A Siren's Call

A Siren's call

Chapter one

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It was hard to comprehend the way Freddie ended things with me. He had been my high school crush long before we became lovers. Our relationship had been on and off over the years, but for the past three years, it had been steady. I started to believe-maybe we had a future together. Maybe we would be the high school lovers who actually made it to forever.

He had called earlier, saying he would pick me up from work because he had something to discuss. The moment I heard him call me by my name over the phone-not "babe," not "love," just Elaine-I knew something was wrong. Still, I tried to stay calm, to steady myself. I asked, What's the worst that could happen?

I've been through hell my whole life. But last year... last year broke me. I lost my pregnancy-the one thing that made me feel whole. The one good thing that was in my life. That baby... that little life... was gone.

I'd been having mild cramps in the middle of the night. I told myself I'd see the doctor in the morning since the pain wasn't too severe. Freddie had already left for work, and I was alone at home, doing some chores. My appointment was at 9:30. I slipped into the bathtub and laid there for a while, letting my thoughts drift to the future. She was only 18 weeks along, but already, she'd brought so much joy to our lives. Freddie had told all his friends and colleagues-he wouldn't stop bragging, like he'd just won a trophy.

I planned to call her Lily. I hoped she'd have blue eyes like my granny. I imagined teaching her to say "mama," and just as I smiled at the thought, I felt a sudden discomfort in my stomach.

When I opened my eyes, my heart stopped. In seconds my tongue was dry. I was shaking in fear.

The water in the tub was red.

I jumped out, panic rising as a burning sensation spread across my abdomen. Tears streamed down my face as I reached for my phone with trembling hands.

"Hey babe," Freddie answered.

I couldn't speak. Only silent sobs escaped me.

"Are you okay?" he asked, concern rising in his voice.

Still, I couldn't find the words.

"Stay still. I'll be there in a jiffy," he said, his tone shifting.

I collapsed to the floor, wailing. I was choking-my lungs couldn't cry and breathe at the same time. I sat on the bathroom floor looking at the tub, I couldn't look away. My body was still shaking and my whole mouth was dry. I was gasping for air, trying to breathe so Freddie wouldn't come back to my corpse. I was devastated.

The door burst open. Freddie rushed in. One look at the tub, and I saw his world fall apart too. He tried to be strong for me. He picked me up gently, carried me to the car, and laid me on the backseat.

As he drove, I could see his face in the rearview mirror-flushed, tense, trying to hold back tears. If I hadn't been in the car, I knew he would've been crying, honking, cursing. Just like the day he got the call about his brother. Timmy-his only brother-who died shortly after being in an accident. I still remember that face he had that unfortunate day. The day he lost his only brother.

My thoughts drifted far and wide... Now, I was standing by the roadside, waiting for Freddie again.

He pulled up gently and stopped. I sat in the passenger seat, searching his face, sensing something was off. He asked me how I was doing, and I said I was fine. We drove home in silence. I could feel the weight of his thoughts. I knew he was trying to summon the courage to say whatever was on his mind.

A few minutes later, we were in our driveway. He parked and sat still, taking a deep breath. I sat beside him, quietly, my eyes fixed on him. He looked at me, and our eyes met. Then he looked away, staring out the side window.

I was growing restless.

"What's on your mind?" I asked.

"I'm sorry, but this... this isn't working out," he blurted, like he'd finally found the courage.

"What isn't working out?" I asked, trying to stay calm. If he'd listened closely, he would've heard my heart pounding.

"This," he said. "Be honest, Elaine... are you happy? Elly, this isn't how we used to be. This isn't what love should feel like."

"I am happy," I said, my voice trembling, eyes misty. "I'm happy with you. I want to be here with you."

"Elly," he sighed. "You've never loved anyone but me... and that's exactly why I'm telling you this. Love is supposed to make people happy, not lost."

Tears streamed down my face.

How could he say this? How could he think leaving would make me happier?

But I wasn't going to beg. I wasn't going to beg to be loved. I wasn't that desperate for love or maybe I am. I was a proud person, I would never beg even if I was wrong. The tears that kept flowing was already a shame to me

"You want to leave?" I asked, voice stern, though the tears kept coming.

"Yes," he replied, quietly.

My heart sank to my stomach.

"I think this is over," he continued. "It should've been over a long time ago."

Freddie took his things and closed the door behind him. He left without a word. I grabbed a bottle of gin Freddie had left on the desk and was gulping it down like it was water.

I don't remember falling asleep-maybe I passed out. I have been drinking since Freddie left. He just left, without a word, without looking back.I woke up on the sofa, my head pounding. I should've been getting ready for work, but I couldn't care less.

Had he been planning this breakup all along? Was that why he helped me get the job? Did he think I'd starve without him because I didn't have anything?

Maybe he was right.

I had little to nothing. I'd only worked two weeks. My first paycheck wasn't coming for another two.

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