Jett and Eliza “Finding Balance” Snippet

“You’re a monster! ” He roared in her face, his eyes glinting with a crazed light. “You are un-fucking-believable. Every word out of your mouth is a lie. A lie upon a lie.” Jett shook his head and shifted his weight from foot to foot then paced away.

“I’m not a monster,” Eliza whispered with a desperation she’d never felt before. She clenched her eyes shut against the glare, the sheen, and the truth of his words. They sent shock waves through her thundering heart.

“Yes you are. Only a monster could hurt someone the way you’ve hurt me. Keep hurting me. Fuck, Eliza — I can’t take this anymore. We’re done. I never thought it would happen to us.” Jett turned away from her and looked out into the deserted road they lived on.

“What are you saying, Jett?” Eliza asked with her head bowed and her arms wrapped around her knees as she rocked back and forth.

“Divorce, Eliza. We’re headed for a divorce.”

“NO!” She screamed as she jumped to her feet and planted herself in front of him, meeting his harsh stare. “I won’t let it happen. I won’t!”

He placed his hands on her shoulders and pushed her away. “There is nothing left to do, Eliza. You don’t love me. You haven’t chosen me. Time and time again you’ve chosen him.”

Eliza stood there mute in front of Jett, knowing in her heart he was right, but also knowing her and Jett belonged together. Such a disturbing dichotomy, and a position she’d never, ever thought they’d be in.

Jett looked at her one last time before turning and stalking towards his truck. “Don’t wait up for me. I don’t know if I’m coming home tonight.” He said with his eyes downcast, not meeting her pleading gaze. When the words faded to a lonely voice inside her head,  he backed out of the driveway and it seemed –out of her life.

She stayed rooted to the cold stone walkway and her instinctual self-preservation kicked in.  Her eyes dried and her head fuzzed up. She slowly unclenched her hands and wiped the stray tears. Eliza refused to fall apart in front of the children.

As her resolved steeled her spine, she spun on her heel and took three steps before her carefully constructed dam broke and she started to shake. The tremors were deep and her vision blurred. She reached for her phone, determined to talk to someone. Anyone. She needed contact.

She scrolled and hit call. No answer.

Another number. No answer.

Her only friend… voice mail.

The fact no one answered her pleas was penance. She truly was alone now.

She stared at the text button, and refused to dial his number. If she texted or called him, there would be no turning back or recovering her marriage.  The urge to hear his voice overwhelmed her. He’d calm her down, tell her what to do. He’d help her. She knew he would.

“I fucked up. Oh god, I fucked up so bad.” She sobbed out between harsh breaths. “What am I going to do now? I can’t loose him. What the fuck have I done!”