The Affair

Chapter 19.1 - Heart to Heart

Thursday, July 7, 2022 – 2:15pm

Fallon's joyful day at the zoo fades like an overplayed fantasy. Back at her apartment, William breaks his news: his wife's early return home, and thus their time together cut short.

It's upsetting, but she keeps a happy face for him.

Wednesday morning brings the harsh reality. She watches him finish packing, zipping up his duffle bag and setting it by the front door, ready for his dismissal from her life. They'd go to the office together and work like normal. But then they'd leave separately—he, back to his family, and she, back to her apartment. Back to being alone.

Fallon's return to the office ignites something wicked in Amy. Quick to taunt, to tease, to belittle, she refuses to let Fallon breathe without ridicule. The note given for the day's reading, "My name is Micaela. I am a loser. I always have been," somehow Amy's best work yet.

Still, Fallon repeats it. Three times.

The shame is crushing, and she has no strength to fight. She cries, struck with random depressive waves throughout the day. Each time Amy sits back, nibbling her lip as if she could taste the salt of her tears.

To make matters worse, she has no relief. William is locked away in his office, focused on his work, driven by his deadlines looming. And Dylan, a stonewall, completely shutting Fallon out, refusing to engage her greetings.

She has no one.

It is now Thursday in the office, and Amy is no less offensive. But there's a moment of peace after lunch, a chance for Fallon to recollect and remind herself of her task. Confront Amy—like Mr. McCallen suggested.

Fallon straightens in her chair, glancing over her shoulder to observe her. Amy's content, leaning comfortably in her chair and scrolling videos on her phone.

She gulps. "Amy. Can I talk to you?"

"No," Amy returns.

Fallon's brow scrunches at the rejection. There's a tremor in her hands, so she brings them to her lap to twist at her fingers. "Uh...I was wondering," she stammers, her confidence retreating, "if maybe we could hang out? Like, at a bar. You know, after work? There's something I want to talk about..."

Amy chuckles, hanging back her head to view Fallon.

"Aww. Little Fallon, are you nervous about me and Dylan?" she asks, eyes self-assured, her lips a poisonous smirk. "You should be. We're together now. And God, he prefers me so much more than you..."

Those words nip, taking a piece of her with them. Fallon's lips curl into a frown as her eyes cower.

"Uhh, no. That's not it... I just want to hang out with you a-and talk about some things," she explains, still committed. "Please? I'll buy the drinks. Just please go out with me?"

Amy rolls her eyes. "Ugh. I'd rather not be seen with you. People will think I'm a dirty whore too," she spits, her gaze returning to her phone.

Fallon winces, another piece of flesh ripped.

"Please, Amy?" she whimpers

There's a stiff exhale, followed by a clack as Amy's phone meets the desk. She twirls the chair 90 degrees, crossing her legs as she faces Fallon from her space.

"I can't today. I'm meeting a few girlfriends after work for a dinner party," Amy explains. Her voice lightens suddenly, turning playful. "Hey I know! How about you come with? I can introduce you to my people, we'll have some wine, play a board game..."