What if...
These words could give out a lot of possibilities, options, choices...regrets.
So what if you were married at a young age?
What if your husband is someone famous?
What if you parted ways right after the marriage?
What if you both forgot about it?
"Samantha!"
I blinked and turned to the person who was waving their hands frantically in front of my face.
"What happened?" She looked concerned "Is there a problem?"
"Nothing. I was just lost in my imagination." But my eyes went back to the screen of my phone. And what is written there is definitely not my imagination.
HUSBAND: We need to talk. Tell me when.
The words.
The name.
How long has it been? I completely forgot I had this number on my phone.
"So what do you think? Are you going?"
"What?"
"To the conference?" For a second there I thought Nancy was asking about the message on the phone. "I think you should. Your paper is really interesting, and the experience would be a great addition to your CV."
"It's abroad." I finally placed the phone back in my bag. I'll deal with it later. "I don't have the visa nor the funds"
"You can show the invitation letter to the consul to get a visa."
"That is also another expense I can't afford." I am barely floating right now. I could barely manage to balance my school and work, if I chose to attend this, I would be missing a few days from work and school.
"Maybe after I graduate. I still have a few more units that I have to finish this term, and I am starting on my thesis as well. Really don't have the time."
"Why don't you ask your dad for help." She pointed to the person on the television behind me. You could see a man behind a podium talking to a crowd, looking prominent and charismatic.
"Not happening" He was the reason for the mess to begin with. "Are you done?" Pointing to the plates in front of her "I need to check something in the library"
"Yeah. I have to meet up with Xavier first. See you around." She walked with me to the tray area and then ran through the crowded cafeteria toward the exit.
I shared one class with Nancy during my first year in the university, and then we became workmates for a few months at a cafe, added to the fact that we were both assistants to Dr. Fowler's office this year, we became somewhat close.
I walked towards the small garden area in one corner of the university and finally opened my phone.
Husband.
I snide at the concept.
That's right.
It is a crazy concept.
The 'ice queen' is married.
Something that was done to change our lives.
Yet something we - I - have forgotten.
I sent a reply.
The phone rang after.
"Where are you?" The voice is deeper now.
"At the university"
"Where in the university?"
"Why? South Garden"
"OK." The line went dead. I just stared at it. Don't tell me.
"Been a long time" I looked up to see the familiar yet foreign face. His smirk is something I would recognize anywhere though.
"Micheal" he took the seat beside me.
"How have you been?" He's wearing a suit. The grey jacket opened, showing his pristine white shirt and crooked tie.
"Busy." I looked at the students walking along the cobbled pathwalk across us.
"Sorry to turn up out of the blue." He turned to look at me. I could feel his eyes moving from the hair I had tied haphazardly in a hurry - I was pressed for time when I got out of my class earlier, my oversized knitted sweater to my denim jeans. "Do you have time?"
"Just tell me."
"I need you to sign the divorce paper." I looked at him. He seemed hesitant. His hair is disheveled. His green eyes are dark as the forest at dusk.
"Do you have it?" He suddenly looked up and turned to me. "What?" I asked when he looked so surprised.
"You will sign it?" The relief in his eyes is evident
"Of course. Why not?"
"I just thought. Never mind." He straightened his back and smiled at me. "It's at the office. Do you have time?"
I checked my phone, "My shift at work ends at nine. I can do it tomorrow after lunch."
"Actually, I'll wait tonight." He pulled out his phone from his jacket, "I'll have the car fetch you."
I gave him the address of the restaurant I work at and promised to see him that night.
—-
"You look pale." Nancy touched my forehead, "Geez! You have a fever."
She grabbed the papers from my hand, "Go home, I'll tell Dr. Garcia that you're sick."
After Dr.Fowler left, she recommended us to her colleague as assistants. Dr.Garcia is stricter than Dr.Fowler and usually stays late at the university if the work is not finished, that's why I intended to finish my part today so that Nancy would not be burdened and stay the night.
"And call the restaurant that you won't make it."
I was finally able to take a seat on the bus after three people got off at the last stop when suddenly I remembered about Micheal. I got off the next stop and called the driver, whom Micheal told me earlier, who will be waiting.
When I arrived at his company, I was directed to his office on the top floor. I almost forgot that he's the boss.
He was seated behind the desk, talking on the phone. He just looked up and pointed to the sofa across the desk.
The secretary placed a glass of water in front of me and I greedily drank all of it. Trying to ease the headache that is slowly growing, I closed my eyes and waited for him to finish his talk.
Then something startled me.