Regrets

Part 10.

Aaron looked at sleeping Marissa with a smile. He had let her fall asleep just a while ago. Both of them were so busy with their hectic jobs, and Aaron cherished every moment he had with her. Now that Marissa had decided that she would leave her profession and move with him to start a family.

He felt sorry for leaving Heather. He never in his dreams thought that he would get back with Marissa. He was content with Heather and his routine until Marissa stormed into his life 3 years back.

It was after the first kiss that he and Marissa started a physical relationship behind Heather's back. He lovingly caressed Marissa's cheek.

He remembered after the encounter at the pool that Marissa avoided him, and even Heather noticed that Marissa was quieter than usual.

"What happened, M, anything bothering you?" she asked her sister.

" I am just missing Mum and Dad," she replied quietly.

" Why don't you help me with Zach's school fest? I have volunteered for baking stalls. You can help me with cupcakes."

" Heather, I hate baking, and those nosy children irritate me."

" Heather, I have an annual orthopedic conference this Thursday in Switzerland. Why don't we all go there". Aaron knew that Heather had already volunteered at her son's school and would not agree. He was taking bait."

" Oh dear! Why are you informing me at the last minute darling? I will try to cancel my volunteering "

Aaron was disappointed to hear that. He just wanted to take Marissa with him.

"Wait, I remember Zach has his interschool debate competition and I can't join you. Maybe next time."

"Then in that case shall I take Marissa along with me?"

Heather's face changed upon hearing that.

" Maxine and Allen are also accompanying me. It would be a wonderful chance for Marissa to meet someone who knows she might find someone there."

Marissa looked at Aron in disbelief. But he gave her an innocent smile.

" It will be a new experience for you, Marissa. "

This eased Heather's doubts.

Aaron and Marissa went to the airport early in the morning.

"An airport taxi was waiting for them "

Aaron kissed goodbye to Heather and the kids.

Heather saw that Marissa sat at the back and Aaron sat in the front passenger seat.

" Why are you sitting in the front," she asked.

" I do not want to be uncomfortable sitting with Marissa. I know my boundaries "

"You are Saint darling. I will never worry about you"" She kissed him happily and bid goodbye.

Throughout the taxi ride, Aaron did not interact with Marissa.

As soon as they reached the airport, Aaron took Marissa to the check-in counter and, after that, he took her to the airport lounge. As it was early in the morning, there were not many people around. He took her to a corner seat.

Marissa followed him quietly.

" Now tell me why are you avoiding me like a plague."

" I do not want to be the person breaking your marriage "

" Then why did you kiss me?"

"It was a moment of weakness"

"Really then, why did you agree to come alone with me?"