Chapter 13

Alex

We sit down in the dining room, Alexender joins us afterwards in deep discussion with Thea, I pretend he's not there, I intend to put into practice the advice my mother gave me, I'm not going not reveal in front of all the problems we have, I don't want to attract the pity of anyone here

He goes around the table to give a kiss to Julia who was very happy, under the attentive gaze of her mother and Thea he comes to kiss my forehead I do not fail to plant my nails in his hands, I do not I don't want everyone to know that it's wrong I don't want to put up with his presence too close to me either, obviously he also intends to play comedy in front of everyone so he doesn't make any remarks to me about what I did done

We all eat in solemn silence when Julia brings out this sentence that makes everyone stop, she repeats again

Julia: what should I call you?

I turn around I see Alexender who was looking at me with a neutral face and does not help me, he remains silent but waits for my answer, with the scene he made me yesterday I'm sure if I say a crooked truck here it's going to be bad for me

Me turning to Julia: you can call me Alex my dear

Julia who continues to eat for a few seconds before resuming: why not mom? aren't you my new mom?

I'm having a fit of coughing what is she doing to me like this? she wants to cause my death, I notice Alexander's face change, but is it my fault? despite everything he says nothing

Thea turning to Julia: you can call her what you want my dear

Julia very happy: okay auntie

Everyone starts eating again except Alexender and me, I had no appetite anyway

Me turning to Julia: darling do you want a ride to school this morning?

Alexander cutting me off: no we go together

I don't answer him, anyway I have a move to make this morning, when they finish I give Julia everything she will need this morning and say goodbye to her, but Alexender stops me and puts his lips down on mine and do I kiss his dead lip to stop him, these comedies he has to stop, I don't intend to let him play with my feelings like this

When they leave I take Thea apart and I ask her if I can have a free room

Thea: Are you sure Alexander agrees? he had this room redone to accommodate you, I don't think he likes you moving out, are you in trouble already or what?

Me trying to smile: of course not, just that his wife's things are still in the other room plus I'm a little uncomfortable staying there knowing it was their room

Thea surprised: but he said he was going to move those things before you got there

Me sighing: he didn't

Thea: Don't worry he will, since he's done everything to make sure you're comfortable when you're here, those things should be turned over to women's centers, I don't think he had time but it won't be long in coming

She directs me to a room that was as big as the other, but what are these sick rooms in this house?

Thea: Does this one suit you? this is where he slept when he had the other bedroom redone

Mo smiling: she's perfect

Thea getting serious again: But let me tell you my brother won't like it when he finds out you moved out of the bedroom behind his back, plus he had it done with so much love

With love my eye, I feel like until now she doesn't really know her brother

Me: don't worry I'll work it out with him when he gets back

Thea: You know I'm here for you right? if he misbehaves with you just tell me okay?

Me trying to reassure her: Don't worry, your brother is really lovely to me, just that in the other room I don't feel comfortable doing whatever I feel like doing with my husband that's all

Thea with a look full of innuendo: aahhhhh I kinda see what you mean, I'm in my room, let me know if you need anything

Me smiling: ok, thanks

I'm moving all my things to the new room, I don't want to put up with his moods, that he stays alone there since that's what he wants

Alexander

When I arrive at work this morning Alex's office was empty, I will really miss seeing her sitting there more, I hope her replacement will be as good at the job as she is

I meet William on the stairs who follows me to my office

William: well what do you have on your lips?

Me touching my lips: it was that crazy girl who bit me like that

William laughing: But don't tell me you turned masochistic

Me trying to control my anger: it doesn't make me laugh

William straightening up: What are you doing at work this morning? I thought you were going to take a few days off for a honeymoon

Me: Honeymoon? with whom ? that crazy little one? no thank you, and don't forget that it's a wedding arrange nothing normal no need for all this fuss

William: if you say so

There remains a moment to watch me work before resuming

William getting serious again: I'm going to have to find you a new assistant, I hope you treat her better than you treated the previous ones and that I won't have to do this exercise every month

Me laughing: find me one that's competent and we won't have a problem

William: well Alex was but it didn't change anything

Me: but for her it's different

William: How? the fact that you're in love with her and can't come to terms with it?

Me a little surprised: sorry?

William holding my gaze: do you want me to repeat myself?

Me: don't you have anything else to do?

William: Yes, I have to find you a new assistant but hey, I hope you'll stop lying to yourself

Later in the evening….

When I arrive this evening, all the lights were already off, I admit that it is already late, I go to my daughter's room to wish her good night, she must normally be sleeping

I approach, I kiss him and I go back but I hear him say "thank you"

Me: for?

Julia: for finding me a mom

Me: please sweetheart sleep now it's late

I close the door behind me and I go to my room, tonight I can sleep with peace of mind I still admit that she takes good care of my daughter, when I open the door the room was immersed in the dark, I guess she is already asleep, but as I walk towards the bed I notice that it was empty, there is no one in the room, I hasten to turn on the light and I notice that there is really no one, she has passed or that night, the first reflex I have is to check if her suitcases were still there, I go to where they were put this morning they were gone, I go into the dressing room I find nothing

I panicked that I don't understand, could it be that she's gone? but why would she be gone? where is she my wife?