The mall
1379 Words
ANASTASIA'S POV:
I returned to my bedroom, my legs heavy, my eyes sore from crying.
This wasn't happening. I've never thought a day in my life, my perfect marriage would collapse in a space of three years.
The first year was great, and everyone thought Zeke and I were going to live happily ever after.
But after Timmy's birth, things began to change.
I was a traditional woman and I wouldn't let anyone nurse Timmy but myself.
I deliberately refused having maids in the house so I could take up my wife roles seriously and give Zeke a home he would be proud of.
Sadly, my efforts were all for nothing. Another woman came in and destroyed my marriage.
Zeke and I now sleep in separate rooms. He wouldn't even look at his son anymore.
I stared at Timmy who now laid peacfully on my bed.
Poor kid, doesn't know his parents were about to split up.
I buried my face in my hands and sobbed quietly. I didn't want a divorce. I loved Zeke so much.
I cannot just give up on my marriage like that. I have to make it work somehow.
Picking up my phone, I called Martha, my mother-in-law.
She answered on the second ring. "What is it?" She snapped.
I swallowed. Martha hated me with every fiber of her being.
She's the only one in the Donaldson family who never approved of my marriage to Zeke aside my father-in-law.
"Good morning, mother-in-law," I said. "I'm sorry for calling at this time. I need to talk to you. Can I come to the family's mansion?"
"No," she replied sharply. "You're not welcomed in my home, you gold digger. Whatever you have to say, say it on the phone. I don't have all day."
I took a deep breath. "Alright, Zeke is divorcing me. His secretary is his ex girlfriend from high school. She wants to ruin my marriage. Can you please speak to Zeke, perhaps he would change his mind."
To my shock, Martha gave off a hysterical laugh.
"What's funny, mother-in-law?" I asked.
"Here's a bit of advise, Anastasia," Martha said. "Give up on your marriage and die."
I sucked in a sharp breath. "W-what do you mean?"
"Did I stutter?" She asked. "I said give up on your marriage and die. You don't seemed to get the full picture, do you?"
"But I can't. I love Zeke. I'd fight for us. I'm doing this for our son."
"What son?" Martha snapped. "You don't mean that bastard you gave us."
"Timmy's not a bastard," I was holding back tears. "He's Zeke's son and your grandson."
"Oh spare me that crap!" Martha swore. "I've seen the DNA report. I always knew you were an unfaithful whóre. I'm glad Zeke's finally come to his senses to divorce you. As he should."
I bite my lips so hard, I tasted blood. "Not you too, mother-in-law. Please don't do this. I know you hate me, but please I beg of you, for the sake of my child, don't let Sandra deceive you."
"Sandra is ten times the woman you'll ever be," Martha said angrily. "Now do yourself a big favour, sign the divorce papers and leave my son's house. Of course, you'll be given alimony to take care of yourself and your bastard son. That's what you've always been after isn't it?"
I wanted to say something but the words wouldn't come out.
Silently, I hung up and flopped on my bed.
The next two hours were spent in tears. I couldn't stand up nor cry.
Why me? Despite my best efforts, it still came to this.
For the rest of the day, I didn't anything else. I stayed holed up in my room with Timmy.
* * * *
The next day, I took Timmy out with me to go buy some groceries at the city mall.
Throughout last night, I waited for Zeke but he didn't return home. I called his office and was told he wasn't there either.
Worried about his safety, he had blocked my line.
I knew where he was, and I knew he was somewhere out there fúcking Sandra.
Still, I wanted him to return home so we could have one last talk and see if we can still fix our marriage.
To make that work, I went shopping to prepare his favourite meal.
On the way out of the grocery section of the mall with Timmy, I saw something that froze me to the ground.
Across me was the jewelry store. I saw Zeke and Sandra purchasing some expensive necklaces and earrings.
I didn't move, neither did I make any effort to hide. I stood there, watching how happy Sandra was shopping with Zeke.
I saw the looks of pleasure on Zeke's face as he paid for everything she picked.
When was the last time Zeke took me out shopping? It's been ages.
Sandra caught me watching and she smirked evilly. I balled my hands into fists.
Zeke didn't notice me. She took advantage of the timing and pulled him into a deep kiss.
Zeke held her passionately and kissed her like she meant the world to him.
I couldn't help myself. My heart was pounding hard against my ribs and my eyes watered.
Suddenly Timmy started crying, startling me out of my thoughts.
I hurriedly carried Timmy away, realising he had been watching the scene, seeing his daddy with another women.
He was just two years old but he was a smart kid. He knew his daddy was with another woman and that wasn't right.
* * * *
It was by a miracle I drove home safely. I rushed to Zeke's study and grabbed the divorce papers and read it thoroughly.
I was hurt so much I wanted to sign the papers there and then, but I was still hesitant.
I carried the divorce papers to the Living room where Timmy sat watching me.
Just then, I received a phone call from an unknown number.
I picked it up. "Hello who's this?"
"Hi, loser," a giggling voice came on the line. "Have you signed the divorce papers yet?"
I gritted my teeth. "Sandra."
"I saw you at the mall," she laughed hysterically. "Just so you know, Zeke and I are back at our hotel room. He's currently at the bathroom now after making love to me."
I was breathing heavily. I couldn't speak.
"Oh, you're quiet?" She laughed again. "Zeke is an animal in bed. He's got me screaming his name and all he could do was ram harder into me. You couldn't relate, can you?"
My lips curved in a bitter smile. "Congratulations, Sandra. You've won."
"As I should," her voice went hard. "Stop fighting for what you can't change. You lost. Give up and die."
She hung up.
I was tired. Tired of crying, tired of begging, tired of fighting.
I walked to the kitchen and brought a knife and returned to the living room.
Timmy stared up at me, not knowing what I intend to do.
I knelt down before him, my eyes teary. "I'm sorry Timmy," I pointed the tip of the blade on my throat. "Mommy can't take anymore, bullshit. Can you forgive me?"
My hands were far from steady as I waited to stab my throat. I'd bleed and die and leave Timmy behind.
Timmy rushed to me and embraced me, crying.
A minute passed by, then three then five and I still haven't killed myself.
Why was I being selfish? If I killed myself, Timmy would suffer.
I have to be there for him even if it means doing it alone.
I let the knife drop on the floor and I hugged him tighter. "I'm sorry, Timmy. I won't leave you. I promise."
* * * *
I woke up and checked the time.
It was midnight. I looked beside me, and laying on the bedside table were the divorce papers.
I took the divorce papers and my pen and read it over again.
Then I glance at Timmy who laid beside me, sleeping peacefully.
I signed my signature and made a call to my lawyer.
"Hello," I said when the line clicked. "Let's meet this afternoon. I've signed the divorce papers."
- Writer
