THE OTHER SIDE OF FOREVER
(Chapter 1)
That night, kelvin could no longer control it as touches his wife lucy, but she wasn’t in the mood, kelvin didn’t stop but kept touching her all over but lucy was weak never respond.
Are you seeing another man? Kelvin asked.
Lucy’s eyes widened in shock, “How dare you ask me that, Kelvin? What kind of question is that?”
Kelvin’s face twisted in a mixture of anger and hurt, “Don’t play dumb, Lucy. I know something’s going on. You’ve been avoiding me for weeks, and now you’re pushing me away. Is it because of another man?”
Lucy’s voice rose, “That’s absurd! I’m tired, Kelvin. I told you, today was chaotic at the shop. I had to deal with a difficult customer, and then the delivery didn’t arrive on time… ”
Kelvin cut her off, his tone dripping with skepticism, “Save it, Lucy. That’s not why you’re avoiding me. You’re not even trying to hide it anymore. You’re just going through the motions, pretending to be my wife, but your heart’s not in it.”
Lucy’s face flushed with indignation, “How can you say that? I’m your wife, Kelvin. I love you. But you’re not making this easy for me. You’re always distant, always preoccupied. Can’t you see I’m trying?”
Kelvin’s expression turned cold, “Trying? You call this trying? You’re not even willing to touch me, to kiss me. What’s going on, Lucy? Are you getting it somewhere else?”
Lucy’s voice trembled, “Kelvin, stop this. You’re being ridiculous. I’m not cheating on you. I swear.”
Kelvin’s eyes narrowed, “Then why are you pushing me away? Why are you so uninterested in me?”
Lucy’s words spilled out in a rush, “Because you’re never present, Kelvin! You’re always working, always stressed. I feel like I’m living with a stranger. And when we do try to connect, you’re so quick to assume the worst about me.”
Kelvin’s face darkened, “I’m not assuming the worst, Lucy. I’m facing reality. You’re not the same woman I married. You’re distant, detached… ”
Lucy interrupted, her voice cracking, “Maybe that’s because you’re not the same man I married either, Kelvin! You’re always so critical, so quick to judge. You never listen to me, never try to understand me.”
The room fell silent, the tension between them palpable. Kelvin’s words hung in the air, “Today is your turn.” Lucy’s eyes locked onto his, searching for answers, but Kelvin’s gaze remained cold, unyielding.
As the minutes ticked by, Lucy’s voice barely above a whisper, “What’s that supposed to mean, Kelvin? What do you want me to do when I told you I’m tired?”
But Kelvin remained silent, his jaw clenched, his eyes avoiding hers. The distance between them grew, a chasm that seemed impossible to bridge.
*****************
As the morning sun streamed through the windows, Lucy busied herself in the kitchen, preparing breakfast for her family.
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and scrambled eggs filled the air, but the tension between her and Kelvin was palpable.
Wills, sensing the unease, asked, “What’s wrong this time, Mom?” as he poured himself a bowl of cereal.
Lucy forced a smile, “Wrong as how, sweetie? Everything’s fine.”
But Wills persisted, “No, it’s not. You and Dad are always having issues of recent. What’s going on this time?”
Lucy’s smile faltered, and she glanced at Kelvin, who was sipping his coffee, his eyes fixed on his phone. “Nothing, Wills. Just grown-up stuff.”
Wills’ eyes narrowed, “Grown-up stuff? That’s what you always say when you’re mad at each other.”
Lucy tried to deflect, “Wills, honey, we’re just… stressed. That’s all.”
But Wills wasn’t convinced, “Stressed? You’re always stressed. But this is different. You’re not even talking to each other.”
Lucy’s gaze met Kelvin’s, but he quickly looked away, his jaw clenched. She tried again, “Wills, really, it’s nothing. Just… ”
Kelvin stood up, his chair scraping against the floor, “I’m late for work.” He grabbed his bag and headed for the door without a glance at Lucy or Wills.
Wills’ face crumpled, “Why are you both doing this to me? I hate it when you’re in a fight”
Lucy’s heart ached as she watched her son’s tears well up. She tried to reassure him, “Wills, sweetie, we love you. This has nothing to do with you.”
But Wills was inconsolable, “I don’t want to live in a house where everyone’s always fighting! I hate it!”
As Wills stormed out of the room, Lucy was left alone, the silence deafening. She tried to call out to Kelvin, but he was already gone, leaving her with a sea of unanswered questions and a heart full of sorrow.
To be continued…
ยฉ Amazing Pen
