Her Last Plea✨

Chapter 8

Delphina closed her eyes as she thought more and more about Alexis's influence in her life.

Over the years, she had managed to somewhat lose her guard around Alexis Miller. They weren't the best of friends, but Delphina could see, even if they themselves couldn't, that Mike and Alexis had a connection between them that went a little beyond friendship.

When she would fight with her husband, it would be over the most trivial matters, often resulting in them screaming at each other and Mike storming out of the room. When he would have an argument with Alexis, however, it would be over some matter worth debating. But, even as they argued, Delphina could see that they were having fun. Delphina had never seen two people enjoying a row before she'd witnessed one of their spats.

Delphina did feel somewhat sad for Alexis when her marriage to Drew unraveled. Granted, she also wanted a divorce, but she knew that no matter how bad things got between her and Mike, he wouldn't ever cheat on her.

Of course the jealousy always kicked in whenever Mike started a suggestion with the words "Miller said". Miller said to try this restaurant. Miller said that if we try this, the baby might sleep through the night. Miller, Miller, Miller! It was like nails on a chalkboard for Delphina. It infuriated her to think that Mike would confide in Alexis about what was going on and that he actually used her suggestions.

Sighing, she remembered the day she had told Mike about her disease and despite all her envy towards Alexis, she had still sought out the woman.

After leaving her husband's cabin, Delphina walked across the hall and knocked on Alexis Miller's door. Entering the room, she saw that Alexis was organizing her desk and hadn't really noticed who was standing in her office.

"Delphina!" Alexis exclaimed. "Do you need something?"

Delphina wasn't surprised by Alexis's surprised tone as the two woman weren't really friends.

"I just came to tell you that I have cancer and I told Mike about it a minute ago. Do me a favor and check on him in five minutes, please. He was obviously shocked by the news."

Alexis's eyes widened and she took a step back so as to absorb the news. "I.....I.....Oh my God, Delphina," she stammered. "I'm so sorry. How bad is it?"

"Very," Delphina replied, plainly. "I'll know more later this week. Just......make sure Mike doesn't do something stupid, will you?"

"Cer......Certainly, " Alexis said, her lower lip quivering slightly.

"Remember - five minutes," Delphina reminded her before leaving the building without another word.

A knock on the door brought Delphina out of her memories. Mike entered the room and asked, "Ready?"

Nodding, she stood up and took Mike's outstretched hand to steady herself.

The drive to their home - Mike's home - was mostly quiet before she broke the silence.

"How did the girls take it?"

"Not well," he replied. "And you were right, I lack tact."

She sighed, "Oh no, Michael......."

"They were sad, of course. Ara cried her poor self to sleep. Mira......well Mira yelled, then Mira cried and then Miller handled her. She handled them both actually."

Delphina nodded and looked outside the window. "Alexis has always been good with the children, specially Mirabelle," she admitted, reluctantly.

"She'd have been a good mother," Mike said, sadly.

Delphina nodded again and silence overcame them once more.