Living Without A Heart

Loving Someone Shouldn't Be A Chore

"Hey, what have they done now?"

"Nothing, I just realised I'm never gonna live up to her. They drop everything for each other and I'm done. I've taken Jellybean to Toledo but Jug's still with FP..."

"Can't you try again? He'll do anything to have his daughter back!"

"No Hal, he kept kissing me and sleeping with me hoping to see your wife when he opened his eyes. I just called to say goodbye but don't worry - Alice wants revenge, she won't  leave you. Some people hate everything, somehow they even hate love. Something tells me your wife is one of them people."

"What's that mean?"

"It means that she doesn't want to be in love. She hates the idea of love because of how much it has turned on her and bit her on the backside. She has filled the cavity in her chest, where her heart is meant to be, with nothing but hate and contempt."

"I'm sorry Gladys, I really thought things were working out but I guess not - it's never too late to change your mind though - I'll miss you."

"Thanks Hal, you've been a really good friend to me. I'll miss you too."

"Goodbye,"

"Goodbye."

Hal climbed out of his car after ending the call. On entering his house, he found a half drank glass of wine on the coffee table, the two empty bottles of wine on the side, the broken and bloodied glass on a dust pan on the floor, and Alice descending the stairs.

"What on Earth have you been doing? Where are the kids?"

"Sleeping mostly and if you paid attention you'd know they were at a sleepover..."

"I forgot, you've been drinking a lot - is that how you cut yourself?"

"Broke a glass in my hand."

"On purpose?"

"Does it matter?"

"S'pose not... has anyone seen you drunk?"

"Fred found me passed out on the carpet, made me get a shower, and then made me a coffee and food."

"You idiot! Why would you jeopardise our reputation like that!?" he shouted grabbing her bicep. 

"Get your hands off me!"

Hal said nothing but jerked her closer to him. Alice inhaled deeply then stopped surprised. The scent of berries and cheap perfume filled her nostrils. 

"Business reeks..." she jeered.

"What nonsense are you on about now woman?"

"Could've gone for something a little more classy..." she spat.

"I just gave Raia a hug - she had the evidence I needed."

"Whatever, who'd be interested in being your bit on the side anyway?"

"Why would I want a bit on the side? You're a handful all on your own. "

"Then get rid of me," 

"I couldn't possibly."

"Shame."

Hal released her reddening arm and shoved her backwards.

"What is going on with you today?"

"Maybe it was my near death experience the other day. Or maybe, just maybe! It was the fact that my baby turned up at the house yesterday!"

"What? What are you talking about?" he asked confused.