Chapter Three: Lisa's House And Bella's Burden.

Lisa lay curled up on the bed,her face buried in the Same pillow she has soaked all night with her tears.Her eyes were red and puffy, her lips cracked and dry.She hadn't eaten since yesterday,and honestly,she didn't care.The world didn't make sense to her anymore.How could he …how could John get married to another woman other than me.

Her heart felt like broken glasses lodged in her chest.

She sniffed again,a fresh wave of tears threatening to pour .

“l don't understand,Bella” She whispered, barely audible.”I'm beautiful…I'm successful…I'm a successful interior decorator…why doesn't any man want me?”

Bella sat on the edge of the bed beside her, gently rubbing Lisa's back. Her heart ached for her friend.Lisa had always been the strong one..the one who had it all together.Seeing her like this was painful .

“Lisa,Bella said calmly”,maybe the problem isn't you.Maybe it's the men who keep mistaking your worth.You are not meant to be begging for love.You deserve to be loved freely, deeply.. completely.

Lisa wiped her face with the back of her hand and looked up at the ceiling.” l gave him everything,Bella . Everything.And he just …walked away”

Bella held her hand softly."It's his loss,not yours”.

Lisa shook her head.”But why does it still feel like it's a movie?.Like l lost?

Bella had no answers..she hugged her calmly, offering quiet comfort, because some pain didn't need words…just presence .

Minutes passed.The room was filled with silence except for the occasional sniffle from Lisa.Her phone sat untouched on the nightstand.The red wine she had bought for her special day was still untouched,the scented candles were long burnt out.Even the beautiful cake, once bright with promise,now looked like a reminder of disappointment.

Lisa turned to Bella.”Maybe I'm not meant to be loved.Maybe I'm too much or too little.Maybe I'm the problem”.

Bella gently held her..”You're not the problem.You’ve just been loving the wrong people”.

Lisa gave a faint nod,but her heart wasn't convinced.

After a while,Bella stood.”Let me check something.l’ll will be back soon,okay?.Try to get some rest.I promise, this pain wont last forever”.

The sun had softened a bit by the time Bella made her way to her mother's house.She had packed a few things..some beverages,fruits,even a small food flask.She hadn't seen her mom for a while and wanted to check up on her.Maybe cheer her up.

She unlocked the gate and let herself in.The living room was quiet, only the soft hum of a ceiling fan spinning lazily overhead.She could hear movement from the bedroom.

“Mom”? She called as she walked in.

Her mother was standing by the bed, adjusting the bedsheet and singing quietly.For a small smile lit up her face.But the second she turned and saw Bella holding the bag,her mood shifted.

Bella stepped closer.”I got you somethings.Just small groceries l thought you'd like them”.

“Bella”,her mother cut in sharply,ls that all you know how to do.Bring biscuits and drinks?.Is that what l sent you to do with your life?

Bella's smile faded, her heart faltering.”Mom, l just came to see you.It’s not about what l brought “.

Her mother sneered.”You should be ashamed of yourself.You’re 30,Bella.Thirty!. And still single.What exactly are you waiting for? or are you trying to embarrass me in front of my husband's people?”.

Bella took a deep breath.She had heard this speech too many times.”Mom, l I'll get married at the right time.l haven't seen the right person yet”.

“The right time?”.Her mom turned fully toward her arms akimbo.”When will it be the right time?. When you're too old to carry your children?When your womb is too old to retain children?. You are wasting your life doing things that don't matter .

“Mom”....

Her mother didn't let her speak.

Your younger brother is married with children.And you?. You can't even bring me ordinary respect.His wife bought me lace and gold earrings last week.What are you bringing to me! These?.She pointed at the bag in Bella's hand like it was filth .

Bella's heart cracked a little more.” l didn't come here to compete with anyone. l just came to see you”.

“Well maybe you should start!” her mother snapped.”Because l deserve better than this nonsense.I don't need these cheap things.Go and return them.Your brother's wife gets me what l need. She knows how to take care of a mother because she is one.You are just moving around acting busy with nothing to show “.

Bella stood still,her legs trembling. She looked down at the bag she had brought with love,now treated like trash.

She gently placed it on the bed. I'll be going now, she said, voice flat but respectful.

“Take it with you”! her mother barked. l didn't ask you to bring anything.l don't need it.My daughter in-law is taking care of me.l know who cares.

Bella blinked fast, refusing to let a tear drop.”Okay, mom”.

She turned and walked out of the room without saying another word

Outside, she sat in her car,hands resting on the steering wheel. Her fingers were cold.Her face was hot. Her heart felt heavy, like bricks pressing into her chest.Her eyes brimmed with unshed tears,but she didn't cry.

She stared ahead,eyes fixed but uninterested.

How could something as natural and personal as waiting for the right man make her look like a disappointment in her own mother's eyes?

How did love…. something meant to be beautiful…feels like a war.

She sighed deeply 

“I'm not a failure”, she whispered,as if to remind herself.

But deep down..it still hurt.