*»Clung on like a leech»*
«Listen, why are you clinging to me like this? 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 if not at work? You’re the one sitting on your backside, living off me like a parasite!»
…Lara had married Edward three years ago. Hed pursued her relentlessly, gone to absurd lengths to win her over. Once, hed even climbed a tree in front of all their friends and declaredloudlythat hed do anything for her.
Now, the memory made her sick. She never imagined that just a year and a half into their marriage, everything would change. Edward had stopped seeing her as a womanas his wife. She was the housekeeper, the cook, the laundry woman, the listener, the comforterbut not his lover. He no longer noticed her, no longer brought home little trinkets. He hadnt even remembered her birthday. She tried talking to him, asking what was wrong, but Edward just shrugged. «Everythings fine,» hed mutter.
After their son was born, things got worse. While Lara was still in hospital, Edward moved her things into the nursery. When she stared at him in silence, he just shrugged.
«Whats the problem? Youre the motheryou should be near the baby. Im the only one bringing in money hereI need proper rest. Its simple, Lara. The boys tiny, no routine yet, hell cry all night. Am I supposed to wake up with a pounding headache? Well manage like this for now.»
Lately, Lara had begun to suspect she wasnt the only woman in his life. Edward had always worked late, coming home after midnightbut now, the excuses were laced with venom. If she dared ask where hed been, hed snap:
«Listen, why are you clinging to me like this? 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 if not at work? You’re the one sitting on your backside, living off me like a parasite!»
It made her feel small. Maybe she was overreacting. Maybe he really was just working overtimethey paid well for that, didnt they? Until recently, the thought of another woman had never crossed her mind.
…Lara woke to the slam of the front doorEdward had already left for work. She frowned. Another morning without so much as a «good morning.» They hadnt shared breakfast in months, hadnt woken up together since the baby was bornher beloved husband had banished her to the nursery the moment they came home from the hospital. What had once seemed unshakable was crumbling like a house of cards.
She sank back into the pillow, then grabbed her phone and dialled his number. It rang endlessly before his clipped, irritated voice answered:
«What do you want? Im busy!»
«Its me. I just wanted to wish you a good day. You left so early, and»
Edward cut her off. «And you called me for that? Ive got a meeting, Lara. No time for this sentimental nonsense. Youre clinging to me like a leech. Give it a rest, for Gods sake!»
The line went dead. Lara sniffled, slipped out from under the blanket. The baby would wake soonshe had to pull herself together before then. And figure out how to keep going.
In the bathroom mirror, her reflection was unrecognisablered-rimmed eyes, tangled hair, no trace of the glow she once had.
«Pathetic,» the thought slithered in. «What kind of woman are you now? A worn-out mother, nothing but a leech.» The tears came again.
After splashing water on her face, she crept into the bedroom for fresh sheets. Something on the shelf caught her eyeor rather, the absence of something. It took her a moment to realise: the box was gone. The one with the little intimate things shed bought for their anniversary. Shed planned a quiet celebrationdinner, wine, maybe even
«Did he move it?» she muttered. «Why? It wasnt in the way.»
Two hours later, with the baby fed and napping, she called Edward again. His words*leech*wouldnt leave her alone. Hed be on lunch now, surely he could spare a minute?
«Ed, its me again. Sorry to bother you, but»
«What now?» he snapped.
«We need to talk. Properly.»
«Talk fast, then.»
«Not over the phone. Tonight, maybe? After work?»
«Tonight, I want to lie on the sofa and watch telly, not listen to your whining. Couldnt you have waited till then to call?»
«But its important. You dont even look at me anymore. You dont care how I look, how I feel»
«Oh, here we go!» Edward sighed heavily. «Right, lets break it down. You look well, like any woman after childbirth. A bit rounder, bags under the eyes. Nothing tragicyoull bounce back. As for feelings Youre a mother now, Lara! Be grateful youve got a childsome women cant even conceive. I dont matter anymore. Focus on our son.»
«Thats not fair! Im still a person! I still want to feel loved, wanted»
«Fine. Lets start with the obvious. Maybe change your hair? And that shapeless dress does you no favours. You know I like you dressed nicely. And frankly, youve let yourself go. You smell. You used to always have your nails done, makeup on Now? You look like a drowned rat.»
«A drowned rat? I dont have time, Ed! Im with the baby all day! When was the last time you even watched him for an hour?»
«Not my job. Mines earning money. Yours is the house and the baby. And yourself! Look in the mirror, Lara! Even your cookings gone downhillhope you didnt over-salt lunch again? I told you to follow recipes properly. Ugh, youve ruined my mood now. Dont call againwell talk at home.»
She didnt. That evening, she showered, dabbed on some makeup, twisted her hair up. Met him at the door with a smile, asked about his day. But instead of softening, Edward scowled.
«Whats this circus, Lara? Dressing up like a clown? That stupid dress doesnt suit youyour legs are too short! Change. Now.»
She cracked. The slap echoed. Then she was in the bathroom, scrubbing her face raw, flinging the dress in the bin. Edward didnt flinchjust turned on the telly and ignored her.
Later, with the baby asleep, she confronted him about the missing box. She needed an excuse, a way to force the truth out.
«Ed, wheres the box from the wardrobe?»
He didnt look up. «What box?»
«The one from the chemist. You know what was in it. I went to get it todayits gone. Did you move it? Id planned something nice for our anniversary. Mum was going to watch Danny»
His reaction was volcanic. He leapt up, roaring.
«What are you implying? That I took them for some floozy? Are you insane? How dare you accuse me of that!»
The row exploded. Then, mid-shouting, Edward dropped the bomb.
«Fine. I took them. And Im leaving. Ive wanted to for agesjust stayed out of pity. But youve forced my hand. Christ, Lara, are you really this blind? Theres someone else.»
«How long?» Her voice was eerily calm.
«Months. Before Danny was even born. You were unbearable pregnantalways whining for cuddles, wanting me to stroke your belly Youve no idea how much you irritate me. Im only here for my son, got it?»
«Whats she got that I dont?»
Edward smirked. «One big advantage, Lara. She cant have children.»
Lara turned and walked out. No tears. No pain. Just freedom. She sat beside Dannys cot, stroked his pink cheek. Shed be alright. As for Edward Let him rot.
…In the end, Edward did the decent thingleft the flat to her and Danny, moved out himself. Both families sided with her. The divorce was quiet, the child support paid without fuss. He barely sees Danny now. Maybe thats for the best. Lara doesnt much care to see him either. She remembers every wordespecially *leech* and *clown*.
Thats how it went.
