Once Tethered, Now Free

When I didn't respond, a curious look appeared on her face as she asked, “I have a question. It's been bugging me since we first met. We are kind of similar, aren't we, younger sister?”

That was when I felt so embarrassed and belittled. She looked so proud and I ran back to my group of friends with worry etched on my face.

As I sang together with my friends, I felt happy and light. However, when I was about to forget the bad company I had at the bar, someone I didn't expect to see walked into the Karaoke club.

When he saw my large group of co-workers, he paused.

His gaze captured mine and I saw hate in his eyes. I didn't know what would make him look at me with such hate.

His jaw clenched then he turned right and disappeared into the supply closet.

I saw his text, [Come to the supply closet.]

I was surprised, but excused myself then made my way to the supply closet.

As soon as I entered, he gripped my hair and banged my head against the wall.

He had never hurt me before now.

Shock and astonishment filled me and I realized that he didn't look regretful at all. He looked angry.

“What's the reason for you hitting Poppy? She had a head wound and a headache! I said that I would tell you what you want to know when I get back home, yet you acted rashly.” He yelled as he glared at me.

My head throbbed and I massaged the sides of my temple.

I noticed Poppy through the opened door. She walking towards us as she held her bandaged head and her jeans thorn at the knees.

“I-” I started, but he shushed me just as Poppy swayed on her feet and crashed into the wall beside her as if she was shooting a movie.

He left me and rushed to her. He steadied her and held her arm to support her.

“I was going to make her come to you to beg for your forgiveness like I said I would. You shouldn't have come over to her.” He murmured as his expression softened and warmth appeared in his eyes.

A heavy sigh left Poppy's lips and she pouted, “Don't worry, it wasn't her fault. Go easy on her.”

“Once her brother knows about you manhandling her, your relationship with him will crumble.” She muttered.

As soon as he heard Cody's name, a nervous look appeared on his face, but then it was gone as his anger showed again.

He shook his head, “He is the one that put her under my car, so I have to discipline her as I see fit.”

I scoffed, “What made you believe that I'm the one at fault? Don't you think it's unjust to condemn me without hearing my side of the story? Even in the eyes of the law, a verdict requires proof beyond a doubt. Yet, you've already passed judgment on me, and worse, taken action against me, all without seeking the truth.”

His jaw clenched as his nostrils flared in anger, “You probably had the bartender sworn to secrecy and you tried to hide your misdeed.”

I was shocked and hurt by his words.

A sarcastic laugh escaped my lips, “How do you know it was my fault when the bartender has been sworn to secrecy?”

He scoffed, “Poppy would never lie, especially not about you; we've in the same group of friends for ages, she's an honest person.”

“What about me? Am I a liar?” I asked him as I shook my head in disbelief.

Ken and I have been dating for ages as well, and he should have known that I would never lie to him or at least that was what I expected.

However, that wasn't the case. Being together for ages didn't mean anything to him because of Poppy.

A single whisper from her lips was enough to seal my fate, denying me any opportunity to plead. This was a stark example of bias.

It dawned on me that I was merely a backup, a temporary substitute with no value.

I'd had enough, so I turned and walked away, leaving Ken's outraged shouts behind.

My head was still throbbing and I could feel a bump on my forehead. Not wanting my co-workers to see it and ask questions, I decided to leave.

So I made my way to the secretary’s desk and asked for the bill.

I called one of my closest co-workers, “I need to go home because of something super important. I've already paid the bill, so have fun!”

I was exhausted and staggered back to the community. my keys jingling in my trembling hands. The elevator ride felt endless. My mind raced with thoughts of what to pack, what to leave behind.

The apartment door opened silently,and i was so sick when I stood in the living room and saw what was happening in Ken and Poppy's room through the bedroom door which was not completely closed!