3.42 Plans
Tony reluctantly waited out the commotion, that followed after Beryl had gone into labour, in the men's room. When Beryl's fans started leaving the place discussing animatedly the latest events concerning their favourite author, Tony managed to slip away unnoticed.
In the hospital, Beryl gave birth to a little baby girl. She named her Celeste.
Lee was the first to congratulate Beryl and welcome baby Celeste to the world.
"Hello, baby sister! I'm your older brother and I will protect you for the rest of your life. You have an older sister too. She will come to see you tomorrow. Isn't it amazing? We all will be together again."
In the evening of the same day Beryl came to a decision and she was gathering her courage in the bathroom to speak with Ronan. The short moment she spent with Tony gave a different perspective and she reassessed her situation. She had to take control of her life again.
"You can do it, Beryl. You can be free again. It's not the institution of marriage that matters, it's the love. You've had it all, before you threw it out of the window. Tony loves you despite the fact that you've hurt him in so many different ways. It's time to give something back."
She closed her eyes and imagined herself running to Tony and throwing herself into his arms like an infatuated teenager. She opened her eyes again and smiled. Yes, that's exactly how it's going to be. All it will take would be freeing herself from Ronan and then a phonecall. He was a phonecall away all the time, you stubborn girl.
Ronan was in their bedroom feeding Celeste, the scene looked so peaceful.
Beryl decided to drop the bomb right there and then.
"I want a divorce."
"Did you forget what happens in that case?"
"I did not. Do what you must, Ronan. I will do what I must as well. You were right, people really love me and I think they will forgive me when I tell everybody how you treated me."
"You will go to prison and I get Celeste."
"No. I will hire an army of lawyers even if I have to take out a morgage and sell everything this family has. I will fight you every step, I will have my freedom. I don't want to live like this anymore. I will not be your prisoner nor your sex toy, Ronan. This ends tonight. You can pack your things and leave peacefully or I can call the police to escort you out. Your choice. We're done."
It was easier than Beryl expected. "See you at the court!" was all Ronan managed to say before he went packing. Maybe all Ronan was capable of were empty threads. Too bad she found out so late.
She picked up her phone and found Tony's number. She just sat there looking at it. Not yet. But very soon. I promise, my love.