Ellie-chan (COMPLETED)

Forty - Home Again

I was shocked at what the doctor had told me. Although I kind of suspected it, it felt surreal. I thought about Hayato right away. How would he react? It would surely complicate things between us. I was busy rehearsing what I would tell him so I didn't notice the unfamiliar car parked on our driveway. When I opened our front door, I was shocked again. There she was. Hugging my husband! I thought she already left for the States. What is she doing here?

It was Hayato who saw me first. He extricated himself from her embrace and walked towards me. He looked kind of worried in a seemingly guilty way. He gave me a kiss on the cheek which was not normal for him. That irked me more. Is there something I don't know about?

"She dropped by to say goodbye," he explained while taking the two shopping bags I was carrying. He put it on the center table.

I didn't say a word. I was afraid my real emotion would come out. The last time she dropped by to say goodbye something happened and Hayato had to drive her home. I have not forgotten it, yet.

I looked at the bitch and our eyes met. I saw a glint of triumph in her eyes. I pretended I didn't notice anything. I slightly bowed at her. She just nodded. I felt like strangling her. There was an awkward silence. It was then that Shin cried. I had an excuse to leave them. I went to the bedroom to check on my son. A few minutes after, Hayato came in and asked what made Shin cry. I didn't answer him. He began to explain about Rika's presence in the house. I just glanced at him one time while changing Shin's diaper.

"I know you're mad," he said in a soft voice.

"I'm not mad. I just don't care," I replied without looking at him. "You can do anything with her – you guys can get back together again for all I care."

He gave out a light laugh. "Indeed, you're mad."

I glared at him and left the room with Shin. He followed me outside. He kept on telling me that there was nothing between him and Rika – that I should believe him.

"Okay. I believe you," I said reluctantly.

"Good," he replied and he patted my shoulder before he went back to the bedroom. When he came out, he was all dressed up. I think he saw the crease on my forehead because he explained that he had some work to do that Sunday afternoon. Work on a Sunday? Although I was skeptical, I just kept quiet.

I cooked dinner thinking that he would be home in time for it, but he wasn't. He came at around ten PM smelling of alcohol. I was so mad, but I just controlled myself again. I was helping him to the bed when his cell phone rang. I took it out of his shirt pocket and answered the call. I heard a male voice. He introduced himself as one of his friends. He just asked if he came home all right.

"Yeah. He's here now. Thanks."

The guy explained that they had a celebration because one of their close friends is leaving for the States. I frowned as soon as I heard it. Then, I glared at Hayato. He didn't tell me he went to join Rika's farewell party. He said he went to work. I bit my lower lip. How could I tell him about my condition when he seemed to be still attached to Rika.

I was loosening his belt when his phone rang again. This time, it was the bitch.

"Could you hand this phone to Hayato?" she said in her usual sweet, bitchy voice.

"He's sleeping," I said in a bored tone.

"Oh. Poor him. Could you just tell him I really appreciate the gift he gave me? It was so sweet of him for giving me those."

Gift? What gift? The jealous side of me flared up, but I still acted like it didn't have an effect on me. What do I care anyway? Rika was an old flame. Of course, he would give her a gift.