Once Betrayed
Laura considered herself a lucky woman: she had her adored son, Benjamin, a beloved husband, Nick, and a comfortable job. Nick always earned well, allowing her to work part-time and spend ample time with their son. What more could she want?
Yet, it could have all been different… Thirteen years ago, her cherished husband, avoiding her gaze, said, “I’ve fallen in love with another woman. We need to part ways.” “Nick, what are you saying?! I love you, and you loved me too. It can’t just end like this!” Nick simply shrugged, mentioning she could initiate the divorce if it suited her better. Suit her? How was it manageable to not have her adored husband by her side? Laura spent a week sobbing into her pillow and having fits, unknowingly pushing Nick further away.
Then she calmed down, collected herself, and suggested they have a farewell evening… However, the divorce was never finalized because Laura found out she was pregnant. They had tried for a child for the last five years without success. Despite being 25 and 27 and perfectly healthy, they couldn’t conceive. Yet, one final time, as a goodbye, a child was conceived. They didn’t have to part. Nick immediately decided to stay, seemingly relieved. He was overjoyed when Benjamin was born.
They never spoke of the affair again; Laura didn’t care to find out about the other woman. Their lives only got better! Now, Benjamin is 12, a bright lad. Laura considered enrolling him in a math-oriented grammar school but was too late. He attended a regular school but won nearly all local math contests. He played in a chess club and learned the violin at a music school.
Benjamin wasn’t fond of the violin, but Laura was determined for him to develop a wide range of skills. “Maybe he should join a football club then?” Nick suggested, frowning at Laura’s talk of music lessons. “Are you mad?!” Laura retorted. “Do you want your child injured, possibly ending up disabled?! Absolutely not!” Nick waved her off, preoccupied with work challenges. He now led a department, excelling in both career and salary.
Laura’s good fortune struck again at Nick’s office. She had picked him up to celebrate their wedding anniversary at a restaurant and ended up chatting with one of Nick’s colleagues. The stunning brunette, Christine, was welcoming, and Laura felt a bit insecure beside her. They discovered they both had sons the same age, leading to engaging conversations.
“Would you like me to ask if Benjamin can join the grammar school where my Philip studies?” Christine offered suddenly. “I doubt it’s possible. You can’t even get in with money,” Laura replied doubtfully. “It’s not just about money; I have connections. Being attractive helps!” Christine winked playfully. “Oh, I’d be so grateful!” Laura rejoiced. Christine delivered on her promise, and Benjamin started the new school year at the ‘mathematical’ grammar school.
However, the school was in another part of town, and Laura dreaded the thought of Benjamin traveling there alone. She comfortably drove him each morning, but picking him up was an issue. “Laura, our son is grown, smart, and sensible. He’ll manage fine on his own,” Nick curtly said to Laura’s suggestion that he fetch Benjamin. “The bus stop is right by the school. He can easily get home with no transfers needed!” Nick finished.
“Nick, you act as if we have a spare child! It’s scary out there even for adults,” Laura protested. “Enough!” Nick interrupted. “I’ll pick him up when I can, but otherwise, he needs to manage himself.” Laura complained about this to Christine over their occasional phone calls discussing their sons and the school. “Oh, is that all?” Christine challenged. “Let the boys come to our house after school; we live nearby, and you can collect Benjamin when you can.” “Are you serious?” Laura asked. “That’s inconvenient… such hassle for you.”
“No hassle at all! I work too, but at least they’d be home and together. Both are calm and responsible, might even become friends!” “Oh, Christine, I’d be so grateful!” Laura responded. “No worries!” Benjamin was initially hesitant. While he knew Philip, they were in different classes and weren’t close. He struggled with new relationships. He agreed only because attending the new school meant quitting the violin, which was too far away for Laura to ferry him to now. However, after the second pick-up day at Christine’s, Benjamin was more reluctant to leave.
“Mum, can I stay a bit longer? Philip and I haven’t finished our game…” Benjamin pleaded. “No, you have homework and it’s not fair to impose on their hospitality. Philip’s mom is doing us a big favor,” Laura stated firmly. “Her, not us,” Benjamin muttered under his breath. Laura pretended not to hear. Nick, upon hearing the arrangements, initially objected since he also worked with Christine and feared the office gossip. But, listening to Laura’s rationale and wanting to avoid family discord, he relented. He’d be traveling a lot with work opening a new branch, allowing Laura to handle things as she pleased.
That settled matters. Benjamin increasingly asked Laura to let him stay longer with Philip. “But Mum, we’ve got so much to do… We’ll finish our homework, please…” Benjamin implored. “Why so stubborn, Laura?” Christine chimed in. “The boys are friends, causing no trouble. Let Benjamin stay over.” They always persuaded her. Eventually, Benjamin spent the night there a few times with Laura’s reluctant agreement, her usual checks keeping her worried. Nick’s work trips left Laura feeling lonely at home, making her reluctant to let Benjamin spend extended nights away.
“Mum, why are you like this?!” Benjamin exclaimed one day when Laura refused further visits. “Like what?” Laura inquired. “Hovering over me like a mother hen! I’m grown, yet you won’t let me move!” “Benjamin,” Laura called out sternly, “where did you pick up such phrases? Who taught them to you?” “No one did!” Benjamin grumbled. “I’m not living in a bubble.” “I’m your mother, caring only for your well-being,” Laura responded admonishingly. “Christine’s a mother too; she cares for Philip without fuss. She allows everything and never scolds!” Benjamin retorted.
“Oh really… and what exactly does she allow?” Laura inquired. “Nothing bad,” he muttered, “I’m off to bed.” Laura was uneasy. Benjamin, usually calm and composed, had raised his voice. Christine couldn’t be fostering chaos; perhaps Benjamin lacked male guidance. Nick should address this once he’s back. However, upon his return, Nick sided with Benjamin. “Laura, you’re stifling Benjamin with your overprotection. Give him some freedom. Philip’s a decent lad; it’s good they learn and play together. It’s normal.”
“But speaking to his mother like that isn’t normal!” Laura protested. “Or do you disagree?” “I agree. But again, calm down a bit before your son begins to resent you. You’ll have more free time; maybe visit the salon.” “What?! Are saying I look bad?!” “Let’s say a bit of self-care wouldn’t hurt…” Laura couldn’t bear it anymore. She didn’t speak to Nick a week until his departure, keeping her phone responses brief when discussing matters at home. She tried her best for her son, cared for her husband, kept home cozy, and now was expected to visit the salon?!
When Nick returned, he apologized, and of course, Laura forgave him—she still loved him. Then, a class trip came up. Fourteen students from two classes signed up, requiring parental involvement. Laura initially refused to let Benjamin go, calling it madness, then wanted to accompany him, but work commitments stopped this, despite Benjamin’s urging for her not to. Surprisingly, Nick offered to join the trip: “Well? I’ve got some time saved up. It’s been ages since I camped out in the fresh air,” he said dreamily. “Oh, if you say so… Alright, go! But stay in touch!”
Father and son exchanged glances, rolling their eyes at mother’s usual quirks. Laura was anxious for the three days they camped, contact was sporadic, with only a couple of calls reaching her. Unable to wait, Laura drove to Philip’s home, where Benjamin would return first, to meet them. The yard was crowded with vehicles, so she parked outside. Near the entrance, a couple hugged in the dim light, and Laura didn’t initially recognize them until she heard their voices. “Nick, how much longer?” Christine asked softly but firmly. “When are you getting divorced?” “Christine, not now. We had such a lovely few days, don’t spoil it,” Nick replied. “I love you, that’s a fact, and a divorce is on the horizon.” The couple kissed.
Who was her husband in love with? Did they camp together? Was Nick leaving her? Lots of questions spun in Laura’s mind… “What’s going on here?” she asked a single question that so many deceived partners before her had asked. “Finally,” Christine whispered, “I was tired of hiding.”
“And how long have you been… hiding?” Laura asked sarcastically. “Almost a year,” said Christine calmly. “It gets tiring.” “I wouldn’t know! But what I want to know is why you welcomed my son into your home!” “Nick’s a dedicated father; only Benjamin kept him with you. I wanted him to bond with Philip. He’s a great kid, though you’ve overburdened him. I’m open to having him stay with us.” “What?! Don’t count on it! My son lives with me! And Nick too, right? Nick?!” “Sounds threatening,” Nick finally spoke, “but let’s discuss this at home in private.”
“No! Say now that you’re staying with the family! And where is Benjamin?!” “He and Philip are bringing their things in; they’ll be down in a moment,” Nick calmly explained. “And please, Laura, no drama. It’s true I love Christine, I want to be with her.” While Laura searched for the right words, Benjamin appeared at the door: “Mum? What are you doing here? We had such a…” “We’re going home, now!” Laura interrupted, pulling him towards the car, ignoring his protests.
Nick indeed left for Christine. They even tried to take Benjamin from Laura, but after witnessing his mother’s continued tears, — she cried almost nightly since — he firmly said he was staying with his mum. A year later, Nick tried to come back, but Laura couldn’t forgive him a second time.
