Days rolled by and Jack's colleagues and neighbors came over. Kids came with a huge Get Well Soon card, with adorable scribbled notes from them.
Some neighbors brought food or wine. It was like a get together.
I played host, welcoming people that came, making them comfortable.
Later that evening a few people were in the house, drinking wine, having tiny slices of cake, kids were at the backyard playing.
I saw Camille with two ladies from the book club Gwen and Renée, I had avoided contact with them.
I was done giving the kids their cake and strolled to the balcony passing a group of people, I was hit with the smell of strawberries.
I couldn't believe it, she was here? I observed from a distance scanning the group.
Two of Jack's colleagues, Troy and Leo. Camille, Renée, Gwen and our next-door neighbor Kevin. I remained calm as I approached the group.
'Skye, how're you doing? We haven't seen you at the office in a while' said Troy smiling.
He was always nice, a total ladies' man but he never settled.
'You know how it Is at the store' I said
'Leo here was just telling me you make the best cake' Gwen chipped in
'Oh' I smiled sweetly 'Leo's a sweetheart, but he's just kidding'
'Don't get me started on those cupcakes and cookies Skye' Leo grinned wagging his finger as his hand held his wine glass
'Yeah. You don't even bring free cakes to the office anymore. What happened to Skye? Who are you anyway?' Troy teased
'Oh Fine. I'll send some. I could bring a few to the book club sometime or something' I said 'I think a strawberry cake would be nice. Seems you love strawberries, your perfume'
'Count me in' Kevin announced ' I haven't had that in a while. My wife is killing me.'
We all laughed
''Actually chocolate would be nice. The perfume is Camille's''
I almost froze looking at Camille 'I love it'' I gave a wide smile
'Thank you, Renée took me to this fabulous store. I'm tying out this new fruit collection' she bragged flipping her hair.
Ugh..
'I see'
Honestly, I wanted to rip her hair out at that moment instead, I counted to ten in my head.
'Hey honey, I was wondering where you ran off to'' Jack said from behind me.
He kissed my cheek. I saw Camille's eye twitch. Jealousy? What nerve. I smiled widely putting my hands around Jack.
'Are you okay? You want something?'' I asked stroking his cheek
'Get a room you two' said Leo
We all talked for a while, twice I caught Camille staring at Jack, I could tell he noticed her staring and was trying to play cool. They've been right under my nose the whole time and I probably wouldn't have noticed if Camille hadn't decided to try her stupid new perfume.
I felt silly and angry. Playing host was pissing me off right then. I cleared my throat 'Excuse me guys, I'm heading to the kitchen'
I dashed upstairs and locked myself in the bathroom .
Crying had become a routine these days, I was sick of it but I couldn't help it. My head hurt, I held the sink for support as I took deep breaths.
It was Camille all along, she's also came to the hospital. Why would she try to hurt Jack if they were having an affair? What was I missing?
I freshened up and sent a message to Amy who called immediately
'Are you sure?' she asked
''100% Amy. They've been right in front of me. How could I be so stupid?' I wailed
'Calm down Skye. You'll be fine. The question here is.. What do you want?'
'What do you mean?'
'What's next? You wanna stay? Divorce? But you have to think about the investigation?'
'I don't know' I whispered
'Just try to clear your head, don't do anything stupid. Act like you don't know anything, We'll talk tomorrow okay?'
'Okay, fine' we hung up.
I looked at the time. I'd spent twenty minutes up here already. I went downstairs, a few people had left. I couldn't see Jack, I scanned the room Camille wasn't here either. I went to the balcony and noticed kids weren't at the backyard anymore, it was getting late and it was a school night.
There was a garden at the backyard at a far corner adjacent to the house. It was a perfect blind spot, I tiptoed close to the walls, making no sound, when I saw two figures then I heard voices.
'What's wrong? Why are you mad?' Jack's low voice barely audible
'Don't you remember?' asked Camille
'Honestly, I don't remember anything from last week' he said
'The doctor said I'd probably get my memories back in a bit'
'Oh.' I couldn't help but pick on the slight tone of disappointment.
I heard her gasp, he pulled her closer to him and kissed her. Watching the scene before me made me dizzy. I tried my best to remain quiet.
'What did you want to tell me Camille?' he asked 'Tell me'
'I'm not sure I should-'
'No! Just tell me'
She took a deep breath 'I'm p-'
'Skye!!' a voice called out from the house. I scurried back in as I noticed Jack & Camille disentangle and try to come out.
As our guests left and I cleared up. I watched Jack and Camille try their best to act normal . I chuckled as a plan tried to form in my head.
When we were alone, Jack avoided eye contact. I found it pathetic, I almost scoffed.
'You want anything before you go to bed?' I asked
'No. Thanks honey. I'll just get some sleep. Goodnight' he gave me a half-assed kiss on my forehead.
I was alone again, i held a bottle of wine in my hand, I poured a glass, and brought it to my lips, I held still inhaling the tempting liquid.
I dripped the glass back on the counter. I thought about what Camille tried telling Jack.
Oh God...pregnant? Maybe she was Packing? That's stupid. She's pregnant.
The thought almost knocked the wind out of me. I gulped the glass of wine throwing away my two months of sobriety and poured a larger quantity, gulping it down as well. I guess i had enough problems to push me off the edge.
I grabbed the bottle and sat on the couch in the living room as my head felt heavier with each glass I took and felt myself drown in my intoxication.