First Day in Marshville

Nancy, or should I say Danny, slept immediately after taking a quick shower in the motel. The room is rather old and we were lucky to be settled in a room for two in the only motel existing in town. The room is much smaller than the one I used to have in Park mansion but this place makes me feel safer. I don't know what's happening to the people I have left behind but I couldn't think of any way I could escape from Geoff other than this. And talking about the people I have left behind, I need to call my mom and Annie to let them know that I am okay and they need to be worried. I headed immediately to the reception desk to ask where I can buy a disposable sim card for me to make a call. The receptionist, who is in his late fifties and also is the owner of the motel, is nice enough to tell me the directions of the only convenience store in town. Luckily, it is just 5 minutes walk from the motel and he assured me that it is safe to walk around this area.

This is something I haven't done for a long time, walking at night on my own and enjoy the lights coming from buildings and street posts although this time is a big different since there are no tall buildings. When I reached the convenience store, I bought all the things that I and Danny will be needing for the next days like tissue, food, toothpaste, toothbrush, moisturizer, lotion and 4 disposable sim cards. After calling my mom and Annie, I should dispose the sim card. The seller is an old woman, maybe in her sixties.

"New here?" She asked with a smile.

"Yes."

"When is your due?"

"In a month."

"Are you planning to give birth here?"

"Yes. Is there a hospital near here?"

"There is only one community hospital in here and most of the mothers here give birth in that hospital."

"That's a relief."

"That's a total of 30 dollars. Are you here alone? Where's your husband?"

"He died from an accident. I came here to start a new life and to forget that tragedy."

"I'm sorry to hear that. By the way, my name is Susan. This place is too small and I know everyone living here."

"Here is my payment. Uhm, Do you know any apartment that I can rent in here? I'm hoping somewhere near downtown."

"Mr. Salazar is the only one renting apartments here. He always has a vacant unit since this place is not famous for anything. I'm sure you can get what you're looking for in there. Where are you staying? I will tell him to come pick you up tomorrow so you can check his units."

Thank you, that's very kind of you. We are staying in Marshville Motel. How about 11 a.m.?"

"Sounds lovely. Expect him that time. You'd better keep going now. You need to take a rest with your condition. Stop worrying about anything."

"Thanks." She handed me two plastic bags and I headed for the door.

In front of the motel, I inserted the sim card in my phone and dialed my mom's phone number.

"Hello." She answered.

"Hello, mom. It's me, Jez."

"Where are you? What were you thinking? Are you alright? How's my granddaughter? Why did you leave without even saying good bye. What happened?"

"Why are whispering? Is anyone there?" I asked.

""Don't worry about me. I'm inside my room and there is a woman your husband sent to look after me. He came here this morning and was very angry. He searched the whole place, even the neighbors looking for you. What happened? Did he hurt you? We already made a plan before. Why did you suddenly change it?"

"Long story mom. I just realized that I married a beast and I can't allow my daughter to grow beside him. I'm okay now and please don't worry about me. I'm more worried at you."

"Don't worry about me, Jez." She started crying. Hearing her cry crushed my heart and I couldn't help but also cry."

"Mom, I'm sorry for putting you in this mess. I'm sorry for being stupid and marrying the wrong man."

"You don't need to be sorry. I actually feel guilty because I couldn't protect you from your husband. I hope I was there to guide you and help you with your decisions but you will have a baby soon, you should get your strength from her. We will both protect her. Please come back now."

"I can't mom. He might get my daughter and that is something I cannot allow. I will send you a message from time to time to let you know about us but for now, please don't worry. I am with Nancy and I'm sure she will take care of us. Don't do anything against Geoff. You can pretend that you sympathize on his situation. That's the best thing for you to do for now. I love you so much, mom. Good bye." I hung up immediately after saying what I had to say. I don't want to make her cry more.

After that, I sent a message to Annie.

"This is Jez. I just want to thank you for everything and I am okay. You don't need to look for me, I am safe and it is better if you don't know where I am. I will send you a picture of Athena since you will be her godmother. I miss you Annie and I hope I can still see you someday."

End of message.

I removed the sim card right after I sent the message to Annie. Talking to them might put them more in trouble. I think I watched too many Korean dramas that I became more paranoid. I smiled with the thought of Korean dramas. I realized I haven't watched Netflix since I got married. I spent most of my time at home thinking of how to escape. Now that I already made an escape, I can be more relaxed and can start going back to my old life.

I went back to the motel room after. Now, I just hope Geoff cannot find me in this place. I'm now ready to start my life as Joan Myers. I also hope I will give birth safely. See you soon Athena.