Couldnt Wait
Im filing for divorce, Jane said calmly, handing her husband a cup of tea. Well, in fact, I already have.
She delivered the news with such an everyday ease, it sounded like she was mentioning what was for dinner. Something along the lines of, Were having roast chicken and vegetables tonight.
If I may ask, what on Never mind, not in front of the kids, Richard muttered, glancing at their sons anxious faces, his voice dropping lower. What exactly have I done wrong? And lets not forget the boys do need their father.
You think I cant find another father for them? Jane rolled her eyes and gave a wry smile. What have you done wrong? Everything! I thought life with you would be as calm as a country lake, instead its more like a raging river.
Right then, lads, have you finished your tea? Richard didnt want to discuss any of this with the children listening in. Off you go. Go play. And dont eavesdrop! he called after them, well aware of their mischievous curiosity. Now, shall we continue?
Jane pursed her lips, irritated. Even now he was still bossing everyone about! Always acting the model father
Im fed up with this life, Richard. I dont want to spend every day working eight hours, smiling at coworkers, fretting over customers I want to sleep in, shop at fancy boutiques, enjoy spa treatments… and you cant give me any of that. Im done! Ive given you the best ten years of my life!
Could we leave out the dramatic speeches? Richard cut her off dryly. Wasnt it you who bent over backwards to marry me all those years ago? I certainly wasnt desperate to wed.
Everybody makes mistakes.
The divorce happened quickly and quietly. Richard, not without reluctance, decided the boys should stay with their mother, as long as they spent every weekend and school holiday with him. Jane agreed without a second thought.
Six months later, Richard introduced his sons to his new wife. Cheerful and warm-hearted Laura instantly won the boys over, and they started eagerly anticipating every visit with their father, which absolutely infuriated Jane.
But what really stung was that Richard inherited a sizable sum from a distant uncle, bought a beautiful house in the countryside, and seemed happier than ever. Yet, he kept his job and preferred personally providing for the boys, kitting them out from head to toe and keeping them supplied with the latest gadgets. Even managed the child support himself!
Why didnt I just wait half a year? Jane often wondered. If only shed known how things would turn out She could have had it all!
But maybe, just maybe, all wasnt lost yet?
***
Fancy a cuppa? Jane flashed a hopeful smile, twirling a lock of her hair around her finger. Her short dress was flattering and her makeup immaculate, making her look younger than evershe had certainly put in the effort and it showed.
I havent got the time, Richard replied coolly, eyes vacant as they slid over his ex-wife. Are the boys ready?
Theyre still looking for their trainers, itll be another ten minutes, I know them, Jane replied, sounding disappointed but trying again. Why dont we celebrate New Years together? Oliver and Harry spent half the day decorating the tree.
We agreed in court, Jane. I have them for the holiday. Well be spending New Years in this lovely little village; lots of snow, perfect for sledging and skiing. Lauras sorted everything.
But thats meant to be a family holiday
And well be celebrating as a family. Any complaints, and Ill take you back to court for full custody.
As the door closed behind her ex-husband and the two gleeful boys, Jane seethed. She smashed the expensive china set theyd been given for their wedding. Laura again! Always acting like she adored having the boys around. Surely, she must be counting the days till they went home. Jane, better than anyone, knew how restless and demanding her children could be.
But, come to think of it Maybe that was just the thing. Jane smiled to herself. This might just work out. Soon, all Richards money would be hers after all
***
And whats this? Richard raised an eyebrow at the sight of the suitcases by the door.
What do you think? Oliver and Harrys things, Jane nudged a bulging bag, nearly knocking it over. Ive decided, seeing as youve sorted your love life out, its time I sorted mine. But lets be honestnot every man wants the hassle of other peoples children. So the boys are living with you now. Ive spoken to social services, just needs a bit of paperwork and its done. Thats your department. Im off on holiday with a rather promising gentleman.
Leaving Richard standing open-mouthed, Jane sashayed to the waiting taxi. Lets see how long that goody-goody Laura lastsmaybe a week? Two at the most. Sooner or later, Richard will surely have to choose: children or his new wife. Hed have to pick the boys. And then shed win himand his moneyback.
A fortnight passed. Then a month. Then two. Still no phone call demanding she take the boys back. And according to their chatter, Laura never once raised her voice at them! How could that be? Was she some sort of magician? Had her two little devils become angels overnight? Impossible!
So, how are the boys behaving? Have you had enough of them yet? Jane couldnt contain herself and dialled Richard.
Theyre doing brilliantly. No trouble at all, theyre polite and help out, Richards voice was unmistakably warmer at the mention of the children. Theyre just smashing lads.
Are they now? Jane asked in disbelief. They were always up to something with me
Thats because raising kids takes time and effort, Richard retorted, barely hiding his scorn. You were always glued to your phone. Oh, and just so you knowwere moving. If you want, Ill bring the boys over in the holidays.
But Theyre my children too!
You signed all your rights over to me! Richard laughed outright. Some mother you are.
All Jane could do was stew in her disappointment. She didnt get her husband back (or rather, his money), things fizzled with her new man, and now even her kids would be far away. Not that shed miss them terriblyshed grown rather fond of spending all her time pleasing herself.
Was it really fair? Ten years putting up with all this, and shed given up just months before everything would have been hers
Sometimes, the hardest thing is to wait just a little longer. Life has a way of rewarding patience, and those who give up too soon may watch happiness slip right through their fingers.
