Isabelle took a cab home, she was sad and afraid how her parents would react because she was sure that her family had heard the news already. Because she suspected that it was her stepsister and stepmom that set her up.
And Mike… she sighed how will I explain to him she thought to herself as a few beads of tears dropped from her almond eyes, the swelling had reduced but the marks were still faint.
Young girl, are you okay?" the cab driver asked, Isabelle raised her head "yes I am, thanks for asking ". "Don't be too sad whatever is going on, you'll go through it and become stronger," the man said. She smiled yes, thank you.
As she arrived at the gate to the house, so many emotions and thoughts ran through Isabelle.
She forced herself to open the gate and come in, as soon as she arrived she met her stepmom, stepsister and dad in the living room.
"Where have you been?" her father asked, you didn't come home last night so would you tell me where the hell you've been you little bitch!
I… I was… Isabelle stuttered.
You were what??
Dad let me do the explaining for her. Patricia spoke up, she was at a hotel messing herself up with some random man.
No I didn't…, you didn't, her dad replied yes I did Isabelle said with her head down and her voice tinged with guilt.
Can you imagine what you have done her stepmother Vivian shouted and what damage you've caused.
I - I didn't… Isabelle stuttered, her hands trembling. "It wasn't my fault!"
Her stepmother repeatedly sarcastically. "Not your fault you say" you've embarrassed our family Isabelle. What will happen when people start talking about the rumors that'll spread, they'll say all the Reinhoff girls are uncultured and harlots.
"It wasn't my fault, I didn't know what happened " Isabelle shouted, the last thing I remembered was that the maid called me that stepmother called to her room, I went there and immediately after I entered inside my vision went black.
I didn't call you to my room Vivian said, I was not even at home last night I went for dinner with the ladies.
But…the maid Isabelle stuttered confused.
Stop making excuses Isabelle, her father shouted, "you are just like your mother".
Isabelle eyes widened, do ever say that about my mom she retorted with red eyes.
How dare you talk back at me you impudent child, her father Jonathan Reinhoff said as he stood up and slapped her.
Isabelle raised her head as tears streamed down her face, she had thought that her dad at least will understand and support just this once. He didn't even notice the bruise on her face, he only listened to my stepmother and sister and not me.
"Darling, don't waste strength on worthless things," Vivian.
So you really expect us to believe your coked up story Isabelle, Patricia said with a wicked grin even after what happened to Ethan. With this the suspicion that was buried came to the surface again, Isabelle stood there the words were unable to come out of her mouth she felt like running away or dying self but she couldn't.
To top it all up, Isabelle heard Mike voice through the hallway, "where's Isabelle i want to see her now" Isabelle's mind went blank.
Mike approached Isabelle, is it true Belle? you asked, his voice hurt and his eyes teary.
Mike let me explain it's not what it seems like, then what is it? He shouted back at her.
Did you or did you sleep with another man? Mike i…pleaw let me explain, yes or no Isabelle he replied.
Yes Isabelle said her voice filled with pain, I can't believe you did this Isabelle we were supposed to get married next year, after everything he said his voice tinged with disappointment.
It's over between us Isabelle, I can't forgive you for this ever… do not ever call me.
Mike please wait Isabelle pleaded as she followed Mike out tears streaming down her face. But Mike didn't look back, he got in his car and left.
Isabelle stood there tired, pained and confused. She walked lifeless into the house.
You will be punished for what you've done, you'll be sent to England for 6 years to reflect, don't return until after 6 years, I'll make sure you can't even if you try her father's voice echoed .
She walked to her room with shallow steps, she wanted to refuse but she was tired of life.
She cried herself to sleep and the next morning packed her things and got on the first plane to England.
I'm all alone mom, if all this never happened I wouldn't have been in this place now. England is cold, foreign I know no one there. I don't want to go but that's not my choice.
She paused at the last security check point, she turned back and saw her fathers face and the smug triumphant look on her stepmother and sister's face. Her chest ached, but she straightened her shoulders. I can't change what's happened, she whispered to herself, but I will survive. And when I return… everything will be different.