AFFECTION

THIRTY FIVE

35

HOPE WELLINGTON

I was surprised when Harry paid me a visit at my office. It was not usual for him to come uninformed or without a prior warning. But none the less I was glad that he came. He always made me feel better whenever I was low. But the disadvantage in this situation is that I cannot hide my problems from him.

" how are you?", he questioned sitting across me and look that Oliver who was sleeping on the couch, "You have called me less this past few months. What's the matter Hope?"

I shrugged, "Just been busy more than usual. There are too many things to care about. Just been struggling to balance all this."

He nodded, "Order a coffee for me. I can't function without one."

I called Rebecca and minutes later she came with the coffee.

"Is David treating you right?", he asked after a few minutes.
"He is. Why do you ask?", I answered in a single breath.

"Just wondering.", he said but his eyes were strictly trained on me. I know he was trying to read me, so like a good little sister, I sat quietly and waited for him to finish his analysis. He was a good one at reading people, and especially me.

"David has been fine with me. We both are really loving the concept of coparenting Oliver. And more than that, it is fun to live with him. You know he's my friend since ages."

"Friend. That is the problem. He is your husband. You should be more than friends."

I laughed, a little nervous, "We are more than friends. But it's growing on its own pace. I am not rushing anything. And he's being just fine."

He leaned back on his chair and sipped his coffee, thinking hard, "You know i always wanted everything to be perfect for you. So when I see you trying to adjust in David's life, it makes me apprehensive and a bit defeated at the fact that I couldn't do anything. I should have atleast found that guy who traumatized you for years."

I smiled at him, "The guy I loved. Don't degrade him like that."

He shook his head, "First of all, don't defend him. Secondly, don't defend him at all now that you are married."

By the time we were done conversing about several things, Oliver woke up and got down the couch himself. He stared at Harry for a few moments and then looked at me.

"Mumma! Boy!", he pointed at him.

I chuckled, "Yeah...he's a boy. You can call him uncle. Say hi uncle!"

He looked at Harry again, and smiled, "Hiii Unca!"

Harry waved back, pulling out a big chocolate from his jacket, "Hi Baby Wellington! You want this?"

The shiny wrapper attracted him swiftly, "Choco!", and with that he went towards Harry and he picked him up. The chocolate was in his hands in no time.

"Mumma! Choco!"

"Uncle gave you?", I asked and he nodded eagerly, and pointed at Harry, "Unca!"

"He's adorable. I guess that is why you don't call me enough."

I smiled and nodded, "Yeah! Most of the time, I am busy admiring his antics. Just see him play with his father. They both banter alot."

"You do know, you should put your love where your heart feels at peace. If peace is with David and him, i don't know what is the problem with that guy, other than his potty mouth. He's rich, stable, good looking and definitely best at what he does. So you should give it a serious chance."