*Clung Like a Leech*
«Listen, why are you clinging to me? I’m working, understand? I’m doing it for the family, in case you forgot. What kind of stupid question is that? Where else would I be, if not at work? Youre the one sitting around, useless as a lump, living off meeverything handed to you on a plate!»
…Lara had married Edward three years ago. Hed pursued her relentlessly, gone to ridiculous lengths just to win her over. Once, hed even climbed a tree in front of all their friends and declared hed do anything for her.
The memory made her sick now. 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 laundry maid, an advisor, a comforter. But not a wife, not someone he loved. He stopped noticing her, stopped bringing little gifts. Didnt even wish her happy birthday. Lara tried to talk to him, asked what was wrong, but Edward just shrugged. «Everythings fine,» hed say.
After their son was born, it got worse. While Lara was still in hospital, he moved her things into the nursery. When she stared at him, baffled, he just shrugged.
«Whats the problem? Youre the motheryou should be with the baby. Im the only one working hereI need proper rest. Its simple, Lara. The babys tiny, no routine, crying all night. Am I supposed to drag myself up in the morning with a splitting headache? Well manage like this for now.»
Lately, Lara couldnt shake the feeling she wasnt the only one in Edwards life. Hed always stayed late at work, come home past midnight. But now, the delays came with cruelty. If she dared ask where hed been, hed snap:
«Listen, why are you clinging to me? Im working, understand? Im doing it for the family, in case you forgot. What kind of stupid question is that? Where else would I be, if not at work? Youre the one sitting around, useless as a lump, living off meeverything handed to you on a plate!»
Lara would flush with shame. Why was she making a fuss? So he stayed late, so he came home at two in the morning. He was doing it for her! Overtime paid well, didnt it? Until recently, the idea of another woman never crossed her mind.
…She woke to the slam of the front doorEdward had already left for work. Lara frowned. Another morning without so much as a «good morning.» Months since theyd shared breakfast, let alone woken up together. After the baby, her beloved husband had banished her to the nursery. Their marriage, once solid as oak, now crumbled like dry leaves.
Lara sank back onto the pillow, then grabbed her phone. The line rang endlessly before Edwards cold, irritated voice cut in.
«What do you want? Im busy!»
Her voice wavered. «Just wanted to say have a good day. You left so early, and»
Edward snarled. «You called me for *that*? Ive got a meeting, no time for this nonsense. Youre acting like a leech, Lara. Honestly, youre suffocating me!»
The line went dead. Lara sniffed, quietly slipping out from under the duvet. The baby would wake soonshe had to pull herself together before then. And figure out how to keep living like this.
In the bathroom mirror, her reflection stared backred-rimmed eyes, tangled hair, cheeks long since robbed of colour.
«Right. What kind of woman are you now, Lara? A frazzled mum, thats what. A leech,» the traitorous thought whispered. Tears welled up again.
After splashing water on her face, she crept into the bedroom for fresh sheets. Then froze. Something was missing. She squintedwhat? Then it hit her.
The box was gone. The one shed bought for their anniversarysomething intimate, something special. Shed planned a quiet dinner, maybe even a little romance.
«Did he move it?» she murmured. «Why? It wasnt in the way.»
Two hours later, with the baby fed and asleep, she dared call again. That word*leech*gnawed at her. Edward usually had a break after meetings. Maybe now hed listen.
«Ed, its me again. Sorry to bother you, but»
«What *now*?» he snapped.
«I think we need to talk. Properly.»
«Talk, then. Make it quick.»
«Not over the phone. Tonight, after work?»
«Tonight I want to lie on the sofa and watch telly, not listen to your whining. Couldnt this wait till then?»
«But, Ed, its important. You dont notice me anymore. You dont care how I look, how I feel»
«Oh, here we go!» Edward groaned. «Fine. Lets break it down. You look… well, like most women after kids. Bit heavier, bags under the eyes. Its fine, Lara, youll bounce back. As for feelingsyoure a *mother* now. Be grateful youve got a child! Some women cant even have one. Im not the priority anymorefocus on our son.»
«Thats not fair! Im still a person! I still want to feel loved, wanted»
«Alright, Lara, lets start with the obvious. Maybe change your hair? That dress hangs on you like a sack. You know I like you dressed nice. And youve let yourself go. You smell. Used to always have your nails done, makeup on… Now? Youre just… grey.»
«*Grey*? I dont have *time*, Ed! Im with the baby all day! When have *you* ever looked after him for even an hour?»
«Not my job. I earn the money. Yours is the house and the kid. And *yourself*! Look in the mirror, Lara! Youve stopped cooking properlyspeaking of, whats for dinner? Hope you didnt over-salt it again. I *told* you to follow recipes properly. Ugh, youve ruined my mood now. Dont call againwell talk at home.»
Lara didnt bother him the rest of the day. Before he returned, she showered, dabbed on some makeup, twisted her hair up. Met him at the door with a smile, asked about his day. But Edward didnt soften.
«Lara, whats this act? Dressed up like a circus clown! That stupid dressit doesnt suit you, your legs are all wrong. Change. Now.»
She snapped. The slap rang out before she knew it. Then she was sobbing in the bathroom, scrubbing her face raw. The dress went in the bin. Edward, cold as stone, didnt even flinch. He skipped dinner, planted himself in front of the telly.
Later, with the baby asleep, Lara remembered the missing box. She needed an excuse to talk, to force the truth out. Why had he stopped loving her? When? Edward barely glanced up as she perched on the beds edge.
«Ed, wheres the box from the wardrobe?»
He grunted, eyes fixed on the screen. «What box? What are you on about?»
She took a steadying breath. Stay calm. No more fights tonight.
«The pharmacy box. You knowthe, um… protections. I wanted to surprise you. For our anniversary. Id even asked Mum to watch Tommy»
Edward exploded. «What are you *implying*? That I gave them to some *slut*? Are you *mad*? How *dare* you!»
The row spiralled. Somehow, between shouts, Edward spat it out.
«Fine. I took them. And you know what? Im leaving. Shouldve done it ages ago, but I pitied you. This is *your* fault! God, Lara, are you really this blind? Theres someone else.»
«How long?» Her voice was eerily calm.
«Ages. Before Tommy. You were *insufferable* pregnantalways whining, wanting cuddles, my hand on your belly… Youve no idea how much you *irritate* me. Im only here for our son, got it?»
«Whats she got that I dont?»
Edward smirked. «One big advantage, Lara. She *cant* have kids.»
Lara turned and walked out. No tears, no pain. Hed just set her free. She sat by Tommys cot, stroking his pink cheek. Shed manage. And Edward? He could go to hell.
…Edward, to his credit, didnt throw her outhe left instead. Both families rallied around Lara. The divorce was quiet, child support paid without fuss. He barely sees Tommy now. Probably for the best. Lara doesnt care to see him either. She remembers every word. *Leech. Clown.*
Some endings are kinder than they seem.
