Too Early For Regrets

Brandon knew something was wrong the moment he walked into the house.

The lights were on, but the place felt different. He almost always wasn't looking forward to coming back home and facing Claudia. It was early for regrets. He dropped his work bag by the door and loosened his tie, his shoulders aching from another long day. Snow Brook Valley was calm at night, but tonight everyone was outside to light the town’s Christmas tree.

He was supposed to join them, but Claudia already said she won't be going because she wasn't feeling too well. He knew the only reason she didn't want to go was because she wasn't a fan of mingling with the locals.

The living room was a mess.

Empty ice cream bowls sat abandoned on the coffee table. Crumpled napkins littered the couch. A shopping bag lay tipped over near the door, its contents spilling out carelessly. Brandon frowned.

“Claudia?” he called.

His eyes landed on her.

She was sprawled across the couch, curled slightly on her side, fast asleep. Her hair was messy, makeup smudged, one arm hanging limply off the cushion. She looked exhausted, exhausted from doing absolutely. Like someone who hadn’t bothered to clean up after themselves.

Brandon sighed, irritation bubbling up before he could stop it.

He walked closer and gently tapped her shoulder. “Claudia.”

She stirred, blinking slowly, confusion crossing her face before recognition set in.

“Oh… you’re back,” she murmured.

“Yes,” Brandon replied tightly. “I’m back, Claudia. Yes. I’m back.”

She groaned softly and sat up halfway. “I’m so tired.”

Brandon folded his arms. “You’re tired?” He scoffed. “Sorry, Claudia what exactly did you do today?”

She squinted at him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Well,” he continued, his voice sharpening, “if I’m not mistaken, you don’t work. I pay all the bills. And you used my credit card today to purchase things worth thousands of dollars.”

Her eyes widened slightly, but she masked it quickly.

“Do you care to explain what you bought?” Brandon pressed. “Because I’m about to lose my cool.”

That did it.

Claudia stood up abruptly, her posture stiffening. “Excuse me?” she snapped. “I think you need to watch your tone, whenever you're talking to me.”

Brandon raised his eyebrows.

“Maybe you don’t remember who you’re talking to,” she continued. “And for your fucking information, your card is my card. It’s our credit card. Or did you suddenly forget that?”

Brandon ran a hand through his hair. “Claudia, I know I told you to use the card. I did. But this…this is getting out of hand.”

She crossed her arms. “Oh, really?”

“Yes, really. What did you get now?” he asked. “Last week, you shopped for baby things. Then there were hospital payments. Drugs for the baby, new clothes. So what exactly did you buy today that cost that much?”

She stared at him for a second, then shrugged. “I got a new bag,” she said casually. “And some shoes.”

Brandon let out a sharp breath.

“And,” she added, “I paid part of the wedding cake deposit. There’s also a payment for the flowers.” She tilted her head. “Come on, Brandon. Our wedding is in less than a week. I want everything to be perfect.”

He looked like he was holding himself back from screaming.

“Claudia,” he said slowly, “we’re trying to start a family. We’re expecting a baby. That means we need to cut down on expenses.”

She rolled her eyes.

“Yes, our wedding should be memorable,” he continued, “but that doesn’t mean we waste money on irrelevant things.”

“Whatever,” she snapped. “Fine. I’ve heard you.”

He exhaled. “Thank you.”

“Whatever,” she repeated, already turning away.

Brandon shook his head. “I’m going upstairs to freshen up. What’s for dinner?”

She laughed like she couldn't believe he asked her that. “What’s for dinner?” she echoed. “What do you mean, what’s for dinner?”

“You were home all day,” he replied. “I worked. I made the money you used today. I just assumed I’d come home to dinner.”

Her laughter stopped instantly.

“Brandon,” she said coldly, “I am not Melody.”

He frowned.

“I am not your slave,” she continued. “You’re not marrying me so I can clean your house, do your laundry, wash dishes, and cook dinner, are you?”

“I didn’t say….”

“I am your wife,” she cut in. “Not your maid. Not your cook.”

“For the sake of my sanity,” Brandon said, his tone tightening, “this is something you’re supposed to do as a woman.”

She cut him off immediately.

“Do not ever tell me what I’m supposed to do as a woman.”

The room went silent.

“Maybe you’ve forgotten,” she went on, her voice trembling with anger, “that I’m carrying your child. I’m stressed. I’m exhausted. I feel sick most of the time.”

She gestured toward herself. “And I still manage to smile for you.”

She stepped closer. “If you’re hungry, pick up your phone and order takeout. Get something for two. I’m hungry too.”

Brandon had nothing to say. He turned and walked upstairs.

The moment he disappeared, Claudia’s knees weakened. She sank back onto the couch, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Her heart pounded.

Then her phone rang. He was calling. Her stomach dropped.

She answered it quickly. “Hello?”

“Claudia,” a voice said calmly. “What’s going on?”

Her throat tightened.

“You haven’t sent my monthly payment,” the voice continued. “You’re late.”

“I know,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry. I’m doing everything I can.”

“This isn’t about apologies,” the voice said. “It’s about money.”

“I promise I’ll pay,” she said urgently. “I’ll get it.”

“My patience is very thin,” the voice warned. “I don’t have time to go back and forth.”

Her hands trembled.

“Make sure my money is ready before the end of the week,” the voice said. “Is that clear?”

“Yes,” she breathed. “I’ve heard you.”

“Good.”

The call ended.

Claudia stared at the phone, fear creeping into her chest. Her plans, everything she’d worked for could unravel if she didn’t find the money.

Brandon was already complaining about her spending. She needed to find a way to come up with this morning.