«Stuck to Me Like a Leech»
«Listen, why are you nagging me? Im working, alright? Im doing this for the family, in case you forgot. What kind of stupid question is that? Where else would I be besides work? Youre the one whos useless, sitting on my backside, living off my hard work!»
…Lara married Edward three years ago. Hed pursued her relentlessly, doing all sorts of grand gestures. Once, he even climbed a tree in front of their friends and declared hed do anything for her.
Now, the memory made her sick. She never imagined that just eighteen months after the wedding, everything would change so drastically. Edward had stopped seeing her as a womanjust a housekeeper, a cook, a laundry maid, a sounding board. But not his wife. Not the woman he once loved. He stopped noticing her, stopped buying little gifts. He even forgot her birthday. She tried talking to him, asking what was wrong, but Edward just shrugged it off. «Everythings fine,» hed say.
After the baby was born, it got worse. While Lara was still in the hospital, he moved her things into the nursery. When she asked why, he just shrugged.
«Whats the problem? As the mother, you should be near the baby. Im the only one working hereI need proper rest. Its simple. The boys tiny, hell cry all night. Should I go to work with a pounding headache? This is how its going to be.»
Lately, Lara couldnt shake the feeling she wasnt the only woman in Edwards life. Hed always worked late, coming home past midnight. But now, along with the long hours came sharp words. If she dared ask where hed been, hed snap:
«Listen, why are you nagging me? Im working, alright? Im doing this for the family! Whats with these stupid questions? Where else would I be? Youre the useless one, lounging around while I pay for everything!»
It made her wince. Maybe she was overreacting. Maybe he really was just working overtime for the extra pay. Until recently, shed never dreamed he might be seeing someone else.
…Lara woke to the slam of the front doorEdward had already left for work. Again, no «good morning.» They hadnt shared breakfast in months. Right after the baby was born, hed banished her to the nursery. Their marriage, once so strong, was crumbling like a house of cards.
She sighed, picked up her phone, and called him. The line rang forever before he answered, irritated.
«What do you want? Im busy!»
Her throat tightened. «Just wanted to wish you a good day. You left so early, and»
Edward cut her off. «Thats why youre calling? Ive got a meeting, no time for this clingy nonsense. Youre like a leech, Lara. Honestly, youre suffocating me!»
He hung up. She wiped her eyes and forced herself out of bed. The baby would wake soonshe had to pull herself together. And figure out what to do next.
In the bathroom mirror, she barely recognised herselfred eyes, messy hair, no colour in her cheeks.
«Look at you. What kind of woman are you now? Just a frazzled mothera leech, exactly as he said.» The thought made fresh tears spill.
After washing up, she slipped into the bedroom to grab clean sheets. Thats when she noticed something missing from the shelf. It took her a moment to realisethe box of condoms shed bought for their anniversary was gone. Shed planned a romantic evening, hoping Edward might finally see her as his wife again.
«Did he move them?» she muttered. «Why bother?»
Two hours later, after feeding and settling the baby, she called Edward again. His words»youre like a leech»wouldnt leave her mind. She knew he had a lunch break after his meeting.
«Ed, its me again. Sorry to bother you, but»
«What now?» he snapped.
«We need to talk. Properly.»
«Then hurry up.»
«Not over the phone. Tonight, after work?»
«Tonight I want to relax, not listen to your complaints. Couldnt this wait?»
«But its important. You dont even look at me anymore. You dont care how I look or feel»
«Oh, here we go!» Edward groaned. «Fine. Lets break it down. You look well, like any woman after a baby. Bit heavier, bags under your eyes. Itll fade. As for feelingsyoure a mother now, Lara! Be gratefulsome women cant even have kids. Im secondary. Focus on our son.»
«Thats not fair! Im still a person! I need to feel loved!»
«Alright, fine. Lets start with your looks. Maybe change your hair? And that sack dress does nothing for you. You know I like you dressed nicely. And youve let yourself goyou dont even smell nice anymore. No nails done, no makeup. Youre like a grey mouse.»
«A grey mouse? I dont have time, Ed! Im with the baby all day! When have you ever watched him for an hour?»
«Thats not my job. I earn the money. Yours is the house and the kid. And yourself! Look in the mirror, Lara. Even your cookings gone downhilldid you salt lunch properly this time? Last weeks was inedible. Ugh, now youve ruined my mood. Dont call againwell talk at home.»
She didnt. Before he returned, she showered, put on a bit of makeup, and even styled her hair. She met him with a smile, asking about his day. But Edward just scowled.
«Whats this act? Dressed up like a circus monkey? That dress is awfulyour legs look terrible! Change. Now.»
She couldnt take it. She slapped him, then fled to the bathroom, scrubbing her face raw. She threw the dress in the bin. Edward didnt reactjust turned on the telly and ignored her.
Later, with the baby asleep, she confronted him about the missing box. Maybe it was just an excuse to talk, to force the truth out.
«Ed, wheres the box from the wardrobe?»
He didnt look up. «What box?»
She steadied herself. «The one from the chemist. With the you know. I wanted to celebrate our anniversary. Mum agreed to watch Danny»
Edward exploded. «Are you accusing me of giving them to someone else? Are you insane? How dare you!»
The fight erupted. Then, suddenly, he admitted it.
«Fine, I took them. And Im leaving you. Ive wanted to for yearsjust stayed out of pity. Youre clueless, Lara. Theres someone else.»
«How long?» Her voice was eerily calm.
«Before Danny was born. You became unbearablewhining, demanding cuddles You repulse me. Im only here for our son.»
«Whats so special about her?»
Edward smirked. «One big advantageshe cant have kids.»
Lara turned and left. No tears, no pain. Just freedom. She sat by Dannys crib, stroking his cheek. Shed be fine. And Edward? He could go wherever he pleased.
…In the end, Edward did the decent thinghe moved out, leaving Lara and Danny in the flat. Both families supported her. The divorce was quiet, and he paid child support without fuss. He rarely sees Danny, but maybe thats for the best. Lara doesnt miss him. She remembers every wordespecially «leech» and «circus monkey.»
And thats how it ended.
