FROM HEAVEN TO HELL
Anita thought she’d landed in Heaven when Gareth proposed.
Twelve years and two children later, with a nice home, a lovely group of friends, and a fulfilling job that paid for an au pair, she was still happy.
Until she saw Gareth’s hand on Caroline’s bum at a barbecue. The familiarity of that touch screamed ‘affair!’ like a foghorn.
Thinking back, the clues had been there – phone calls taken outside, late office hours.
Confronted, Gareth denied everything, but his eyes were guilty.
“Hell will freeze over before I believe your lies again,” Anita yelled, and filed for divorce.
........................................................................Looking at Na'ama Yehuda's photograph, my first thought was, 'I wish I was there.' It is too hot today in England - we are looking forward to the cooler weather that's on its way. Though we shouldn't grumble - Germany and China are suffering far worse than we are from the effects of climate change.
It isn't the weather to be sitting at a computer either, but my writing head has been buzzing and it's impossible to ignore. Except, that is, when engaging in minor spats on Facebook - my own fault for making contentious observations!
A lovely strong ending, Lizy.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Helen.
DeleteWhat a distressing revelation.
ReplyDeleteAt least she had the sense to see the bum pat for what it was!
DeleteThe sad fact of life for many a couple. People seem to forget that love is like a muscle. It must be exercised to keep it strong. Good story!
ReplyDeleteYou are right that love needs to be exercised, but it's also vulnerable to damage.
DeleteDamn him for ruining what she thought was a perfect life. Glad she's not sticking around.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad she had the sense to quit. Some people stick around for too long out of a sense of duty, or sheer inertia!
DeleteGareth has given them some hard problems. Filing for divorce is all very well, but what about the two children? Managing divorce without damaging the kids won't be easy.
ReplyDeleteGood story, Liz - I hope I'm not being too contentious in my comment! Especially after your FB spat!
Not at all, Penny! Divorce always affects kids, whatever their ages, as I know from experience. They will have to weigh up the pros and cons.
DeleteMaybe now Anita can start living
ReplyDeleteIt will be tough, but she'll manage. She has to for the children's sakes.
DeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeleteI'd say Gareth reaped what he sewed. Sad but common story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
They always think they will get away with it too!
DeleteWhat a cad he is :-(
ReplyDeleteLovely old-fashioned word to describe him!
Deletetoo bad, i guess he doesn't deserve a second chance like others of his ilk do.
ReplyDeleteShe'd only delay the heartache if she took him back.
DeleteGareth should consider himself lucky he didn't get skewered at the barbecue.
ReplyDeletePrecisely, there are many weapons at a barbecue!
DeleteOh dear. Better to now the truth than constantly live with a lie though. Great story.
ReplyDeleteYes, always better to know. Thanks Gah.
Delete