Second Wife

Chapter 2 : Jennifer

I'm still laying on my bed. I don't know how much time have passed. Maybe a couple of hours. I've heard Martha working in the kitchen. So it's must be close to dinner time.

I'm numb. It's quite around. In my room, theirs even, the whole apartment. I can't even hear the sound of my breathing. All I heard is the irritating tick tock of the clock. It's quite until I heard the door of the room besides me open and close. They went straight pass the hall.

After a few more minutes, I got up and went to the dining table. I saw them already seated. Laura enjoying her food besides Ben who is just pushing his food around the plate. They looked up at me as I approached and sat in front of Ben. He just stared at me. A look on his face, I can't depicture. Laura smiled at me though her eyes showed mischief.

I stared at my food. Not really in a mood to eat. Not after what happened this evening. I took small bites and played with my meal just as Ben.

Why did I came here again?

We were silent until Laura decided to ate my ears off, reminiscing the wonderful time she had honeymooning. I sighed. For God's sake, why would I want to know at were you up to with my beloved husband.

I looked up at Ben who is staring at me, eyes troubled. There's another look in them. Repentance? Longing?

"You didn't listen to anything I said, did you?" Laura's accusatory voice made me look at her. She's glaring at me, eyes hard.

"I don't feel well Laura, can we do this another time? I should call it an early night. Please excuse me." I got up. I cast one last glance at Ben and turned on my heels.

Once in my room, I started my nighttime ritual. After brushing my teeth and I applied an hydrating lotion onto my skin. I took a book from my nightstand and settled in my bed.

I read a couple of chapter but soon gave up. I couldn't focus my mind to it. It has been a long day, I guess I should sleep. I turned the light off and closed my eyes. But my mind won't calm down. There are hundreds of what ifs going through it. Playing a thousand scenarios. Replaying their wedding, the moment when Ben told me about her and today's episode.

I groaned. It's quite in my room for a while. Then I heard it. Commotion, groans and moans. My eyes widen, my heart trumping againt my ribcage.

I knew it would happen. I knew I had to bear with it. I've been preparing myself for it. But nothing could have prepared me for this. It felt as if my heart bursted open. I closed my eyes, a tear escaped out. Of course, it their first night in this house.

I thought back to my first night in here, my wedding night. It's still as clear as a day in my mind.

The marriage was perfect. I'm both sad and happy. Sad to leave my dad's home but happy to be married to Benjamin. To start a new life, among new people.

We stepped out on eighth floor in this building. It's my new home. A home with him!

Benjamin and I hade been meeting, talking endlessly on phone. We get along so well. I'm quite comfortable with him. But we had maintained a decent relationship, as per my wishes and comfort. He has been a complete gentleman wih me. But the prospect of being alone with him makes me scared.

I'm not quite ready to go there as wedded couple. Will he be mad? Will he understand that I need some time? Albeit I trust him.

He opend the door and turned to me. Huge smile splited his face. He bend a little towards me, passed an arm across the back of my knees, his other arm supporting my back. I'm suddenly in air, a squeal left my mouth. He chuckled. Eyes full of mirth and mischief. Oh God.