Natalie's Point of View
I jerked off the bed, frantically looking for my clothes to wear. My hair was already too much in a mess, I didn't even know where to start from.
"I can explain", I heard John mumble something that sounded like that over his aggravated wife who had just left the room.
"How could you do this to me? After everything we've been through together, you decided to bring a strange woman home and I loved you wholeheartedly", I heard her say in between tears. I felt bad for her because I could have done worse.
Well, this would be another tell-tale event of my failed talking stages. I bet I wouldn't even want to return to that gym anymore because it would be an awkward moment.
"Holy heck" I cursed under my breath as I slipped and fell on a baby's toy that poked gently from under the bed.
"They even have a baby, ". I muttered, trying to leave as I heard John and his wife trying to explain things to each other in loud tones.
"Never again, Natalie, Never again". I muttered as I stepped out in not-so-ruffled hair with slightly rumpled clothes.
Beep.
It was Paula calling again. I almost threw my phone into the highway because why is she always acting like I was some sort of baby?
I got into my car and began to drive home. The disappointment, the bitterness that came with preparing for a dinner date with someone who now turns out to be the wife of the guy and walked in on you and him on each other.
Pathetic.
I have had my own share of the supposed wickedness of men. I should go back to work or ask Caitlyn out for a dinner date because I have to clear my head.
It was just a three-hour drive from my house to Houston, but now, it feels like a really long journey that isn't ending soon. I had double feelings of meeting Paula at home because she loved to hear the "tea".
I honked thrice, and she happily responded "Hey Natty, I know that's you!!"
I deliberately ignored her as I wasn't cut out for that fairy-like, bubbly kind of personality at the moment.
"Nat.. Natalie." Paula called out to me slowly and touched me and I didn't even know when tears began to flow down like golden drops. I thought I was all tough and put together and what I wanted was just a fling, but I discovered I was already in love.
"Ouch, he ditched you for someone else?" I shook my head in negation, as the tears choked me in unexplainable ways.
"Okay, it's okay to cry and feel your emotions, but can you put yourself together and tell me what actually happened? That would help you a bit". Paula said, cleaning my tears with the back of her palm as I looked down at the ground.
Maybe she would begin to look at me in some kind of way, seeing that she has a very stable relationship, with two kids and I have nothing to show for it.
"Natty", Paula called out.
"Yes.." I was a tad bit too watery, and she hugged me, and pulled me close to herself.
"He's married" I sniffed. "He led me on to his house."
Oops, I just remembered he didn't lead me on, he asked me on a date and I accepted, so why was I playing the victim?
"He led you on?" Paula looked bewildered. "I thought you said you liked him already, and you were all excited about the date."
"Yes but" I was finding words to defend myself, but there were sadly none.
"But what?" Paula had a smirk on her face that wasn't even funny at all. "Look Natty, you need to be very conscious of what you want in a relationship. For how long will you be playing around with men like that? Aren't you tired?"
I had nothing to say. I just wanted to rest. I was already traumatized and Paula wasn't even making any difference.
"You should go home to your kids, your nanny wouldn't do any better in your absence" I said, flinging out my wig to wherever it tended to fit. I really didn't even care at that point.
"How clumsy" I overheard Paula muttering under her breath "There's food, Kiwi salad, mashed potatoes and bitter herbs. I also added broccoli for the sides, that's if you'd like it".
"Uhm thanks".
I settled on the food on the table, munching on the food on my plate. I knew I had to burn down calories as I was suddenly becoming overweight and that was something I didn't like one bit.
"A cup of water please", I beckoned Paula to help me with it. She brought a half-filled cup, and we began to stare at each other. I suddenly realized I was supposed to add teabags, mint leaves and ice. I apologized for that awkward moment.
I was close to my 30s. I realized relationships had never worked for me and may never work. I'll just keep an open mind and face work. I still feel sorry for John's wife.
"Men and Headaches". I muttered, taking the soaked iced tea into my cup.
"I'll soon be on my way to them. They have an open day tomorrow. We need to put some finishing touches to the arrangement. Mind if I ask you to tag along?" Paula said, walking towards the dining area of the room where I sat to eat.
"I'll see to that" I sipped the contents of my cup a little. "I need to mend my broken heart, so your children do not see through it".
We laughed happily as Paula playfully poked my hair, touched my back, pulled a chair close to me and sat down.
"Natty.." she called out. "Uhmm?" I responded nonchalantly.
"You see, I was privileged to.."
A knock interrupted my heartfelt conversation with my sister.
Who could that be? Who would knock at someone's door at almost dawn? What exactly do they want?