4THE OTHER SIDE OF FOREVER
(Chapter 13)
The next day, Kelvin’s mother, Margaret, walked into the hospital room, her eyes fixed on Wills. “Oh, my poor baby,” she cooed, hugging him tightly.
After a few moments, she turned to Lucy, her expression serious. “Lucy, can I talk to you for a minute?”
Lucy nodded, following Margaret out of the room. Lucy’s mother, who had been sitting in the corner, joined them.
“Lucy, dear, we need to talk about this divorce,” Margaret said, her voice firm but gentle.
Lucy’s mother nodded in agreement. “Yes, Lucy, we can’t just sit back and watch you destroy your family.”
Lucy sighed, feeling frustrated. “I’ve made up my mind, guys. I’m not changing it.”
Margaret’s eyes pleaded with her. “But think about Wills, Lucy. He needs his parents together. And what about Kelvin? He loves you, despite his flaws.”
Lucy’s mother added, “And what about the vows you made to each other? For better or for worse, in sickness and in health…”
Lucy shook her head, feeling a sense of determination. “I know all that, but I deserve better. I deserve to be happy.”
Margaret’s voice rose. “Happy? You think you’ll find happiness with someone else? You’re not even giving Kelvin a chance to make things right.”
Lucy’s mother chimed in, “And what about the consequences of divorce? The impact on Wills, the financial struggles…”
But Lucy stood firm, her mind made up. “I’ve thought about all that, and I’m willing to take the risk. I’d rather be happy alone than miserable with someone else.”
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Margaret’s face turned red with anger. “Fine, Lucy. Do whatever you want. But know this – if anything happens to that child because of your selfish decision, we will never forgive you.”
Lucy’s mother’s voice was icy. “Yes, Lucy. You’re being so stubborn and selfish. You’re only thinking about yourself, not about what’s best for Wills.”
Margaret’s eyes blazed with anger. “We’ve tried to reason with you, Lucy. We’ve tried to make you see sense. But you won’t listen. So, do what you want. But don’t come crying to us when it all falls apart.”
Lucy’s mother nodded in agreement. “Yes, Lucy. You’re making a huge mistake. And when you realize it, don’t expect us to be there to pick up the pieces.”
Margaret’s voice rose. “We won’t be there to bail you out when you need us. You’re on your own, Lucy. And if anything happens to Wills, we will never forgive you.”
Lucy’s mother’s eyes flashed with anger. “Yes, Lucy. You’re playing with fire. And when you get burned, don’t say we didn’t warn you.”
With that, they turned and walked away, leaving Lucy feeling shaken and alone.
“I’m doing what’s best for me,” Lucy whispered to herself, trying to convince herself that she was making the right decision.
But as she watched Margaret and her mother walk away, she couldn’t shake off the feeling that she was making a huge mistake.
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Margaret and Lucy’s mother walked back into the hospital room, their faces somber. Wills looked up at them, his eyes hopeful.
“Did Mommy agree not to leave us?” Wills asked, his voice weak but full of longing.
Margaret and Lucy’s mother exchanged a glance, both of them speechless. They couldn’t bear to tell Wills the truth – that his mother was still determined to go through with the divorce.
Wills’ face fell, his eyes welling up with tears. “I knew it,” he whispered. “I knew she wouldn’t change her mind.”
Margaret and Lucy’s mother sat down beside him, trying to comfort him. But Wills just shook his head.
“I don’t want to get better,” Wills said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t want to leave the hospital. Because when I do, Mommy will leave us for good.”
Margaret’s eyes filled with tears. “Oh, Wills, sweetie, don’t say that.”
But Wills just nodded. “It’s true. I see the way Mommy looks at me. She only stays because she feels sorry for me. But when I’m better, she’ll leave.”
Lucy’s mother took Wills’ hand. “Wills, that’s not true. Your mother loves you, no matter what.”
But Wills just shook his head. “I know what I see. And I know what I feel. And I don’t want to get better if it means losing Mommy forever.”
Margaret and Lucy’s mother looked at each other, both of them heartbroken. They knew Wills was right – Lucy’s determination to go through with the divorce hadn’t wavered. And they knew Wills was willing to stay sick just to keep his mother from leaving.
To be continued…
© Amazing Pen
