“Ah, there’s the dress! Are you saying I threw it in there?” Rebecca exclaimed, her face changing as she opened the rubbish bin.
Rebecca found herself pondering almost daily why she was with Jack. He wasn’t the kind of man you’d proudly show off to friends; he was quite plain. So much so, she let her friends believe she was still living alone. Only her sister knew the truth and kept the secret well.
Jack wasn’t reaching for the stars either, working as a mechanic at a steel plant. Sometimes, Rebecca would sit at home watching TV, thinking it was time to end things with Jack. Yet, whenever she resolved to do so, Jack would unexpectedly bring her flowers or some other gift, prompting her to delay the breakup.
Before Rebecca came into the picture, Jack had a brief marriage lasting only two months, which resulted in a daughter. At the time Rebecca met Jack, the girl was twelve. Rebecca had never met his daughter and didn’t feel the need to.
The chance arose just before Rebecca’s birthday, which she intended to celebrate with friends.
“Becky,” Jack hesitated, “my ex-wife is flying out for work and asked me to take our daughter.”
“For how long?” Rebecca frowned, disliking this unexpected birthday ‘gift.’
“A month…”
“Why so long?” Rebecca’s brow furrowed. “I hope she realizes someone has to foot the bill to feed her daughter?”
“If you’re talking about money, she hasn’t sent any,” Jack shrugged wearily.
“From what I recall, you pay her child support. So, she’ll be living it up while her daughter stays with us for a month?”
“There’s not much living it up on my salary, as you know,” Jack smirked.
“How do you expect to manage her stay here?” Rebecca grew more agitated, realizing she didn’t want someone else’s child around for that long. “She needs taking to school and looking after. Why take on such responsibilities?”
“I’m her dad, after all,” Jack replied, baffled. “In your opinion, should I have refused to take her in?”
“Firstly, remember you don’t live alone. Secondly, this is my flat, and you should have asked me before agreeing. Thirdly, it’s my birthday, and I don’t want it ruined!” Rebecca stated with importance.
“I don’t think my daughter will cause any trouble,” Jack said embarrassedly, feeling guilty.
“I’m sure it won’t go as planned,” Rebecca crossed her arms.
However, Jack reassured her not to set her mind on things turning out poorly.
The next day, a plump-cheeked girl with heavy makeup, who looked at least sixteen, arrived at Rebecca’s flat. She shot Rebecca a sideways glance and, without a word, turned to her dad.
“Where will I sleep?”
“You’ll have to make do with the kitchen,” Jack replied with a forced smile.
The girl rolled her eyes, dashed to the bathroom, and started sobbing.
“What was that?” Rebecca shot Jack an irritated look. “Such impudence and lack of manners. Good call on having my birthday at a café. By the way, you’re not coming.”
“Why not?” Jack was taken aback. “I thought you’d finally introduce me to your friends. We’ve been living together for over six months…”
“You should stay here with your child,” Rebecca justified herself, relieved she wouldn’t have to introduce her awkward beau to her friends, whose partners were all sporty and fit.
“I see,” Jack retorted, hurt, and said no more.
Rebecca’s birthday dawned, filled with tasks and preparations. She pressed her cocktail dress early morning and hung it up, ready for the evening. Jack maintained a sulky silence, not even wishing her a happy birthday. Determined not to dampen her spirits, she pretended not to notice his mood.
After work, she stopped by home to change and was horrified to find her dress missing.
“Where’s my dress?” a flustered Rebecca stormed into the kitchen, finding Jack’s daughter lounging on a fold-out bed, unfazed, busily scrolling on her phone.
“Did you hear me?” Rebecca snatched the phone from the girl.
“Give it back!” the girl shrieked, and Jack burst into the kitchen.
“What’s going on?” Jack’s eyes widened. “Return her phone!”
“Where’s my dress?” Rebecca’s teeth clenched.
“I didn’t take anything,” the girl squinted disdainfully. “She’s just making stuff up. She doesn’t like me!”
“Give the phone back, you heard her,” Jack instructed sternly.
“Of course, she’ll admit it!” Rebecca exclaimed, throwing the phone on the floor. It hit the ground, cracking the screen, sending the girl wailing. Rebecca left with a look of triumph.
She had little time to find a suitable outfit for her party at the café. Grabbing the first thing that seemed decent, she changed and left to celebrate.
It was there that Rebecca decided to break up with Jack.
Rebecca returned home at dawn. Hearing her come in, Jack rose from bed.
“Do you know what time it is?”
“Are you trying to play the strict husband now? Sorry, you’re too late. I’ve decided we’re through,” Rebecca stated bluntly. “You both need to move out by morning.”
“So now you’re blaming me for everything?” Jack laughed.
“You broke her phone…”
“She stole my dress!” Rebecca growled through gritted teeth.
“My daughter didn’t take it!” Jack’s eyes flared. “I can assure you of that!”
Rebecca made a face and waved dismissively, not wanting to hear more of Jack’s justifications.
Trying to calm herself, Rebecca rummaged through the cupboard and pulled out a half-finished bottle of wine. She took a sip and immediately spat it out, her face contorting.
“What is this? Shampoo? Are you saying I poured it in there too?” Rebecca laughed sarcastically, her face changing again as she opened the rubbish bin. “Ah, there’s the dress! Are you saying I threw it in there?”
“You found an excuse to dump me! I know you’ve wanted to do this for ages!” Jack burst out. “If it weren’t for me, you’d have done it long ago!”
Rebecca raised her eyebrows in surprise, vividly recalling all the moments.
“I placed a listening device in the room. I’ve heard all your conversations with your sister about me, I know everything!” Jack declared with self-importance.
“That’s new! I always wondered how you knew I wanted to break up!” shock-stricken, Rebecca held her head, recalling the many talks she’d had with her sister, friends, and parents. “Let’s say goodbye!”
This time, Jack didn’t try to persuade her to give their relationship another chance. He realized it was the logical end of their romance.
