True Colors

7th month of pregnancy. Time seems so fast in the past weeks. Geoff spent more time at home compared to the past. He usually sleeps at home beside me unlike before. He also became sweeter to me but not as sweet as before although we never had sex since I got pregnant. Sometimes, I wanted to be aggressive despite my condition just to check whether he would be as passionate as before but I guess I'm too conservative to do that. He never hugs me when we sleep. His reason is he doesn't want me to get uncomfortable especially with my condition.

I already made a plan on how I can leave here. I talked about it with my mom and she prepared all the things that we need. I'm still not sure whether I would push through with it though. I'm waiting for a sign. Any sign would do. I pray every night that God would show me that this place is not a good place to raise my daughter.

I should not be selfish, that's what I always tell myself. Geoff may not love me but I'm sure he loves his daughter. I'm certain he would do everything to give her more than what she needs, things that I can never give her even though I work round the clock. Sometimes, I'm thinking to just stay here and endure what in store for me after giving birth. If Geoff would kick me out from his and my daughter's life, at least I'm assured that she would grow up enjoying a life that she deserves.

I only need one sign, a sign that would show me that this place is not a good place both for me and my daughter. I don't actually how I can find that sign but I'm sure I will recognize it when I see it.

The days passed by slowly and it seems like forever waiting. Geoff became busy from his work again and he didn't spend a lot of time at home. From time to time, some stuff for the baby is delivered at home which I'm sure is ordered by Michael. The two rooms for Athena are now filled with baby stuff awaiting for my daughter to be born. I already decided to use Athena as her name since it is what her father wants.

Geoff came home one night drunk and seems irritable.

"Why are you still up?" He asked.

"It's still early. It's only 8 p.m. Why are you drunk this early?"

"Is that how you talk to your husband? Shouldn't you be taking care of me? Look what money did to you?"

"Excuse me?"

"I'm tired. I want to take a rest."

"I think you are in the wrong place. If you want to take a rest then this is not the place you're supposed to be."

"And where should I be, then? You're the one who's not supposed to be here."

"What did you say? You're the one who brought me here. I was having a peaceful life until you came in."

"Maybe you want to say until Lance came in. I was the one who fixed you."

I can't believe what this guy is talking about. He's the one who came to me and made me fall in love with him. He's also the one who asked me to marry him and now, it's like he's putting all the blame on her and he was the knight in shining armor who is now tired of my behavior.

"I think you need to take a rest now. You're drunk. We can talk tomorrow."

"Aren't we supposed to do what married couples are normally doing? We've became so busy since you became pregnant."

"Look! I'm 7-month pregnant and we should be careful not to hurt the baby."

"I know exactly how to do that."

He then grabbed my arm and pushed me on the bed. He tore my sleeping dress and started kissing me.

"Please, Geoff. You're hurting me." This is the first time he showed his violent side. He looks very scary and I can feel that I and my baby are in trouble. He continued kissing my neck and touched me in my private parts. I could feel my tummy hurting when he forced himself to penetrate. That's the time I started shouting and asking for help. I used all my force to push him away. I shouted frantically. I guess it's because of fear and mostly because of anger. He looked startled.

i grab the blanket to wrap myself and ran out of the room as fast as I can. Regina, who just came out from her room, stopped me and held me in my arms.

"What happened, dear? Why are you running?"

I couldn't say anything and just started crying. I never knew there is still something worst that can happen to me aside from the things I experienced in the past. Regina hugged me and I never thought I would be comforted by her. I have always seen her as a controlling and unapproachable.

"I want to go home. Please, let me go back to my mom." I said, still sobbing.

"Yes, dear. I totally understand that. You will be home early tomorrow. For now, you need to take a rest."

"No, I don't want to stay here anymore. I can't. Let me just go home."

"No one is going anywhere." Geoff said who is now standing behind me.

"Geoff, what is happening? Your wife is pregnant. You shouldn't be giving her stress, for Christ sake!" Regina asked.

"This is a problem between me and my wife. I would appreciate it if you would stay out of it since it has nothing to do with you." Geoff replied.

"Not if you hurt her. Look at yourself, you are so drunk and I don't think you are in your right mind. I won't allow you to hurt Jessica. You have done enough misery to her."

"Look who's talking. Aren't you part of this plan?"

"What plan?" I asked. I'm starting to be confused with what they are talking about.

"Don't listen to her Jessica. Come, you can stay in my room for the night."

Geoff grabbed my arm and pulled me towards him. "Let's go back to our room. Let's talk. I'm sorry if I scared you."

"No, Geoff. This is not a good time for the two of you to talk. Let's rest tonight and sort things out tomorrow."

"Please, Geoff. Let me go, I'm begging."

Geoff let my arm go. "I'm sorry. Let's talk tomorrow."

Regina held my arm and lead me to her room. Her room is not as huge as our room but shows elegance. She let me sit down on her bed and held my hand.

"I'm so sorry for what Geoff has done to you. He actually has some drunken habits which I think are difficult to change."

"Can you help me? I really want to go home tomorrow. I want to be with my mom."

"Of course, I can help you. I think it is best for your to stay there for a couple of days. You and Geoff need to clear the air first and reflect on your actions before you talk. I will ask the driver to drive you to your mom's place as early as you want."

"Thank you."

"Do you want me to get some stuff in your room, like clothes or maybe your vitamins?"

"No, thanks. I have some clothes in my mom's place and I can buy new set of pills on my way there. I have a favor though. Can I bring Nancy with me?"

"Yes, of course. Is your tummy hurting?"

"A while back, it hurt but now it's okay."

Don't you want to visit your doctor first?"

"I think I can do that later. I really appreciate your kindness and I'm sorry. I want to take a rest now."

"Sure, dear. You use my bed for tonight and I will use the guest room."

"I can use the guest room, you don't need to do that."

"No dear, Geoff can easily go to the guest room if he wants. If you are here, then I think he would think twice before he barges in."

After she left, I started crying again. I won't forgive Geoff if something happened to my baby. I guess this is the sign I was waiting for. Finally, I can leave him without having any regrets or doubts. I can finally leave here tomorrow and leave Geoff for good.

"