Beyond the Pain

Beyond the Pain - Chapter Eleven.

Chapter eleven.

I threw on some leggings and an oversized t-shirt, pulling my hair into a bun. The dogs were getting impatient now and whining for a walk.

    “I’m coming guys,” I told them, running downstairs.

    All four dogs followed behind me, wagging their tails excitedly. I would take Bess along with the giants; she could keep me company when the others ran off.

    I grabbed all four leads, shoving my feet into my polka-dot wellies at the same time. It was getting warmer; my thin waterproof would be enough to shield me from the rain. I dropped the baby monitor at Kat’s so she could hear anything alarming from the puppy room.

    “I won’t be long,” I told her, “pop round later for a chat.”

    She nodded and ruffled George’s ears. She was in a peach silk dressing gown, which didn’t look like there was anything underneath. I didn’t want to know about what her and Carlo had been up to last night, so I shrugged it off trying to clear images from my mind.

    “See you later,” I called, steering the dogs away from the smell of bacon coming from her kitchen.

    We walked up behind the row of houses and once we were in the woods, I let the Giants off their leads. Bess walked beside me, as I knew she would. It was getting warmer and although this morning had worried me, the smell of summer coming made me feel positive. Daffodils were scattered along the edges of the path and the sun streaming through the trees shone off the dogs’ coats beautifully. It looked like it would be a good day and I tried so hard not to be doubtful. I threw a ball for Holly, George and Dylan and laughed as they chased each other round, fighting to catch it first. Bess happily wagged her tail, obviously enjoying the show as much as I was. As I started running in the sunshine, laughing harder and throwing the ball again, I forgot about everything. Maybe everything would be okay.

    I got back to the house and let the dogs loose, giving them fresh water. I heard a noise in the kitchen area, so I ran through hoping Nick hadn’t forgotten anything important for work. I rounded the corner and walked into the living room, where Kat was sitting beaming at me, two cups of tea on the coffee table.

    “What would I do without you,” I joked.

    “You’d be homeless, penniless and wouldn’t be able to fend for yourself,” she laughed, “But seriously, what’s wrong? You don’t seem yourself this morning.”

    I sighed and joined her on the sofa. She grabbed my hand and squeezed it for support.

    “It’s nothing serious is it?” she said, her face turning into a worried expression.

    “I might as well tell you,” I croaked, trying to hold it together, “Its Nick.”

    “What’s he done now?” Kat’s body relaxed and she let out a breath she must have been holding.

    “I found these texts…” I started, but stopped when I heard how stupid I sounded.

    Kat nodded encouragingly, but I felt so needy and desperate. Only someone who was worried about her husband cheating would read his messages. It made me sound so distrusting and suspicious. I took a deep breath, preparing to carry on. It was Kat after all.

    “They were off a woman called Jess. I think he’s having an affair.” It took all I had to stop myself from sobbing. I told myself I was okay; I was just overreacting. Kat pulled me in to a hug and held me there for a while, just breathing with me.