CLAUSE SIX

5- NICHOLAS

I walked away from Evelyn into the nearest taxi, Renee had called me during the procedure. I called her back immediately after, “Hey Nicky,” she said, I sighed before replying, “Hey.” She paused before saying, “Congratulations.”

“Renee…” I started, “Nicky, wait,” she interrupted, “I forgive you, I understand now, I’m sorry for the way I left things.” She continued, “I know you love me, but please treat her well. She’s not at fault.” I pinched the bridge of my nose as I thought of a reply, “How am I supposed to get over you and fall in love with her?” I asked.

“Please try, I’ll be off now.” She rushed and ended the call. I sighed as I got into the taxi and told the driver to drive me to the office, I needed to get some things done and to clear my head. I couldn’t be with Evelyn at that moment, it was just too much. When I was done, I left the office and drove to the house, I hadn’t been there before so it was new to me. I looked around before entering with the key my grandfather gave me.

I closed the door behind me and then I heard her calling for me, “Yeah,” I replied, I started scanning the living room. It was bare and it made it feel less of a home. My eyes settled down on Evelyn who sat on the couch. She looked like she just scrambled out of bed, evidenced by her dark curls which were slightly tangled and were messily framing her perfect face. Her brown eyes were still heavy with sleep as I watched her blink slowly.

My head titled to the side as I continued to take in all that was her, I didn’t realise when I said, “Were you sleeping?” In an attempt to cover up the slip up on my part, I started walking to the rooms, but she was following me. I groaned internally when I reached the first bedroom which turned out to be the master bedroom.

It was empty meaning that she didn’t want to stay with me. “Yeah,” she replied, I looked around and started to close the door, “Okay,” I said before I left it slam shut. I shrugged out of the suit jacket and ran my hands through my hair as I fell on the bed and stayed there for God knows how long. Different thoughts ran through my head as I laid there.

She was beautiful, just the sight of her was compelling to me, and I felt conflicted because of the love I felt for Renee. I wondered if it meant I was getting over Renee or just that I was attracted to Evelyn. But I couldn’t let Evelyn know that I was attracted to her, because she could confuse that for love and I felt that I couldn’t love her, at least not any time soon.

I got up eventually to take a shower and I was greeted by my wife in my bedroom. This was going to take a little getting used to and I didn’t know if I wanted to. I took in a sharp breath when I saw her, she had a plate of rice on her small hands and she looked uncomfortable, a small frown sat on my face at the sight of that. “Dinner is ready,” She finished and bolted out. Once the door closed, a chuckle escaped my lips. I changed into sweats and a shirt and hopped into bed, I checked my emails and replied important text messages.

I had fallen into a short sleep and woke up late into the night, I stood up to get water from the kitchen and I stopped to look at the plate of rice she left for me, I put it in the refrigerator and walked back to the room. Somehow, I ended up in front of her ajar door. I poked my head through and found her sound asleep, I paused to take in her form. I shook my head as I closed the door silently and made my way back to my room. What a day.

The next morning, I was up early, I wanted to go to the gym and process some documents at work before taking leave of absence for the honeymoon that I had no interest in going for. I stepped out into the cold morning air and got in my car and drove to the gym. I finished my workout in an hour, on my way back, I picked up breakfast as per usual. During the drive back, my grandfather called me, I wanted to ignore it but I couldn’t, “Good morning,” I said without my usual enthusiasm.

“The morning is good indeed.” He replied, “Cut to the chase,” I retorted. He chuckled before saying, “I just wanted to let you know that your new office is ready for you, when you come in today, we’d talk more.” I was already at the house, I pulled into the driveway and put the gear in park. “And what is this talk about?” I questioned as I got out of the car and walked to the front door.

“There’s a new contract,” he started. I started fuming silently, “Too soon?” He joked, “Okay goodbye.” I said as I hung up. I entered the house and went to the kitchen to get water but I met yet another plate of breakfast on the counter, this time, with a note.

I made breakfast, I don’t know why I keep trying, but I do.

Evelyn

I looked at the note for the longest time before scrunching it up and tossing it in the bin. I just couldn’t accept it, her, she wasn’t my Renee, and her constant efforts just made me resent her more.