Chapter 3: Misery

A reluctant smile curved my lips as soon as I emptied my glass. I breathed hard, then looked up to meet the cold breeze and ease all the troubling thoughts in my head, but somehow the glittering stars, and peaceful night sky couldn’t make the cut.

I wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol that tasted bitter, or the feeling weighing down my chest, but no matter how much I drink, I could still vividly remember my last conversation with Damian.

What a ruthless husband. How can he shamelessly ask me for a divorce right after I overlooked his scandalous affair?

I chuckled humorlessly.

“Tell me what happened.” Abby demanded as soon as she was close enough for me to hear her. “Where the fuck was your husband all these time? He was not wearing his attire, and do not dare lie to save his ass. He wasn’t at work. So where was he?”

Abby was fuming. I saw that coming. If the situation was something I could bear alone I wouldn’t have called for her but what happened today was too much. I wanted to cry, scream, explode. But that would be a useless attempt to release my anger because I knew this type of pain was something I’ll never be able to get off me.

It would be a waste of energy, and I would rather use it to my son.

“What’s important is he’s here.” I looked over her and smiled wearily. “Sit down, Abby.”

Abby’s brows met. She marched towards me and rudely put down her bag atop the table.

At some-point, seeing Abby come here and get mad for my sake made me feel a little happy. At least, after everything else, I have someone whom I knew cherish me without blood nor paper ties.

“You know, you should just stop protecting your husband. Do you know how much of a wreck you like right now? How much you looked like you’d bawl your eyes out because your son is ill and apparently, he’s looking for his dad that’s been missing-in-action for days now?” Abby sneered, putting ice on a glass. “Damn that Damian. I could tell from the moment I laid my eyes on him that he would not treat you good. You were so curious why I hated him. You have your answer now.”

“Yeah? That sure takes me back. Why did you hate him so much?” I asked as I fill my glass again.

“Did?” She raised a brow.

I chortled.

“He looked like someone who’d make you cry. Not to mention, I didn’t like how he was so strict over you. Back when he was still your boyfriend, you’d lie about being sick just because he doesn’t want you to go with us. “ Abby stuck out her tongue and let out a disgusted look. “He was a kill-joy and admit it. Beside his looks, he ain’t got nothing to offer.”

I shook my head. That was not how I saw Damian. “Come on, Abby. He’s nice. He’s not just sociable and all of you did not have the opportunity to know him better.”

“Thank God we did not. If we did socialize with him, both of us would have a fair share of that disappointment by now,” she countered before she drank on her glass.

I wanted to reply, but how else could I defend Damian from that? I feel disappointed, and it would piss her off more if I try hard to hide it.

Abby and I continued to drink, though she kept on asking about Damian’s whereabouts, I was able to hold back myself from telling the truth. We finished at almost dawn so I told her to sleep over. Since Damian insisted to watch Elon over, I slept at our house. I would want to sleep there, but I didn’t think I was ready to see Damian so I let morning passed.

Abby was already gone when I woke up. She left a note that says she had to go for work and that she cooked, though. I ate alone. But just as I was supposed to get ready to go to the hospital, my mother and father, along with my sister, came.

“Eleanor! What have you been doing, letting my grandson suffer from such a disease?!” My mother yelled as soon as she saw me. My eyes landed on the floor with my heart on my palm. I was still sensitive and emotional as per what happened so I tried my hardest not to break in front of her. “Your sister called me this morning to tell me what is happened. Do you even have any plans on telling us?!”

“I’m sorry…” My voice was hoarse. “I would’ve call to let you know but I was busy catering Elon’s needs—”

“You’re such an incompetent wife.” My mother retorted. “Which hospital is he in?!”

I swallowed hard. “Salton General Hospital…”

With that, my mother and sister left, leaving my father and I on the kitchen.

“At this point, I will not be surprise if Damian will divorce you.” My father said with disappointment, before he shook his head. “You’re already infertile. The least you could do is take care of your surrogate child.”

I couldn’t contain it. With what my father said, tears automatically build up on my eyes. And by the time he turned his back on me, they fell. I shut my mouth so I won’t be heard but as I heard the door closed, I fell down my knees.

I cried, louder than I did for the past years. And although I thought I could hold back my emotions, it overtook me. Minutes past and all I knew was that my sobs were loud enough to be heard in the whole house.