CH 12

Hannah

“I-I’m fine.” I tried to stand up with all my strength.

“Are you crying? Are you hurt?” Mike asked. I forgot I had been crying hard and now Mike saw everything.

“It’s just a minor sprain. But I’m fine. Can you help me stand up?” Mike took my hand and helped me stand up.

Damn! I wanted to spy on them, but nothing went according to plan. But maybe Mike’s sudden arrival caught Jason and Bella in the act of oral sex.

After I was strong enough to stand, I said goodbye to Mike and thanked him. But when I pressed the elevator button, Mike, who was curious, asked again. “Why were you on the fifth floor?”

“Oh, I was at Jennifer’s apartment on the fourth floor. I originally intended to burn some calories by using the emergency stairs to go down to the fourth floor. But I slipped and fell here. I know this is embarrassing,” I replied.

“I thought you were visiting Bella. Sorry for asking so many questions. Get well soon and good night,” he replied while picking up two large packages that were lying on the floor.

As he was about to leave, I deliberately stopped him. “Mr. Turner, are you taking Emma to school tomorrow? If so, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”

He turned around and looked like he was thinking for a moment. “Bella is supposed to take Emma, but I’ll take her tomorrow so we can talk.”

“Thank you. Good night.”

After returning home, I waited for Jason in my room. I put the dinner I had cooked earlier in the refrigerator.

A few moments later, I heard the front door open and lock. Feeling sick, disgusted, and angry, I didn’t want to see Jason’s face. So, I lay down and close my eyes, hoping to fall asleep soon.

I heard the bedroom door open. Jason put his bag on the sofa and then turned on the bathroom light. Just before taking a shower, he climbed onto the bed and kissed me on the cheek. Jason always kissed me when I was asleep.

Half an hour later, he was lying next to me, and soon after, I heard him snoring. We were like two strangers living and sleeping together while keeping our secrets. I was tired of living like this. I didn’t know who to blame.

The next morning, Jason talked a lot while eating breakfast. He told me about Kimmy and some of his other coworkers who had been caught sleeping on the job. He looked thrilled, and his face was glowing. Meanwhile, I was drowning in a sea of bottomless sadness. My heart was tired of holding on to so many painful facts about him.

After breakfast, Jason and Jensen got ready to leave, but I stopped them. “Why? I usually take him to school,” Jason asked with a confused look on his face.

“Just today, I’ll take him to school because I want to go shopping at the supermarket.” Jason’s face immediately lit up with happiness.

“Okay. See you later tonight. Bye.” After kissing me and Jensen, he hurried away.

When I arrived at school, I saw Mike waving at Emma. After Jensen entered the school, I approached Mike.

“Morning, Mr. Turner,” I greeted him. He turned and smiled. “Morning, Mrs. Howard.”

“Just call me Hannah. We’ve known each other for two years.”

“Oh, okay.” Then, I invited him to sit on a park bench.

“What did you want to talk to me about?” he asked curiously.

When we were close enough, I saw Mike looked older than his age. He had many gray hairs on his head.

“I am going to call you Mike. Is that okay?” He nodded.

“Thank you. So, what I wanted to ask is, is it true that Emma has had a heart condition since birth?” Mike nodded again.

“Then, how do you pay for the heart transplant while supporting a family with a wife who doesn’t work and you’re renting an apartment with a high rent? I’m sorry. I don’t mean to belittle you or your profession. Hope you understand.”

“I understand, and I know all the apartment residents must be talking about my family. Bella said an old friend helped with Emma’s surgery while her parents pay the apartment rent. I feel useless because I have no skills.” His expression turned sad.

“You have abilities, and I’m sure you’re a good father and husband.” I gently patted his shoulder. Suddenly, he wiped his eyes. It seemed like my words moved him.

“Thank you.”

“Do you know her friend’s name? If I may ask.”

“I didn’t ask her friend’s name because I was so happy at that moment when Emma finally recovered. Do you want me to ask her?”

I shook my head and waved my hand a few times. He smiled. “I trust Bella. So, I’ll leave everything for her. Do you have questions? Because I have to go to work.”

“One more question. Do you think it’s important for a husband to give his wife a diamond ring or bracelet as a birthday gift or something like that? I want to know your opinion.” I tried to dig deeper into his life with Bella.

He seemed to think for a moment. “It’s important to give gifts occasionally as a sign of appreciation if you can afford it. But if you can’t, I think a hug or a thank you would suffice, right?”

Dang! Doesn’t he know about the diamond Bella is wearing?

“But, it seems like you’re pretty romantic for buying Bella diamonds. I’m jealous of her because the diamond bracelet she wears is so beautiful. My husband rarely gives me diamond gifts,” I said, pretending not to know anything.

Mike’s expression turned confused. His forehead wrinkled and his eyes stared at me. “Are you sure it’s a diamond? Because I’ve never bought her a diamond bracelet or anything. I’m just a construction worker; how could I afford to buy her a diamond bracelet or ring?”

The facts Mike just mentioned reinforced other facts.

“I am sure it’s a diamond. You can check it later.”

“I don’t know if Bella has a diamond bracelet or ring.” Mike looked even more confused.

“Maybe it’s a gift from her parents?” Mike shook his head.

“That’s impossible. Even if they only rely on their bakery business. They couldn’t afford to buy a diamond. I think you must have seen it wrong. I have to go now. Talk to you later. Bye.” Then Mike hurriedly left the place.