Zephyr's Promise

1

It's amazing the turmoil that time brings along with it the purification. Weeks have passed since my own life has basically imploded on itself. After having my own come to Jesus moment. Which included lots of wine and Big Bang Theory. Finally, I was able to get back to my life. After ridding and sageing my apartment of him I did the only thing I could think to do. Aside from drinking until I blacked out. Focus on work.

The weekend has approached. Perfect timing too. I'm ready to indulge in the luxuries that the work week lacks. My work from home position is a godsend but it is still labor.

Laying on my pastel green couch snuggled up with my snacks I'm glued to the television. If this were a few weeks ago Cristiano would arrive after getting off of work. As usual he would bring my favorite pizza and we'd spend the night together.

Nausea settles in the pit of my stomach at the memory. Now I can't help but wonder what he would tell his wife where he would be. Would she question him? Would she beg him to stay with her? The thought of me being the other woman pushes the nausea even further up. It makes my skin prickle with disgust. There's nothing I can do about it now except move on. I've paid my price. No longer does this rest on my shoulders.

I'm not sure how much time has passed until a knock on my door interrupts the drama between Rick and Morty. Standing from my seat I go to answer the door, I can't even begin to think who is on the other side. Checking the peephole I am met with the back of someone's head. Grabbing my baseball bat I slowly open the door.

The figure turns with a wicked smile that ruins all I have worked for recently. "Hello Nile." Instantly I'm transported back to that horrible night. The one that upended my world.

"How can I help you Mrs.Russo?" Internally I cringe at the title. Outwardly I wince at the raspiness of my voice.

Breathing is a foreign concept with her staring at me in that way. Analyzing me. Questioning why her husband would ever choose me over her. A similar question I have asked myself too many times to count. One that I decided had no credence in my life. Truly it didn't matter the rhyme, reason, or answer.

With her standing in front of me like all of my nightmares coming forth I couldn't avoid it. Pesky human nature has taken over logic. The competition for something I don't even want flares for a second. Only one before I catch her wedding ring sparkling on her finger. Whatever need for approval I sought vanished leaving only shame, guilt, and responsibility. She's his wife and deserved to win whatever that sardonic smile says she is looking for.

"You can start by calling me Ira." Sliding her YSL shades off the full frame of her face is revealed. The hope that she isn't as beautiful as I remember dies. Thick midnight colored hair falls in waves around her soft diamond shaped face. "May I come in?" Words fail me at the moment. When I don't answer, impatience swims in her jade green eyes. They feed into my soul, not really giving me an option to say no.

In reality I want to slam the door in her face. Or at the very least tell her to never come back here. But I don't. Instead I move to the side giving her enough room to slip inside.

After all, this isn't her fault. She's just a woman who is..well I don't really know what she's looking for. Either way cruelty won't help either of us. No matter how much I hate the situation I've found myself in. After this I will owe her nothing. This could be a good point of closure for the both of us.

Ira waltzes through the door frame. The likely expensive bag on her shoulder she sits on the hallway table. "You must know why I'm here?" Fidgeting, I move to the kitchen to try and calm my nerves.

"I'm assuming it's about my ex-well- your husband." I scratch the back of my neck awkwardly. God this is uncomfortable. Admittedly I have never been a people person or a social butterfly. Being put into an awkward position only heightens my lack of social skills and enthusiasm. If anything could ever be awkward in the world it would be this.