Life After the Loss

2

Darlyne had already dried her tears. She should stop crying. She wanted this, didn't she? She wanted her to die. She wanted to be married to him. Now, her goals had been realized. But, both Luke and her know that their relationship is not working well. Everyday, they get into fights. They haven't even consummated their marriage. Everytime they almost do, he stops, as he says, in memory of his late wife.

''This can't always be the case.. Just endure this little pain Darlyne, this is just a challenge.'' she told herself.

But she is no fool! For three years, she always say these words, and what? Still the same.

A knock on the door disturbed her from her reverie. Her daughter came in.

''Oh baby. You're up. Come and give mommy a quick kiss'' Angelyne inched forward and gave her a peck on the cheeks. ''Wanna have some stroll in the park mom.'' ''Oh yeah? Call your Dad. It's not that late and we can still go to the park.'' the kid rushed out and called Luke.

5 PM and the three walked hand in hand. From afar, they look like a perfect family. They sat on a bench and watched the people around.

''Can I play?'' Luke shrugged and put his arm around Darlyne. The little girl ran to a group of children.

''I hope you learned the moral in the story.'' the older girl said. ''We did, Angelica, but I have a question.'' a kid said. The older girl, Angelica, sweetly smiled. ''Have you found your Prince Charming? Snow White had hers, how about you?''

Angelica was taken aback. ''Your parents might be looking for you, kids. Go home now.'' she said. The children sped off and the little Angelyne was still sitting in front of Angelica.

''You didn't answer the poor kid's question'' she remarked.

''And you are waiting for an answer, little miss?''

''Yes''

''I can't give you one, now go.''

The kid, intimidated by her voice, sped off.

....

The kid told about her encounter with a mean older lady, Angelica, to her parents.

''Angelicas are really mean, huh?'' Darlyne smirked.

''You know that's not true!'' said Luke, holding his temper.

''Oh. Yes. Yes. Angelica, the great lover, was not mean. She was evil. She took all that I should have.''

Luke was shaking with anger, ''Everything? Ha! She deserves everything she gets!''

''Oh really? So you mean, I do not deserve you? Right? Wy? Have I mistreated you? No, right? And I just love you, and I don't deserve to be hurt!''

''You know that I do not love you! But you insisted to marry me! That's what makes you not deserving!''

Slap.

''Here we go again, you're fighting!'' Angelyne ran away and locked her room.

''Does she really have to witness our fights?''

''No. And it's always you fault!'' Darlyne was teary eyed.

''My fault? Why Darlyne? You started it! And you're being judgmental! What if the older girl in the park was just hurt or something? That she can't handle her hurt that's why she chose to shove Angelyne away?''

''No! You're just being compassionate! Simply because she's named Angelica, same as your late, good-for-nothing wife!'' Darlyne started to cry. ''Was she prettier than me? No. She was a lawyer, but I'm far more clever. She was younger! And every way you look at it, I'm far better!''

''You may be better, but she was perfect for me! Hear it? Perfect for me!'' and Luke walked out. Darlyne collapsed on the near couch. How could he? She slammed all the things she saw. He said it in front of her! It was like, he never loved her before, when in fact, he did. Before that Angelica stormed out of nowhere.

Oh God, why are things.... So complicated? Couldn't he just forget Angelica and move on?