Blemished Love Episode 13 – Loudest Thoughts
‘Your cooking skills hasn’t changed.’ Jessy said when they were done at the table.
‘Actually, I made this one.’ Tom interrupted them while packing the plates.
‘In your dreams,’ Grissel muttered standing up too.
‘Grissel, can we talk after you are done.’ Jessy asked.
‘Of course, let me just help Tom before he breaks the plates.’ She teased.
‘Don’t worry, I can handle this. Just see to our visitor.’
‘Sure?’
‘I would be okay.’ He reassured.
Grissel walked with Jessy to the hall while Tom left to the kitchen.
*
Their silence was weird. Jessy and Grissel always had something to say when they were together but that night was different.
‘I know by now Adam must have told you about York.’ She asked with guilt.
Jessy was confused as she only came to her house because Tom asked her to but it seems Grissel is guilty of something else.
‘What are you talking about?’ Jessy tapped her as it seemed she was lost in her own thoughts.
She fumbled. ‘You must be angry but I didn’t tell you about York because I thought you would stop me from marrying Tom.’
‘Stop you? Why would I want to do that?’
Grissel raised her head and stared at her holding her tears back.
A whole minute no one spoke until Jessy snapped her thumb and second finger together.
‘Grissel, what is going on with you and why does the name York sounds familiar.’
‘It’s okay Jessy. I thought Adam talked to you.’ She shifted uncomfortably.
‘What was my husband supposed to talk to me about? And it’s not okay Grissel.’
‘Let’s forget it, you wanted to talk to me. What about?’ Grissel suddenly found the courage to change the topic.
Jessy looked on as if she was trying to remember something.
‘York? I remember Adam wanting me to give him an opinion based on a story he read. What does that have to do with you?’
Grissel kept glancing and tried to say something but words failed her.
‘Wait a minute, was that you. No, I would have known.’ Jessy was always the smart one when she was leaving with her and Adam.
She nodded quietly surprising her sister.
‘OMG. Do I even know you at all?’ The anger and surprise in her voice was glaring.
‘I’m sorry.’
‘Sorry? Do you know what that means?’
‘I do and I’m trying to forget it ever happened.’
‘That’s crap. I’m out of here.’ She stood up with her bag.
‘Jessy wait.’
She turned around at the door.
‘A word of advice. Talk to your husband, he’s worried about you.’
‘I can’t tell him all that Jessy.’
‘You are on your own then.’ She slammed the door in her face.
Grissel knew she would have to let her go and speak to her another time.
Tom came out of the kitchen when he heard the door earlier.
‘What’s going on?’ He saw Grissel standing at the door.
‘She left and I think I need a drink.’ She walked indecisively to the couch.
‘What happened? Did you two fight?’
‘No just a misunderstanding.’ She replied worried. ‘She would get over it.’
‘You are lying Grissel.’
‘I am? Suit yourself then.’
‘That’s unfair Grissel.’
‘Unfair? I know you asked Jessy here to talk to me and that’s unfair too.’ She muttered with a straight face.
‘Where are you going?’ He asked when she stood up.
‘I told you I needed a drink.’ She scoffed and walked away.
‘But you don’t drink.’
‘Watch me Tom.’ Grissel sounded depressed.
Tom didn’t understand what was going on. He watched his wife who was happy earlier strangely and took out his phone from his pocket. Tom called Jessy who didn’t answer but he was more concerned about making things right before the next day.
***
‘Good morning love.’ Dane muttered.
‘Were you watching me sleep all night?’ Melisa tried rubbing the sleep off her face with her palm.
‘Something like that.’
‘You are weird D.’
‘Am I?’
‘I’m leaving today.’ Melisa suddenly said.
‘This is about last night right?’
‘No, I was going to tell you my aunty called when you got back but you obviously had other plans for me.’
‘Plans, that flopped.’
‘It’s not your fault Dane. We could just try another time besides you didn’t want us to start having sex yet.’
‘And you are fine with that?’
‘Of course,’ but I need to get to the guest room so I can prepare to leave.’ Melisa was finding an excuse to leave the room.
‘Can’t we just lie here for a while?’
There came a knock on the door.
‘Daddy, should I come in.’
He glanced at Melisa who was already picking up her dress from the floor and rushing to the washroom with the sheets covering her body.
He shook his head while dragging his pants on and headed for the door.
‘Hey, you are early today.’ He asked Dani when he opened the door.
‘Today is Sunday Dad.’
‘Yes, did I forget something?’
‘Sunday jogging.’
‘Oh, sorry.’ He walked her in.
‘Where’s Lisa, she’s not in her room?’
‘I’m here.’ She appeared behind them.
‘Are you joining us for Sunday jogging?’
‘I can do that.’ She replied while Dane scratched his head.
‘Let’s go then.’ She dragged her along while Dane grabbed his shirt quickly from the floor and walked behind them.
***
Tom decided to go to work the next week as Mr. Medt called on Sunday to apologize on his daughter’s behalf. He could never say no to him since he started working for him.
Tom also thought that would make Grissel happy. He called a few people at work just to be sure his position is still available.
‘Ana, who is in the manager’s office?’ Stella asked when she came in that afternoon and saw the key left in the door. She had to do some rounds before coming to work.
‘Mr. Addison is back.’
‘Tom?’ She was surprised.
‘Yes, he came in demanding for the key to the office and I had no choice than to give it to him. He’s been working since morning and almost done with the pile up work you assigned to Jones.’
‘Good.’ She smiled, walked to his door but changed her route to her office. She had talked to her dad to help bring him back.
*
Tom in his office was sweating even when the air conditioner was on. He seemed really busy when his phone rang.
‘Hey, how’s your first day at work going?’
‘Busy. Are you okay.’
‘Yeah, I’m meeting Julia after work. Do you want to come?’
‘No I’m busy and might be late for dinner.’
‘That’s no problem.’ She was saying when a knock came on the door.
‘Hold on for me.’ He muttered to Grissel.
Stella peeped her head and then came in when Tom hadn’t said anything.
‘Emmm welcome back.’
‘Thank you.’ He responded.
‘Do you think we could do lunch, I heard you’ve been working all morning.’
‘Do you mind? I’m on a call.’ He asked harshly.
‘I’m sorry,’ Stella said quietly and walked out.
‘Who was that?’ Grissel asked when he said hello.
‘Who else.’ My boss came to ask me out for lunch.
‘That should be fun.’ She teased.
‘Okay, you are officially annoying right now.’
‘I know I am, hey it’s not a big deal. She just wants to make up.’
‘In her dreams. Let me know when you are leaving Julia’s end so I set off. Don’t worry about dinner, I would grab something for you.’ He offered.
‘I love you.’ She replied.
‘Get off my line.’ He smiled and hanged up.
About 30 minutes after, he thought grabbing that lunch with Stella wouldn’t be that bad.
He picked up his jacket and headed for her office.
‘Does that offer still stand?’ He knocked once and entered before realizing Stella was already eating.
Stella stood up like a school girl and immediately sat down when she realized she acted weirdly.
‘I think I have a second pack, if you are still up for it.’
‘Why not?’ He walked closer, grabbed a chair and the other pack of food.
‘This is my favorite. How did you know?’
‘I didn’t but it’s my favorite too.’
‘You don’t say.’ Tom paused and stared.
‘Ahaaa.’
‘At least we have one thing in common.’
He had no idea she was this comfortable to talk to. So he smiled and continued his food.
‘I apologize for the way I treated you since I arrived here.’ She announced after a long while of silence.
‘Apology accepted but on one condition.’ Tom quickly replied as if he knew she was going to apologize.
‘You name it.’
‘You buy lunch every time I don’t get packed food from home.’
‘We have a deal Tom.’
‘Works for me.’ He munched on his fried chicken.
‘So your wife, how long have you guys been m….’
‘Friends for a year, dated for another year and married for 5months.’
‘She is a lucky one.’
‘No, I’m the lucky one.’
‘I can call you Mr. Lucky then.’
‘Miss Lucky.’ He teased.
‘But for what it’s worth, I’m glad we are on the same page now.’ She mentioned happily.
‘Uhmmm, and thank you for lunch.’
She flashed him a smile.
***
Grissel packed outside and entered the house.
She was surprised to see Julia waiting for her at the door.
‘Good evening Aunty.’
‘Jessy just left here.’ She stared at her and Grissel could read disappoint written on her face.
Grissel’s face turned pale.
Julia noticed it. ‘So it’s true.’
‘I’m so.. r.. ry, I planned on telling you bef….’
‘But you didn’t.’
She fumbled with her hands.
‘Get the hell out of my sight and don’t come back.’ She yelled so loud that Grissel drew back and bumped into Melisa who heard the noise and came through the back door.
Grissel said sorry and decided to leave because she has never seen Julia react that way towards her.
‘And don’t you dare tell Tom about this.’ She yelled out to Grissel who nodded unconsciously and vanished through the gate.
She held on to her steering immediately she entered her car. Pulled out a chunk of tissue from the dashboard and wiped her face.
She doesn’t know if she should go home or talk to Jessy. After a few minutes of indecisive moments, she drove off.
*
‘Aunty, don’t you think you were too hard on her?’
‘Too hard you say. Do you know how much this will destroy your brother?’
‘I know but I think you should have listened to her side of the story.’
‘So she could lie to my face?’ Julia glared.
‘Somehow she deserves the worse and that was why I never liked her but spending a night in their home, I realized she probably just made a mistake so I let her off the hook.’
‘Mistake? I can’t believe you knew all these while and said nothing.’ Julia gave her a scornful look.
Melisa scoffed. ‘As if anything I say ever made sense in this house.’
Julia and Melisa both sat on the steps in front of the room while still exchanging words.
*
Melisa overheard the conversation between Jessy and Julia when she came around which she confirmed to her Aunt was the truth.
They had earlier moved back inside and had their dinner when Tom’s number popped on Julia’s phone.
‘Do you think he knows?’
‘I’m not sure, besides you told Grissel not to say a word to him.’ Melisa replied her with a worried tone.
Julia sighed heavily and picked up the call.
‘Tom, how are you.’
‘Where’s my wife? That was the first thing he asked instead of answering her question.
‘She left my end over four hours ago.’ Julia raised her brows in shock.
‘Grissel is not home yet and it’s unlike her not to call me. You were the last to see her, what was the meeting about.’
Julia froze on the phone.
‘Julia, I’m talking to you. What happened to my wife?’ He yelled at her.
‘Calm down, I asked her here to pick up some muffins for you.’
‘Then where is she. She’s not answering her phone either.’
‘Let me reach out to her and call you back.’
‘Okay but make sure you find her.’ He yelled again and hanged up.
Melisa gave her the look that her aunty understood she wants to know what has happened.
‘I don’t know Lisa, he said Grissel wasn’t home yet.’
‘Oooh, that’s understandable due to how she left here. I’m sure she will go home.’ She touched her cheeks involuntarily. ‘Probably waiting for Tom to sleep so she could sneak inside in order to avoid facing him.’
‘But it’s almost ten in the evening.’ Julia sounded worried.
They were still trying a few numbers when Melisa’s phone rang.
‘Not now, Henry.’ She quickly said answering it and glancing at Julia.
‘Can you come down to Seattle Emergency center?’
‘Henry I’m not in the mood for your chit chats.’
‘Grissel is here at the hospital.’
‘Grissel? Hospital?’ Melisa raised her voice.
‘She was run down by a truck.’
‘What? How long ago?’ She asked pacing around probably forgetting she only needed to hang up and rush off.
‘Around seven pm.’
‘And how do you know all this.’ She further asked.
‘Just come down here and stop asking all these questions.’ He flared up.
‘I guess I know. We will be on our way now and you better leave there before Tom arrives.’ She hanged up and realized Julia was already at the door with her car keys.
‘Come on, I’ve called Mike to pick up Tom since he’s closer to his place.’ Julia probably was eavesdropping.
‘That’s good, we all know how Tom can drive under pressure.’
‘Let’s go already.’ Julia went out of the door and Lisa followed.
*
Melisa and Julia got there and met Henry pacing around.
‘Where’s she?’ Julia asked looking around.
‘In the intensive care unit. Surgery was successful but she’s unstable.’
She heaved a sigh of relief and held on to Melisa who slowly walked her to the seat behind the nurses.
‘Aunty you got to relax, you heard she will be okay.’
Julia nodded reaching out for her phone while Melisa walked up to Henry and dragged him to a corner.
‘Start talking before I flare up.’
‘Relax, I was on my way to your place when I saw her driving away so I decided to follow. I guess she thought I was stalking her again so she pulled out of her lane.’
‘Were you stalking her?’
‘I knew she stopped because of me so I decided to park as well. The next thing I heard was a bang. ’ Henry stated with a weak tone. ‘I guess she didn’t see the car coming towards her but the driver said it looked like she didn’t care if she got knocked down.’
‘So all these was your fault and you were still sitting around here.’
‘I had to, because I signed the consent form as her husband and the doctor wants to see me in some few minutes.’
‘You did what?’ You are not meeting anyone.’ She smoldered. ‘Get out of here before Tom gets here because he will strangle you alive.’
‘But I have to be here.’
‘I said get out.’ Melisa yelled unconsciously and realized all eyes were on her.
Henry hasn’t seen her that angry and serious before so he quietly walked away to the nurse’s area, spoke with them for a few minutes and left.
He was lucky not to meet Tom and Mike on the way.
Melisa saw him rushing towards the nurses table and gave him way while Julia watched from a far.
He however ignored them while Mike walked towards their direction.
‘I heard Grissel has been brought to this hospital.’
‘Sir, can I have the patient’s full name.’
‘Grissel Addison.’
‘I can’t see that here though I have Grissel Bannerman.’
‘Yes, that’s my wife.’
‘Wife?’ The nurse with the name tag Pamela asked surprised.
‘Can you just give me her room number or get me the doctor on her case.’
‘Hold on, someone else signed as her husband. Let me just confirm from the doctor.’
‘What are you talking about?’
Melisa realized his brother was going to cause a scene so she met the nurse half way and explained to her Henry was a family friend while pointing to Tom.
‘So where is she?’ He asked impatiently when it looked like whatever Melisa told her worked.
‘ICU but you need to see the doctor now since you are the husband.’ Pamela said and gestured him to follow her.
He followed and walked pass Julia without another word.
Blemished Love Episode 14 – Loudest Thoughts
‘This was all your fault Adam.’
‘How is it my fault?’
‘You should have told me this months ago.’
‘I didn’t because I knew how you will react but I sure didn’t ask you to tell Julia anything so Grissel’s accident is on you.’
‘When it comes to Grissel, you seem to be over protective. You don’t do that when I’m in trouble Adam.’
‘You should be ashamed of yourself right now. I thought she was both of us our responsibility the moment you brought her home.’
‘I know I did but I’m just angry you two kept this away from me.’
‘Put yourself in her shoes. Would you have told me if you knew I’m the type of man who can’t forgive betrayal?’
‘I guess not and besides I’m just angry she felt comfortable talking to you about it than me.’
‘Trust me, she didn’t, Andre contacted me on her behalf.’
‘Andre? Her boss?’
‘Yes, that was why I chose that hotel so I could meet them both there before the wedding.’
‘What has he got to do with this?’
‘Why don’t you ask Grissel when she wakes up? Now can I drive in peace?’
Jessy gave her husband a squeeze on his shoulders and gave him the go ahead to drive towards the hospital.
*****
‘Is she going to be alright?’ He asked the doctor after introducing himself when he entered his office.
‘Yeah, she’s a strong woman. She had two major surgeries under four hours but didn’t give up.’
‘She has always been tough.’ Tom grinned for the first time since he arrived at the hospital.
‘But we are sorry she lost the pregnancy and we hope you can wait for some time before breaking the news to her. If possible I can recommend a psychologist before you tell her she miscarried.’
‘Pregnancy?’ Tom repeated with a surprised face on after a few seconds of letting the doctor’s words settle in.
The doctor read in between the lines and knew he was not aware.
‘I understand, Mr. Addison. This must have been a shock to you but your wife was pregnant when she was brought in here.’
He slumped on the chair and seemed as if he was trying to remember something.
‘Do you need a few minutes to settle in?’
‘No, how many weeks pregnancy.’ He managed to ask.
‘My guess is a few weeks.’ The doctor replied.
‘So it’s possible she was pregnant before last week.’
‘Of course, if I’m not wrong close to a month. We didn’t have time to check all that since she was in critical condition when they brought her in and needed immediate surgery.’
‘Thank you but when can we see her.’ He managed to ask.
‘You can all go home now and return tomorrow.’
‘Thank you.’ He said weakly.
‘And you can have full report from the police tomorrow and the man who knocked her down.’
‘That won’t be necessary.’ Tom said as if he was giving up.
He stood up and exchanged a handshake with the doctor.
Mike and Julia were talking when they saw Tom walking pass them.
‘Where are you off to?’ Mike turned to him.
‘Home?’ He replied and kept walking.
‘Home? Why? Have you seen your wife already?’
‘No.’ He turned around.
‘Then we should wait around Tom.’
‘What for Mike? I want to go home.’
‘I thought you came here to see Grissel.’
‘Why should I see her?’ Tom asked with rage on her face.
Julia and her niece exchanged glances.
‘Man, what is wrong with you.’
‘Can you drive me home or give me the car keys?’
‘What did the doctor tell you?’ He didn’t realize Julia was standing beside him.
‘What do you care when this was all your fault in the first place?’
‘I’m sorry but can we just make sure your love is okay then you can fight me all you want.’ Julia tapped him on the shoulder.
The name love must have brought him back to his senses because a smile appeared on his face and vanished immediately.
‘Aunty, I asked my wife last week if she was pregnant. She told me no.’
‘Okay what has that got to do with anything?’ Mike interrupted and he turned giving him a weird look.
Melisa led him to the chair Julia vacated earlier. He didn’t bother to push her off as he was confused.
‘She killed my baby Lisa and I can’t be here when she wakes up.’
Julia and Melisa looked at each other again.
‘I’m not sure Grissel will intentionally do that to you Tom.’ Her sister tried to calm him down.
‘Then why did she lie when I asked her if she was pregnant just to find out from the doctor she was several weeks pregnant before I even asked her.’
‘Maybe she wasn’t even aware she was pregnant.’
‘Trust me, she knew and probably didn’t want to have my baby.’ Tom wiped his face like a small kid crying over his missing ball.
‘Don’t think like that. It was an accident and there must be an explanation to why she denied being pregnant. That’s unlike Grissel.’ Melisa said looking up at Julia once more.
‘But you don’t even like her, how would you know if she didn’t lie just to escape having my children.’
‘Trust me, I’m sure even if she knew, she must have a good explanation for not telling you.’ Melisa smiled at him.
‘She was probably in denial. It happens sometimes.’ Julia finally spoke up.
‘That was why I asked her when I suspected last week.’
‘It’s okay, you would have other opportunities. Imagine what your weakness would do to her if she wakes up seeing you this way. Wipe your face.’
‘Thank you aunty and sorry I yelled at you.’
‘That’s alright son.’
‘But the doctor said we can go home and come back tomorrow.’
‘I think he’s right.’ Mike chipped in.
‘Then you can come home with us tonight so Mike can drive home as well.’ Julia supported him to stand up.
He nodded and walked from them to the nurse he spoke to earlier.
‘I need a favor Pamela.’
‘I guess I should call you once she wakes up.’
‘Exactly, thank you.’ He gave her his card and walked away while the others followed.
Their drive home was very long and quiet. Nobody said a word until Melisa pulled in front of their gate.
___
Tom however found out within the course of that week Henry was the one who found Grissel and sent her to the hospital. He didn’t make much of it, though he lashed out on him for signing the consent form without his permission he also knew had it not been that Grissel would have died before they even got there.
Julia had asked him not to come around the hospital anymore and Henry seemed to be okay with that.
Melisa has been avoiding his calls even before the accident especially since Dane is now in the picture. But he was her only friend so she has been giving him update on Grissel’s health.
‘Do you think she’ll wake up?’
Tom asked Jessy who has been blaming herself for the past week.
‘She will and I can’t wait to tell her how sorry I was.’ She retorted and realized Tom was looking at her weirdly.
‘You know, I never asked what you guys fought about.’ He queried Jessy who thought she saw Grissel move her fingers.
She kept watching through the window and stylishly avoiding his questions.
‘Jessy, why did you leave my house that day without a notice?’
‘Tom?’ She called out pointing to where Grissel laid.
‘I asked you over politely to find out what her problem was, so the least you could do for me was to tell me what she said I wasn’t doing right but you left.’
He still hadn’t realized what Jessy was pointing to.
‘Tom, look.’
‘You know what, it’s alright. I would live with it if you don’t want to help.’ He further said and saw the doctor rushing in there which caught his attention.
‘Tom? She’s waking up.’ Melisa came to where she stood backing the window talking to Jessy.
He turned around immediately with mixed feelings and watched while the doctor attended to her.
Dr. Steven came out briefly and signaled him.
‘Doc is she okay.’
‘Yes for now, we will just monitor her for a few days but the worse is over.’
‘When can we see her?’
‘Just give us some few minutes, she had to be moved to a more comfortable room and set up. The nurse will come pick you up after that.’
‘Thank you Doctor.’
‘Remember what we talked about, this is not the time to tell her she lost the pregnancy as it may have effect on her psychologically.’
‘Yeah I will get her the help she needs when it comes to that.’
They shook hands and the Doctor left.
***
They all rushed in after Tom entered.
Grissel still had bandages over her head, legs and arms.
She blinked twice when Tom sat beside her on the bed.
‘I’m so…’
‘Shhhh, don’t talk. The doctor said you are still fragile.’ He kissed her on the forehead.
She tried to talk but it was faint and quiet.
The doctor came in and signaled Tom to walk out with him.
‘I will be back.’
She blinked again when Tom spoke up.
‘I love you’ He whispered into her ears and smiled.
Jessy left the spot she was standing when Tom left the room.
Grissel allowed the tears she was holding to fall off.
‘Hey, I’m sorry. You don’t need to cry. We’ve all decided it’s your secret to tell.’ She placed her hands gently on hers. ‘If you don’t want Tom to know, it’s your cross to carry. But then don’t ever keep something like that away from me.’ Jessy held her hands while Grissel focused on Julia who walked over earlier but kept staring at her.
‘Than…k you.’ She managed to say, then Julia nodded and Melisa smiled to her.
They were still talking when Tom came back.
***
Julia was out of sight when Tom came in that evening.
‘Maybe, everyone’s asleep.’ He thought and smiled to himself.
Then he remembered the argument with Grissel earlier in the morning. The smile on his face vanished. He then remembered the ice cream in his other hand so he left with it to the kitchen.
The past week that Grissel spent in the hospital and was discharged got everyone around her sympathizing her. Except Melisa whom Tom didn’t want to have around after he found out from Grissel she knew Henry was stalking his wife and as his sister she supported him.
***
‘Your Dad seemed like he didn’t like me.’ Dane complained after they left the restaurant where they met with Morris.
Melisa insisted on Dane meeting her Dad as she felt it was the right thing to do. Unlike her previous relationship she wasn’t so sure about anyone before but Dane is different.
Morris who sounded reserved and uncomfortable throughout their meet up kept to himself.
‘I noticed too but you are still my choice not his.’ She blushed and got into his car fixing her seat belt.
‘How’s your sister in law?’ He suddenly asked after a long silence.
‘She gave us quite a scare but she’s better now.’ Melisa announced picking up her phone which was ringing. ‘Hello.’ She said softly.
‘What happened? Your Dad called, something about bad feelings.’
‘He can’t stop me, neither would you?’
‘I have no intentions of doing that Lisa.’
‘Good, I’m on my way back. Let’s talk when I get to Tom’s.’ She said uncomfortably and hanged up.
‘Trouble in Paradise?’ Dane asked when she seemed lost after the call.
‘Do you know my dad prior to meeting him?’
Dane looked at her confused and pulled over at a gas station. ‘Where’s that coming from?’
‘Forget I asked. Drive on.’ She said feigning a smile.
Blemished Love Episode 15 – Loudest Thoughts
‘Aunty, I’ve been home for three weeks since the accident and you still haven’t asked me what the real story was.’ Grissel asked when Julia was applying a covering on her belly wound though she was fit now Tom insisted her aunt do that all the time.
‘It’s not my secret to tell and I don’t intend knowing your side of the story.’
‘I’m sorry. I tried to break it off with Tom when he asked me to marry him but you made me know everyone has a past that they should keep locked up if they ever want to be happy.’
‘And you chose happiness.’ Julia asked.
She nodded.
‘Okay, though you have lost the respect I have for you, I still think you had no other choice but there’s one thing left which is you love Tom.’
‘Yes I love him.’
‘That works for me and as for whatever your reasons were I think you have to choose if you want to let him know or keep it locked up.’
‘I don’t want him to know Aunty.’
‘Good because it would break him. He’s fragile like his mom but not an entirely forgiving type.’
‘I knew all that but I still choose him.’
‘Alright, but if he gets to find out on his own just walk out peacefully.’ Julia advised.
‘He won’t find out. It’s not possible.’ Grissel reassured.
‘Melisa found out so it’s very possible.’
Grissel’s eyes lit with fear. ‘What if I get out of the marriage now? I mean we are barely even one year, it would be easier for him than waiting till we are pass the early stages.’
‘As I said it’s entirely up to you if you want to leave Tom.’ Julia heard the voice behind her.
‘Leave Tom? Who is leaving me?’ He asked and there was no response.
Grissel turned around as they were not facing the door so they didn’t see him come in.
‘I’m I not talking to human beings.’
‘Hey, watch your words son.’
‘Then answer me?’ He was still standing at his initial spot.
‘This is about Melisa’s new boyfriend.’
‘Melisa has a boyfriend?’ Tom enquired surprised.
‘Yes, some guy in Dallas.’
‘And is he called Tom, because I’m sure I heard Tom.’
‘I can’t remember his name but you heard wrong.’
‘Yes you did. We only said we have no idea if you would accept the guy.’ Grissel covered up when she realized Julia was struggling.
‘I wasn’t talking to you Grissel.’
‘Aunty, whoever Lisa ends up with is none of my business so stop discussing me with people who don’t see me good enough for them.’
Both Julia and Grissel glanced at each other.
Grissel knew it was about their fight that morning.
‘By the way, is there any food for me?’ He directed the question to Julia.
‘Of course, Grissel cooked.’
‘Good, can you please help me warm it? I’m so tired.’
‘Come with me,’ She signaled dropping the First Aid box where she picked it.
His wife looked on and smiled.
‘Stubborn as always. I thought he wouldn’t eat.’
***
‘Why were you talking to your wife in that manner?’
‘Not you too Aunty. Can I eat in peace?’
‘You can eat her food but disrespect her in front of me.’
‘I’m sorry. These past few weeks has been stressful and she’s not making it easy for me as well.’
‘Come on, she went through something scary. Cut her some slack.’
‘Something scary like killing my child.’
‘Not this again Tom.’
‘You all nearly killed me when I told you she knew and didn’t want the baby.’
‘We only didn’t want you to presume when she was still in the serious danger.’
‘Well, I told her last night about losing the baby and guess what she said.’
‘She didn’t know.’ Julia picked up the glass of juice for him as he was trying to reach out to it and talking at the same time.
Tom gulped the juice like he hasn’t drunk water the whole day.
‘She said okay.’
‘Okay?’
‘Yes, like she didn’t care what that might have done to me since I found out.’
‘That’s understandable Tom. She lost something precious too and probably in shock.’
‘That was what I thought until I confronted her this morning and she said what if she knew besides she already told me she was not ready for babies yet.’
Julia stared at his nephew and knew he was hurting at the same time she understood Grissel’s comment.
‘Tom, give her time. She’s probably still in shock.’
‘Is that not why I’m her husband? You know what you women always seem to think you can handle everything.’
‘Just give her space then.’
‘Space, you haven’t heard the rest and you asking me to give her space.’
‘I don’t want to be the one in the middle of your fights.’
‘Now you don’t want to when you were there from day one. I don’t know if I regret marrying her yet but tell her I switched the pills.’
‘What pills Tom?’
‘The birth control Pills. I saw them the day before she left the hospital. I didn’t make much of it until last night when she didn’t care about losing the baby.’
‘Take it easy on her and just maybe you might get the answers you need.’
‘I have the answers I need already. I think I pamper her too much.’ He munched on his meat.
‘Maybe but love makes you do that.’
‘Just talk to her before she turns me into what I’m not prepared to become.’
‘I will,’ Julia said and started clearing the table when Grissel came out.
She gestured her to come over and talk to him and then walked pass them.
‘I’m leaving tomorrow, as you two clearly need the space to work out your differences.’
‘Aunty, do you have to?’ He sounded sad.
She just smiled and left them at the table. They both were silence and didn’t know who was to talk first.
‘I wasn’t aware about the pregnancy. It must have occurred to me after you brought it to my attention but I shrugged it off because i thought it wasn’t possible since I was on t….’
‘On the pill?’
‘Yeah and that wasn’t because I didn’t want to have your baby as you made it seemed earlier to your aunty.’ Grissel has heard him talk about how he found the pills.
‘You were listening?’ He asked relieved.
‘I came out shortly after you two left.’
‘That was my child too, and I should have a say in whatever decision you make.’
‘Come on Tom, I didn’t intentionally stand in front of a car to get run over. It was an accident and I only made you think I knew about the pregnancy because you refused I go back to work when I seem to be strong enough to even make you dinner.’
‘Okay but the driver who knocked you down seem to be of the view that you intentionally wanted to get knocked down.’ Tom said with a calm tone now.
He realized she just lied and whatever was eating her wife up like a virus needed him to be calm and accept all her words.
‘Do you now believe a strangers word over your wife’s?’
‘No, but he sounded sure and finding the pills gave me whatever clarity I need.’
‘And if you should know, I stopped taking the pills two months before the accident and I guess I didn’t react to the news the way you wanted me to because I read my file while it was lying on my beside table and I had to ask Lisa to explain to me.’
‘Lisa?’ She’s a gossip too?’
‘No, I pressured her and I guess it prepared me to face you when you finally brought it up.’
‘I’m sorry, I judged you wrongly.’ Tom apologized warmly.
‘That’s okay, but I want to tell you what happened.’ Grissel stared at him to see his reaction.
‘Really?’
‘Yeah, keeping it would only make us have problems later.’
‘Let’s go inside, once I get my shower then we can talk and thank you for dinner.’
She flashed him a smile and took the lead.
*****
‘Can I speak to your dad now?’ Melisa told Dani over the phone.
‘Okay, Lisa but don’t tell her I told you about the surprise birthday party.’
‘I won’t, my lips are sealed.’ Melisa while on the bed kept smiling to herself.
She heard footsteps, as Dani was walking closer to her Dad.
‘Hey Love.’
‘A party huh. ‘
‘Dani told you?’
‘Ahaaa, so what do you think?’
‘I don’t want it D.’
‘Not anything big, I just thought you could bring your family over. It’s just my little way of telling you how much extra love I have for you.’
‘Extra love. That’s funny but i still don’t want it.’
‘Okay, we won’t drag this any further. We can do lunch with your brother or Aunty.’
‘My family is weird. Julia might come but not that strong head of a brother.’
‘You never told me, what happened between you two.’
‘It’s a long story which I don’t want to go into right now. Tom is just like our Dad.’
‘I guess the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.’
‘You are right.’
‘But I really want to marry you soon.’
‘Married?’
‘Yes, I want to make you mine Lisa.’ He announced softly.
Melisa went mute suddenly staring at the ceiling. ‘Emmmm Da….’
‘This is about your Dad not liking me right?’ He asked to cut her off.
‘D, I don’t want to rush into marriage like Tom did with Grissel. I want to explore what we have a little longer’
There was a long silence again and Dane sighed heavily. ‘Lis….’
‘D, I didn’t mean it that way.’ She didn’t let him conclude his statement.
Before she could say anything else he hanged up.
‘Reasoning with you sometimes sucks Dane.’ She hit her head repeatedly and walked out to meet Julia who was in the hall watching Television.
*****
It’s been weeks since her last talk with Dane. It’s almost as if he vanished.
‘Paige.’ Lisa waved from where she stood at the other side of the road where they met for their drink up the last time.
She waved back and walked carefully crossing the road to Melisa’s end.
Bryan appeared from nowhere and came to where they stood exchanging pleasantries.
‘Hey, you again.’
‘Yes, me again.’ He replied.
‘He has been asking of you Lisa.’
‘Oh he has?’ She muttered facing him.
He scratched his head and a smile appeared on his face coyly. ‘I’m sorry I left in a hurry the last time.’
‘You don’t need to apologize for that.’
‘Can I buy you a drink?’ He asked quickly.
‘Emmm, we hav….’
‘Yes, she will be glad to have a drink with you Bryan.’ Paige cut in before Melisa could refuse.
‘Can you give me about five minutes? I want to close my shop. I will meet you two in the snack bar.’
Paige smiled to him and shook Melisa by her shoulder while Bryan hurried away to his shop.
‘What was that?’
‘What was what?’ Paige asked back.
‘The drink, I’m not comfortable.’
‘He asked you for a drink not sex.’ Paige retorted.
‘I know that and I told you I don’t accept such offers from strangers anymore.’
‘Yet, you accepted mine.’
‘Well, you are different Paige.’
‘He’s different too.’
‘Looks like he’s obsessed with me already.’ Melisa retorted.
‘It’s just a harmless drink. Enjoy yourselves.’ She tapped her and walked towards where she parked her car.
They were going to hang out for a few drinks and now she has decided to leave her alone with Bryan.
‘Paige, what are you doing?’
‘I just remembered I had to pick up my niece from school.’
‘Since when do you have a niece?’
‘I told you about Shirley and Michael. Their mom’s left them with my brother.’
‘No you didn’t.’ Melisa was still insisting she had no idea about that when Bryan announced his presence..
‘You are still here?’ Bryan asked from behind.
‘Yeah, trying to convince Paige to come with us.’
He turned to Paige’s direction and she has already crossed the road to the other side waving them.
‘I guess she’s not coming.’
‘Sounds like that.’ She replied.
‘But if you are not comfortable, we can cancel.’
‘I’m okay so let’s go in already.’ Melisa said watching Paige drive away as he followed Bryan inside the snack bar.
***
‘Thank you for the treat.’ She said slumping into the couch before her.
Tom had decided after everything they went through, she deserved a night out of the house.
‘You don’t need to thank me as it’s my responsibility and oh you can start work on Wednesday.’
‘Are you for real?’ She jumped up and already throwing herself on him on the other side of the couch.
To Grissel her work is the only way to hide behind the truth and her guilt.
‘The doctor said you are fit to start work.’
‘I love you Tom.’
‘I hear that all the time, say something new for a change.’ He smiled.
She drooled all over him. ‘I nee..d you Tom.’ She stuttered a little and buried his face under his shirt.
‘Look, who is shy now?’ He teased.
‘Don’t flatter yourself. I’m not shy, just that it’s been long since we ma…
‘Made love?’
She nodded from under the shirt dragging it with her head.
‘And that’s weird for you.’
‘Kind of and you are asking too much questions already. Let’s just skip that part.’ She giggled.
Tom shook his head. ‘Let me turn off the lights and get the doors locked so we go upstairs.’
‘No, the couch is fine.’ She immediately took the shirt off her face and whispered to him.
Grissel stared at him to be sure he got the message before caressing his face.
