It's Sad to Belong

It's Sad to Belong || Suspicion Arises

I don't proof read!

Chapter Six

Ericka spends the afternoon at her bestfriend's house while Sibelle is at school. She usually has lunch with her bestfriend Julia three times a week.

Unlike all the other times they have spent together, today Ericka is acting differently and Julia can easily tell something is wrong.

"Is everything okay, Ericka?" she asks, trying to read her face.

"I-uh" she pauses. "I don't know,
Julia."

"What's wrong, sweetie? Is it your dad? Is he still sick?" she says, sitting closer to her.

"No, it's not my dad."

"Then what is it?"

"It's James," she replies, looking down to avoid her bestfriend's gaze.

"James? Why, what's wrong with James?" she asks with concern.

"I—I don't know. I think- I think. " she stops, tears begin to fall.

"What is it, Ericka? You can talk to me," she says, hugging her friend tightly.

"I think he's cheating on me."

"What?!"

Julia could not believe her ears. She has known Ericka and James since they were dating, and she knows James is not that type of guy. She knows how responsible he is, and how much he loves Ericka and Sibelle.

"Sweetheart, no. Are you sure?"

"No, I'm not. But I feel it. I have a strong feeling that he is."

"What makes you say that?"

Ericka sobs, gathering all her strength to talk. "Lately he's been very cold. He is just not the same James."

"Maybe he is just tired from work. Maybe he is just stressed out. You know men, they tend to withdraw from their loved ones when stressed."

"I don't know, Julia. I just know something is not right with my husband. If he cheats on me, I don't know what I'm going to do," she says, sobbing hysterically.

"Come here, sweetie. James is not cheating on you, okay? He could and would never do that to you. He loves you and Sibelle, that I know. "

"Oh, God. I'm such a horrible wife, Julia. I can't believe I'm accusing my husband of cheating. Oh, God. I didn't mean to. I just miss him so much. Oh, Julia. I'm sorry."

"Shh. That's okay, sweetie. You're just stressed too and you just miss him. I'll tell you what, why don't we pack some lunch so you can take it down to the office and surprise your husband, huh?"

Ericka face lights up and she wipes her tears with her hands. "I think that's a great idea. I'll surprise him."

***

Ericka gets out of her car. She is carrying a basket full of food and a bottle of champagne.

She thought since she and James did not get the chance to celebrate his win the other night, it would be a great idea to share a bottle of champagne over lunch.

She walks through the lobby and heads to the elevators. She steps out of the elevators and is quickly greeted by Jude, who happens to be waiting for someone.

"Hey, aren't you James's wife?" he asks.

Ericka tries to remember his face and quickly recognizes him. "Oh, yes. You're Jude, right?"