EPISODE 3
1154 Words
ALESSANDRA
I comb my daughter's hair. She's so beautiful. I smiled as I caressed her face.
“You are so beautiful, Mommy.”
“You're kidding me. What would you want to eat, Samantha? ”
She tilted her head. Her forehead creased. “ I am not joking with you, Mommy. You're indeed beautiful on the inside and out. If Daddy doesn't love you, I do. If Dad doesn’t care about you, I will look after you, Mommy. ” My daughter's remarks stunned me. Is my daughter aware that Philippe is ignoring me?
My daughter hugged me. I bit my bottom lip to stop myself from crying. I don't want my children to witness my misery. I want everyone to know I am fine and have no problems, even though I am about to give up on Philippe.
I asked myself what I did not have. I gave him and our children all my time, yet it didn't seem enough. Wasn't that enough? Or was it because he thinks I'm ugly? That was a stupid reason.
*****
I prepared a lunch and brought it to Philippe's office. When I entered the building, the employees greeted me. I miss working here. I remember when I worked as Philip's secretary. Likewise, I miss those days.
“Hello, Ma'am Alessandra,” Philippe's secretary greeted her.
“Hello, Joebelle. Is your boss there?” I asked her.
“Sir Philippe isn't here. He heads out for a meeting,” she said.
“Is this so? Maybe 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. I smiled at the thought of it.
“I am going in,” I said with permission.
“Alright, ma'am.”
I opened the door and went in. Philippe's workplace had changed. It is now modern. He also altered the previous gray tint of the wall. It's more colorful because the paint is already cream-colored. I placed the paper bag on the center table and took out the Tupperware.
I turned around when I heard the door open. I saw Philippe enter. I smiled but faded as I saw the woman behind him. The woman looked familiar. She was the woman I saw talking to Philippe.
“Hon,” I call him. He stared at me. His brow furrowed when he saw me. He approached me.
“What are you doing here?” He whispered to me with 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, looking at her cell phone.
I felt like I wanted to pull a woman's hair. I didn't answer his question.
“Who is the woman? ” I asked him. There's even a calm in my voice, but with emphasis on my words.
“I'd like you to answer my question. Do not answer a question,” I said in a weak voice.
“ I brought your food for lunch. That's why I am here. I used to do this, ah? ” I was in awe when he grabbed my arm and held me tight.
“ I never told you to come here and bring me food. Put that in your narrow head! Go home and bring that food with you,” he muttered with distaste, and he let go of my arm. I touched my arm, which he grasped. I noticed a hand mark on my skin. He returned the Tupperware to me in a paper bag.
“Answer my question,” I told him boldly. I saw his jaw clench. He turned to me with a frown. He pulled me out of his office. Philippe's secretary glanced at us but didn't speak.
“Go home and, for your question, it's none of your business as to whom I am with,” he said and shut the door.
My fist was formed into a ball, and it was shaking. I felt rage in my heart—a rage at what he did to me. Rage about neglecting me. My tears streamed down my cheeks and I couldn't stop them from flowing.
“Ma'am, are you okay?” When Joebelle spoke, I instantly brushed away my tears. When I look at her, I smile.
“ I-I am okay, my apology. I have to go. Take care of your boss. ” I gave her an order. She wanted to ask me based on her face, but her mouth stayed closed. She nodded.
I turned back and hurried away. When I entered the elevator, I let go of my tears. Fortunately, there was no one else in the elevator. When I reached the outside of the building, I grasped the wall. My knees felt weak.
“Miss, are you okay?” the woman asked. Even my eyes were hazy from weeping. I attempted to gaze at the woman. She helped me get up and let me sit on the steps.
I couldn't stop crying. I feel oppressed. It's painful to be neglected by a man I loved for fourteen years. I felt horrible for myself for thinking I was a worthless woman. This was the only time he 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 looks like an angel. She was beautiful and looked young. Even with tears in my eyes, I smiled at what she said. She is right.
I nodded. “Thank you for your wonderful words to me,” she said, and then she helped me to get up.
“What's your name?” I asked.
“My name is Calixta Garcia.” She introduced herself.
“I'm Alessandra.” I don't want to mention my last name. I don't intend to bring it up. What for?
“Thank you for the help.” The girl scratched her head.
“Our ages are not far different; you're like a big sister to me.” The woman smiled. As she smiled, a dimple formed on each cheek.
“I seem to look young, but I am old,” I said. I felt better after talking with Calixta. Even if you are dealing with a difficult situation, she smiles and emanates energy.
“Did I bother you?” I responded, looking at her paper bag.
“No. I'll take it to my dad. My mom cooked lunch. I work nearby,” she said. I was amazed; what a wonderful daughter.
“ I am going ahead. I will fetch my kids,” I said.
“Nice meeting you, Alessandra,” she said with a smile.
- Writer
