Broken Hearts

Chapter 2

The next day was the same as most. I woke to find David was not home. His side of the bed looked untouched. Opening up my phone, I found that the only notifications I had were from work. Nothing from him. Selecting his picture, the phone began to ring.

It rang a few times, before a very irritated David answered the phone.

"What?"

"I just wanted to check on you, my love. How are you doing?"

"I'm fine, what do you want, Ashlyn?"

"Just checking on my husband. Do you need me to bring anything to you?"

"No. I'm fine. I have to go, we are going to start the meeting soon."

"Okay I love you!" I tried to get out before the line went dead.

He has been acting odd for the last year. More than his normal irritated temperament. Sometimes I worried if there was someone else, but then always chocked it up to me being paranoid. It would be obvious if he was. There would be signs and I hadn't noticed any. I have too much time to sit and think, I need to get busy on this new project they have me on. I am going to be marketing for a large retail company.

Sitting at my desk, I got to work. Mrs. Myers only interrupted me when it was time to take my medicine and to eat lunch. David had several supplements I was being given to help with fertility issue and my anti-depressant. He fought with me about it when they first prescribed it to me, but when he saw it was helping with my moods, he stopped saying anything.

The first draft was complete and I needed a break. Going for a walk outside, I enjoyed as the sun's rays glistened on my skin. Warming me up and helping me to feel better about the day.

Returning to my desk, I continued my work. Mrs. Myers saw I was fixated on my project and decided to bring me dinner to my office.

"Is David home?" I asked. Barely glancing at her. Hating that I probably knew the answer.

"No ma'am."

"Can you please let me know if he arrives before you leave?"

She gave me a heartfelt smile, but I could see the worry on her face. "Yes I can. Do you need anything else before I tend to the chores?"

"No, thank you, Mrs. Myers."

She quietly exited the room. Rather than allowing myself to fall into the pit of despair, I continued with my work until the sun was long gone, and the night had set in. Rather than even trying to see what was happening with David, once I was done, I headed for bed. It was weeks like this that my heart grew heavy and my eyes wet with tears. I cried before succumbing to sleep.

The following morning, I decided I was going to go to the city and see David. If he was so busy he couldn't come home, I was going to go see him. Getting dressed, I felt my mood lighten. Having finished my project, today was my day. Mrs. Myers greeted me with a bright smile on her face when she saw I was headed out. I only dressed up with people coming to the house, I had meetings, or I headed into the city. Having seen my schedule for the day, she knew the first two reasons were out the window.

Going into the garage, I got into my car. It was a beautiful suv, green. David had gotten it for me one year for our anniversary. Speaking of our anniversary, it was coming up. I needed to start making plans. David is so busy he always forgets. I am thankful his company is successful, but I feel he needs to set up boundaries with his job to ensure he gets to spend some time with me.

Driving down the road, I hummed to myself as I made my way.

The second I hit the city limits, I saw the traffic was backed up for miles. Once again, there was an accident caused by a wreckless driver. I'm surprised they even allow vehicles here anymore. There were so many accidents, insurance was costly. Getting to the train station, I took it the rest of the way into town. In some ways it was safer to walk from the train station than to try and drive in.

They were all familiar settings to me. I have been here many times and am used to the hustle and bustle of people. Due to the crime, I never carried a purse with me. I carried a credit card, my ID, and my train pass. They were tightly tucked away in a pocket I had sewn inside my blouse. Because of the waves of fabric, they weren't detectable. Years ago, I was robbed. Luckily, the man only got away with $100 in cash. He didn't want my train pass. Just the cash. David was furious with me that I was carrying cash rather than a card I could call the bank for. After that, I started sewing pockets into my shirts that would allow me to hide them.

Moving through the crowds, I took a seat on the train bench and waited for it to depart this station. Feeling the movement of the train, it quickly accelerated, and those standing had to tightly grip the handles to keep from falling.

Several stops later, it was my turn to get off. Standing, I cautiously exited the car and headed for the stairs. They would lead up to Leriot Ave. David's office building is just a block down. Exiting the stairs, I found the usual chaos of the city. The look of digust on my face couldn't be stopped. I hated it here, but I was on a mission.

Stepping inside the lobby, I was greeted by Brianna. She has worked for my husband's company for years. I have seen her in action and she does a phenomenal job. My husband is lucky to have someone like her working for him. As always, she greeted me with kindness.

"Good Morning Mrs. Brooks. Are you here to see Mr. Brooks?"

"Yes I am. Can you please let him know I am here to see him?"

Giving me the biggest smile, she dialed his number. Their conversation was short, but to the point. She quickly hung up the phone and looked up at me.

"Please take a seat, Mrs. Brooks. He will be down shortly."

For some unknown reason, David never let me up to the higher offices. Not since the building opened. I got to see it when it was being built as I designed the floors. There were 8 in total. Each had its own personality, to keep people from getting lost looking for their destination. David thought it was brilliant.