Passion's Instinct

Sixty Eight

Natalie

As I sat in my hotel room that night, in bed, thinking, my cell phone rang and I picked it up immediately.

"Scarlett! I've been waiting for you to call. Any news?" I asked quickly, holding my breath. Scarlett was having a tough time lately with her husband, Ryan, and they weren't getting along well.

For a minute, I didn't get an answer, just occasional sniffing. Then came the sobs, and Scarlett's shaky voice.

"He... he filed for divorce, Natalie. I still love him, and --"

"Scarlett," I said in my calmest voice, trying not to sound too shocked, "I'm so sorry."

"It's alright." She sniffed. "It was bound to happen," she whispered shakily.

It was silent again, all but her pathetic sniffs. I felt so bad. I knew Ryan was her everything. But I also knew she knew it was time to let go, because things just weren't right between them anymore.

I was getting a call on the other line, but I dismissed it and listened to Scarlett and what she had to say about the breakup.

She had a plan, and I didn't know if the plan she had would be a smooth success, but I kept my mouth shut and listened like a good friend did.

**********************************

I sat still the next morning, looking at my reflection in my phone screen as I waited for FaceTime to load. I couldn't wait to see my husband, my sons and my daughter, because I hadn't talked to them all week. I would be going home the next day.

When the kids' and Hayden's images came up, they all said in unison, "Hi, Mommy!"

I smiled widely, ecstatic to see them all. "Hi, guys! I miss you all so much. I can't wait to see you!"

They all smiled back, talking over each other. I could just make out Temple saying "I miss you, Mommy!"

I laughed. "Wait, wait. I can barely hear what you guys are saying. Temple, I heard you. I miss you too, honey! I'll be back tomorrow, and --"

"Mama!" August squealed, beaming. He made bubbles with his spit, and I couldn't help but laugh as Hayden leaned forward and wiped them away with a paper towel from the kitchen. I could tell that's where they were sitting.

I wished I was there with them, sitting right there at the bar in the kitchen.

I missed my family like crazy, and I couldn't wait to get back.

"Mommy, my birthday is tomorrow!" Sawyer announced, pushing in front of his siblings to see me.

"The day after I get back," I corrected. "I know! Are you excited?"

"Yes!"

"I'm excited too. But I'm also sad because that means you'll be a whole year older." I sniffed and faked crying, and Sawyer laughed. I laughed with him, my eyes actually watering. Their laughs and voices and personalities made me miss them so much more.

"Hey, guys, Daddy's getting a call," Hayden said, meeting eyes with me through the screen. He grinned, and I did too, lowering my head. "Say bye to Mommy. We'll see her tomorrow."

"Bye, Mommy!" they all shouted in unison, waving and smiling widely. I waved to them and blew them kisses as they got down from Hayden's lap.

As they ran off behind him, Hayden met eyes with me, and I smiled.

"Bye, cutie," Hayden said, grinning.

"Bye," I replied, letting out a quiet laugh, bit able to contain my excitement and anticipation. "I love you."

"I love you too, babe. See you tomorrow."

I nodded slowly, as Hayden dismissed the call and my screen went black, then minimized to the home screen again. I couldn't wait to get home. My family was waiting for me.