How can she have done this?
How very dare she have done this to him? That bitch.
Hardy is still out somewhere with someone I don't know about and I take the opportunity to grab the bare essentials, a few things he won't notice are missing. I'll have to leave my toothbrush for sure. Hell I can buy another one. I grab the black holdall I bought months ago for the day I would finally be able to rid myself from the beating adulterer from being squeezed in between the mattress and the bed. I try to pack the bare minimum. A denim jacket, a couple of pairs of jeans, flannel shirts, a couple of sets of underwear and my fiercest hairbrush. And a photograph of my parents and I. Oh, and that lipstick. Will he notice if I take my curlers?
Stop it Amanda. Now is not the time. I zip up my bag and fling myself down the stairs of our Suburban house and out of the door. I wonder whether or not I should take my car. Would he be able to track? Nah. He might be a control freak but he isn't smart. IF I panic I can always dump it at a coach station. I just need to get away. Away from Hardy and back with him. Him who I loved the first time he stumbled across the street to me in senior year. He who I didn't realise I loved until it was far too late. He who had already been with Susie for almost 7 years, my best friend. He who really really needs a friend right now. And I can finally be that friend to him.
My fingers are trembling as I turn the key in the ignition. I am such a mixture of emotions. Scared, excited. Hopeful. Free.
As I sail down the interstate I dare to open my windows and turn up the volume. I haven't felt so free in years. No longer trapped. I sing out loud as I cruise along the roads. God I've missed being like this. For the first time in forever I am happy. And I cannot wait to see my best friend.