7
“Kevin, let’s get divorced.”
<
The noisy room suddenly falls silent. Kevin finally looks up at me.
His eyes show predictable clarity.
In seven years of marriage, no matter how badly we fought, I had never mentioned divorce.
Kevin knows my personality – once I’ve made up my mind about something, I won’t back down.
He anxiously stands up from the leather sofa in the room. He walks a few steps to stand in front of me.
“Are you serious?”
He’s finally willing to look me in the eye and speak to me normally.
He looks down at Tommy and smirks:
“Haley, if you want a divorce, you’re not getting custody of our son. He’d rather stay with me anyway.
Don’t be ridiculous.”
Kevin is certain I’ll fight for custody. He’s not blind – he knows how much I’ve endured and suffered for our child over the years.
Tommy clings tightly to his dad, glaring at me resentfully as if terrified I’ll snatch him away.
“Mom I don’t want you, I want Dad.”
That girl walks over too, smiling mockingly as she advises me:
“Sis, at your age with no house or job, you really can’t get custody of the child.
Why don’t you take the kid home? Couples shouldn’t hold grudges overnight.”
I clench my teeth, gripping the agreement tightly.
I knew what I’d face coming here, but seeing everyone’s disgust and disapproval of me in person still makes me falter.
But I can’t. I pinch myself hard.
Reminding myself: Woman, be cruel. Don’t cry. Tears are magic to those who love you, but only a joke to those who don’t.
“Kevin, don’t worry.
I don’t want the kid or the house in the divorce.”
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I place the divorce agreement on the table. Looking at the frowning girl who’s challenging me.
“Kevin, you’ve probably forgotten, but I used to be a no–nonsense practicing lawyer.
You begged me to have this child. You promised me love too.
Now you’ve ruined him with your own hands. You owe me.”
The room is filled with the unpleasant smell of alcohol. The moment I step outside.
It feels like a heavy stone has been lifted from my chest.
I can breathe freely again.
I wander aimlessly down the street. Since having Tommy, I’ve been so tied down by household chores. It seems like it’s been ages since I’ve been able to take a leisurely stroll alone like this.
I pass by a movie theater.
