Page 13 of Sparrow

The ride is never-ending. I watch the numbers light up one after another.

Lobby. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight.

The ding rings so loudly, I nearly jump out of my skin. I step off onto the tiled floor and turn to my left. My heels click with each step, nearly adding a beat to my walk. I pass the first set of offices, noting that they are empty.

Great.

With each inch I grow closer to his office, the more determined I get. I’m no longer going to be his punching bag. I’m no longer going to be used by him. I’m no longer going to be a slave to his temper.

As soon as I round toward his corner office, I notice the door is closed. Generally that means one of a few things.

One. He’s not in there. If that’s the case, I’m leaving a note and my ring and disappearing.

Two. He’s on a call. If that’s the case, same as above.

Three. Greta Gracin is in there with him. Oh, how I hope that’s the case.

I step closer and that’s when I hear it. The unmistakable sound of sex. Loud, porn star like moans and cries I know have to be fake.

He’s a decent lover, but nothing worthy of those screams. Honestly, hearing that fills me with the last bit of strength I need.

I use the key, that I’m sure he’ll regret giving me, to unlock his office door. I fling it open so hard it hits the wall behind it and leaves a mark.

I take in the scene quickly before they scramble away from each other. She’s bent over his desk with her dress pulled up to her waist. He’s standing behind her, hand fisting her hair.

“Amelia! What the fuck?” he growls, as if I interrupted something private.

I don’t answer...not really at least. I just start laughing. It’s a strange reaction, I know. I just caught my husband fucking a nurse over his desk on our wedding anniversary.

“What is she doing here?” Greta asks, as she pulls up her panties.

That just makes me laugh harder.

“Amelia, get the fuck out. We’ll discuss this later,” he says, buckling his belt.

“You know what? No,” I say with gusto. “Fuck you, Jaxon.”

“Excuse me?” He steps closer and his anger is palpable, but I stand my ground. This ends now.

“Fuck you, Jaxon. It’s over. Expect divorce papers in the mail.” I pull off my wedding rings and chuck them at Greta. “He’s all yours.”

I turn on my heel and bolt for the elevators. I hear him calling after me, and I know he’s coming for me, so I move into a full-on run. Running toward my freedom. Running toward my fresh start. Running away from a mistake I wish I could go back and never make.

I reach the elevator and hit the call button over and over and over, silently praying that it will come faster.

“Come on. Come on,” I chant.

“Amelia!” he shouts from down the hall, just as the doors open and I step on. I release a relieved breath when the doors slip closed as he comes into view.

I just need to get to my car and it’s all over. The nightmare is nearly over.

When I reach the lobby, I exit the elevator bank quickly and nearly faint with relief when I see three police officers at the reception desk. I don’t know why they are here, but I don’t question it. All I know is; Jaxon will not make a scene of any kind if they are near.

That is a gift from my father. He’s watching out for me from above.

***

Just a few minutes later, I’m safely in my car and pulling onto the freeway and the tears begin flowing. I did it. I became a survivor. I ended my Lifetime movie. I broke the cycle.

I reach down to turn on the radio, wanting music to sink into my bones as I drive to Nora’s house. I flip through the channels until a very familiar beat pumps into the car.

The very same song I danced to in a bus station fourteen years ago. I sing the words out loud, swaying to the beat, and letting the music wash over me and settle my nerves.

By the time it ends, I have a new lease on life, and a new plan.

I’m going home.

I’m going back to Savannah.

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