I’m making the right choice.
I take a minute to call Molly, letting her know what is going on. I also ask, if she and Frank can help us move. “Oh babe, I’m so excited. I knew that house was for you just by seeing your face, when you saw it.”
“Hey, are you and Frank busy tonight? Can I borrow you both to help Carly, Carson, and I move our stuff out and into a storage unit?”
Molly squeals with excitement and hollers, “Are you kidding me? Of course, we will help you pack and move. Hang on, I’m going to jump on the bed and wake Frank up!”
I can literally hear her running through the house, throwing open the door, and jumping on the bed. “They are finally leaving the good for nothing bastard spawn of Satan, and we get to help her pack, so they can start the process of moving into their new home. Now, get up lazy!”
I hear Frank in the background saying, “Molly, you know I love you, right?”
“Well, duh. Everyone does, silly boy.”
“Well, get out, so I can get in the shower and get ready to move our girl!”
I laugh, as I hear her happy squeals, but it also makes me sad, knowing that they have worried over me for so long. My face must show my worry, like I’m about to cry, because Morgan looks panicked, as he watches. Everyone has always told me that I don’t have a poker face.
Morgan says, “Hey, no need to feel sad. They love you and will always worry, if you’re in the perfect relationship or not. It’s human nature just like you worry about them, Carly, Carson, and everyone else.”
I hear sniffles, coming through the line. “Oh, shit. Molly, you okay, babe?”
“Yeah, and that was a very honest statement. Some people only care about what is important to them, but you have always been a caring person. I’m just excited that you are getting a new and fresh start. Anyway, we will meet you there in about thirty minutes. Sound good?”
“Yeah, babe. I just want you to know that I love you and will always care about you.” Wrapping my arms around my babies, as they walk in, I breathe in their unique scent. Carson smells of spice mixed with earth, and Carly smells of vanilla and cinnamon.
I close my eyes and pray this goes easy, so we can move on with our lives. “Okay, guys. Let’s do this.” I turn, introducing everyone. “Carson and Carly, this is Morgan. Morgan, this is my son Carson, and my daughter Carly. Morgan’s brother is on the police department, and he’s going to meet us at the house, so we can pack and move our stuff. We were also approved for the house in Colorado.”
“Oh, baby. I love a man in uniform!” Leave it to Carly to break the ice, as everyone starts laughing.
“Now, let’s go get our stuff, and then start our happily ever.” We get in our cars and drive, heading to the house. When we get there, I sigh, when I see that not only is Colton’s truck here, but Clarissa’s small car is too.
“Well Morgan, you’re about to see my crazy life, before your eyes, so brace yourself.” I say to him, as we get out of the car and walk to the front door. He starts to say something, but I already have my mask in place. Morgan quickly introduces me to his brother, Ben, and the uniformed officer, Pete. If Morgan wouldn’t have said Ben was his brother, I wouldn’t have known. They look completely different. Where Morgan has dark hair and chocolate eyes, Ben has blond hair and blue eyes. He’s kinda like a typical surfer in the 50s. Pete looks like the boy next door with his hair all over, like he just brushed his hands through it.
Walking over to Molly and Frank, who are standing with the kids, I introduce everyone. I notice Molly checking out Morgan, and if I wasn’t so distracted, then I’d meddle in setting them up.
“Okay, guys. Let’s go in and get started.” I walk up and look at the officer. “Should I knock, or just go in?” Before he can answer, the door swings open, and there stands Colton.
“Well, look at what I found. What is it that I can do for you?”
“Colton, please don’t make this harder than it needs to be. Just let the kids and I get our stuff, and we will be out of here. Then, you can do what you want.”
“What makes you think you’re going to take my kids from me?” He is seething through his teeth.
The officer steps in and says, “Sir, the kids are old enough to decide, where they want to stay. If either of them wants to stay with you, then they can. Now, we can get a judge involved, or we can act like adults here. I’ll talk to them each separately and find out what they want to do.”
“She’s already filled their head with lies about me, but you go ahead and talk to them.”
“Nonetheless, I have to make sure this is what the kids want.
Can you and your companion please step outside with my partner, while I speak with the children?”
“Yeah, I guess, but I don’t want her taking anything that belongs to Clarissa or me.”
“Sir, I can promise she will not take anything that doesn’t belong to her.”
I walk in the house with Morgan, Molly, and Frank right behind me, as Carson and Carly walk towards me, looking like someone just hit their pet. “Mom, why do we have to talk to the police without you?” I open my mouth to say something, but Morgan stops me.
“This is standard procedure, and the officers will ask you some questions. Just answer them honestly, and also know that whatever you say, won’t hurt your mom or dad. Okay? Now, you two will be separated, so no one is influencing anyone, but when the officer is speaking with you, I’ll be right there.”
The kids try to look around Morgan to me, but he blocks their way. As their mother, it’s killing me that I can’t be there to protect them. “Okay, let’s head to the bedroom and start getting my clothes and stuff ready.” We walk into the room I once shared with my husband. I look at the bed I once thought was special, because it was ours, and now, I know it meant nothing to him. I was just a warm body, and something he used for his entertainment.
On the bed is my favorite blanket with a huge wet spot, and I know it’s just him being spiteful and mean. My necklace is also there, and I have been wanting it. It’s the infinity symbol with my birthstone on one side, and Colton’s on the other. Apparently, he has jokes today. Well, I don’t have time for this. I need to be the responsible parent for our kids.
I walk to the linen closet, grabbing my suitcases, and start dropping my clothes into them from the dresser, as Molly tries to fold them and make them nice. No, fuck that. I just need to get my shit and get out, before I end up in jail tonight. Once my dresser drawers are empty, I go back into my closet, grabbing my clothes, throwing the hangers on the floor, and filling the suitcases with as much as I can fit. I reach down, grabbing the handles and taking my clothes downstairs by the handfuls, and then placing them in the backseat of my car.
