Keeping Each Other

Thirty

"Jason was not even up to two when I got pregnant with Jasmine." She looked down avoiding my gaze as she continued; "you know we agreed that Jason would be four before I become pregnant again. I wanted time for myself, I wanted time to regain my self, to get my body back, to give my son the best, to settle down before getting pregnant again but Jasmine happened." she exhaled.

I nodded for her to continue.

"Then I had to stop work to focus on the kids."

"I never asked you to" I cut in. "Other women work even with kids."

"That's what you don't get. I'm not other women, I'm not just anyone" she said with her voice slightly raised. "Everyone has their thresh hold okay? It's not my fault if I decide to quit my job to give my children the very best because I cannot afford to do the two at a time and still give you all the attention you deserve."

"But you didn't." I told her. It still doesn't make sense.

"After quitting my job, reality kicked in. I started to see my friends who were doing fine for their selves, taking care for their home and jobs at the same time. I felt like I rushed into marriage, like I wasn't prepared to face the challenges and just one little thing I quitted my job. At the same time I thought no one else could take care of my kids the way I would."

"And you didn't see any reason to talk to me about this? You let yourself go through this alone?"

She ignored my question and continued. "Somehow, I blamed you for everything and that was how it all started. If you had agreed we waited before having our first baby, if I hadn't gotten pregnant the time I got pregnant with Jasmine if I hadn't had to care for y'all because it's my job."

"So...... You lost attraction for me??"

"Maybe. But I never stopped loving you, I Hope you know that. That's why I got devastated thinking you were cheating on me with Mercy. I'm glad that all cleared up now."

"It wasn't my fault Jasmine happened you know. It takes two to make a child." I told her as I used my index finger to lift up her chin so she could look into my eyes. "We were both caught up in the moment I guess." I said making hand gestures. "but you should have talked to me about this. That is why I'm your husband, that is why I'm here. Common, I miss my friend. My best friend. The one who would tell me anything even before I ask."

"I'm sorry." she said. Her eyes clouded with tears.

"I've been the one making promises all evening. I guess it's time to make yours."

"What's that??"

"You'll never keep anything anyway from me. Ever again. I want to understand you more, I want to keep knowing you each passing day. Let me know what's bothering you, I know we may not be where we want to be right now but I don't want to go back to where we are coming from. Jules.... "

"I promise... I promise.." she rushed in even before I continued. "I love you."

"Come here" I held her close and kissed her deeply.

My wife is back, the woman I fell for is back to me. No more secrets, no more neglect, everything will be just fine.

We broke the kiss and she started to pack the plates on the table carefully.

"Come join me, I want to wash the plates." she said inviting me to go with her.

"Just like old times. You wash and rinse, I'll clean and keep." I said with a smirk.

"I know right. I missed those days too." she replied.

I joined her to pack the dishes to the kitchen and she started washing while we had small talks.