Two of Hearts

by Alexa Jackson

  We are two halves that complement each other.

  Chapter 26

  Penelope

  I spent much of the tense ceremony, idealizing the right time when I would have the courage for the right time to tell Adam about the baby. But every minute, my courage falters. I have told earlier, if not for Liam to get me to the wedding. I would have told the car, if the path to where it would be held the party was not as short as my determination. I would have told after we dance, if he had not moved away suddenly, with the excuse that he needed a drink. I would have told if he had not come back with the woman in tow. I had been rehearsing this moment the last three days. Tell the man you love, and you no longer know more nourished the same feelings for you, who is pregnant, it is not an easy task. It would not be easy, even if we were not still together. Say in a wedding party also is not the ideal place. I would have expected the time we were away. The invite to come in and throw the bomb in his head. That was the original plan, to see him next to her.

  Savannah Hernandes is as beautiful as intelligent. The few minutes I spent at the table with her were enough to understand why Adam admires so much. He had already told me about it before, when we were talking about work. What I did not realize is that it was so lovely. Of course jealousy gnawed me. Of course, to see together, the harmony between them bothered me more than I can explain. Especially now that Adam and I are just friends.

  I needed any excuse to get away. crazed pictures began to emerge in my head as she took a seat at our table. The way she laughed for Adam. He will always smiled like that when they were talking about? The way he bent his head to hear him better, revealing part of her cleavage. How would the two at work? How many times this scene was repeated when studying a process?

  A drop of water spilled over my impatience cup, when the delicate and perfect hand touched his arm while laughing something Liam said. It was impossible for me to continue watching all dead. I decided that I hate with all my strength. I hate it even more because I know that there is no reason to feel dislike for her. All the time was kind to me, casting gentle smiles and trying to include me in the conversation, which did not need much effort to ignore. Jealousy made me see everything blurred. So that I did not commit something thoughtless, how to play my drink on it and drag Adam away from this party made a crazy, I preferred to turn away. Out, breathe some fresh air, and I realized how much I'm being ridiculous.

  Why should I feel so insecure? I'm expecting his child. An eternal bond that no matter what happens, will bind us forever.

  Playing all these insecurities aside, I decide I should go back to the table, to claim what is mine. The man I love and believe that love me too. Maybe I was too hard. Pressed too much, to the point of taking him to believe that our future together would come down to a simple and cordial friendship. No, we have already skipped this waltz is time.

  So I swallow the pride and jealousy and return to the table where my initial plan put in place.

  It was this determination that led me to tell him that I do not want their friendship or whatever the fuck he has planned. I wanted with all my strength.

  See Savannah approach us ignited my need for possession. Then I kissed him. Yes, with an irrational and primitive need to mark it. To say with this kiss her, and any woman, it is mine.

  Maybe it's the hormones of pregnancy can be jealousy or fear of losing it that made me do it. Whatever the reason, it does not matter. When we're together, nothing makes as much sense as us.

  - Adam! - Savannah of the insistent voice teases this bubble that protected us and gradually returned to the reality around us - I need your help. They will kill.

  It took a second or two to brown eyes, surprised and desire remains, move away from mine.

  - What did you say? - Adam asks, confused - They who?

  - Charles and Liam - she turns around, waiting for him to follow - We were dancing when he came. I do not know where it came from ...

  I pay little attention to his narrative. I follow them back to the hall, feeling a mortal need to strangle this guy Charles if Liam has not already done so.

  When we arrived, we found the engalfinhados as pictured. But a table with a broken leg and a mouth and nose bleeding the other, reveals that the fighting was fierce. On the one hand, two men holding a Charles exalted and furious. Clearly see that he had abused drink. On the other hand, a man holding Liam as he laughed provocatively, which only adds more anger in the groom's brother.

  Thank heavens, Paige and Richard had already left for the honeymoon, and have not seen this deplorable scene.

  - Look - Charles mumbles - The other brother Crighton. They began to share the same woman now? Or already did it when we first met? I always suspected that they were not just friends. The two, Savannah? I thought you loved only one. It hurt less accept it.

  His eyes pass from Adam to Savannah.

  - Let me tell you, gentlemen. It is not worth it. Is nothing but a slut classless going cam ...

  The phrase is cut off by the sound of shrill slap Savannah unleashes on her face. There is no noise around us. Charles is released, rub the marked face, and walks away.

  - All right, guys, let's continue with the party - Vivian, the woman in charge of party organization, is slowly dispersing people around.

  Music returns, and the guests return to enjoy. Except Adam, Liam, Savannah and of course, me. Were the ten minutes more tense and revealing of my life.

  - I hate him so much - she sobs, hiding his face in his hands, indulging in a compulsive crying.

  Adam console, Liam disappears with the excuse that will look for ice, and I just watch the scene, uncertain of what to do.

  Adam and Savannah together? As a couple? The relationship goes far beyond friendship and work. They had a past.

  I should not think about it, should not be eating away at me inside. Savannah had gone through a humiliating moment, but how to tell my heart to witness the two together should not hurt? Love is not rational, at least not mine.

  - I want to leave - she whispers sometimes.

  Adam stares at me. There is a silent apology on his face. A pang through my chest.

  - You can find Liam to me?

  Wave briefly and pull away. Savannah is not the only one to have a broken heart tonight.

  ****

  Where are you?

  I get the message after having ignored all his calls. I had no strength to hear what he had to say. I saw the apology in his eyes, before they have asked me to be behind Liam. It should not, but know that Adam would leave the party with her, it hurts. More than I can control and what would hurt.

  Just answer this, please!

  Why is he worried?

  I'm in a taxi going home. Take care of your friend, she seems to need you. Good evening.

  Is Savannah who need it, right? Squeeze the damn green button, and once the message is sent, repentance slaughter me. I'm throwing him into her arms and away from me.

  It's all right. Good evening.

  I put my head on the seat, looking out the window, and through my swollen and wet eyes, I feel that not only the buildings and the cars that I leave behind. Something much more important had been the way.

  Of course I could not relax in the bath, so I got to the apartment. A cup of tea warmed my body, but the heart, this is still cold, and my mind could only say how much I was stupid, letting me lead by anger and jealousy.

  What they were doing at that time? Discovering they have more in common than career choice?

  Maybe he just has left home and party, angry by the way I left. Or are perhaps drinking, consoling each other. These thoughts prowled through my head in the following hours. Neither the book I tried to read, or the movie that put on TV, were enough distractions to ward off the most absurd thoughts out of my head.

  Act like an idiot just hurt myself.

  Click the handle makes me turn toward the door. The lighting of the TV, I see the Julienne silhouette entering.

  - Hello, you awake? - I
see it on the light and make the vest of his uniform - In fact, I thought it would not be home.

  She takes off her shoes and move your feet with pain face. Julienne had obtained a temporary job at a diner specializing in fast food, which pays as bad as she works hard.

  - Did something happen? Are you alright? How was the wedding?

  I do not know which questions to answer first. So I go by easier.

  - It was wonderful, Paige was beautiful. Sorry you have not gone - move away me a little so that she feels beside me - Many things have happened, and I'm not well.

  Reliving what happened was not softer than hours ago. I still feel hurt, frustrated and a great fool.

  - Do not tell him again? - The accusatory tone of Julienne retracts me.

  - Not that I do not want to - I cross my arms defensively - Have you noticed that every time I try, something happens? He goes away, an ex-girlfriend appears ...

  - You have to tell him - she insists - Maybe Adam be surprised at first, even boring, but will not shy away from its responsibility.

  - I do not want to be a liability - mumble wound - not that my son is. I do not want someone just physically present. I know how the lack of love hurts. I will not let my baby go through it.

  - He is not your father, Penelope. Think about it. You can not postpone it any longer.

  Maybe I'm running away or putting off the inevitable. But the reality is that I'm afraid. I am really scared and confused. I adapted quickly to the fact of being pregnant. But while this secret is mine, I feel that nothing bad can reach us. Adam will not turn us back to really fear. My parents will not be mad at me. People in my work will not judge me. Or lose the job I love.

  It is a false and naive sense of security. Because I have a slight inexplicable intuition that my problems are just beginning.

  ****

  Awakened by the light knock on the door. I look at the clock on the bedside and see that I overslept.

  - Are you alright? - The Julienne's face appears on the go - Want me to call and let you stay at home today?

  - No! - Lift the faster than it should and I will sit to feel dizzy - Only I overslept. I must go, I have a lot ...

  Like every morning, nausea makes me run to what has been my best and faithful friend the vessel. Every time I feel more tired. It is as if the baby sucked my energy. I'm exhausted physically and mentally, and had not even passed the first trimester of pregnancy.

  You sure, Penny? It is very pale.

  The concern in his voice makes me stand up and stamp a brave smile on my face.

  - There is the party earlier this year - I whisper, his voice hoarse due to sour taste in my mouth - Besides, I'll have that conversation.

  After work, I will go to Adam's house. I can not delay the moment more, feeling afraid or not. It is selfish, and it would be unfair to him and our son. Besides, I can not suffer in anticipation.

  One step at a time. This was said during the night I spent in the clear.

  One step at a time.

  - Prepare the coffee for me?

  - Juice and toast, right?

  - It's the only thing he leaves.

  Julienne out laughing. We had made a bet. I'm sure it was a boy. She believes it is a girl. There is a legend, she saw on the internet, ensures that girls are pregnant enjoarem more.

  A few minutes later, I'm tucking the last piece of toast in her mouth, praying that it stays in my stomach when the phone rings.

  - It's for you - Julienne stretches the wire as much as possible in my direction.

  The upset face and the way she twists her mouth, reveals that the person on the other side not to like.

  - Penelope?

  - Mother?

  Busco pay attention to his voice, as the surprise and my bated breath prevent me from uttering a word. Since my father literally threw me out of the church, we have not kept in touch. Not that I had not wanted to, but all my attempts were frustrated by his silence.

  - I need to think - answer with a soft voice - bye.

  The interrogative and restless gaze Julienne makes me question his lips do not.

  - She wants me to spend Christmas with them.

  Like a fish out of water, Julienne mouth opens and closes several times. I know, I am also surprised.

  - You will?

  - Still do not know. I need to tell them - point to the baby in my womb - Maybe it's a good opportunity.

  - Want me to go with you? I'm climbing at work, but I can try a break.

  - Not going home?

  - I have no home - she sits on the couch where she had been my purse and delivery for me.

  - Need to talk to his father, Julienne - I regard it firmly. I know you're hurt, but her father and brothers are crazy for her.

  - I will get some sleep. Caught early at work today, I changed to a girl who had to go to the child's school party. Lock the door when you leave - she lies and puts the pillow on her face.

  That's my signal that the conversation was over. How do I know it's no good press, I decided to let her give account for herself. Keep family away just leave more wounded and hurt.

  The day runs agitated. These are the last meetings of the year, balance sheets, reports, and the company party to organize. Although it under control, contact the company and remind them of the little faults of the previous year.

  - I deal with him later. I do not care what he thinks, do what I ordered.

  Give Neil to folder as he leaves his room. He has lunch with German businessmen, where he plans to open a branch. One whisper good luck, although he knows he will not need. He says goodbye with a wave of the hand and walks toward the elevators.

  - Penelope, HR Chelsea are looking for you, I believe it is urgent - Aline tells me a few minutes later.

  She seems nervous, so I decide to see what can happen. Aline is not the kind of person who can act under pressure.

  Against Chelsea talking to an angry employee, and wait until she dispenses.

  - Hard day? - Smile as soon as the man leaves.

  - It's all HR's fault - she smiles back - Do you need anything?

  I get confused.

  - Do not call me here?

  She gets confused.

  -. No year-end is complicated, but I can still cope.

  - Strange, Aline said he wanted to talk to me.

  - Maybe she confused me with someone else, that girl is flighty - she leans to whisper - still do not know how he got the job. I had a sick leave, and when I saw she was here.

  Since I have no defense for Aline, but also do not want to add anything about what other people think of her, I close my conversation with Chelsea and I go to my room.

  - Aline, Chelsea said ...

  - Glad you came back - she interrupts me, wringing his hands - Mr. Durant's in there and it looks very dull. I know I can not handle it.

  - But he just left.

  - But again, it seems that did not match the contract.

  She shakes the contract that he would discuss during lunch and stares at me apprehensively.

  - I do not understand, I'm sure I put it in the folder - picked up the document of his hands and walk towards Neil room.

  - Maybe you confused. I found in your drawer. Well, you've been really tired lately.

  It is possible that she's right. But still, I find it very strange. I had never committed a gaffe like that. Not even in my early days in the company. And I swear I put the contract in her folder.

  Do not knock on the door, as it is ajar. Neil is at the window, looking at his reflection in the glass, while tidying the tie. I'm about to do me this when he speaks.

  - Of course, being a father again scares me, Adam - this time he puts his hands in his pocket and watch the city - but it's exciting too. I know what you think about having children, but it was so long ago. I never thought of changing your mind?

  I should not be listening to the conversation between them. I should make me this, give the contract and go.

  - No...

&n
bsp; The answer came as a powerful, paralyzing venom. As I listened to his lips all my fears reversed in words, the ground under my feet and my whole world start to fall apart.

  These are the last beat of my heart. He is dying.

  Slowly and painfully.

  Chapter 27

  Allyson

  I knew as soon as I got in that car there would be no return. The road I had chosen would lead me to ruin and destruction; the abyss. This is no going back, my soul has been corrupted.

  - Dear Allyson - the winning smile greets me as soon as I open the door - Lost champagne? I made a brilliant performance, right? Much better than Shakespeare. You know, my father always said I had a dramatic vein.

  The laughter malefic causes chills, and can not prevent a slight shiver touch my skin. Fear? Pleasure? I do not know which feeling drives me more for it. Maybe both, incited by this dark feeling inside me, and wonder that dark side that radiates it.

  - Do you think it worked?

  Him to the chair that had begun to turn and look at me blankly. The smile widening even more.

  - You did not see how it left here? - He shakes his head, the expression on his face as false as his feigned regret - Heartbroken.

  - Yeah, you were very cruel.

  - I did nothing. People attribute guilt that I have - the voice is full of debauchery and satisfaction - was Adam, to say things so painful for her.

  - It was a masterstroke, I must admit. But what if she is looking for him?

  He sighs, putting his elbows on the table, and supports his head in his hands.

  - Then that gun will use for something, after all.

  With the indicator, it does signal that I get closer to the table.

  - You will have your revenge, and I all that belongs to me back soon. Be patient, Allyson. We just need to move a few more pieces.

  - I would end it all right now. You can do it whenever you want.

  - But it would be so much fun. What is life without a little party? I like being in control. It's like a puppet show. I can always all - in a quick movement, he puts me on the table - also needed a little change my plans. I want the little redhead with me. I never wanted anyone as much as I want.