Loveless

Chapter 5

Elise and I talk a couple more times to get the details in order. I try just to focus on my children before I have to leave, so we go to dinner and enjoy a night out. I’m so nervous about leaving the kids for a couple days. I’ve never been away from them for more than just a work trip. After I put the kids to bed I pack my bag and bring a photo of me and Connor from our wedding. We look so happy, like we didn’t want to be anywhere else. Looking at it now makes me angry. Why would he have lied? We could have had a wedding with both our families there instead of just mine and a few of his friends. I also decided to bring a couple pictures of the kids, some with Connor and me and some just them. After my bag is packed I wiggle into bed and try to sleep.

I slept somewhat well for the first time in weeks. As I press the dismiss button on my alarm, I roll out of bed and throw on the leggings and sweatshirt I’d layed out the night before. I sneak into the kids room to kiss them goodbye. I’m going to miss them so much while I’m gone but I feel like I need to do this now. I quietly shut their door and when I turn around my mom is at the end of the hallway with her arms open. As we hug she says “I love you sweetie and I’m so proud of you for doing this. Please be safe and let me know when you land. Ok?” I nod “I will mom. I will miss all of you.” As I head to the car I start to feel nervous, like my heart is going to flop out of my chest, but I push forward and tell myself that this kind of news is better to break in person.

When the plane starts to take off I remind myself to take deep breaths in order to stay calm. This is the first time I’ve been on a plane since my honeymoon, and even then I was nervous but I had Connor to keep me distracted. We went to Hawaii but we ended up spending most of our time in the room. We were so in love and couldn’t get enough of each other, and even after the kids it was the same way, but now I feel like I couldn’t trust him the entire time we were together. I’m still having a hard time processing how he lied to me for so long. As the plane starts to land I feel more nervous and start to worry about how his family is going to react.

After I grab my bag, I see a nicely dressed man holding a sign saying: “Nora Hart” As I approach the man he nods his head. “You must be Mrs.Hart.” “If you follow me to the car I will take your bag.” I give him my bag and follow him out of the airport. He opens the door to a luxurious Escalade. I slide in and notice the leather seats are heated and feel amazing over my tense muscles. As we pull out of the airport I can feel myself relax and start to drift off… but then I’m woken up by my phone ringing. It’s my mom. “Hey honey. You must have just landed. How was your flight?” I laugh as her timing is near perfect. “Yes mom, I just got into the car. It felt good and fast. How are the kids? Are they up yet?” My questions are answered quickly as I hear Eli scream laughing in the background. It makes me smile and relaxes my nerves a little. “Yes dear, they woke up about 20 minutes after you left and we had breakfast. Now the kids are playing while I clean up. I’m happy to hear you made it safe. I will let you go dear. Take some deep breaths and remember everything is ok. We will see you in a couple days!” I smile as I think how grateful I am for her. “Ok mom, I love you all and I will call you before the kids go to bed so I can tell them goodnight.” I notice we pull into a gorgeous driveway leading up to a huge gray brick house as I put my phone into my pocket. There is a small older woman standing outside of the front door when I get out of the car. “Hello Mrs.Hunt, my name is Lillian I will show you to your room.” She holds open the door and I follow her through.

The house is immaculate. There is a huge chandelier in the entryway. The room has tall white walls and marble floors. Just this room is the size of my kitchen and living room together! She leads me up a huge grand staircase and we walk past what feels like 10 doors before she finally stops. Motioning to the door she says “Here is your room Mrs.Hart.” “Mr. and Mrs.Demming are waiting in the living room when you are ready.” She starts to walk off. “Excuse me Lilian. W-where is the living room?” “Oh yes! It's down the stairs on the right. Walk past the kitchen and through the dining room and you will walk right into it.” She smiles and continues to leave as I enter my room. I decide I don't have time for a shower since they are already waiting on me, so I wash my face instead and change into jeans and a nice blouse. I gather the pictures I brought and take a couple deep breaths. I will probably never feel ready for this. I grab the handle and make my way to break the news.