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1048 Words
Caleb's Point of View
I watched as she walked into the house with a smile on my face.
Kiara was a sweet girl, and she didn't deserve my anger at the wedding. I had told Tyler several times to let Kiara know I was sorry, and when he told me she was coming into town for the summer, I volunteered to pick her up. I guess dad was going to pick her up since Ava had her appointment in the morning, but I wanted to do it.
As I drove off to the main road, I began to think of Ashley and the upcoming divorce.
In Texas, your spouse has to be convicted and behind bars for a year before a divorce proceeding can start. But, unfortunately, everything has been stalled since you can't divorce someone just because they committed a crime.
On my way to the airport, my attorney called and wanted to see me in the office. So I'm heading there now. I know Ashley had her court hearing this morning. So today, we find out when and if I can file for divorce.
As I pulled into the parking lot and parked the truck, I took a deep breath. I wanted this all behind me so that I could move on overtime.
I was still raw on the inside. My trust in people has been thrown out the window. I can't help but think everyone is out to use you, but I try my best not to let my insecurities ruin every relationship.
As I entered the office, I was greeted by Martha, the secretary, and taken straight back to Mr. Smiths' office.
Martha knocked on the door and then opened it. Mr. Smith was typing on his computer and looked up when we walked in.
"Ah, Mr. Wolf, thank you for coming in. Would you like some coffee?"
"Sure."
"Two coffees, please, Martha."
Martha walked out of the room.
"So Mrs. Wolf had her court hearing today, and I have some bad news but some good news for you."
"What happened at court this morning?" I asked. I was not too fond of the fact there was good news and bad.
"Since Mrs. Wolf went to rehab and has been a great help with giving out information, the judge only sentenced her to a year."
"Will they include the time she has served?" I asked.
"Yes," He said, and I heard the door open. Martha set down two coffee cups and a small clear tray of coffee creamer and sugar.
"Thank you," I said.
When Martha left, Mr. Smith said, "With that said, since she is getting out at the year marker, you can not file for divorce until she has been out for thirty days."
"Are you joking?" I asked. I couldn't believe I had to wait longer. I wanted this over with.
"No. But the good news is we can start the paperwork in a couple of months. The divorce should go through within six months."
"Are you kidding me? I want this over with. I want to move on with my life. Almost two years of dealing with this crap by the time this is done with?"
Mr. Smith pulled his glasses off his face and rubbed his hands down his face. "The problem is because she is in jail, we can't file until she has been in there for a year. Since she gets out, you can longer use her charges for the means of divorce. You will need to file thirty days after she got out. You guys are currently legally separated. Caleb, you can still have a normal life, and before you know it, you will be a free man."
"Thanks. I will see you in four months."
Mr. Smith and I shook hands, and I left the office. Before heading home, I stopped at the local store and grabbed a twenty-four pack of bud light and a fifth of whiskey.
When I got to the ranch house, I saw my dad's truck and Tylers outside. I parked my truck, grabbed my beer and whiskey, and walked into the house. I didn't hear any voices, so I walked into the kitchen and put my stuff away. I could hear laughter outside.
I grabbed three beers and headed outside.
"Hey," My dad said as I walked outside.
I walked up to him and handed him a beer and then one to Tyler.
"How was the appointment?" I asked.
"Good. Hopefully, we can have this baby soon. I am ready," Ava said as she rubbed her belly.
"Don't rush it too soon because once he or she is here, then the sleepless nights start and the diapers."
"I'll take diapers and sleepless nights instead of not being able to bend and always having to pee. Speaking of peeing, Tyler help me up," Ava said as she held her arms out for him.
I chuckled as I watched my brother help his pregnant wife stand up. I always wanted children with Ashley, but that will never happen.
I opened my beer and took a big chug of it.
"So, how were things at Mr. Smiths?" My dad asked.
"Not good at all."
"What do you mean?" Tyler asked.
"We will talk about it later," I said as I looked at Kiara.
Kiara was talking to my mother, but I didn't want her to know about my wife.
"Fair enough, son."
Rest of the night, my family, Kiara, and I talked enjoyed steaks on the grill, and drank. My younger brothers Levi and Dylan went to bed around ten, and then Kiara, Tyler, and Ava. As my mother cleaned up, my dad sat next to me as I cracked open another beer.
"So, what happened today?"
"She gets out in three months since she only has a year sentence and already served seven months."
"Well, that is crappy."
"Ya. So since she gets out at the one-year mark, I have to wait to file for the divorce until thirty days after being released. The divorce will take six months."
"There is nothing we can do?"
"Nope," I said as I chugged the rest of my beer.
My dad tapped my shoulder and said, "Well, it will all work out."
"I hope so."
- Writer
