Chapter One
Lailani
God, I think getting into my car trying to stop the tears. It takes all I have not to turn around, go back to my friend. I want to turn around, tell her everything, take her help and stay in the place that is home for me. But I can’t. I need to get as far from here as possible. As far from the memory of everything that I loved, and everything that I lost. For one month, I lived in bliss. I lived in this little bubble, ignorantly happy, believing I had found the love of my life. Asking myself everyday how I got so lucky. How a man of his stature and pedigree could want anything from me. In the end, I was right. The last night we spent together, after hours of making love and making plans for a life I thought we both wanted, as he was kissing me, getting me worked up for round...I don’t know what, his mother showed up. Instead of him telling me to get dressed and come meet her, he told me to stay in the room and not move. I am not going to lie and say this didn’t hurt, but at the same time, I sort of understood because who would want to meet their future mother-in-law, like this. So, like a good little girlfriend, I stayed.
I am not sure how long I was in the room before I began to wonder what was taking so long. As I opened the door, about to walk out, what I heard stopped me in my tracks.
“Is this the only reason you came here mother?”
“Not entirely. I spoke with Laurie. She informed me of your...detour into the shallow end…shall we say? She understands that men of your means have mistresses and certain need for...experiences outside of your circle. She is willing to overlook it son. We just need to nail down a date for this wedding. You really have put it off long enough.”
To say I was nauseous was an understatement. I think it was more that I had known, deep down that I was out of his league, but had allowed myself to get sucked in. I didn’t even wait for him to walk in. I got up, holding my tears in, put my clothes on, gathered my things and right as I was going to walk out, he walked in, saw my things in my hand and knew I had heard. I don’t remember what was said, I just remember slapping him, calling him a lying bastard, and walking out. I didn’t go back to my place, gave my landlord notice, quit my job, and have been hiding out until I could figure out my next move,
Which brings me to now. I am finally ready to leave. Do I know exactly where I am going and what I am going to do...no. But I know I need to leave and figure it out. Saying bye to Phillipa was difficult, but it was just what I needed too. She is right. I need a different plan. There is no way I am going to be able to be a full-time mom and go to school and hold down a full-time job. I feel the tears finally slipping as I let the reality of what is facing me finally takeover. Thank goodness I have plenty of time on the road to figure it out.
My mind keeps going over and over what led me here. Was there a sign. Something I missed? I mean, don’t get me wrong. I knew who he was. For one, he was Cord’s best man when he and Phillipa married. Not to mention, he can be found in all the tabloids at all social functions, with a different woman on his arms. Except lately, I did notice he had been bringing one particular woman to the last few functions, the photogs had caught. However, according to everyone, including the women he has been photographed, he has had no relationships with any of them. So, what didn’t I see? I ask, shaking my head. Wiping the tears from my face, I berate myself. I am not this... whiny… weak, little girl. I am strong and I have been doing it alone for my whole life. Rubbing my hand over my stomach. I have to acknowledge however, that I left a piece of my heart back there. Luckily, I have my baby to give the rest too.
I will never be alone... again. No. From here forward, it will be me and my baby. “Don’t worry little one, momma’s going to love you and protect you forever.”
Now, I just have to find a job.
Chapter Two
Lailani
Crap. I yawn, stretching my arms as I get out of the car. That was a long ass drive. Especially when you are alone, pregnant, and lost in your thoughts trying to figure out how you are going to build your life, with nothing but the miracle growing inside of you. I look around, taking in my surroundings. After driving eight hours, only pulling over twice to go to the potty, I figured it was time to stop for gas and to eat. I pull into this gas station with this little diner connected to it and decide it is as good a place as any. Walking in, I note that there is a nice crowd of people, letting me know the food is at least decent. “Can I help you hun?” I hear a sweet motherly voice ask me.