Jane wished it took them days to arrive home. She was a bad actress. Handling Alex’s condition was a tough deal for her. Acting around his wife like all is well made it all overwhelming.
They got in and Margaret gave a helping hand. The kids were waiting eagerly for their parents.
“Mum? What about dad?” Sammy asked. “He will be staying out for today but he…” “Is this about the divorce?” Jerry questioned further.
“What?! Jerry!” Lisa yelled .
“l overheard you and dad arguing over some divorce papers… I asked my class teacher about it. Has dad signed the papers? Has he left because of the divorce?” Her first son pestered.
Lisa was shaken, she could not respond. “Damnit!” Jane whispered and gathered the kids to herself. “Jerry, this isn’t the first time your dad would stay out. What is wrong with you? Your mother already told you he wouldn’t be coming home,” Jane reprimanded.
“Sorry, miss Jane… It’s just that dad has not been happy since mum started the divorce paper thing. He doesn’t play with us anymore,” The lad said tearfully and bursted into a loud cry.
“Oh my, Jerry!” Jane said and made the kid sit on her laps, she also drew Sammy; the youngest boy closer. “Your dad will be back home and he will play with you guys again. Ok?”
“Yes, miss Jane,’ Jerry replied. “Good, then promise me you’d not mention anything about the divorce or divorce papers again.”
“I promised,” the boy cleaned up his tears and nodded. “Good. Good boy!” Jane exclaimed and ruffled his hair. She led them to their room and tucked them in for the night.
“Lisa!” Jane called out. Lisa had escaped into her bedroom. Jane opened the door and met her in tears.
Pieces of papers littered the floor. Jane picked up some and examined them. They were pieces of the signed divorce papers. She realized Lisa had torn them up.
Jane sighed and wrapped her arms around her without saying a word.
“Tell me something. How is my husband?” Lisa asked brokenly.
Jane was a ball of emotions. It was not the best moment to answer such a question. It wasn’t the right moment to tell her her husband was in a coma. Jane’s eyes were wet, she swallowed hard and cleared her throat. All she managed to say was, “Lisa I am sorry, I am so sorry,” She sniffled and ran into the sitting room. Lisa followed after her.
“Did he still insist that I shouldn’t visit?” “Yes,” Jane responded without looking up. Lisa sighed.
“This is really hellish, why is he doing this? Is he bent on seeing me suffer? Is it because of the papers… How is his condition? How are his burns? Hope they are not too deep. Is he in pain? Jane?!”Lisa yelled out loud.
“Yeah!” Jane shouted suddenly, “sorry I was absent minded. I think you should call Benny Bells. You need to ask for details about damages done to the company and the next line of action. From what he said, the fire wasn’t just a normal workplace hazard. It was an arson. The fire fighters had received a call before the actual fire outbreak. It should be thoroughly investigated.”
“I am sure Marie is behind all these but how do we pin it down on her? Nothing is pointing to her as the culprit,” Lisa said.
“It will all add up when it is investigated… Lisa, I am sorry I have to go tonight. I will come see you very early tomorrow,” Jane said.
“What?! It’s late already, can’t you just sleep over?”
“Nah, just let me go.”
“If you insist but please be careful and thanks so much,” Lisa said and they hugged each other.
Jane got into her car and pulled out of Peterson’s residence. She covered some distance and halted. She felt relieved. The tightness in her heart disappeared.
“Oh my goodness! What am I supposed to do? How can I stay with all those emotions? Alex, please get well soon,” she sighed and resumed her driving.
Lisa was disturbed and restless. She knew her friend was acting weird and she left because she was avoiding her questions. She realized that despite Jane’s visit to the hospital, she still knew close to nothing about her husband’s condition. It was obvious Jane was cryptic about it. “Why would she hide such information?” Lisa reasoned. The possible reason for such was glaring. She willed her thoughts away from such direction and reassured herself that Alex was fine.
She walked into the children’s room and realized they were fast asleep. She positioned them well and sat by the bedside. She held Sammy’s hand and he held tight at her middle finger just like he was a baby. The tenderness of his soft and small palm tugged at Lisa’s heart. How could she have forgotten her kids and their sweet innocence in just a little while. She sighed as tears clouded her eyes.
Jerry’s tiny chest rose and fell as he enjoyed his sleep. “l am sorry kids. Sorry I forgot all about you in a while. We will be whole again. Your father will be back soon,” Lisa said in a whisper and tucked them in again. She shut the lights and shut the door behind her as she left for her room.
Jane got home tired and exhausted. She had forgotten all about her birthday and Jeff but the basket of flowers sitting on the table brought back the memories. She walked up and inhaled the scent. It was sweet and refreshing. It brought back the memories of her time out with Jeff.
“We could have ended up having sex… thanks to Lisa’s timely call,” she thought and smirked as she ventured into the bathroom. She drew a water bath and enjoyed its luxury. It was a long day.
****
The next morning came with a good omen. It was unusually bright. Despite the brightness, The heat was friendly. Lisa instructed Margaret to fix the house chores while she fixed the kids. She wanted to spend time with them. It was fun having them laugh and play hard again.
Jane arrived while Lisa was away. Margaret informed her that Lisa had driven the kids to school.
While she waited for Lisa, she picked up her phone and dialed Jeff’s phone.
Jeff was just dressing up when his phone beeped. He held the trouser with one hand and jumped towards his phone. He saw the caller’s name and his eyes brightened. “Hello Jane, nice to have you call in this early. It’s going to be a beautiful day today,” Jeff said from his end.
“Yeah, it’s a great day. I am sorry for leaving abruptly yesterday. I got in late so I couldn’t call back.”
“No qualms. How is your friend now?” Jeff asked. “We are sorting things out gradually.”
“Glad to know… let me know when my help is needed.”
“Oh! Thanks jeff. Thanks for my birthday too. You are indeed a darling.” “You’re welcome baby. All for you, it was your day,” Jeff said and resumed dressing after he had hung up. He chuckled and smirked hard at his tactics.