3. A Night Out

After I made that phone call, I broke down emotionally. “Why is this happening to me?” I couldn't stop the fall of my tears as they leaked from under my closed lids. I sat in a daze, staring at the ripped-up check at my feet, resembling my marriage.  A swirl of mixed emotions came in and out of my heart and mind. I’m furious at him for abandoning me on our anniversary day for Susie Hubbard. “How could he treat me this way! After putting up with him and all he’s done  in this marriage!”

I had to leave, so I went into the bathroom. I quickly looked into the mirror, seeing the mascara running from my eyes down my cheek. I hop into the shower to clean up. Afterward, I patted myself dry, moisturized my skin, and got dressed. I brushed my hair and secured it at the crown of my head with several pins; peering into the mirror, I noticed some swelling around my eyes had gone down. My friend would notice the slight puffiness under my eyes.  That’s when I heard the doorbell rang.

I went down the staircase, went to the front door, and opened it. Olivia parked her racy, red BMW coupe in my driveway. She held out her arms, and I allowed her to comfort me as she kissed my scented cheek.

“Come in, I’m almost ready.” 

When she came in, Olivia said. “I found this little gift-wrapped box on your front lawn. What is it?”

I opened the gift box. Inside, it contained a pair of beautiful sapphire earrings. It was wrapped in the same material as the jewelry box for the ruby necklace box he held in his hand on television. 

“Wow! Those beautiful earrings match the color of your eyes perfectly.! How did they get outside on the front lawn? Did you know they were out there on the grass? I’m assuming they must be your anniversary gift?” 

 I became even more disgusted when I saw them; I couldn’t speak about it because I knew they must have been a gift he would give Susan Hubbard and dropped it in his haste to leave me to be by her side.

I took the box and tossed it in the trash. “Let’s go; I'm ready to leave.” 

“Wait, Amanza! You just threw away a very pair of expensive, beautiful earrings. Why? Girl, what is going on with you!” 

“I don’t want them. Do you want them? You can have them.” 

“No, I’m sure they were meant for you. I’ll just take them out of the trash and sit them on the counter.” 

 “Let’s go, Livia.” I closed the solid mahogany door as we got in her car and drove away.

“Where do you want to go? So I can put it into my GPS.”

“To the hotel here in  the city that has exclusive shopping.”

“Okay, but you got to tell me what’s going on. I was surprised you called me Amanza. We haven’t done something like this in a long time. I thought you would be in the thralls of celebrating your anniversary with Holland.” 

“You’re right; I haven’t done anything long. But that’s about to change tonight!” 

“This is your anniversary tonight? What about your husband?”

“What about him?”

 Does he know you are hanging out tonight?”

I hunched my shoulders.

“ Something must have happened between the two of you. Did Holland do something?” 

“I don’t have a husband. I have a man I’m married to. If he were concerned about me hanging out, he would be here if he did.  Do you see him anywhere around?”

“Well, no....” 

“Exactly! This is all about me!”

 “I’m livin’ it up tonight!” 

“Girl, let me take you somewhere nice. So you can let out some of this steam.”

We went to the Eminence Hotel, which was for members only, and did exclusive shopping. They serve you bubbly and play music in the background while you spend countless dollars. I am trying on the latest shoes, clothes and accessories. Being a platinum customer for years, I own all the classics already, but as the old saying goes, a diamond is a girl's best friend. And with my Amex Black Card, I ensured Olivia and I bagged everything we wanted. We had fun trying on whatever we wanted, drinking expensive champagne, and dancing. 

Olivia says. “Oh wow! Girl, you look so pretty in that dress. See, Amanza, this is the real you—style, sophistication, and glamor. I never understood why you had to hide who you are from Holland. You are charming and smart just the way you are. You’ve changed so much trying to be a plain Jane and make him happy.”

The minute she mentioned Holland’s name, I rolled my eyes. “Please don’t mess up my mood by saying his name. I can’t believe it. After all this time, three long years, he still doesn't love me. All he has done is criticize me, Livia. It was only two hours ago that he was accusing me of cheating on him. Can you believe that?” I looked at my friend as a tear slipped from my eyelid.

Olivia couldn't believe her friend's confession, which sounded unbelievable. Olivia’s eyebrows arched in surprise and concern. She moved from her seat and sat down next to Amanza. Taking her hand, she shook her head in amazement.

“Ah, sweetheart, don't cry. How could that be?  What’s wrong with him? Can't Holland see that all you can see is him?” Olivia says. “I find this so absurd. Men can be so absurd and foolish! Considering how much you love him and have been devoted to your marriage, how can he fix his mouth to say such things to you?.”

“What's worse is that Holland's ex-girlfriend is back.”

“What do you mean back? Back in the city, or are you saying they are back together? Wait! Did you see them together?”

It's not just rumors. I wish it were, but I was out at night and saw Holland with my eyes. He was wining and dining and grinning up in Susan Hubbard's face at Rochester’s restaurant." 

"What! Amanza, no, you must be mistaken. Today is your anniversary." 

“She is his first love; you can tell he can’t shake her and has lingering feelings for her. The man forgot all about it; it was our anniversary today. Ever since Susie returned, he's been spending much time with her. “

Olivia looks angrier than I do. “Ooh! Amanza, you know, as your friend, I wouldn't ever lie to you about how I feel. He’s the lowest of the low, in my opinion!” 

All I could do was sit there and cry. “Livia, it hurt so bad! I never knew pain like this before. He’s my first true love.”

“I'm so sorry it's happening to you. Don’t tell me anymore. Let’s not talk about it anymore. You know, I’ve never liked or trusted Holland all that much. Why have you stayed with this man as long as you have? I don’t know.  Now that he’s left you all alone on your anniversary, aren’t you ready to leave him? You don’t need him for his money or material things…and you don’t have any kids for this man. What’s holding you with him?”

“Wait, Livia. I got a text here. Let me read it. It might be from Holland.”

 Just then, I received a text message.

 It was from none other than Susan.

I begin to read the text. My heart slammed against my ribs.

"Amanza! Is everything okay?" Olivia asked looking at my facial expression.

My hands trembled as I tried to hold onto my phone while reading the text. 

“I’m pregnant with Holland’s Child. We need to talk, Susie.”