Four Page Letters (TeacherxStudent)

Chapter 6

Mrs. Dandridge

I pulled into my driveway and yet again was first greeted by Jacks Audi parked out front. This shit is really annoying me, and I have had it. Im about to go toss all of his shit over the balcony. I want him out of my life—tonight.

I headed into the house and called out for him but was shocked to see him already sitting in the living room. A glass of Scotch sitting on the table next to a manila folder.
"Jack what are you doing?"
"Come sit Rosie, we need to talk."
"Jack, the only thing we need to talk about is you getting your shit out of here."

He sighed, "Please." He looked up through his eye lashes and I could tell he was being serious. As if he wasnt going to start any crap tonight. Reluctantly, I took off my jacket and went to sit at the opposite end of the couch. He looked at me as he sighed, reaching out and grabbing the folder handing it to me.
"What is this?" I asked.
"Just open it—and I just want to say a few things and I'll be out of here."

Inside of the envelope were the divorce papers I filed. At the bottom was his signature. My eyes began to water as I looked up at him, then back to the paper. My eyes scanned the signature over and over again. Trying to get it through my head that this was it. I dont know why it made me so emotional. Because this is what I asked for. This is what I wanted. Am I happy that he finally signed the damn papers? Am I sad that my marriage fell apart and this is the end. The only love I've ever known... and this is it. I sat the papers down and looked at Jack, waiting for him to speak.

"Rosie I-I just want to apologize. For my part in this marriage falling apart. I wasnt present. I wasnt as loving nor as faithful as I should have been. I wasn't who you needed me to be. A husband. A father. And for that im sorry." Tears began to flow down my face. He got up and went into the kitchen and brought back a napkin for me. I nodded as to say thank you as he sat and continued. "I know you weren't happy. I mean.. you used to be. But I know my actions caused that to change. And I know I should have been signed these papers but I wasnt ready to let you go. Hell Im still not. There was just some part of me that was hoping we could fix this and work it out. But I cant keep doing this to you. I just want you to know you have been the perfect wife. From start to finish, even when I was undeserving of your love."

He stood up and went to grab his jacket. I could see him wiping his eyes. He put his jacket on then turned to me. "Rosie you are going to make someone very happy. And I know that first hand. Oh, and dont worry I already got all my shit out of here." He gave me a faint smile before reaching into his pocket and placing his key on the hook nearby. He opened the door before turning back to me, "You are just as beautiful as you were when we first met all those years ago, and I wish you all the happiness in the world. Take care."

And with that he walked out of the door. And I immediately began to ball my eyes out. I dont know I just feel.. free. I feel relieved. I feel like so much dead weight has been removed and I can finally move on with my life. I got up from the couch and went into the kitchen. Reaching into the cabinet to grab my favorite bottle of wine and a glass. Pouring it damn near to the rim and taking a big sip. I stood in the kitchen for what seemed like hours. Just staring into space before I finally headed upstairs. Wine bottle in hand. I took a quick bath, as I let my emotions wash over me.

By the time I got out and dressed I realized it was already after nine pm. Sighing, I went over to the bed. As I sat down rubbing in lotion over my body I realized I hadn't checked in on Charlotte yet. Its a school night, so she may be sleep and im hesitant to even reach out to her. I dont know whats going on with her— or this.. bond im starting to form with her. Shes so quiet and so sweet I feel like im starting to get her to open up. At least I think so. I picked up my phone and sent her a text.

are you asleep?
delivered

I sat my phone down and waited. After about five minues of no response I decided to pick up the phone and call her instead. She answered after a few rings sounding as if shes out of breath, "Hello?" "Good evening Charlotte. Are you busy?" I asked her. "Umm.. no. Not at all I was just getting out of the shower when I heard the phone. Uh.. could you hang on a sec?" "Of course." I responded. The phone went silent as I walked over to the dresser, taking out my earrings. I glanced into the mirror and noticed a smile plastered on my face. Realizing it must have showed up as soon as I heard her voice. I quickly shook my head as she came back to the phone. "Hey sorry, just needed to get dressed." "Ohh thats alright. I sent you a text, but I guess I was just a little impatient. I wanted to make sure you were okay." "Yeah, Im alright." She said. "Are you okay?"

I paused for a moment. Wondering how to answer that question. Was I okay? After all that happened earlier? "Mrs. Dandridge?" She said, shaking me out of my trance. "Yeah, uh sorry. Im well thank you for asking. I just wanted to make sure you were okay and got home safely. I'll let you get some rest now." I said. "Yes, I am. And okay, I was waiting for you to let me know you made it home also." There it was again, that smile spread across my face. "Oh, you waited up for me?" I said.. before realizing what just slipped out of my mouth and how it must have sounded. The line went silent as I mentally face palmed myself. Why in the world did I say that? Then she spoke again, "Yeah. I guess I did." I smiled as we sat in a comfortable silence for a few seconds.

"Well, I'll let you go. I wouldnt want you falling asleep during classes tomorrow. Do you need a ride to school?" I asked her, as I bit on my lip. "Oh no, Im fine. I told you I enjoy the walk." I couldnt help the feeling of disappointment that came over me and I didnt really understand why. But then she spoke again. "But I wouldnt mind a ride home." My face lit up as I nodded to myself. "Absolutely." I may have said that a little too excited as I heard a small giggle from her end. "Good night Mrs. Dandridge. See you tomorrow."

"Sweet dreams, Charlotte."