THE OTHER SIDE OF FOREVER
(Chapter 7)
The next morning, Kelvin called Lucy, hoping to still talk things through and settle their issues. But Lucy was unmoved.
“Kelvin, I don’t want to talk to you. I’ve made it clear how I feel,” Lucy said, her voice cold and detached.
“Lucy, please. We need to talk about this. We can’t just give up on our marriage like this,” Kelvin pleaded.
But Lucy was unyielding. “I’m not giving up on our marriage, Kelvin. I’m just taking what’s mine. It’s my turn to cheat, and I won’t let you stop me.”
Kelvin’s frustration grew. “Lucy, that’s not fair. You’re hurting me and Wills. Can’t we just try to work through this?”
But Lucy just laughed. “You had your chance to work through things, Kelvin. Now it’s my turn. And I won’t let you dictate what I do.”
Kelvin’s anger flared. “Fine, Lucy. But let me warn you. I’ve been keeping quiet for peace to reign, not because I don’t know what to do. But the next time you make a call to another man in my house, that will be your very last time in this house.”
Lucy just shrugged. “I’m not afraid of you, Kelvin. You can’t stop me from doing what makes me happy.”
Kelvin’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Lucy, don’t push me. I’m warning you. I won’t let you destroy our family like this.”
But Lucy just hung up the phone, leaving Kelvin feeling frustrated and helpless. He knew he had to do something to save his marriage, but he didn’t know what.
******************
Lucy’s friend, Rachel, walked into the supermarket, a sly grin spreading across her face when she saw Lucy. “Hey, girl! How’s it going?”
Lucy sighed, shaking her head. “It’s been a crazy 24 hours, Rachel. Kelvin and I had a huge fight yesterday, and then this morning, he tried to talk to me about it, but I shut him down.”
Rachel’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Oh, girl, I’m so proud of you! You’re finally taking control of your life and doing what makes you happy.”
Lucy hesitated, unsure if she was doing the right thing. “But Rachel, I don’t know if I’m doing the right thing. I feel guilty for cheating on him, though it just calls for now, and I don’t want to hurt Wills.”
Rachel waved her hand dismissively. “Guilty? Ha! You have nothing to feel guilty about, Lucy. Kelvin had his chance to make things right, and he blew it. Now it’s your turn to live your life.”
Lucy shook her head, feeling a pang of doubt. “But what about Wills? I don’t want him to get hurt in all of this.”
Rachel’s expression turned cold. “Wills will be fine, Lucy. He’s a kid. He’ll adapt. Besides, you’re doing this for yourself, not for Wills. You deserve to be happy, and if that means cheating on Kelvin, then so be it.”
Lucy felt a surge of uncertainty, but Rachel’s words struck a chord deep within her. She did deserve to be happy, didn’t she?
Rachel continued, her voice dripping with encouragement. “You’re doing the right thing, Lucy. Keep doing what you’re doing. Don’t let Kelvin dictate your life. You’re free now, girl. Enjoy it.”
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That night, Wills called out to his mom, his voice trembling with emotion. “Mommy, can I talk to you for a minute?”
Lucy walked into his room, a fake smile plastered on her face. “Of course, baby. What’s up?”
Wills looked up at her with pleading eyes. “Mommy, please settle things with Daddy. I don’t like it when you fight. It makes me sad.”
Lucy’s expression softened, but only for a moment. “Oh, baby, I’m trying. But sometimes grown-ups have problems, and it takes time to work them out.”
Wills’ face scrunched up in concern. “But why can’t you just talk to him and make up? You always say that’s what friends do when they fight.”
Lucy sighed, trying to think of a convincing excuse. “Well, baby, it’s not that easy. Grown-ups have complicated problems, and sometimes we need time to figure things out.”
Wills looked unconvinced. “But Mommy, you always say that love conquers all. Can’t you just love Daddy again and make up?”
Lucy’s heart twisted with guilt, but she pushed it aside. “Of course, baby. I love your father. But sometimes love isn’t enough. Sometimes we need to take care of ourselves too.”
Wills’ face fell, but he seemed to accept her explanation. “Okay, Mommy. I just want you and Daddy to be happy again.”
Lucy forced a smile, hugging her son tightly. “I know, baby. Me too. We’ll try, okay?”
But as soon as Wills fell asleep, Lucy’s expression hardened. She had no intention of making up with Kelvin. She was too far gone, too invested in her newfound freedom. She would just pretend to try, to keep Wills happy. But she knew she would never go back to the way things were before.
To be continued
