Rekindled Love

Missing Ruby

My eyes refuse to cooperate, they don't want to face the world today and if I were honest, neither do I.

I used to jump out of the bed in joy knowing that my beloved was downstairs but not recently, I don't want to do anything but I know I have to. I know I can't wallow in this pain again, last time I didn't have my son to provide for and this time I do. He needs me.

As much as I wish I could crawl into a hole and rot, I just can't do that. I also know I shouldn't drink, and I'm not, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I was tempted.

The sudden sound at my bedroom door startled me for a brief second. "Just letting you know I'll be at Ruby's today, hanging out with Evangeline." Albert calls out, "Will you be alright?"

When am I ever alright, I mentally scoff. Just as things appear to be on my side, someone comes and fucks everything up so that I'd suffer the consequences. So I'd be the one to make everything better. Groaning slightly, quietly, I speak. "I'll be fine. Have fun and be careful!" I call back, after confronting Carl, I know he'd come after me and everyone around me which includes my son.

"Okay, I'll be back around 5 for dinner." He says and I hear the faded sound of footsteps disappear from the other side of my bedroom.

I force myself out of bed and into the shower to start this day.

Athena bites her nails, a bad habit of hers when she's nervous. "What's the matter?" I couldn't help but ask, besides, if I didn't, then she'd surely tell me to ask her what's wrong.

The last time she was this nervous, I didn't pay any attention to her and she gently slapped my shoulder. I remember turning my face to her with a harsh glare demanding why she had slapped me. "You didn't ask me what's wrong!" She argued back. I didn't even ask Ruby that when she twirls her hair because she's nervous. I rolled my eyes at the time and asked her what the matter was and she acted offended and told me she wasn't going to tell me anymore so I stayed silent which then resulted in another shoulder slap until she told me that she was nervous for something so little and unimportant as her stupid hair appointment that she had that day.

"I know this is wrong, I've said it so many times and I've scolded myself for it but —" she stops, looking into space. "But I can't stop anymore, it's an addiction. A sick one."

I've thought that too and I could stop but I'd be stuck with just Ruby and every time I attempt to touch her she rejects me because of the miscarriage and as a man, I have urges.

I don't know what to tell her so I stay silent. If I tell her that I think the same, she'd take it the wrong way and be hurt. If I lied, she'd think I actually want something with her other than this affair and no, as much as Ruby rejects me, I still love my wife and wouldn't dare to lose her for Athena. There's no way. That's why I'm very careful as to when and where I sneak off to with Athena.

"Nicolas?" She mutters, cautiously. "Why aren't you speaking back to me? Did I upset you?" You're just insane.

I shake my head. "Athena —" she presses her fingers on my lips and shushes me.

"I know what you're going to say, Nicolas." She whispers, "So I'm only going to tell you this once," She gives me a mischievous smile. "This affair, as sick and inappropriate as it is, is the only thing I'm living for — beside Ruby — and if anything were to harm this thing we have going on, I might be as capable of harming something – someone?"

"Athena — what?" I furrow my eyebrows at the sudden change of tone she just took. Just then something in her eyes jerked and she gave me a soft smile.

"I said that this affair is wrong but I can't stop it because it's become my sick addiction." She repeats the phrase she had said before. "Weren't you paying attention, silly?" Her tone sounding much different than before, much nicer.

I look at her, into her eyes, with full concern and confusion.

Something just occurred to Athena, I could see it in the way she became so vicious with her words. But what?

I start my day off once I'm out of the shower and before I know it, it's five pm and Albert just messaged me to ask me to wait until dinner for his arrival.

The food was already prepared and the plates and cups were already set on the dinner table. I was sitting on a chair when my phone rang and the doorbell sounded. I checked the caller ID and saw it was Albert. "What's up, fils? You here yet?"

"Open the door," he says. "I just want you to know that I hope you enjoy your meal and sorry I couldn't make it." His tone sounds too cheerful. "Okay bye Dad!" Before I could say anything he hung up and I did what he said.

I opened the door.

To my surprise, I found the one person who I didn't think would ever be inside this house again.

But yet here she is. Standing before me looking as radiant as ever. "Aren't you going to invite me in?" She asks, sweetly.

I clear my throat and shake my thoughts away. "Of course," I beam. "Come on in, Ruby."

So, I guess we'll have to wait and see how this surprise dinner date turns out. :)

I know I've been taking really long for these updates but I just wanna thank all of you who've stayed beside me and this book despite the delays! Thank you!!

See you soon! :)