Second Wife

Chapter 5 : Jennifer

It's time for breakfast. But I don't have any appetite. Last night's events are running through my mind.

Last evening was so good. I got to spend some time with Ben late night. Though it was nothing like before, but I've come to accept that I have to share him with Laura.

Or I thought I did accept. Because every minute spent apart is a punishment. Everytime I see him with her is cold splash of reality. Everytime she pulled him away from me, the ache in my heart deepened.

I was happy last night. Elated even. But my mood dampened when we retired to our differents room. Another cold dose of reality. But then I heard their arguing. I felt panic inside me. Then it turned into anger. What right does Laura have to stop us from meeting?!

As they came in my vision. I saw them wearinging saur faces, their shoulders tensed. I sat at my usual seat across Ben. Ben looked up at me, I saw restrain in his eyes. He stole a glance at Laura, his eyes pleading.

I just want to sweep you off your feet and kiss you senseless. The look in his eyes said. I know he's holding back because of her.

I sighed. Ben closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The tension in the room is palpable. All our food remained untouched. I look at Laura. She is deep in thought, staring at her plate that is untouched as well. I bet she could fathom the tension as well.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She gritted her teeth and looked at both of us. Her face is grim. Her lips set in a straight line, eyes hard.

"I-I'm sorry" She sounded anything but sorry. Ben raised an eyebrow, stealing a glance at me.

"I know I've been a little difficult for both of you. Asking to stay away and complaining. But in my defence I only got married." She took another breath. Then her attention focused solely on me.

"I know you must be angry and blaming me for all this. But you had a years and a half with him. Please let me have him for a little." She turned towards Ben.

"Ben it's just that being in only little time in marraige with you, being inexperienced, knowing so little about you makes me feel incompetent...I mean less important in comparrision with her. I don't have any ill-motive towards you both neither I'm trying to break your marraige. I'm just a bit insecure, you know." His eyes softened on hearing this. His eyes flashed with realisation, understanding and sympathy. And I know it doesn't mean well for me.

"Jennifer, All I'm asking you is some time. Let me know him more. It's not easy for me to see you both together, but with time, I'll learn to accept it." I wanted to tell her that it's as difficult to see her with him for me.

"Of course babe. We understand it's difficult for you. We'll help you however we can, won't we Jenny?" Before I can reply anything, Ben interceded. He doesn't even look at me. His eyes are full of compassion for her. And something else. Love? Lust?

She squealed and jummped up from her seat. She hugged him tight. I felt a pinch in my heart. Well, that's an understatement. I felt as if a knife was taken to my heart. Her exibition of affection being the reason or Ben's instantly accepting her request that forbade us to meet, I don't know.

I got up. I need to run back to the confines of my room before I burst into tears.

"Jenny wait." Ben called as I turned. Not now! I took a deep breath and looked over at him.

"Laura, I know I said that we will respect your request. But before that I'd like to have a word with Jenny." Ben demanded.

Laura's face hardened again. It seems like she is about to protest. But no words come out of it. She murrmered a faint ok and turned on her heels to retreat to her room.