"Bastard? You dare open your filthy disgusting gutter of a mouth to call our child a bastard?" I asked angrily. I had never been more angry in all my life. I wouldn't stand and watch Michael disrespect my child in such a manner. It was enough that he disrespected me already, but to channel such energy into my child was a dealbreaker.
I grew mad with anger as I yelled at him for referring to my child as a 'bastard'. I could see the surprise on his face. He had never seen me this way, and I was happy that he got to see this side of me at the very least. Not everything about me was peaceful. When it came to protecting my child, I was ready to go to any length to do so.
"How dare you? You put me this way, and now you do not care?" I asked, screaming my lungs out. Why would he take out whatever we had on an innocent child who did not force us to bring him into this world? "Don't act like that thing you are carrying is mine! Do whatever you please, Mabel, and do not involve me in your plans," Michael barked at me.
Was he accusing me of being unfaithful? "You wouldn't dare accuse me of being unfaithful to you! All these years, I have been nothing but loyal and loving, as a good wife should, but you have the guts to stand there and say that I cheated on you? Do you have any idea what you're saying?" I fumed. This was a low blow. He dared to paint me black when I had been nothing short of a good wife.
"If you do not take the responsibility as a father should, then you are a big coward. I regret the day I set my eyes on you, Michael. I curse every single day of my life spent with you!" I yelled. Michael just looked on, as if waiting for me to say all the nonsense I had to say, so I could leave him alone, but I wanted him to go on exchanging words with me, as I, in turn, poured out everything that had welled up in my heart for so long.
"Don't you have any more words to say, huh?" I asked, triggering him. He tried to move away from me, but I made sure to follow him anywhere he went. "Go on, Michael, continue with your accusations. Don't you have anything else to say?" I said, poking him. He moved away from me and headed downstairs. I had had enough already, so I went into my bedroom to have some rest.
The night had been chaotic. I had never had such an outburst in all my life, but Michael brought out that side of me I never knew existed. I hit the shower once I was in my bedroom. Everything was still a mess, and I was too tired to clean it up, but I had to. I put on my nightwear as soon as I stepped out of the shower and began to clean everywhere.
Slow and steady, I finished tidying up before I went downstairs for a cup of warm milk. Michael was nowhere around and I was grateful. The sight of him irritated me and I began to wonder if I had any love for him before. Just a while ago, I was concerned when I saw that he had not gone to work and my tender heart had pity for him, but now, it seemed like that part of me just disappeared suddenly.
I felt nothing but hate and complete disgust towards him. I swore that no man born of a woman would toil with my heart again. "Never again!" I muttered as I fought back the tears that were about to drop from my eyes. It was time to move on, and this time, I meant every word. Mr. Weston would speed things up and by tomorrow I'd go over to his office and get the papers to sign.
"What is lost, is lost, Mabel. There is no need to hold on to what doesn't need to be held," I said to myself. If it meant moving to a new city to start over, I would gladly move. I wish I had at least one relative or family member to confide in. I was an only child and my parents had no siblings alive. The only person close to being called family was Sophia and I had burdened her enough already.
I felt alone, more than I had ever felt all my life. I thought of the possibility of Mr. Weston knowing if I had any aunt or uncle that my parents never told me about. It seemed like I was slowly losing my mind, that the whole world had deserted me, and I was desperately in need of 'family love and care,' one that would give me a sense of belonging at least.
I was still drinking my milk when I heard my phone ring. Who could be calling by this time? I checked and saw it was Tina. The devil herself! Why was she calling? Perhaps she wanted to cook up more lies to tell me. I ignored the call and went about my business. Another call entered again and it was her. I wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone, let alone her. I allowed my phone to ring before it ended, bringing back the peace and quietness I had been enjoying before.
Her call came three more times and I wondered if she felt guilty and wanted to confess and apologize, but it was too late. I was never going to forgive her, so she could as well save her apology for someone else. Deep down, I was happy Michael had other girls he flirted with. What do they say about karma again? What goes around will come back around and haunt both of them for the rest of their lives.
A text message popped up on my phone after Tina's calls had ended. It was my lawyer.
"The divorce papers are ready. You can come get them tomorrow."