VOWS OF DECEPTION

The mansion was too quiet for a home that was supposed to be waiting for a new life. Marcus and I had been married for twenty years without any child. This was the time. We ought to throw a big party to welcome Fidel home. I stood at the doorway, one handing gripping the edge of the wall, the other holding small, sleeping Fidel against my chest. I could feel my whole body aching from labor, each step was a reminder of what I had gone through at Cedars -Sinai medical Center. I could feel the smell of antiseptics all over my clothes. This had been the most awaited moment I ever wished for in my life. Yes, in my mind Marcus would be at the door full of joy holding a banquet of flowers to welcome our little prince home. I could see him holding the baby excited and whispering all kinds of promises to the little one. I couldn't wait for that moment. I was home already and there was an unexpected silence all over the atmosphere. "Marcus? " I called softly trying to peep in. No response. I stepped into the house, pushing the door open with my foot. The living room lights were on but nothing else seemed alive. Two wine glasses were on the table half filled. A unique coat lay on the carpet and a pair of heels. Not mine. My heart started to beat fast,, I became nervous of something I did not know. My instincts could be were talking to me unknowingly. "Marcus? " I called again louder this time. No answer. Just silence. The silence was broken by some laughter from inside. Yes,, a soft one. So intimate. "Who's laughter was it? " I wondered. It came from our bedroom. My heart was pounding louder this time. I felt scared. I froze. My mind raced-maybe Marcus had guests_maybe... Soft sounds were getting louder. A murmur. One of pleasure. Someone seemed to be moaning. I moved closer, yes, it was real. I held little Fidel tightly. I could feel pain in my heart. So sharp. "What was happening? " I wondered. I did not want to disturb and some hesitation held me. I tried to lift my legs but they had grown so heavy. More pain creept in. "Was it a dream? " I tried to pinch myself but it seemed so real. "Should I open the door? " "Who was with my husband? " So many questions raced in my mind. I tried to flip the door knob. I hesitated. I was so scared. I didn't know what to expect. Was I really ready for this? No more lies. Just the truth. Why today? I didn't get the answers. The sounds inside pushed me to open the door. Everything stopped. What? No more movement. No more whispers. No more laughter. Two bodies froze mid motion in the sheets I had washed few days before going to the hospital. Marcus_my husband stared at me, his face turned dark and his eyes popped out. The lady on the other side was desperately pulling the blanket to cover herself. It was too late. I had seen it all. Isabella!? That was my best friend since childhood on my bed, making love with my husband_Marcus I caught them red handed. Why her? Why did he take my friend? Why did she opt to betray me? I needed them most at this time. Marcus knew where I was. He left me in the theatre. Why did he leave me? To have a date with my trusted friend. I felt a lot of pain cut deep into my heart. There was silence. "Isabella? " No answer. "Isabella? " I was shaking. I was so scared. I had to be strong. I was still holding my little one. It was so painful. My eyes swept over the scene_the scattered clothes, the intimacy that did not belong to me anymore. I shared a lot with Isabella. All my secrets. We were so close. She gave me advise on my marriage with Marcus. I did not know she was a wolf dressedin sheep's clothing. I looked at Marcus to see whether I could see anything that could make sense_guilt, lies, regret. "Tina? " Marcus began with a shaky voice. He had panicked. I held my hand up. "Don't" Isabella was still hidding understand the sheets. She could not let our eyes meet again. "It's not what it looks like, " Marcus said. He quickly tried to reach his trousers. I let out laughter. "Not what it looks like? " I repeated. "Marcus you are naked in our matrimonial bed with another woman_my best friend Isabella. Making love to her. Tell me what exactly it looks like. " He tried to open his mouth and there's nothing that came out. I now remembered the late nights, the many business trips, phone insecurities and the emotional distance. The signs had been there all along. They were red flags that I had ignored. "You knew where I was. You knew I needed you and you decided to make up with her, in our matrimonial bed_our home. I was suffocating already. I looked at Isabella. " Get dressed, " I said coldly. "And leave" Within no time she had taken what was hers and flew past me like lightning. The door closed behind her.