43| quit you

DIANE

When I opened my eyes, I saw a bright, white light. I squinted, trying to adjust to the sudden brightness. Slowly, the room came into focus.

The room was mostly white, with a few colorful paintings hanging on the walls. There was a TV mounted on the wall across from me, the screen dark. I felt groggy, like I'd just woken from a deep sleep.

"Diane," Claudia said, relief clear in her voice. "Oh my god, I'm so glad you're awake!" I struggled to sit up, my whole body feeling like it was made of lead.

Claudia rushed over and helped me sit up, propping pillows behind me. "Are you okay?" she asked, concern evident on her face. I took a deep breath, trying to clear my head. "I think so," I said, my voice still sounding hoarse.

The bed was king-sized, with crisp white sheets and a duvet in a soft shade of green. There were a few paintings on the walls, mostly abstracts in muted colors. It was a peaceful and calming space, and I felt myself starting to relax a bit. I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to ground myself in the present. "What happened?"

Luka reached for my hand, but I pulled away before he could touch me. "Stay away from me," I said, my voice shaking with anger.

"You fainted in my arms love," He said like it was supposed to sound romantic. "I couldn't leave you alone, especially with my baby,"

The word "baby" echoed in my head, and I felt a sharp pang of guilt and regret. I couldn't believe that I had become a mother, and to a child I didn't want. And what's worse, the father of that child was someone I detested.

I thought back to the night we'd spent together, and how things had gotten out of control.

Why, why had I done that?

Claudia rolled her eyes. "Shut up,"

"I'm just trying to explain why she's in your house," Luka said and realization sunk in.

Her house.

Claudia's house.

No.

"Yeah whatever. For all we know, you could be lying." Claudia retorted and he scoffed. "Now I'm liar?"

"Oh quit the act Luka. It doesn't suit you. I don't even know why you're still in my house and in my room, "

"Well I'm not leaving without her," He stepped forward. "Say that to my husband,"

"Claudia, it's okay. I have to get going anyways." I say, pushing the duvet off me. Claudia started to protest, but I cut her off. "Please, Claudia," I said, my voice soft but firm. "Let me do this. I need to go." I could see the conflict in her eyes, but I knew I had to leave.

She looked at me, a mix of emotions on her face."For real, I'm okay. I- I can't be here anyways," I say the last part silently but by the look on her face, I knew she heard me. "Bu-"

"For me, Claudia."

"I hate when you do this." She says. "I know but I'll be fine. I'm quitting anyways,"

□□□

"Over my dead body are you quitting,"

"Then die," I snap.

Jeez, he was breathing down my neck and I swear I was suffocating.

"You will do whatever I say," Luka's jaw clenched as he pinned me against the wall.

"I'll make you faint just like I did earlier today. I can make you weak and slowly you'll lose all the people that love you," He tightened his grip on my neck.

I took a deep breath and focused all my energy on breaking free from Luka's hold. I twisted and wrenched myself out of his grasp, elbowing him in the process. He stumbled back, his eyes wide with surprise. "You little-"

"All it takes is for one scream Luka. One word and your name and you're finished."

"You think you're a tough guy now huh? Now that you're surrounded by your little mafia friend?"

"Well it seems to me working, no?" I raise my brows.  "Does it scare you," He glares at me and all I do is smirk. "That's what I thought."

When I stepped through the door of my apartment, I let out a deep breath. It had been a long, tiring day, and I just wanted to collapse into bed. But as I walked further into the apartment, I knew I couldn't stay here.

The walls seemed to close in on me, and I couldn't breathe. I needed to get out. I rushed to my room and grabbed my bag, throwing in some clothes and toiletries. I didn't have a plan, I just knew I had to leave.

I had no idea where I would go, but I knew I needed to get away. I felt numb, the heaviness of my heart weighing me down. But I didn't give in to the despair.

I stood at the window, my gaze fixed on the city lights below. The glittering, sprawling landscape was usually a source of comfort, but tonight it felt cold and distant.

I remembered the day I moved into this apartment, how hopeful and excited I had been. Now, I felt a sense of finality as I prepared to leave it all behind. The place where I had made so many memories, both good and bad, was now just another chapter in my life, about to come to a close.

I pressed my hand against the window, feeling the cool glass against my skin.

With one last look out the window, I grabbed my bag and made my way to the door.

The air outside was crisp and cool, and I inhaled deeply as I stepped out into the night. I made my way to the curb, where my Uber was waiting. The sleek black car was a stark contrast to the bright lights of the city, and I felt a sense of calm settle over me as I got in.

The interior of the car was quiet and dark, and I sank into the leather seat, letting the exhaustion of the day wash over me.

As the car wound its way through the city streets, I felt a pang of nostalgia as I took in the familiar sights. But I knew I had to keep going, and I turned my gaze back to the road ahead.

The minutes ticked by, and before I knew it, we were pulling up to the airport. I took a deep breath, my heart racing with both excitement and trepidation. This was it, I was leaving everything behind.