I Took Off My Ring At The Abandoned Station Chapter 01
Memorial Day Weekend, and Nathaniel Cross insisted on stopping at that abandoned service area to rest.
He said the car was stuffy, that he needed to step out for some fresh air and would be back shortly.
I waited in the car for twenty minutes. My heart started racing, so I got out to look for him.
Then, at the derelict gas station, I saw him and Daisy Brooks kissing.
Daisy was nestled in his arms, her voice coy and seductive: “Is this thrilling? Your wife is right there in the car, and you dare to have an affair with me out here?”
Nathaniel gave a low chuckle: “You really are a little vixen. Keep it down, don’t upset my wife.”
Standing at the corner, I suddenly remembered the year he pursued me—
I told him the person I hated most in this world was a cheater; that’s how my father had destroyed my mother.
He said: “Abigail Miller, I will never do that to you. If I do, I am at your mercy.”
Now, he really had cheated.
Then the things I gave him—
It’s time to take them back.
***
After taking a phone call, I turned and walked back to the parking lot.
“Abigail!” Nathaniel shouted behind me.
I didn’t stop.
Daisy’s voice followed, tearful: “Abigail… I’m sorry… it’s all my fault…”
I pulled open the driver’s side door.
“Abigail.” Nathaniel caught up, blocking the space between the door and me.
“Give me the keys.” My voice was trembling. My grandmother was in critical condition; I had to go see Grandma Dorothy one last time.
“I’ll have people arrange things for your grandmother,” he paused, “the best specialists, they can be there tonight.”
I looked at him.
Daisy followed as well, her eyes red, saying timidly: “Abigail, don’t blame Nathaniel… it was me… I seduced him…”
Her voice cracked as she spoke, her shoulders hunched like a bullied rabbit.
Nathaniel glanced at her, then at me.
“Look at her,” his eyes were full of pity, “she’s already like this. What do you have to push her into before you’re satisfied?”
Daisy kept her head down, her shoulders shaking, tears hitting the ground one by one.
I suddenly remembered her first day on the job, standing sheepishly at my office door with a cup of milk tea: “Abigail, this is for you.”
I didn’t drink that tea. Nathaniel said he drank it, mentioning the girl was quite thoughtful.
Later, thinking of how hard it was for a young girl to move from a small rural town all the way to the big city and build a life from scratch, I felt for her. I helped her in life and at work at every turn.
I helped her in life and at work at every turn.
What I couldn’t help with, I asked Nathaniel to handle.
And just like that, the “helping” eventually led them into the same bed.
“Nathaniel.” I turned to look at him, “My grandmother raised me. She’s in the ICU, and I need to see Grandma Dorothy one last time.”
“You know how important she is to me, Nathaniel.” My voice wouldn’t stop shaking.
He said nothing.
My phone vibrated again.
A message from my mother: Grandma is fading fast, where are you?
I gripped the phone, my knuckles turning white.
Nathaniel saw it.
He was silent for two seconds, then reached out and wiped a tear from the corner of my eye with his thumb.
“Don’t cry,” his voice was soft, his thumb lingering on my cheekbone for a moment, “Grandma will be fine. Trust me.”
“Just let her apologize,” he said, “she feels guilty. Just a nod from you. Once it’s said, I’ll give you the keys.”
Daisy sobbed and nodded beside him: “Abigail… please just accept my apology… otherwise I’ll never have peace for the rest of my life…”
Grandma Dorothy was waiting for me.
“Fine,” I said.
Daisy immediately spoke: “Abigail, I’m sorry, it’s all my fault—”
“That’s enough.” I cut her off and looked at Nathaniel, “Keys.”
Nathaniel handed me the keys.
“Drive safely. I’ll stay with Daisy for a couple of days and then come find you.”
I ignored him, pulled open the car door, and sat inside.
I inserted the key and turned it.
The engine roared.
The car didn’t move.
I turned it again. The wheels wouldn’t budge.
I got out and found a large wet patch on the ground.
The fuel tank had been punctured.
Nathaniel walked over, looked at the undercarriage, and frowned.
Daisy bit her lip, her voice tiny: “Abigail… I did it. I wanted to spend more time with Nathaniel… I’m sorry…”
Nathaniel reached out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind my ear.
“Don’t be angry,” he said, “I’ll have someone come fix it later.”
“Wait in the car for now,” he turned to put his arm around Daisy, “I’ll see if I can find some tools.”
Daisy leaned into his chest and glanced back at me.
Tears were still on her face, but the corner of her mouth twitched slightly.
The sight of Nathaniel’s back as he walked away holding Daisy made my eyes sting.
Just then, my phone vibrated.
A message from my mother: [Abby, Grandma keeps calling your name. Hurry back.]
I stared at those words, clutching the phone in my palm.
I took off the diamond ring on my fourth finger.
