My Ex Almost Broke Me

She has a baby

Six months later

Marrying a lawyer can be helpful. My divorce is almost finalized.

The guys at the site keep giving me strange looks. It looks like they know something I don’t. They stare at me when they think I can’t see them and they quickly look away when I look at them. I roll my eyes at their childishness.

“What is it?” I finally asked them. And no one is willing to talk.

“Was there a mistake in the project we just finished?” They shook their big heads no.

“Was the client unsatisfied?” No.

“Was anyone’s salary short?” No.

“Or more?” No. I am starting to lose my patience and it’s not a common thing. I hardly shout, but right now I feel like screaming. Am I working with old guys or toddlers? I decided to stop asking them. I looked back at my phone. Senkosi has finally decided to introduce his girlfriend. And to say everyone is excited would be an understatement of the century. My parents have been praying for this day. My dad didn’t want to go to work today and I’ve never known him to do that unless it’s a really special day. At some point, my parents suspected that Senkosi might be gay because they had never seen him with a girl. And surprisingly, they were okay with that too. Senkosi was furious.

“What did you expect us to think?” my mom asked him.

“I don’t know, but not that,” shouted Senkosi. Unlike me and my dad, he’s quick to lose his temper. Just like our mom. I wonder how she was able to remain calm when we went to Sibu’s house 6 months ago. Thinking about that makes my heart sore. I don’t know why I thought I’d be over her by now. We’ve known each other for 8 years. And we were married for 5 years. Of course, it might take longer to forget about her. But in my heart I know I won’t completely forget about her. We were so happy. I’ve had sleepless nights trying to think of where we went wrong. Where I went wrong. How is it possible that she suddenly hated the things that she loved about me? Things she said made her fall in love with me. How could she hate me for being soft? Isn’t it how it’s supposed to be? She was my wife. How was I supposed to treat her?

“Sibu gave birth to a baby girl a week ago,” said Simon out of the blue. My brain freezes for a moment. I heard what he said but my mind didn’t seem to register what he just said. It’s like he said something in a foreign language, when he spoke my mother tongue.

“Huh?”

“She gave birth last week. I’m sorry man. I know how much you wanted a kid. But you still have a chance to try again. Please don’t give up.” I could only nod. I don’t know what to say. I knew she was pregnant, but for some stupid reason, I thought I wouldn’t hear about the baby until I was over her. I ran to the bathroom. I’m suddenly nauseated. Someone brushes my back while I vomit. It’s Simon. Simon has been the closest thing I have to a friend. I don’t have any friends, but I think I could call Simon that. I thank him after I have wiped my mouth using a tissue and flushed the toilet. He offered to drive me home. I let him. I feel sick. I can hardly walk but I have to be strong. My parents didn’t raise a weak person.

Ten minutes later, Simon drops me off at the gate. He wants to see me safely inside. But I insist that I’ll be okay. If not, I will call for someone at the house. He hesitated for a minute but finally nodded and drove off after wishing me a good evening.

“Bukhosi, what’s wrong?” asked my dad as soon as I walked in. I didn’t even realise that I was crying. Soon everyone is standing besides me, even a girl I’ve never seen before. I look at the time. They said she'd be here an hour from now. Now I have ruined Senkosi’s special day.

“I’m sorry for ruining this for you. I thought I’d pick myself up before she got here,” I told my brother.

“What are you apologising for, Bukhosi? Yes, this is a special day, but it doesn’t mean you aren’t important. What’s wrong?” I told them.

“Oh my boy. I am so sorry,” said my mom, hugging me. She sounds like she’s about to cry too, and I know for a fact that Senkosi isn’t far behind.

“I’m sorry son. We know how much you wanted the baby. But you still have a chance,” said my dad, patting my shoulder.

“I’m sorry you had to see me like this. Especially on your first day here,” I apologised to Senkosi’s girlfriend. I can remember her name. It must be stress. She tells me it’s okay in a soft tone. And I can tell she meant it. I asked Senkosi to help me to my en-suite. I needed to freshen up before supper.