Second Time’s A Charm

I sighed at the warmth of the coffee cup in my hands that brought back the warmth that my life has been missing lately. I looked at the clock on the wall watching the arms tick as the seconds went back. Emily was running late. I glanced at the door again eagerly anticipating her arrival. I sat in solitude in a secluded booth. Ever since she had her baby, we haven’t had time to meet up like old times. She and I have been friends since college and even though we haven’t had time lately to talk I know we are still friends; she’s been there for me in my most trying times and I was there for the birth of her son and daughter a few months ago. Just as I thought of that beautiful moment I myself will never get a chance to experience I was glad she wanted me in the delivery room with her, motherhood truly is a wonderful thing. The little bell chimed and I saw Emily walk in, I waved as I saw her eyes glance through the people that sat in the café. “I’m sorry I’m late “she smiled and hugged me. “It’s okay as long as you’re here” I smiled and said in return. We finally ordered some cinnamon rolls to have with our coffee while I asked about her son Nathan who was about the same age as my son Mason and her newborn Mia who was now two months old. Sitting across from my friend in the cozy cafe, I stirred my coffee absentmindedly as I waited for our orders to arrive, my mind consumed with worry. I had a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, a nagging suspicion that my husband, Micheal might be cheating on me and I needed someone to talk to. “How have you been my friend?” she asked and the tears I had held in for so long streamed down my face. I was glad I picked a booth for us to sit in. "I just don't know what to do, Emily," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper "Something feels off lately, and I can't shake this feeling that Micheal might be seeing someone else," I said after I had finally calmed myself. Emily listened intently, concern furrowing her brow as she reached out to grasp my hand in reassurance. "Have you noticed anything specific?" she asked gently. I sighed, my thoughts tumbling out in a rush. "He's been working late more often, and whenever I ask about it, he gets defensive. His phone buzzes constantly with messages, and he's become increasingly secretive about who he's talking to”. I sniffed, stretching my hand to take the tissue she offered me from her bag. “ three days ago our maid found a lipstick stain on his underwear. On his underwear Emily! I asked him about it and it led to a fight and he hasn't been home since then” “What! How dare he? And for him to deny it and even cause a fight! The audacity!” she said and moved from her side of the booth to mine hugging me. “I just feel like my marriage has been going downhill. And I don't know what to do”, I sobbed silently. I didn't want to lose Michael, he was the love of my life, he and our son Mason were all I had.”I can't believe he is cheating on me”, “Michael loves you and would never cheat on you”, she comforted me. “Then how do you explain the lipstick stain on his underwear?”, “Oh my dear friend”, her expression softened with empathy, and hugged me again. "I'm so sorry to hear you are going through such a thing”. Tears welled up in my eyes as I struggled to contain my emotions. "I just don't know what to do," I admitted, my voice breaking. "I want to trust him, but these doubts keep gnawing away at me." Emily then squeezed my hand in solidarity, offering me a reassuring smile. "Whatever happens, just know that I'm here for you, okay? You don't have to go through this alone." Feeling a glimmer of hope amidst my turmoil, I nodded gratefully, grateful for her unwavering support. With Emily by my side, like always I knew I would find the strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead. After taking a little bit more I dropped her off at her place and headed home. I waited at the stop sign when I noticed Emily had left her phone in my car. I turned down the street and drove back to her house so I could return it. I parked down the street a few blocks from her house and walked down the familiar sidewalk. I rang the doorbell, hearing it click as it got unlocked from the other side, and was met with a familiar pair of honey brown eyes. “Michael?”, I said in surprise. What was my husband, who hasn't been home for three days doing here at my best friend’s house?