THE OTHER SIDE OF FOREVER
(Chapter 12)
Two days later, Lucy’s mother walked into the hospital room, concern etched on her face. “Oh, Wills, my poor baby,” she cooed, hugging her grandson tightly.
Lucy smiled weakly, grateful for her mother’s support. “Hi, Mom. Thanks for coming.”
Her mother turned to her, a stern expression on her face. “Lucy, I need to talk to you about this divorce business.”
Lucy sighed, knowing what was coming. “Mom, I’ve made up my mind.”
But her mother pressed on. “Lucy, marriage is hard work. No one said it would be easy. But you and Kelvin, you’ve been together for so long… can’t you just work through your issues?”
Lucy shook her head. “Mom, it’s too late for that. We’ve grown apart.”
Her mother’s expression turned skeptical. “And what makes you think you won’t have issues with someone else? You think you’ll just find someone perfect, with no flaws?”
Lucy hesitated, unsure of how to respond.
Her mother continued, “Lucy, every relationship has its ups and downs. Even if you find someone new, you’ll still have problems. But with Kelvin, you have a history, a foundation. Can’t you just try to rebuild on that?”
Lucy’s mind was made up, but her mother’s words struck a chord. Was she just running from her problems, thinking someone else would be better? She pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on her decision. “Mom, I appreciate your concern, but I’ve made up my mind.”
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Lucy stormed out of the hospital room, determined to confront Kelvin about what she suspected. She found him pacing outside, his eyes fixed on the floor.
“Kelvin, I need to talk to you,” Lucy said, her voice firm.
Kelvin looked up, a hint of guilt in his eyes. “What’s up, Lucy?”
Lucy’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t play dumb with me. I know you told my mother about our divorce plans.”
Kelvin sighed, rubbing his temples. “Lucy, I just wanted some support, okay? I didn’t mean to betray your trust.”
Lucy’s voice rose. “Support? From my mother? You know she’s always taken my side. Now she’s going to think I’m the bad guy.”
Kelvin shook his head. “That’s not true, Lucy. Your mother loves us both. She just wants what’s best for us.”
Lucy’s eyes flashed with anger. “And what’s best for us is to stay together, right? Even if it’s miserable?”
Kelvin took a step forward. “Lucy, please listen to me. I know I messed up, but I’m trying to make things right. Can’t we just try counseling or something?”
Lucy’s laughter was bitter. “Counseling? You think a few sessions are going to fix everything? We’ve been broken for years, Kelvin.”
Kelvin’s face twisted in frustration. “Fine, Lucy. If that’s how you feel, then maybe we should just end it now. But know this – I’ll always love you, no matter what.”
Lucy’s eyes stung with tears, but she refused to back down. “I loved you too, Kelvin. But now, I just need out.”
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Alright, if that’s what you want, I’m ready when ever you’re ready for the divorce as he leaves.
Kelvin walked back into the hospital room, his heart heavy with emotion. Wills lay in bed, his eyes fixed on his father.
“Daddy, did Mommy say she’s not going to leave us?” Wills asked, his voice weak but hopeful.
Kelvin sat down beside him, taking his hand. “No, buddy, Mommy still wants to go through with the divorce.”
Wills’ face fell, his eyes welling up with tears. “But why, Daddy? I don’t want you and Mommy to be apart.”
Kelvin’s heart broke, seeing his son’s pain. “I know, sweetie. I don’t want that either. But sometimes, even when we love each other, we can’t make it work.”
Wills looked up at him, his eyes searching. “Is it because of me, Daddy? Because I got sick?”
Kelvin’s voice was firm. “No, Wills, it has nothing to do with you. You’re a wonderful son, and we both love you very much.”
Wills thought for a moment, his eyes never leaving his father’s face. “Daddy please try talking to her another way, maybe she would listen”
Kelvin sighed, wishing it were that simple. “I wish it were that easy, buddy. But sometimes, even when we forgive each other, we can’t go back to the way things were.”
Wills’ grip on Kelvin’s hand tightened. “I don’t want to lose you, Daddy. Please don’t leave me.”
Kelvin’s eyes stung with tears, but he tried to reassure his son. “I’ll never leave you, Wills. No matter what happens with Mommy and me, I’ll always be here for you.”
To be continued…
