**Stuck Like a Leech**
«Listen, why are you clinging to me? I’m working, alright?! I’m doing this for the family, in case you forgot. What kind of stupid question is that? Where else would I be but at work? Youre the one sitting around like a lump, draining me dry while everythings handed to you!»
…Laura had married Edward three years ago. Hed pursued her relentlessly, gone to absurd lengths to win her overonce, hed even climbed a tree in front of all their mates and declared hed do anything for her.
Now, the memory made her sick. She never imagined that just a year and a half after the wedding, everything would change so drastically. Edward had stopped seeing her as a womanjust a housekeeper, a cook, a washerwoman, an advisor, a comforter. But not a wife. Not someone to love. He stopped noticing her, stopped buying little trinkets. Forgot her birthday. She tried talking to him, asking what was wrong, but Edward just shrugged and mumbled, «Everythings fine.»
After their son was born, it got worse. While Laura was still in hospital, Edward moved her things into the nursery. When she stared at him, he just shrugged.
«Whats the issue? Youre the motheryou should be with the baby. Im the only one bringing in money, so I need proper rest. Simple as that. The kids up all hours, crying. You expect me to drag myself out of bed at dawn with a splitting headache? Well manage.»
Lately, Laura couldnt shake the feeling she was no longer the only woman in Edwards life. Hed always worked late, come home past midnight. But now, the late nights came with sharp wordsif she dared ask where hed been, hed snap:
«Christ, why the third degree? Im working, arent I? Slaving away for this family! What, you think Im off gallivanting somewhere? Youre the one lounging about, living off my back!»
Laura would flush with shame. What was she thinking? So he worked lateso what? He was doing it for them. Overtime paid well, thats all. The idea he might be seeing someone else never crossed her minduntil now.
…She woke to the slam of the front door. Edward had already left. No «good morning,» nothing. Months since theyd had breakfast together, months since theyd shared a bed. After the baby, hed banished her to the nursery. Their marriage, once solid as oak, now crumbled like rotten wood.
Laura sank back into the pillow, then grabbed her phone. It rang endlessly before Edwards irritated voice cut in.
«What? Im busy!»
Her throat tightened. «Just wanted to sayhave a good day. You left so early»
He snarled. «You called for *that*? Ive got a meeting, Laura. No time for your soppy nonsense. Youre like a bloody leechsuffocating me!»
The line went dead. Laura sniffed, then slipped out from under the duvet. The baby would wake soonshe had to get herself together. And figure out how to go on.
In the bathroom mirror, puffy eyes and tangled hair stared back. No blush, no spark.
*Look at you. What kind of woman are you now? A tired mum, a leech*
She scrubbed her face, then crept into the bedroom for fresh sheets. Something was missing. Her gaze skimmed the shelf before it hit her.
The box was gone. The one shed bought for their anniversarysomething private, something intimate. Shed planned a romantic evening, just the two of them. Maybe then hed look at her like a woman again. Shed bought the biggest pack, just in case.
«Did you move it?» she muttered. «Why?»
Two hours later, with the baby fed and napping, she tried again. *Youre like a leech*those words festered. Edward would be on lunch now. She dialed.
«Its me again. Sorry, but»
«What *now*?»
«We need to talk. Properly.»
«Spit it out, then.»
«Not like this. Tonight, after work?»
«Tonight Im watching telly, not listening to your whinging. Couldnt you ask me then?»
«But Ed, this matters! You dont even *see* me anymorehow I look, how I feel»
«Oh, here we go.» He groaned. «Right, lets break it down. You look like any woman after a babybit rounder, bags under the eyes. No big deal, love, youll bounce back. As for feelingsyoure a *mother*, Laura! Be grateful youve got a kidsome women cant even have one. Im an afterthought now. Focus on the boy.»
«Thats not fair! Im still a person! I still need to feel loved»
«Fine. Lets start with the looks. Maybe change your hair? That dress hangs like a sack. You know I like you dressed nice. And for Gods sake, Laurayouve let yourself go. You *reek*. Used to always have your nails done, your makeupnow? Like a drowned rat.»
«A *rat*? I dont have *time*, Ed! Im with the baby all day! When have *you* ever watched him for an hour?»
«Not my job. I earn the money. *You* handle the house and the kid. And try not to let yourself rot! Christ, Laura, you cant even cook right anymore. Hope you didnt over-salt lunch like last time? I *told* you to follow the recipes!» He exhaled sharply. «Youve ruined my mood. Dont call again.»
She didnt. Before he came home, she showered, dabbed on makeup, twisted her hair up. Met him at the door with a smile, asked about his day.
Instead of softening, Edward scoffed.
«Whats this pantomime? Dressed up like a clown in that ridiculous frock! Makes your legs look stubby. Change. Now.»
Laura slapped him. Hard. Then fled to the bathroom, scrubbing her face raw, flinging the dress in the bin. Edward didnt followjust sprawled in bed with the telly on.
Later, with the baby asleep, she confronted him. Needed to know why hed stopped loving her. He barely glanced up.
«Ed, wheres the box from the cupboard?»
«What box?»
She steadied herself. «The one from the chemist. You knowthe, the *protection*. I wanted to surprise you for our anniversary. Mum was going to watch Tommy»
Edward exploded. «Whatre you implying? That I gave them to some *slut*? Youre off your head! How *dare* you!»
The row erupted. Shouting, accusationsthen, abruptly, Edward went cold.
«Fine. I took them. And Im leaving. Shouldve done it ages ago, but I pitied you. Your fault, Laura. Christ, are you really this thick? There *is* someone else.»
«How long?» Her voice was eerily calm.
«Months. Before Tommy. You were *insufferable* pregnantwhinging, begging for cuddles. God, you *repulsed* me. Ive only stayed for the boy.»
«Whats she got that I havent?»
Edward smirked. «One big thing, love. She *cant* have kids.»
Laura turned and walked out. No tears. Just relief.
She sat by Tommys crib, stroking his pink cheek. Shed be fine. As for Edward? Let him rot.
…To his credit, he moved out, didnt kick them to the curb. Both families rallied around Laura. The divorce was quiethe paid child support without fuss. Rarely saw Tommy. Maybe for the best. Laura didnt miss him. Not after *leech*. Not after *clown*.
Some things stick.
