Naughty Bedtime Stories: Second Chances

by Aurelia Fray

  “What’s the official story?” Emily got up from her chair and walked toward the window. There’s a small garden out in the back, nothing fancy, but she couldn’t help smiling when she saw the birdfeeder out there.

  “Still feeding the birds during summer?” A chuckle came from Janus. “He cheated on me. Several times.” The smile slid right off his face. Looking at her tense shoulders, he knew that the cheating wasn’t the only thing.

  “And unofficially?” He didn’t like to push like this, but he needed to know. Stepping up behind her, he wrapped his arms around her, letting her know she’s safe.

  “He.. The cheating wasn’t the worst.” The last was said no higher than a whisper.

  “I thought you were happy? The last I heard was that you were pregnant. What happened?”

  “He… I don’t know. I mean... I’m not sure what went wrong. Maybe the pressure of being the youngest partner in the firm got to him, maybe he got bored. I don’t know.” Turning around Emily looked up at Janus. “He started drinking more, and when he got drunk, he got mean. First it was just words, but -” Wrapping her arms around her body, a shiver went through her body.

  “Did he hit you?” Ice ran through Janus’ veins. The thought of someone hurting Ems chilled him to his core. When she nodded, anger rose. Stomping on it, he put on his professional mask.

  “Do you have any proof? Any medical records, photographs…”

  Without a word, Emily reached into her bag and pulled out a two inch thick file and handed it to him. “I might be naïve – or I was, but I’m not stupid. There are pictures, medical records, phone numbers for doctors who treated me, police reports. Hopefully it should be enough.”

  “I go through this later, but if everything is there, a divorce shouldn’t take long. Now, what do you want from the divorce?”

  “Nothing.” Her answer surprised him a little. If he had been such an ass to her, why on earth wouldn’t she flay him for everything? His surprise was noticed by Emily and she gave him a small smile. “I only want to be left alone. I don’t need any money, I don’t want any of the jewelry or clothes or any of the cars. I just want peace. The chance to start over again, far away from him. That’s it.”

  Nodding his agreement, Janus wrote it down. “Got it. This definitely makes the divorce go through easier and faster as well. How much of this can I share with the judge?”

  “Do what you feel you need to. Just make sure the divorce go through. I am done with him.” Walking away from Janus, Emily picked up her bag and turned back toward Janus. “Let me know if you need anything else.”

  Before Janus could register what happened, Emily walked out of the door. Scrambling, he almost ran after her.

  “Wait! Ems!” Turning around in the waiting area, Emily raised her eyebrows in surprise. “I promised your father I would make sure you got home.”

  A chuckle escaped her. “I’ll be fine. I need to talk to my girls anyway, so don’t worry. I can find my way home.”

  “Wait.” Going back to the reception he grabbed a card and wrote down something on the back. “Here. In case you need something.” Emily accepted it and looked down at it before tucking it into her jeans.

  “Thank you, Janus. For everything.” Watching her walk out of that door was the hardest thing he had to endure. The view of her ass swaying in those jeans was sweet, but he also knew she wouldn’t jump into anything, not while the divorce was going on. Just the thought of her being beaten made him clench his hands in anger. Time to get to work.

  ***

  Raising her hand to knock on that door was tough. Emily knew she had to do it, but damn. For the fifth time she lifted her hand to knock. For the fifth time she stopped right before she reached the door. With a quick tug the door is opened, and a woman stood on the other side, glaring at her.

  “Are you ever gonna knock on that freaking door? Or are you gonna stand out here on the porch all day?” Sarah could be intimidating if she wanted to. Her small frame didn’t stop her – at all. Although she wasn’t so tiny right now with the baby bump protruding from her front. Her hair was as wild as it used to be, if she could, she would wear all the colors in the rainbow, and make it look good. Her green eyes looked Emily up and down before pulling her into a hug. “Come in doll. Tell me what happened.”

  Sarah ushered Emily into the kitchen, but before she even entered, a squeal came from the room and she was attacked by two more people.

  “You’re here, you’re home!!”

  “OMG, I can’t believe you’re finally back!!”

  “Wait, what happened to your tummy? Weren’t you pregnant?”

  What felt like a hundred question was thrown at her at once, and even though she felt overwhelmed, Emily couldn’t help but smile at her old friends. Sonya and Angela were fussing over her, shooing her over to the kitchen table, and before she knew it, there was a cup of tea in front of her and cookies on the table. They’re all chatting around her about what had happened in the little town, apparently Janus coming back was the biggest news. It’s a small town – any kinds of news are more than welcome.

  “So, what happened hon?” Sonya took a sip of her cup of coffee, while peering at Emily over the rim of her cup. Her brown hair was pulled into a knot on her head, keeping it away from her face. Emily made a face. They needed to know and she would need their help and support to get through this shit, but she wasn’t looking forward to telling them.

  “What didn’t happen?” A heavy sigh escaped Emily while she reached for the teapot to get a refill. “He.” Em took a deep breath. “He cheated on me. With a secretary.”

  Gasps came from Sarah and Angela, Sonya was cursing the air blue.

  “With the sister of one of his partners.”

  This time Angela cursed long and hard. Sonya and Sarah just stared at Emily.

  “Another lawyer from a different firm – I even had the “pleasure” meeting her once. Oh…. I almost forgot. Our housemaid.”

  Sarah cursed, long and hard, followed by Sonya who would’ve had made sailors cover their ears. Angela got up, found the hard liquor and poured all of them a shot.

  “We need this. Something tells me, you’re just getting started.” Emily looked at her glass, but didn’t touch it.

  “You’re right. I’m only starting.” Her long time friends looked expectantly at her, waiting for her to continue her tale. “The cheating was one thing. You’re right Sonya, I was pregnant. I lost him.”

  “It was a boy?” Sarah absentmindedly stroked her own growing tummy.

  “Yeah. Adam got home one night, he had begun to drink a lot, and no, I don’t know why. Right now I don’t care.” Taking another sip from her teacup, Emily pondered on how to tell them. They wouldn’t judge her, that she knew. They had all had each other’s back since school. “That night he came home not only very drunk, but mean as well. I don’t recall too much from that night, but. I know the end result; me at the hospital, broken ribs, swollen face, bruising all over my body and a miscarriage.”

  The silence was heavy in the little kitchen. Emily wrapped her arms around herself, trying to hold off the tears. The memory of waking up to the beeping machines and tubes hooked into her was awful enough. Adding the loss of her baby boy made it unbearable. Sarah was the first one to react. Getting up from her chair she walked over to Emily and wrapped her arms around her shoulder, giving her a hug.

  “I’m so sorry doll. So damn sorry. Nobody should go through that alone. When did all this happen?”

  “About a month ago. I had to wait for the cuts and bruises to heal enough that I could leave without being noticed too much. I went by daddy’s lawyer today and filed for a divorce. Janus is handling it for me.”

  Angela was watching her carefully. She was always the most perceptive of them all.

  “You haven’t told your dad, have you?”

  Shaking her head, Emily shivered at the thought. “I know how he will react. If Adam ever is stupid enough to come here to talk to me, daddy
would murder him if he knew. I won’t risk that. It’s bad enough Janus knows.”

  “Uh-oh. I can’t imagine Janus taking that lightly.”

  “He’s just doing his job, Angela. Simple as that.” Sonya snorted. When Emily looked over at her with raised eyebrows, Sonya pointed a finger at her.

  “Nothing has never been simple between the two of you. We’ve all been waiting for you two to hook up since beginning of school.” Leaning forward and crossing her arms over her chest, she raised one brow herself. “Once this fucking divorce gets through, do yourself and him a favor and give him a chance to prove to you what a good guy can do for you.”

  “I thought Adam was a good guy. Now?” Sighing, Emily got up from her chair to walk over to the sink. Looking out at the twilight, she felt that it fitted her. Standing in her own twilight right now emotionally, she was waiting for the morning to come so the sun could shine upon the destruction of her life so she could begin to pick up the pieces of her old life. “I left everything except a few clothes and some books that where mine before we met. “

  “So you’re not going back? No matter what?” Turning her back to the window, Emily looked over at Sarah.

  “No. I’m not going back. I don’t care how much he begs, or says he’s going to change. I deserve something better than that. I’m not a doll that you can parade in front of your associates to put back on the shelf when you get home. I need someone who will respect me for who I am, and support me when I chase my dreams. I’m definitely not his personal punching bag either. I’m done.” Looking over her shoulder, Emily sighed. “I’ll better get going. Daddy set a curfew.”

  All three women walked over to Emily and gave her a joined group hug. For the first time in a long time, she truly felt home. Safe and cherished.

  “Come on, I’ll drive you home.” Sonya nodded her head toward the front door.

  “Thank you.” Sarah grabbed a hold on Emily’s sleeve before she walked out of the door.

  “Don’t be a stranger, you hear? If you need to talk, we’re all here for you.” Giving her a last hug, Emily snatched her bag and walked out of the door to Sonya’s car.

  ***

  On their way back to Emily’s parent’s house, Sonya and Emily talked about what happened. Being a small town, people would assume not much went on, but they were wrong. In a small community like this, everyone knew everything and even the smallest things got noticed. The rumors about Emily getting back into town was already flourishing, even more so when she was seen walking into the lawyer’s office.

  Stopping in the driveway, Emily’s heart stopped. There was no mistaken the red sports car parked there. It wasn’t the only car there though. A station car was parked next to it.

  “Who’s car is that?” Both said it at the same time. Sonya tilted her head.

  “Is that Adam’s car? I know the Volvo is Janus’s car.” Looking over at Sonya, fear settled into Emily’s stomach twisting it into knots.

  “This isn’t good. I’ll better get inside.” Putting her car in park, Sonya got out of the car to, almost running after Emily.

  “Hang on, I’m coming with you. Emily!” But Emily wasn’t listening, running at full speed to her home, all she’s hoping for was that something ugly wasn’t waiting for her inside the house. Bursting through the front door, she practically ran into the living room with Sonya hot on her heels. Emily could hear that Sonya was on the phone with someone, but her attention was swiftly directed to the scene in her parents living room.

  Her father was standing behind the chair her mother was sitting in, a stern look on his face. Her mother was twisting her hands, apparently they had the same nervous habit. Emily had forgotten all about that.

  “Baby, there you are! I’ve been so worried about you!” Her head snapped toward Adam standing to the side, opposite her parents. Fear crawled up her spine. “Now that I found you, let’s get back home. Say goodbye to your parents.” Reaching forward, Adam tried to grab Emily’s hand, but Janus stepped in between.

  “She has filed for a divorce, the papers have been sent to your lawyer. She is not going with you.” Crossing his arms over his chest, Janus suddenly seemed bigger, more menacing. Taking a step back, Emily backed straight into Sonya.

  “Do you have any idea who I am?” Adam bellowed.

  Inwardly Emily groaned. Raising one of his eyebrows Janus made a point of looking Adam up and down before answering.

  “From the looks of it, you’re a boy who never grew up and thinks that a woman is a play toy and not something to be treasured. You’re also trespassing, so if you could just get out the same way you got in, everything should be fine.”

  “I’m not leaving without my wife. I don’t care what legal measures you take, nothing will keep me away from her. She’s mine.” The last was barely a growl, and put Emily on the edge. She knew he wouldn’t stop until he got what he wanted, or he completely understood that there was nothing to come for.

  “I’m staying Adam. Nothing could persuade me to come back with you. I don’t care what you promise.” Swallowing her fear she sidestepped Janus and went nose to nose with her future ex-husband. “You hurt me. Badly.”

  Adam lifted his hand to touch her cheek. Not allowing it, Emily took a step back, bumping into Janus. Feeling him standing so close was amazing. Secure. Adam narrowed his eyes at the sight but didn’t comment any further.

  “I know I did, baby. I’m sorry, I would never be able to express how sad I am for what I did. It was a mistake and it won’t happen again.”

  “You’re right. It won’t. Because I won’t allow it to. Go back home Adam. I am where I belong – with my family and friends.”

  Clenching his hands, Adam narrowed his eyes in anger. When Janus gently laid his hand on Emily’s arm, his patience ran dry.

  “You don’t belong to this shit place. I built you up, gave you everything you ever could need and want, and this is how you repay me? You ungrateful whore!”

  “You gave me nothing but heartache and pain, Adam. Yes you bought shiny things, jewelry and new cars, but you was never there for me when I needed you, and always belittled me. You…” Emily stopped herself before she revealed how bad it really had been.

  “You lost our son.” Feeling herself going completely white, Emily closed her eyes for a few seconds to stem the pain she felt. He just delivered the ultimate low blow and the gloves came off. Opening her eyes, anger burned in them, making them go dark. She stepped right up in his face, hissing the words to him.

  “No. Losing my son is not my fault, but yours.” She felt Janus step closer to them both. “You pushed me down the fucking stairs, you kicked me repeatedly until I passed out – and then you kept going. I spent the better part of a month in the hospital because of you and your “treatment”. You’re an idiot if you think I’ll ever fall for your sweet talk ever again.” Stepping away from him, Emily pointed to the door. “Leave, Adam. You’re not welcome here.”

  Adam moved so fast no one had the time to react. In seconds, he punched Emily in the face, grabbed her arm and was on his way to drag her out to the car, when he was tackled from behind by Janus. Losing his grip on Emily, both men began to fight each other in the driveway. Sonya rushed over to Emily to make sure she was all right.

  “The cops should be here any minute now,” she quietly murmured to Emily, stroking her hair. As on request, the red and blue lights from a police car lightened up the darkness. Lying on the ground on her side, Emily could do nothing but watch helplessly when she saw the two officers step between the men and handcuff them both. A small “no” came from her when she saw Janus being dragged away, but she was too weak to get up.

  “We’ll get him out tomorrow, sweetheart. Don’t you worry.” Her mother’s soothing voice was in her ear, and the last thing she remembered hearing is her father’s voice. She was pretty sure he was cursing the air blue around him.

  ***

  Waking up was a bitch, the light too bright in her room. Groaning, Emily tried
to turn around in her bed, only to land with a thud on the floor. Laying there, she blinked a few times, trying to orient herself. Oh, right. Another groan made sure she got up on her feet, and after fighting the dizziness for a few seconds, she pulled on whatever clothes were closest to her, almost jumping on one leg while trying to get pants on and getting down the stairs.

  “What’s the rush, young lady?” Her father’s voice made her stop up abruptly. Uh-oh. She knew that tone. Crap in a bucket, she was in so much trouble. Slowly turning to face her father, she wasn’t all that surprised to see him standing in the doorway to the living room, arms crossed over his chest and a good amount of anger radiating from him.

  “I need to get Janus out of jail. He tried to help me yesterday, and he doesn’t deserve to be there.”

  “We already paid the bail for him. You, on the other hand, have some serious explaining to do before you’re leaving this house.” Pointing to the kitchen, her father moved in there and Emily had no real choice but to follow. Sitting down at the kitchen table, her father poured himself a cup of coffee and made some tea for Emily. Once they’re both situated at the table, Emily began to tell him everything that happened; from the harsh words, the drinking, to the beating that landed her at the hospital and losing her baby boy.

  “As soon as I got released from the hospital, one of the male nurses drove me home, followed me inside so I could grab a few things and drove me to the rental car office. I drove straight here.”

  “You really meant what you said last night, didn’t you? You’re not going back to him, are you?”

  “I would never go back to Adam. Ever. You taught me better than that daddy. I know I’m worth more than that. I’m not a punching bag and I’m not a doll to be put on a shelf only to be taken down when he needs to show me off. That’s not who I am.”

  Satisfied with the answers his daughter gave to him, he leaned over to kiss her on the cheek.

  “Now, let me drive you to town. I’m guessing you wish to check up on your young man.”