Second Wife

Chapter 1 : Jennifer

I woke up with a start as I realised in my sleepy daze that I slept in. I sat upright and looked a the clock on the wall.

10:18 am.

I usually wake up at seven. But the rough, agitated and sleepless night I had I'm not really surprised. But the good thing is that I'm alone in the house so I do not have much to worry.

It's almost two weeks since their marraige. They are away for their honeymoon. Their flight is scheduled for today late afternoon for their arrival home. While they were away, they had the master bedroom remodeled. I've moved out of it two days prior their marriage. So I've been attending the workers, supervising them and catering to them. Something about to make memories of them as a couple in new bedroom. Whatever that means!

I got up and drew back the blinds, letting sun rays in. The light flooded the room. I looked out at high buildings in front and busy street down. I freshened up and took my sweet time showering. It's not like anyone is waiting for me. I chose a pair of skinny jeans and a plain black shirt. Monotonous, I know, but it resembled my mood.

I made the way to our - their bedroom. I opened the door and stepped inside to saw the walls in wooden panels. The closet, tables, frames, bed and nightstand. Everything in wooden texture is in it's place. I wouldn't had recognised the room if it was not for the windows and doors at same place.

Our room used to be white with bamboo wall print on a side wall. It used too be so warm. Now I felt suffocated standing in here. I don't know if it's the wodden pattern, the smell of spirit in the room or just the realization that it no longer belonged to me.

I looked around, so many memories in there. My eyes settled on a table under the the television set. A similar table used to be erected right against the adjacent wall. Like a film reel, recollections passed through my mind. So many times we had christen that table.

But now as I looked around, I can't imagine myself here in Ben's arms. The bed on which we had spent countless of nights, is now wooden polished. I rolled my eyes. What is with Laura and wood!

I tried to picture me and Ben there. But nothing, no image forming in front of me. I guess all these drastic changes in the room is responsible for it. All the momories are now only in my mind. I can no longer visualize my self here, let alone re-enact those memories. This room is no longer my sanctuary. I don't even belong here anymore. I felt a lump in my throat and my my eyes welled up. I turned around and left the room. I can't stand to be in there anymore.

I made my way to the kitchen and saw a covered dish sat on the kitchen island left by Martha - our personal cook. I heated it up and perched myself on a bar stool and dig in. When I'm done, I washed the dishes. I've given Julie and Jamie - our help a holiday. There is not much needed to do as it's only me for the time being.

I lounged around till 1 in afternoon, then made by way to second floor with a medicine box in my hand. The Carters are so close-knitted that Lila, who I now call mom, didn't want her sons to be far away. Rather they lived in the same building.

The first floor is the parking and reception area. Mom and dad occupied the second and third floor. Next floor is vacant. They called it hall as it is quite spaces with only a few walls. They said it could be used for having a gathering. But I don't think it's ever used.

Jonathan Carter or James - Ben's younger brother took fifth and sixth floor. He's my buddy. Ever since I married Ben and he treated me with respect as his sister-in-law should recieve. Though he have quite an extravagant lifestyle and a flock of girls always around, I still adore him. Next floor is used by both Ben and James for their office work, conferences and record room whenever they worked from home.