I lost her.

* 43 *

The Viano stopped infront of the house. I rushed out to greet my wife with a kiss.

"Hey, I didn't know you'd be back so soon. How was it?"
"It was lovely, baby." she kissed me back coldly.
She was faking her smile. I could see it.

"Thanks guys for bringing her back safely. You look happier and relieved."
"I actually am. Come help me carry the bags into the house."
She turned to look at her friends.
"Ladies. Thanks a lot. It has been awesome."
"The next time you will need to leave the little one at home. She's already had her fair share of a ladies vacation." her friend joked.

They shared laughter and waved goodbye.
I helped her carry her bags.

I had made lunch for her.

"Smells good. Did you cook?"
"Yes. I think you should taste it. I made dessert too."
"Really? Wow. You outdid yourself."

She didn't bother to look at the pots. She walked straight to the bedroom, sat on the bed and took her shoes off.

"Should I dish up for you babe? You and baby girl must be hungry."
"No, thanks. Just want to nap. I will dish up myself when I'm hungry."
"I will just leave it in the microwave, babe."

She ignored me completely and fell asleep. She was diffferent but I guess she was just tired from the vacation she had.

I went to the dining room to eat my own plate and read the newspaper. She didn't even mention why she missed my calls. My phone lit up. It was my mom.

"Hey...mom."
"How's my favourite son doing?"
"Mom, I'm your only son. I'm fine thanks and you?"
"Great thanks. Are you and Lizelle home? Your father and I are on the way."
"Yes we are. She's just resting a bit from her vacation-"
"She went on vacation?" mom cut me off.
"Yes."
"Oh." my mom sounded displeased.
"We are on our way though. See you."
"Bye, mom."

I went upstairs. I didn't want to wake her but I just whispered to her.

"Liz?"
"Mhm?"
"My parents are on the way."
"Mhmm."

I guess she was really tired.

A few minutes later my parents were outside. I went outside on my own to welcome them.

"Mhmm smells good. Lizelle cooked when she returned?"
"Oh uhm...no..it was me."
"Oh." again, my mom seemed so displeased.
My parents settled in at the dining room table.

"Should I dish up.?" I asked.
"Please, baby. Let me come help you." said mom.
My mom and I were in the kitchen preparing the dishes.
"Aren't you going to dish up for Lizelle?"
"No. She's really tired, mom."

My mother took the crockery and cutlery to the dining room. I brought the salads with me.

We said grace.

As soon as we done saying grace, my mother took just one bite before she put her cutlery down and asked me
"Samuel, what is going on?"
"With?"
"Are you and Lizelle okay." she asked.
"We are fine, mom."
"Then why isn't she down for lunch?"
"I told you mom she-"

Just as I was about explain, Lizelle walked down the stairs looking a mess.

"Oh...didn't realize we had guests. Afternoon."
"Afternoon Lizelle." My parents greeted her.
"How's it going with you and the little one?" My dad asked.
"Good...good." Lizelle replied as she poured herself a glass of milk and went back upstairs.

My mother looked at me and decided to rather not say anything this time around.