My Unfolding Story

6. The Truth

I woke up to the early morning rays of sun slowly peeping into my room. I didn't know when I fell asleep because I was tossing and turning for most of the time unable to sleep. I couldn't bring myself to sleep again so I woke up and made a cup of coffee. I splashed water on my tired, puffy face. I had my coffee and I kept looking at the time. I know Jen wouldn't be awake by now. I was restless till the clock struck ten. I got ready and went to her flat. It's been long since I visited her flat.

I pressed the code but it was incorrect. I wondered when she changed it. I rang the calling bell and waited for her to open. Finally she opened after ten minutes still in her pajamas. "Good morning babe. Did I wake you up? I thought you'd be awake", I said and entered inside. "Good morning Andrew! Why do you come so early? I told you that I was going to visit you today. You ruined my sleep", she said. "I am sorry. I thought you'd be up", I said. "I was tired from yesterday's meeting", she said stretching her arms yawning.

I sat there looking at her and finally blurted out, "I saw you yesterday!", which made her expression change. Her eyes were fixed on me and I know what it meant. She wanted me to speak further but I couldn't figure out the words to speak. "I am sorry Andrew but I was going to tell you sooner. I have always wanted to tell you but I didn't get a chance how to disclose it. I didn't want to hurt you", she said beating around the bush. "What do you mean?", I said looking at her with a heavy heart.

She remained silent for a while facing the wall making me tensed with every passing second. She turned facing me finally speaking up. But the words that came out next shook me and they broke my heart into pieces. "Let's break up! I am seeing someone...." I stopped her before she finished the sentence. "How could you???..." I can't finish my sentence. I was shaking but I kept hoping that it was all a nightmare. "I am sorry I lied Andrew. It wasn't a client meeting. The man I was with yesterday is my boss. He proposed me yesterday and we are getting married next month. My eyes were fixed on her as she said the truth. "So how long have you been seeing each other?", I said still wishing that it was all a bad dream.

"Over three months", she said unable to look into my eyes. "I thought you were distant from me because you were busy all the time. But I never imagined that you would cheat on me", I said, this time I couldn't face her as my heart couldn't take it anymore. "I never cheated on you Andrew. I was going to tell you anyway. But I didn't get the correct chance", she said trying to convince me that she isn't wrong. "Stop it Jen.. please... Stop!", I said in anger.

Jen got furious when I told her to stop. "To stop what Andrew? To stop what? I have to talk Andrew. What did we achieve together in these years Andrew? ..... Nothing! Literally nothing! We were just working and we were just surviving Andrew. Just surviving! I want to live my life Andrew! I want to LIVE!", she said in a loud tone. She continued, "Whenever I imagine our future, it's always bills, rents and debts. I can't live my life forever like this and I don't want to. When Jack first told me that he was interested in me, I hesitated but gradually I fell for him Andrew. The way he cares for me, the way he showers me with gifts... I want that life Andrew! So please understand and move on".

Her words ripped me apart. I know I can't shower her with expensive gifts but what I never failed to do was to spend time with her. Even if I was busy, I tried hard to give her my time. What can be more expensive than spending quality time together. But I never imagined that she wouldn't value my efforts. I can't speak further so I decided to leave. "Move on..", she said that so easily. Only a person who loves truly will know how hard it is to move on. I left her flat with a heavy heart still processing what has just happened.

I came home and opened the door to see Danny there. My legs couldn't move further and I just sat down as I felt like I was about to collapse. He rushed and picked me up holding my shoulders. "You okay? What happened? You don't seem good. Speak up idiot", he said trying to make me open up. But I stood there too stunned to speak. He took me to the couch and he made me sit there. "Tell me man. What happened? Did you two fight?", he said asking about me and Jen. " She's getting married next month", I said finally looking at him. "What! Wedding?", he said not believing his ears.

"I am sorry Andrew", he said hugging me. I was in his arms but my mind rewinded all our memories together. "It was all a lie Danny! It was all a lie!", I said breaking from the hug pushing him away. I didn't know how to react. I am filled with rage as I blamed myself for whatever has happened. "Stop blaming yourself dude. She doesn't deserve you", he said trying to console me. But I kept denying it and went inside my room and shut the door. "Andrew! Andrew!", he shouted trying to open the door. "Don't worry Danny. I am not a coward. I won't do anything to myself. I want to be alone. So please...", I said as Danny sighed with relief.

Saying this, I sat slowly on the floor leaning against my room door. I wanted to cry but I can't. I rested my head on the door hugging my knees as the light gradually disappeared turning the room dark. I didn't even care to switch on the light. Danny has already left after receiving so many calls from his wife. He didn't want to leave me alone but he had to go. So he left but advising me to eat something. How can I think about eating when my whole world has seemed to collapse.

When and Where did it go wrong?