THE OTHER WOMAN

Chapter 6

A day before the big day, we had a custom, where the bride to be would have a traditional bridal shower and the groom to be would have a night out with his boys. The bridal shower was a day to say final goodbyes to friends and family. A huge party was thrown in honour of the bride and afterwards my grandmother and my aunts sat me down and showered me with advice, caution and blessings. I was very fond of my grandma and she clasped my hand as she went on and on about what was expected of me as a wife, and what treatment was unacceptable from my husband. I already knew about all of that but she didn't care and I didn't have an option but to listen.

She smiled her toothless smile as she asked questions about my love life with Jack, how well I knew him and so on. I stared at her in surprise when she asked whether I was still a virgin. I was so shocked at the invasiveness, but I brazenly smiled back and told her that Jack and I were definitely waiting for our wedding night.

She laughed and told me I was such a terrible liar.

My mind barely registered what my aunts were saying as I imagined Jack in a club, drunk with all those beautiful women surrounding him. I had been told that the bachelor's night out basically consisted of alcohol, music and women. Not a good combination.

My cousin had told me that most grooms tended to engage in s****l activities on such occasions since that would be the last chance they had before committing to their wives. That was disgusting, and I trusted Jack to not do it, but I was still a little uneasy.

I was deep in thought when the door opened and Isabella walked in.

The devil herself was back.

I eyed her coldy as she strode into my mum's living room confidently. She had gained some weight around her middle, and that made me want to smile. I was only ever petty and bitchy when it came to her, and I felt that it was justified. I wanted her fat and ugly.

Everyone in our family knew her since she had been like a sister to me in the past. They had no idea that we had quarrelled and separated. My grandma welcomed her warmly but Isabella said she wanted to speak to me urgently. I ignored her and made my way upstairs to my bedroom, slamming the door shut behind me. I didn't want to speak to her at all.

I lay down on my bed and looked at my watch. Jack would be leaving the club anytime now. I wanted to talk to him badly. I missed him like crazy.

The door flew open and Isabella came in. I had had enough of her.

"Listen Isabella, if you don't leave now, I will beat you up."

I meant it.

"I didn't come here to fight. I came here to talk."

" Well, you came to the wrong place. I don't want to talk to you."

"You don't have to. I'll do the talking. You only have to listen."

"Isabella, I'm tired. Tomorrow is my wedding day and I need my beauty sleep. Now get your ass out of my bedroom."

She took a step backward and held her hands up defensively.

"This is for your own good, Julie."

"Save it. Just leave."

I shoved her and she reeled but quickly gained her balance. I pushed her all the way to the door and as I attempted to slam it in her face, she shook her head pitifully.

"It's about Jack!" She threw her hands up in desperation.

"It doesn't matter what you want to say. Just lea-"

"HE IS CHEATING ON YOU!" She screamed and rushed down the stairs and out of the house.

I was on the verge of hyperventilation. I slowly sank to the ground. My mum rushed to me and sat down next to me.

"You don't believe her, do you Julie?"

" I don't want to, Mama."

"Then don't. That girl is not okay. I think she is pregnant and her hormones must be all over the place. She is out of her mind, you hear me?"

"What if its true?"

"You know Jack. Did he ever give you a reason to doubt him?"

"No, Ma'."

"Good. Now go to bed and the get some rest. You need it," she hugged me tightly and led me to bed. She pulled the covers to my chin and we held hands as we said a short prayer. Then she left, locking the door behind her. I knew mama was right. Jack would never think of cheating on me. Isabella was just acting out.

I called him, and he picked on the first ring.

"Miss me already?" His voice was calm and soothing, and he wasn't drunk at all.

"Yeah. I wish you were here," I whispered. I was on the verge of tears.

"I know. I would give anything to see you right now but you know the protocols."

"Yeah, I know."

"I can't wait for tomorrow. You will be mine before the day ends"

"I've always been yours."

" I know, baby. But we're going to make it official. Until death do us part."

"Are you ready for that?"

"Absolutely. Are you?"

I thought for a moment. Was I?

"Yes. I am."

"That's my girl."

We stayed silent on the line for a moment. I didn't want to hung up yet.

"You should hang up. I'm sure there are pretty ladies over there you can talk to." I teased him, even though the thought of him with another woman gave me chills.

"I got my eyes only for you, Julie. You know that."

I exhaled soundly. I didn't even realize I had been holding my breath. I knew that Isabella was officially crazy. Jack would never cheat on me.

"I love you, Jack."

"I love you, Jules."

We stayed silent for a long moment.

"Hang up". I said even though I wanted to keep talking to him.

"You hang up," I could sense the smile in his voice.

"I don't want to."

"Neither do I."

My mum knocked on my door and our magical moment was over. I had to go.

"Goodnight Jack"

"Good night too, baby"