Something new for Christmas

Sitting quietly, I gazed at the couple before me. People were moving in all directions, and there was noise everywhere. There were whispering voices. Then the announcer's voice came from the airport's numerous speakers. I was lost in my own thoughts. It just brought back bad memories to see the couple sitting in front of me cuddling and hugging. They were smiling and staring into each other's eyes, and they looked so adorable and in love. It was visually pleasing to watch them sit there while people moved in bee-like patterns on bee-lines behind them, casting a beautiful backdrop that would have created a lovely portrait if a picture was to be taken. Unlike me, at least someone else is finding love in the world. A heavy sigh. I remember Jacob. How could he do that to me? All I have done for the past five years of my life is love him, is a crime to love someone selflessly? Jacob was the only reason I ever left Snow Ridge. We were deeply in love. Whenever I gazed into his eyes, everything else vanished. I just saw myself getting sucked into him. And I believed he shared my sentiments. For the first several years, anyway. But I don't know what went wrong along the line. I still can't get my head round about it. How could Jacob have changed so quickly? Or was he pretending all along? It still baffles me. And I really just want to move on and forget about everything. Put it all in my past, make it history. I wish I could move on, but every corner I turn and everything I see makes me think of him and our past together, and it makes me sad again. I glance in Ollie's direction. Ollie is the one good thing that would remind me forever what I shared with Jacob, and how he broke my heart. All I did, all I ever did was just love him. I believed him. How could I have predicted Jacob's eventual relationship with my boss? I trusted her, too. She was laid back and really kind to me. And she was starting to feel like family to me. I wanted her to meet my husband when I introduced her to Jacob. Because she was such a nice boss. I also wanted to introduce my nice boss who had been good to me to my husband. These memories now haunt me, and despite the fact that it seems impossible, I must attempt to erase them. Two weeks ago was our year-end celebration. The company was hosting a grand celebration at the end of the year. Who was the best person to invite but my husband? Everything was going perfect as planned. Everyone dressed beautifully. Everyone looking their best. The night was going smoothly. And since the wine was starting to lighten people's moods, there was a lot of conversation. After a long night, I looked around, but Jacob was nowhere to be seen. We had to return home. It was already 15 minutes past 11. The time I agreed with the babysitter was 11pm. I was becoming restless because I was calling Jacob but he wasn't picking. I started searching everywhere for him. I just felt I should check the restroom, maybe he went to ease himself. As I walked through the hallway towards the restroom, I heard what sounded like Jacob's voice. Since that was my boss Melinda's office, I retreated two steps. When I tried to knock to see if he was actually there, the door opened by itself because it had never been locked. I was stunned by what I was seeing and stood there astounded and transfixed. I was speechless! Melinda was sprawled and lying down on the couch in her office, holding Jacob. They were so engrossed in each other's arms that they failed to notice me as I stood there. Jacob was already wearing his pants halfway down, and Melinda's dress was already off her body. They were holding each other, kissing, and caressing. Initially, I was surprised. When I came around I screamed his name Jacob! I screamed at Jacob, but he just lifted his head idly and showed no remorse. My eyes began to well up with tears as I looked directly into the eyes of two of them. I could not believe it. "What is going on here?" I said in a trembling voice. Jacob got up and pulled his trousers up, but Melinda remained on the couch, unclad, unconcerned and unfazed, as if it were completely normal. Their reaction confused me. It seemed like I was the one who was disturbing them. It seemed like they were doing the right thing. I repeated, "What is going on, Jacob?" Taking a cigarette off the table, Melinda lit it. "Handle this, Jacob," she said languidly after taking a puff of smoke. Right now. You two leave my office now. My mouth was hanging open, unsure of what to say. Jacob just stood there. It disgusted me. Jacob grabbed me by the hand, straightened his trousers, and dragged me out of the office. I continued to ask, "Jacob, what is going on?" after we had left and the door had been closed. "It is not what it looks like," he said, clearing his throat. I can explain, he said, Despite the fact that things are exactly as they appear, I can not recall how many times I have heard people claim that they aren't. Nevertheless, I chose to remain silent in order to hear his side of the story, hoping and praying that it is not what it seems. Maybe there is a reasonable explanation somewhere.