Page 3 of Keeping Skylar
My little sister, Mila, who is eight years my junior, at twenty-three, has always looked stunning no matter what time of the day. Much to our mother’s displeasure, we both took after our Venezuelan-born father with our dark brown hair, honey-coloured eyes, and smooth olive complexion.
Mila’s always been the more confident and wiser out of us two. Her intelligence, beauty, and athleticism combined, make her an unstoppable force—a real triple threat.
Then there’s Lucia, my colleague turned best friend. We instantly hit it off and quickly became friends outside of work. She’s fiery, charming, and outgoing. Being two years younger than me, at twenty-nine, she works hard but likes to play harder.
Wherever she goes, men turn their heads, and she knows it too. Lucia loves the attention. But it’s her sharp tongue and unfiltered remarks, that adds to her appeal. It’s something I’vealways envied and admired about her—the ability to voice her opinions without apology.
The two women stare at me with matching frowns, as their gazes slowly take in my outfit from head to toe.
“Umm ... What the hell are you wearing?” asks Mila.
I glance down at my clothes, and shrug. “My home clothes, why?” I reply, feeling confused by the irritation in her voice.
“Sky, what the hell! Why aren’t you ready? We tried calling you twice on our way here, but you never answered your phone. You look like shit by the way,” Lucia snaps as she continues to assess my current state, her eyes narrowing. “You forgot, didn’t you?”
“What?” I ask innocently, as I try to break through the brain fog so I can remember what it was that I was meant to be doing this morning.
Mila frowns, looking equal parts worried and annoyed. “Skylar, we organised to have breakfast this morning at that new café next to Mum’s place. We’ve only been waiting two weeks to try it out. Why didn’t you answer your phone? And why does it look like you haven’t slept in a year?” Mila presses.
My husband’s affair has been the only thing on my mind, and add the lack of sleep into the mix, I’m about as useful as a fork in a bowl of soup.
My attempt at an apologetic smile is met with more frowns. “Look, I’m so sorry, but I’m going to have to cancel today’s breakfast. My phone was in my room while I was in the kitchen grabbing something to drink. I wasn’t feeling well last night, and didn’t get any sleep. So, I think it’s best that I stay home and try and catch up on some rest. I’ve also got Kirstin’s exhibition tonight. I’m helping her set up and need all the energy I can muster for that.”
Mila and Lucia glance at each other for a brief moment before settling their eyes on me.
Lucia feigns a sigh of defeat. “Okay, fine. Mila and I will just go somewhere else for today because going there without you feels wrong. But you better make it next time, or I’ll be dragging you by the hair, whether you’re ready or not. And you’re paying.”
I nod and let out a soft chuckle. “Deal. I’ll call you to rearrange a time. I really am sorry, guys. I promise I’ll make it up to you.”
“Yeah, yeah. Promises, promises. You better, bitch, or you’ll be paying for lunch and dinner. Maybe a few margaritas too,” Lucia quips.
“Get some rest, Skylar. We’ll talk soon,” Mila says before they both take off in the direction of her car.
Waiting until they’re both settled in the car, I give them one final wave before closing the door. Turning around, my eyes slowly scan the open living space that holds so many memories of Kaden and I together. From the excitement of moving in after we just purchased the house, to the gradual process of turning it into a home. Now, everything inside has been tainted, ruined, destroyed. And it’s all their fault!
Their torrid affair has been nothing but reckless, as if they think their actions have no consequences. It shows their blatant disrespect and disregard for me and our marriage, as if my heart and my feelings are insignificant to their own selfish desires. I hate them for doing this to me. For making me look like a fool. I will never forgive them for this.
The nauseating feeling in my stomach returns, making me lose my appetite altogether. I can’t eat, I can’t sleep, I can’t think about anything else.
Growing more and more irritable by the minute, I decide to spend the rest of the morning on the couch watching TV. And if I’m lucky, maybe catch up on some sleep before I meet up with Kirstin in a few hours.
I refuse to do any of my usual routine chores.
Fuck the cleaning.
Fuck the cooking.
Fuck running errands.
Most of all, fuck them both.
CHAPTER 2
Skylar
Once again, sleep eludes me. After hours of tossing, turning, sighing, and staring blankly at the ceiling, I finally give in and decide to head over to see Kirstin instead.
I’m ready and out of the house in record time, eager to get away from this place. Away from this suffocating house that has now become my own personal hell. I start the car and check my phone for any new messages from Kaden. None.
