All Chapters of What’s Left of Us: Chapter 1 - Chapter 9

“Ugh” I groan looking at myself in the full-length mirror. I close my eyes and lean my head back, feeling defeated. I give myself a few minutes then look again. I see my blue eyes on a rounder face, with my thick dark hair. My hair rarely cooperates, and my cheeks always seem too pink. My face is okay, it’s my body I feel the most uncomfortable in these days. I eye down my body wearily. This outfit does not look good on me. It fits, but it’s not flattering whatsoever. The top just emphasizes my waist and my arms look huge. I cannot wear this. I’ll have to return it and find something else. I shake my head at myself, disappointment setting in; disappointment of the possibility that I won’t be able to reconnect with my husband.I had hoped to look nice for my husband today when he arrived home from work. Things have been strained between us lately. I’ve tried to ask him about it, but he insists everything is fine. Nothing has changed with our everyday routines. He comes home for dinner

At the end of my shift, I check my phone. I quickly notice I have no messages from Michael. I can’t say I am surprised, but it still hurts to feel so disconnected and unsure of our relationship right now. B, however, had messaged me back. B: Girl, don’t worry about him tonight. Instead of staying home alone. I have an idea… B: Let’s go to the kick boxing class together! I know working out isn’t really your thing, but you’ve had a lot happen in the couple days. I think punching some shit would help! 🥊 I contemplate that. I really, truly, am not one for physical activities. It’s just never been my thing. However, I’ve never tried kickboxing. Bianca always talks about how much she loves it and how much it helps with relieving stress. Ugh, fuck it. I’ll try it.Michael says he’s working. So why can’t I go do something? I always stay home waiting on him like the dutiful wife. Well, maybe I need to get out and do more for myself. That sounds like a solid plan. Right? I message B back le

Michael stands when he sees me, he looks a little stricken.His eyes are wide and his mouth is gaping open.Then he glances to his colleague, is that what I call her?She stands abruptly, pulls her skirt down and adjusts her blouse. I see now that she has brown eyes and thick eyelashes. Like at the café, her blonde hair is in waves, falling down her back. She’s wearing black strappy stilettos. They look very uncomfortable.Glancing around the office, I see a blazer off to the side. Like she threw it off. It doesn’t feel hot in here so I wonder why she took it off. At this thought I let out a huff, wondering why I’m thinking about the temperature of the room. I pull myself out of my thoughts and focus back on Michael.Michael seems to gather himself as he walks to me and says, “I thought we were meeting in the lobby”. I look at him, taking in his features. There’s a deep furrow in his brow, and a frown on his lips.I glance back to her. He sees the movement. “Let me introduce you to

I come back to consciousness feeling like an hammer is hitting my head.As I try to open my open my eyes, the sun us peering in through the blinds in B’s guest room.Last night comes back to me and the terrible headache makes sense. I drank a little too much, but I had such a good night. We talked and danced, and I didn’t worry about what was going on in my marriage the whole night.Briefly, the handsome bartender flashes in my mind, his piercing eyes and how they followed me back to my seat. He wasn’t wrong; he makes a great Lemon Drop. I smile a little to myself.I pull the cover over my head, blocking the sun from my eyes. I continue to lay in bed thinking through what I have to do today. I do, in fact, have to get up and adult today. I have work later. I’m so glad it’s only a short shift at the care home. Slowly and after a pep talk to myself, I’m up and in the shower. Afterwards, I grab my overnight bag to get dressed for work.It’s then that I realize I haven’t seen my phone

“Hh… Holly,” he seems exasperated as he says my name. I wait for him to go on, but he doesn’t right away he just continues to stare at me with his mouth gaping. He’s acting like he’s shocked by my response.As I take him in, I can’t help but feel anger rising in me.He wanted to talk, and now he won’t say anything and looks shocked that I’m hurt. Seriously?“I thought you wanted to talk,” I sneer at Michael. This seems to snap him out of his trance. I never get snappy with him; he looks a little surprised. He raises his eyebrows at me still watching me intently.“I’m just shocked at what you said. I had not considered it from that point of view,” he says in a low voice. “I love you, you are my wife, but hearing how that made you feel I realize that I wasn’t thinking. I’m so sorry I’ve made you feel this way. Amelia is just a friend. I will admit that we have gotten close as friends, but I have not engaged in any flirty behavior with her. We work closely together and sometimes that mea