My Neighbor's Wife

Chapter 15

Mrs. Lovett goes out of her shop, unnoticed by the couple. It seems that they have forgotten that they are in her property, and that she is still there- choosing the moment to reconcile. So, giving them the privacy, at one of their intimate moments, she takes the liberty of leaving them. Besides, she cannot bear to hear Benjamin professing his undying love for Lucy.

Her feet have taken her to the park, where she usually goes whenever she feels lonely. She is currently sitting under the willow tree where she and Ben carved their names at. It is a wrong idea to stay there, really. It only reminds her of Ben- who, while on her way to the park, she promises to forget. But of course, it's easier said than done- especially when everything reminds her of him.

Sighing, she leans back on the tree, titling her head up and closing her eyes. She recounts the events that unfolded a while ago. Everything happened so fast. One minute she and Ben are having a good time- and the next, Lucy is already attacking her with her lewd comments. But at least, somehow, she is able to defend herself- even though it only worsens the situation.

She cannot just let Lucy treat her like that- though she admits that she's wrong for having an 'affair' with her husband. But, Mrs. Barker should have, at least, listened to her explanation first. In that way, she will know why she hid her husband from her. Also, maybe she can convince her that they are not doing anything wrong, that they are just really making pies.

The baker sighs dejectedly. Who is she kidding? As naïve as Lucy is, she knows that- albeit given the chance to explain- she will still not believe her. Well, who will, actually? The proof is already right in front of the poor Mrs. Barker: the landlady and the husband in their after sex look.

She is thankful that Lucy has been mellow and controlled. If she is the one to catch her spouse with another woman- considering if the husband is Benjamin- well, then definitely, the woman will not live to see another day. There will be no confrontations, only instant murder. She does not care if she gets thrown to jail or get hanged, what matters most is that she is able to kill the bitch. And no, she is not exaggerating.

The baker smiles to herself; it is funny how she says that she will kill whoever woman decides to take Ben away from her- given that if he is her husband- and yet, here she is, destroying his perfectly happy marriage with his beautiful wife. Oh, how hypocrite she is.

But, did she really destroy them? Is it really her fault? If she can remember correctly, she is the one who keeps on reminding Ben about his wife whenever they are tempted to do something... not right. And it is he who always initiates the first move. She really tried her best- swear to the heavens above- to resist him. But when fate is favoring her at last, she only seized the moment. What can she do? You cannot blame a woman in love, right?
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"What!? A Mistake!? Don't give me that reason, Ben! You chose this- this is not some stupid mistake. You wanted this. Now, I'll ask you once again, Why Ben? Why?"

Benjamin sighs in defeat. Ever since they went up to their apartment and Lucy has 'calmed' down, they have been talking and fighting nonstop. He already knows the routine now- his wife will scream at him in rage and then later will breakdown and cry. She has also been asking the same question over and over. This has been repeating like a cycle, and honestly, he's getting tired of it.

He stands up from his barber chair, going over his wife who is standing by the window.

"Lucy..." he calls her. He lays his arm on her shoulder, causing her to face him. He takes a hold of her hand, squeezing it lightly- pleading. "Please, Love, believe me. I told you already- Me and Nell- Mrs. Lovett, are just friends. What happened between us was really a... big mistake. I didn't choose this, because if I did, then I wouldn't be here telling you how sorry I am. And I am not making any excuses for what I did- because I know that there's no valid reason to justify my actions."