EPISODE 3
1164 Words
ALESSANDRA
I comb my daughter’s hair. She is so beautiful. I smiled as I gently caressed her face.
“You are so beautiful, Mommy.” My daughter said.
“You’re kidding me. What do you want to eat, Samantha?”
She tilted her head, her forehead creasing. “I am not joking with you, Mommy. You’re truly beautiful inside and out. If Daddy doesn’t love you, I do. If Dad doesn’t care about you, I will take care of you, Mommy.” My daughter’s words stunned me. Is she aware that Philippe is ignoring me?
My daughter hugged me, and I bit my bottom lip to prevent myself from crying. I don't want my children to witness my struggles. I want everyone to believe that I am fine and have no problems, even though I am on the verge of giving up on Philippe.
I questioned what I lacked. I devoted all my time to him and our children, yet it still felt insufficient. Wasn’t this enough? Or was it because he perceived me as unattractive? That seemed like a foolish reason.
*****
I prepared lunch and brought it to Philippe's office. When I entered the building, the employees greeted me warmly. I miss working here. I remember my time as Philippe’s secretary, and I fondly recall those days.
“Hello, Ma’am Alessandra,” Philippe’s secretary greeted her.
“Hello, Joebelle. Is your boss available?” I inquired.
“Sir Philippe isn’t here; he has gone out for a meeting,” she said.
“Perhaps I’ll wait for him inside his office. I brought him lunch,” I replied with a smile.
“This one is for you.” I placed the paper bag on the table.
“Isn’t this awkward, ma’am? Thank you,” she said. I remember how I used to save money on food, and I smiled at the thought of it.
“I am going in,” I said, seeking permission.
“Alright, ma’am.”
I opened the door and stepped inside. Philippe’s workplace had been transformed; it now had a modern aesthetic. He had also changed the previous gray tint of the walls to a more vibrant cream color. I placed the paper bag on the center table and took out the Tupperware.
I turned around when I heard the door open and saw Philippe enter. I smiled, but my expression faded as I noticed the woman behind him. She looked familiar; she was the same woman I had seen talking to Philippe earlier.
“Hon,” I called to him. He stared at me, his brow furrowing as he approached.
“What are you doing here?” he whispered to me, a hint of anger in his voice. Why doesn’t he want me here? I used to come here. Philippe turned to face the woman sitting in the swivel chair, her attention focused on her cell phone.
I felt an urge to pull a woman’s hair, but I chose not to answer his question.
“Who is the woman?” I asked him, my voice calm yet emphasizing each word.
“I’d like you to answer my question. Please do not answer to a question,” I said in a weak voice.
“I brought your lunch. That’s why I’m here. I used to do this, remember?” I was in awe as he grabbed my arm and held me tightly.
“I never told you to come here and bring me food. Put that in your narrow head! Go home and take that food with you,” he muttered with disdain as he released my arm. I touched the spot where he had grasped me and noticed a handprint on my skin. He returned the Tupperware to me, placing it in a paper bag.
“Answer my question,” I said boldly. I noticed his jaw clench as he turned to me with a frown. He pulled me out of his office, while Philippe’s secretary glanced at us but remained silent.
“Go home, and regarding your question, it’s none of your business whom I am with,” he said, shutting the door.
My fist was clenched into a ball, trembling with anger. I felt a deep rage in my heart—rage at what he had done to me, rage over the neglect I had endured. Tears streamed down my cheeks, and I couldn’t stop them from flowing.
“Ma’am, are you okay?” When Joebelle spoke, I immediately wiped away my tears. As I looked at her, I smiled.
“I—I am okay; my apologies. I have to go. Please take care of your boss.” I gave her an order. She seemed to want to ask me something, as indicated by her expression, but her lips remained sealed. She simply nodded.
I turned back and hurried away. Once I entered the elevator, I allowed my tears to flow. Fortunately, I was alone in the elevator. When I stepped outside the building, I grasped the wall for support, as my knees felt weak.
“Miss, are you okay?” the woman asked. My eyes were still hazy from crying as I tried to look at her. She helped me to my feet and guided me to sit on the steps.
I couldn’t stop crying. I felt oppressed. It’s painful to be neglected by a man I loved for fourteen years. I felt horrible for thinking I was a worthless woman. This was the only time he had acted this way during our marriage.
“Just cry, Miss. After that, you can deal with whatever you’re going through.” I looked up and stared at her. She looked like an angel—beautiful and youthful. Even with tears in my eyes, I smiled at her words. She was right.
I nodded. “Thank you for your kind words,” she said, as she helped me to get up.
“What’s your name?” I inquired.
“My name is Calixta Garcia,” she introduced herself.
“I’m Alessandra.” I prefer not to disclose my last name and have no intention of doing so. What purpose would it serve?
“Thank you for your help,” the girl said, scratching her head.
“Our ages are not very different; you’re like a big sister to me.” The woman smiled, and a dimple appeared on each cheek.
“I may appear young, but I am quite old,” I said. I felt better after speaking with Calixta. Even when faced with a challenging situation, she smiles and radiates positive energy.
“Did I bother you?” I asked, glancing at her paper bag.
“No, I’ll take it to my dad. My mom cooked lunch, and I work nearby,” she said. I was amazed; what a wonderful daughter she is.
“I am going ahead. I will fetch my kids, I said.
“Nice meeting you, Alessandra,” she said with a smile.
- Writer
