The Price of Abandonment

My stomach churned with the weight of my low spirits. I feared I might actually throw up, so I closed my eyes, hoping sleep would take over and ease the nausea.

The rest, however, were bored and began playing "Song Quiz". They cranked the volume up so high that the noise made it impossible for me to sleep.

I was drifting into a light sleep when Walter's shout for the answer jerked me awake again. "Mistaken Love! Mistaken Love! That's five points for me!"

His laughter boomed.

When he turned and saw the displeasure on my face, he stuttered, "R-Renee, do you want to join us?"

"Don't bother," Elias said. "She's such a buzzkill. Having her in the game would just ruin the vibe."

This was the same guy who had fallen for me at first sight when we met at a college club event. I was the most energetic person there, and he told me that my cheerful personality was what drew him in.

But now, he didn't think twice about making me feel small to spare his colleague's feelings.

"What was it about Renee that made you want to marry her, Elias?" Isabel asked in a sugary tone. "A man like you deserves someone exceptional."

"She's great at running a household and taking care of others," Elias explained, his smirk barely noticeable.

"Oh, you mean like a housekeeper? But I'm sure she's better than your average housekeeper, isn't she?"

"Yeah, exactly, a housekeeper. That's the word I was looking for."

My nails dug deep into my palms. I stared at their backs as they joked around.

Then, I forced out my words through clenched teeth. "You're such a delight, Ms. Slater. Maybe you're the better match for Elias."

Isabel turned around, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You've misunderstood everything, Renee! Elias is just a senior I looked up to at work. I understand you might feel jealous, especially with the mood swings that come with pregnancy.

"Elias, for Renee and the baby's sake, maybe it's best to let me off at the next rest area. I'll call for a rideshare."

Tears slipped down her cheeks.

Elias' face twisted with discomfort as he tried to soothe her. "Renee's a little unstable at times and often says things without thinking. Don't let it bother you, Isabel. Stay where you are. I'm not leaving you behind."

He turned slightly toward me, his voice rising with frustration. "Renee! Do you have to be so spiteful? Can't you just keep quiet in the back? Is putting Isabel down the only way you can feel good?

"I'll drop you off at the next rest area if you keep this up. Stop embarrassing me before everyone! Honestly, I don't know what I was thinking, marrying someone with no manners."

Walter and Hubert jumped in to defend Isabel.

"That was way out of line, Renee. Isabel and Elias haven't done a thing wrong. How can you make such ridiculous accusations?"

"Exactly. Jealousy is one thing, but you're out of control. Is this what pregnancy does to people? Makes them lose all sense of reason?"

They kept going, one after another, leaving no room for me to defend myself. My head swam, fury rising like a tidal wave inside me.

I wanted to fling the door open and get out of the car, but the highway blurred past us, and there was no way to escape.

My voice shook as I burst out. "I'm your wife, Elias!"

"So what if you are?" he retorted. "Does that mean I have to pamper you? Apologize to Isabel!"

It felt like something had ripped through my chest. I turned my face away from him, swallowing my reply.

I pulled out my phone, opened the map, and searched for the nearest rest area. Then, I sent its name to Mom and Dad. I couldn't stand to be in that car for another minute.