ESCAPING MY EX

PROLOGUE

Pain and disappointments. That’s what I could feel. Sometimes I just wanna be lost in this painful world. Sometimes, I wanna be someone else, someone else who has a good life, who has everything, someone who doesn’t have a problem.

Can I be that person?

“Please…Mrs. Dawson! I promise I’ll pay you this month give me one more chance—”

“Aethelred! I’ve already given you enough chance! And how could you give money when you just lost your job?!” Mrs. Dawson said angrily. Tears streamed down my face. I know. I am broke. Inside and outside, I am broke. And it breaks my heart so much every time I’d think that I don’t have anyone to hold on to. That this time, I’d be alone forever.

“I am sure I could find another job and I promise you’re the first one I will pay once I get my salary!” I desperately said.

“Why are you choosing to be like this instead of asking for help with your boyfriend? He can help you, Aethelred—”

“Mrs. Dawson, I can solve this on my own! It’s my problem and Caden has nothing to do with it!” I cut her off. Why does everyone say that? Why does everyone think that I can’t do it on my own? Why does everyone expect me to beg for help with my boyfriend when I know that I can do it alone?

“That’s what your pride talking, Aethelred! But pride can’t give you money, remember that. I’ll give you one week and if you can’t still pay me, I’ll report you to the police!” she spat angrily and walked out.

I swallowed hard and tiredly lean on the wall of my house’s door. I feel so worn out. These past few days I can’t even sleep. These past few days…my smiles for him were fake. I closed the door of my house and couldn’t help but space out.

I am trying so hard to be strong because I don’t want him to get worried. I thought everything is going fine. I thought…that we’ll be finally happy, but I was blind to the problems that has to come. And now it’s happening. It’s happening yet I don’t even know what to do.

Tears are still streaming down my face as I heard my phone beep for a message. I slowly get my phone and stared at the message I’d read.

Caden:

Why aren’t you calling me? It’s been days, Aethelred. I already gave you enough time.

I cried more as I read that message. I covered my mouth to stop my sobs from coming out. My heart is breaking so much. Just reading his message makes my heart break into little, tiny pieces. And no one could ever fix it.

Can I still do this? Can I still make things, right?

Can I still stay with him forever? Can I still hold to him when I know it’s already hopeless?