Chapter 7

"No fucking way. You've gotta be joking!" Tiffany yelled and I sighed.

"Tell us this is a prank. Please tell me it's a prank." Paige pleaded and I shook my head.

"It's the truth. He's cheating on me and the bitch literally met me." I frowned.

"That's insane. I'm going to beat his fucking ass so badly." Tiffany yelled in frustration.

"Is that why you dyed your hair blonde? To try and keep him?" Paige asked.

"Maybe, I felt like switching it up a bit. He was so happy that I dyed my hair blonde. Let's be honest though, you can't keep a man that doesn't want to be kept and no amount of hair dye can fix that."

"That's facts girl. I just can't believe the fucker did that to you." Tiffany sighed.

"Are you going to confront him?" She asked.

"Not yet."

"Girl you have to." Paige added and I nodded.

"I know and I will. Just not yet, I'm not quite ready for that."

"Take your time but don't let him use you. You deserve better." Paige placed her hand on my shoulder.

"I know. We've been together for so long. It's all so new to me seeing Nathan like this." I sighed.

"I know, it's going to be tough but it's going to be okay. We're here for you and always will be." Paige hugged me.

"I still think we're too calm about this. Let's beat his fucking ass." Tiffany said and we laughed.

"Girl you have no idea."

~

After talking to my friends I packed my suitcase and left it under the bed in the guest room.

I stared at myself in the mirror. I was changing. I couldn't believe that I was actually going through with this.

I wanted Nathan to pay big time for what he did to me. I wanted him to feel hurt. I wanted him to suffer.

After so many years of marriage, he's blatantly cheating on me. This is the lowest of lows.

My phone rang and I saw it was Nathan's mom.

"Hey Candace."

"Hi sweetheart, how are you?"

"I'm good, what about you?"

"I'm alright dear. I need your help. We want to colour scheme a room for our niece. Can you pop over and help?"

"I'm still taking classes. I'm probably not that good." I laughed.

"Well think if this as your first practical experience dear. Besides, Leylah loves you, she wouldn't want anyone else to colour scheme and design her room."

"Alright, I'll do it. Do you want me to come over now?"

"Sure dear! See you in a bit."

I arrived at the house and was greeted by Candace.

"Hi darling, so great to see you. Your hair looks amazing. Wow, that color suits you so well!" She smiled.

"It's always a pleasure and thank you!"  I hugged her.

"Annie!" Leylah yelled and jumped into my arms.

"Leylah!" I giggled and spun her around.

"I'm so happy you came." She laughed.

Candace led us to the room upstairs and opened the door.

"Here it is." She said.

I opened my folder and began surveying the room. I could definitely work with this.

I remember coming over at this house on evenings to visit Nathan when I came from school.

We would have so much fun together and now those memories made me sad. It's not the same as it was and that's the part that hurts the most.

It was borderline painful.

"Why don't you go downstairs and ask uncle to give you the fruits to bring for Annie?" Candace asked Leylah and she nodded. She ran out of the room yelling her uncle's name.

A chuckle slipped past my lips as I watched her leave.

"Annie, there is something bothering you, correct?"

She asked and I hesitated before I spoke.

"Yes there is."

"Oh darling, what's wrong?"

I didn't want to tell her Nathan was cheating just yet.

"You know we've been trying for a child. It's just been hard."

"I'm so sorry you're going through this. I know it's difficult but Nathan will be there for you and you both will get through this. It's gonna be okay." She said as she hugged me tightly.

"Thank you."I whispered. Honestly, I wish I could believe those words but it's not true even in my wildest dreams.

Candace prepared some food for us and we laughed about some memories of Nathan and I when we were younger.

Surprisingly, I didn't feel horrible about remembering those things. It was nostalgic, almost satisfying. Those memories will always be cradled in my heart and nothing could change that.

When I was done helping Candace, I went back home and to my surprise Nathan was there.

"Hey baby, where have you been?"

"I visited your mom today. She wanted some help with interior designing. You're home early." I stated.

"Yeah, I wanted to spend some quality time with my wife."He kissed my lips.

"That's sweet." I smiled.

"Nathan, can you hug me?" As crazy as it sounds, I knew this is going to be the last time. Our last time.

"Ofcourse." He hugged him tightly.

"And can you give me a kiss?"

Nathan held my face and kissed me deeply, not once letting go as he snaked his hands around my waist.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"It's nothing. I just love you that's all."

"I love you too Annette."

He scooped me into his arms and carried me upstairs. He placed me on the bed and kissed my forehead, then my cheeks, then lips.

"Annette, I love you."

"I love you too Nathan." And yes I did love him. Infact I still do. I love him so much. Yes he cheated on me but I still love him. I think I always will. And no that's not dumb or stupid. When you built something with someone for so long it's hard to just lose all your feelings for them. I really do love Nathan. But that doesn't mean I'm going to let him keep cheating on me. I deserve better than that.

Nathan removed my clothing slowly and kissed every inch of my body. He was gentle and delicate, just like it was our first time.

I let my mind wander free for this moment. I allowed myself to give in to him.

And I could safely say, this was the best I've ever had. It was great.

When we were done Nathan laid next to me and we cuddled. Tears dropped from my eyes as I was wrapped in his arms.

"Nathan?" I called and he hummed in response.

"I'll never stop loving you okay?"

"I know baby. And I love you too. I'll never ever stop."

"That's great." I smiled as more tears fell.

"Baby, are you crying? What's wrong?" He asked as he pulled me closer to him.

"I'll just miss you that's all."

"Aw baby, I'm not going away forever. I'll be gone for a short while. I'll miss you too." He kissed my forehead. 

Don't you know we're never going to see each other again.

"I promise I'll call everyday."He said and I nodded.

I'm going to cut all contact with you.

"You're so cute Annie. I didn't think you'd miss me that much." He chuckled.

Oh but I will miss you to the point it hurts.

"I'll feel so lonely when you're gone." I frowned and so did he.

I'll miss your presence and I'd cry at the thought of you.

"It's just one week baby. I wish I didn't have to go. Maybe I should cancel." He said and my eyes widened.

It's not one week. It's more than that.

"No but that's too short notice to cancel." He added and I sighed.

"Go, enjoy your trip. Don't worry about me." I smiled.

You won't

have to worry about me anymore. This is the last

time.