In the following days after the gender reveal party we bought some of the baby necessities like clothes, diapers, pacifiers, baby bottles, a stroller and a car seat. I took a trip down to the hardware store to look at some paint colors for the nursery. I haven't found the right color for the nursery yet so I'm still looking. Jared and I are in the process of looking for a house nearby. We've been looking online and calling to schedule viewings of the houses we found. There is one house that is beautiful in the pictures online and I'm hoping it will be just as beautiful in real life. If it is then that house my be the winner out of all of them. Since we don't have a house yet for now we're going to buy all the furniture we need and put it in the spare bedroom in the apartment. I'm currently on my way to work, but I honestly would rather be baby shopping instead. I've never been the kind of person who loved to shop so it came as a big surprise that I fell in love with baby shopping. I'm hoping for a more relaxed day today usually that's not the case, but a girl can dream right. I got to my desk and got to work. Half way through my work day I got a text message from Lourdes. I hadn't heard from her since the day of the party so it was nice that she was texting me.
"Hey" she said
"Hi how are you doing?" I replied back to her
"I'm doing good. How are you and the baby?" She said
"We're doing good too." I texted
"So I was wondering if I could come and see you today. It feels like I haven't seen you in ages." She said
"I would love that. I'm currently at work right now, but your free to come after I finish up here." I said
"Okay sounds great what time do you want me to head over there?" She asked
"You can come over at six and we can have dinner too if you want" I said
"Yeah that sounds good I'll see you then" she texted me
"Okay see you then." I replied and then I put my phone away and got back to work.
Jared's POV
Today was one of those rare days when I had the day off, but Michaela doesn't usually it's the other way around. I didn't know what to do with myself, so I decided that I would get a haircut. I wanted to cook dinner tonight as a way to do something special for Mic. I went down to the store and bought everything I needed to make dinner. Michaela loves italian food so i decided that's what I was going to make. When I looked at the time after I finished it was already 6pm she should be getting home soon. A few minutes later I heard a knock at the door. At first I found it kind of weird because Michaela usually has her key with her. I made my way to the door, but instead of finding Michaela behind it I found Lourdes. I hadn't seen her or even talked to her since the day I left.
"Hi" she said
"Uh hi" I said surprised to see her in front of me
"Is michaela home? I told her I would stop by." she said. At that moment my phone went off; I looked at the screen and it was a text from Michaela.
"This is her actually she just wanted to let me know she is going to be a little late. You can come in and wait for her if you want." I said. I'm assuming that she got a text from michaela too since she reached into her back pocket and took out her phone to look at who texted her.
"I guess I'll wait for her. She says she won't be long." Lourdes said. I stepped aside so that she could enter the apartment. You could cut the tension with a knife in here. It was awkward and dead silent. I didn't know what to say and she didn't say anything at all. I kind of wished i hadn't finished cooking so fast I could have easily used that as my excuse to leave the living room. We were just sitting in silence waiting for Mic to get home. I had enough with the silence and I decided to say something.
"How have you been?" I asked her.
"I've been good. How about you?" she replied
"I've been great" I said to her "listen I'm sorry for the way everything went down. I really didn't want to hurt you it was never my intention." I continued
"You're forgetting that I know the person you are I wouldn't have married you if I didn't which is why I know that it wasn't your intention for this to happen the way it did. You're not that kind of person, but I was hurt either way and that's something you can't change." she said I stayed silent as a sign for her to continue. " I thought that we were happy together I mean we were planning to have kids together soon, so finding out that my world has been turned upside down from a person who wasn't you hurt a lot. I knew deep down that you weren't completely over Michaela. You changed when she came back you oddly became the person you were before the disappearance. That thought was confirmed the day of you're hearing when you risked your job to save Michaela from getting in trouble. You love your job way too much to put it on the line for someone else. The only person that you would ever do that for is Michaela because you have this tendency of making sure she is okay and safe, but I let it go and put it in the back of my mind." she said
"I really am sorry." I said
"I know" she replied back. The room became filled with awkward silence again, so I did the only thing I could think of that didn't involve us talking about our breakup.
"Do you want anything to drink?" I offered
"Yeah sure. Can I have water please?" she replied
"Of course" I said. I got up from my seat and went into the kitchen. I was glad that she couldn't see into the kitchen from the living room because I spent a few minutes just standing there doing nothing trying to waste time. Once I got the water I walked back into the living room and went to hand it to her.
"Thanks" she said as she reached for the cup, but she didn't have a good hold on it. It slipped through her fingers and fell on the floor. There was ice, glass and water all over the floor, good thing it wasn't carpet. We both leaned down to cleanup the mess. As I went to pick up a piece of ice she went to pick up the same one and our hands touched. She pulled away quickly, but we both looked up at each other. One minute we're just staring at each other and the next she leaned forward to kiss me. It happened so fast that I wasn't able to grasp what was going on, but I pulled away from her immediately. Unfortunately, it was already too late.
"What is going on in here?" I heard someone say behind me. I turned around and saw Michaela standing at the door. She turned around and practically ran out the door I got up and went after her.
"Michaela wait? Mic please" I said. I finally caught up to her and grabbed her hand, but she pulled it away quickly. "Please let me explain what you saw" I continued she didn't say anything, but she also didn't move to walk away. "Lourdes dropped the glass of water I gave her and when it shattered on the floor we both went to clean up the mess. As we were cleaning we both grabbed the same piece of ice and our hands accidentally touched she pulled away immediately, but when we looked up at each other she leaned in to kiss me. It all happened so fast, but I pulled away immediately I swear." I explained hoping that she would believe me.
"I just want to be left alone for now. If there's an emergency you can find me at Grace's but please leave me be for tonight." she said
"Okay" is all I said as I watched her turn around and leave. I walked back to the apartment and found lourdes sitting on the couch with her head in her hands. When she heard me walk in she looked up.
"What happened?" she asked
"She's spending the night at Grace's. She asked that she be left alone tonight." I said
"I'm sorry I don't know what came over me. I guess that I just missed you so much and when we were staring at each other, I don't know it just felt like old times. I'm really sorry if I ruined things between you and Michaela. It's probably best that I leave now" she said. Lourdes got up and left. This afternoon was supposed to go, so differently it was supposed to be a great night with a romantic dinner. Instead I'm all alone in the apartment while my girlfriend is staying somewhere else most likely upset with me, but I wouldn't blame her if she is. I just sat down and stared up at the ceiling.
Michaela's POV
I was hoping I would be able to get home on time today, unfortunately all this traffic on the road isn't going to let that happen. Since I wasn't moving at the moment I texted jared and Lourdes letting them know that I'll be running a little late. Hopefully Lourdes will wait for me to get home; I haven't seen her in a little while and I want to catch up with her. Ten minutes go by and we are only moving at ten miles per hour. Then I see it, the cause of the traffic was an accident between three cars. Once I finally get passed, everyone returns to driving at the normal speed limit. I reached the parking garage and parked in my spot I saw that Ben's spot was still empty. I grabbed all my things and got out of the car. Once I reached the door for the apartment I put the key into the doorknob and opened the door. The scene before me broke my heart into a million pieces. Jared and Lourdes were kissing in the living room. Jared turned around and saw me standing at the door. Before any of them could say anything I turned around and ran out of the apartment I was hoping I could get away before any of them could catch up to me, but that wasn't the case. Jared easily caught up to me and grabbed my hand to stop me. The minute he touched me I pulled my hand away. He tried to explain what happened, but I didn't want to hear it at the moment. I just wanted to be as far as possible from him and Lourdes.
"Please let me explain what you saw." he pleaded. As much as I wanted to walk away and not hear his explanation I knew that I deserved to know why they kissed, so I stayed silent so that he could continue. "Lourdes dropped the glass of water I gave her and when it shattered on the floor we both went to clean up the mess. As we were cleaning we both grabbed the same piece of ice and our hands accidentally touched she pulled away immediately, but when we looked up at each other she leaned in to kiss me. It all happened so fast, but I pulled away immediately I swear." he said. I know that Jared wouldn't lie to me. Even if he really screwed up, but only because I believe what he is saying doesn't make the pain go away.
"I just want to be left alone for now. If there's an emergency you can find me at Grace's but please leave me be for tonight." I said. I'm hoping that he will respect my wishes and not come and find because I really need tonight to just talk to someone. I turned around and went back to my car. Once inside I grabbed my phone and called Grace. I haven't spoken to her or seen her since Ben and her went their separate ways, but I know that she will welcome me with open arms. The phone rang a few times before someone picked up on the other end.
"Hello" grace said
"Hey grace" I said
"Michaela how are you? I haven't seen you in a little while" she said
"I'm actually not doing so great. Would you mind if I spent the night at the house?" I asked
"You know that you're welcome here whenever you want. Is everything alright? Is the baby okay?" she asked I could tell that she was getting worried.
"Yeah the baby is fine. I'll explain everything once I get there." I said
"Okay I'll see you soon. Please drive safe." she said
"I will, see you" I said and then I hung up the phone. I started the car and backed out of my spot. The drive to the house was extremely silent I didn't even feel like turning on the radio, but all I could think about was them kissing and it was starting to get me upset. I needed to get to the house safely, so I eventually gave in and turned on the radio to distract me from my thoughts. The minute I was parked in the driveway I got out of the car and sprinted to the door. Grace was already waiting for me with the door open; she must have seen the lights in the driveway. When I reached the door Grace let me in. We walked silently to the island in the kitchen and sat on the stools.
"Do you want anything? I made dinner." was the first thing she said. I was about to say that I was good until I remembered that I hadn't eaten dinner yet and I couldn't starve the baby.
"Yeah I'll have a plate of food." I said. She gave me grilled chicken with potatoes and vegetables. She put a decent amount on the plate I had to at least try and get through most of it, even if I'm not in the mood to eat. While she was grabbing the food I got up and grabbed a water bottle. I sat back down and Grace put down the plate of food in front of me.
"So what happened?" she asked me
"I walked in on Jared and Lourdes kissing in the apartment" I said
"Im sorry Mic. Did you get an explanation?" she said
"Yeah I did, but I almost didn't" I replied
"What do you mean?" she asked
"Well the minute my shock wore off I ran out of the apartment and went straight for the elevator. Jared caught up to me and I let him explain what happened" I said
"What did he say?" Grace replied
"He told me that he gave Lourdes a glass of water and that it slipped through her hands and shattered on the floor. They both went to clean up the mess and at one point their hands touched because they went to pick up the same piece of ice. Lourdes pulled away, but when they looked up at each other she leaned in and kiss him. He said that he pulled away immediately." I explained
"Wow that's a lot to take in. Do you believe what he said?" she asked
"Yeah I do. I know that he wouldn't lie to me. He has always been truthful with me since the beginning. I have no reason not to believe him, but that doesn't make the pain any easier to deal with. Do you have any advice for me?" I asked her
"Well how do you feel about the situation?" she asked
"I mean I'm not mad at him he didn't do anything wrong. I'm more upset with Lourdes, but I surprisingly don't blame her. Ever since they both split I felt like I got in the way of what could have been a beautiful future for them. If it weren't for me they would still be married. So seeing them kiss and finding out that Lourdes was the one who initiated it kind of feels like karma. I took Jared away from her and now I find them together in the apartment" I said
"I say clear your head tonight. Don't stress out about and just relax. Think about what you want to do tomorrow. I think in a way you've forgiven both of them. Your relationship with Jared won't change, but I have this feeling that your friendship with Lourdes is a different story." she said
"I don't know what to think when it comes to Lourdes. I guess you're right in a way I have forgiven her, but I don't think I can easily forget what I saw. I feel like my trust in her has faltered a little bit." i said
"I honestly don't blame you. I say follow what your heart is telling you to do. No one knows you better than yourself. I know you'll make the right decision in regards to your friendship with Lourdes." she said
"Yeah you're right" I replied
"Okay I'm going to go check on the kids you finish eating if you need anything I'll be upstairs. Oh and I haven't touched anything in your old room so it should be exactly the way you left it." she said
"Okay thanks Grace, for everything" I said to her
"You're family you have nothing to thank me for" she said. She gave me one last smile before heading upstairs. I finished eating and cleaned up before I went to my room. Even though Jared told me what happened I wanted to hear Lourdes' side of the story I deserved to know. I left my room and went to find Grace.
"Hey Grace I'm going to take a drive I'll be back soon" I told her
"Okay drive safe" she replied back. I left and drove to Lourdes' hopefully she'll be home when I get there. I saw a light turned on in the house when I went to park my car. I knocked on the door and waited for her to open it.
"Michaela" she said a little surprised to see me
"Can I come in?" I asked her
"Yeah of course" she said while stepping to the side to let me in
"Jared told me what happened before I left for Grace's. I just want to hear your side of the story and why you did it." I said
"What did he tell you?" she asked
"He told me that you dropped a glass of water it shattered on the floor and that the both of you went to clean up the mess. Your hands touched at one point, but you pulled away and then you both looked up and then you kissed him" I explained
"Yeah that sounds right" she said
"Oh I know that, I never doubted that it wasn't the truth. Jared has never lied to me not ever so I knew from the moment he told me that it was the truth. I just wanted to see if you said the same thing. So now that you have my next question is why? I know you said that you forgave me for taking him from you, but was this your way of getting back at me?" I asked
"No I promise I didn't do it because I wanted to get back at you. I meant what I said before I forgive you." she said
"Then if it wasn't that why did you do it?" I said
"I don't know." is all she said. Since I clearly wasn't getting what I came here for I turned around and headed for the door.
"No wait please." I stopped at the sound of her voice. I turned to face her and waited for her to keep talking.
"Okay maybe I was jealous. When you came back I was afraid of something like this happening. I didn't want to lose him, but something inside me knew that I would. The day the plane came back I was so excited to hear that you were back. As the days went by something in Jared changed something I hadn't seen in a long time. It started making me afraid for our marriage. He was more energetic and he was more anxious to get to work. He talked about you more. I knew that he wasn't completely over you when we first got together, but I ignored it because I wanted to be with him and I just thought that he would completely get over his feelings for you after a few years. We had a plan that we would start having kids soon and I guess I'm jealous that you get to live the life that was taken from me. When I kissed him it felt like everything was back to the way it was. I missed him so much and it doesn't matter how much I still love him I know I'm not getting him back." she explained
"I know the feeling. When I first saw Jared and saw the wedding band on his ring finger my world came crashing down. When the plane landed I had every intention of telling him that I was going to marry him and then finding out that I had been missing for five and half years and coming home to my boyfriend being married to the person I considered to be my best friend it crushed me. For those first few days I didn't know what to do or think. That day that you came down to the precinct to see me I told Jared that looking at the both of you together made me want to throw up and faint. The difference between you and me is that even though I was still in love with him I made sure to never let anything get too far. I made sure that I controlled myself." I said
"I'm so sorry it was stupid and I promise you it won't happen again. I'll understand if you can't forgive me" she said
"I already have, but I don't know if I can trust you as easily as I used to. Just like how you wanted to take our friendship day by day after your split with Jared I'm going to do the same" I told her
"Okay I can live with that, I deserve that." she said
"I need to get going before Grace starts getting worried I told her I was going for a drive and I've been gone a little while now" I said
"Okay" she said I got up and walked to the door she followed behind me. I walked to my car and turned it on. Before I pulled away I looked back up at the door and saw that the lights were off in the living room and the door was closed. Once I got back to the house I walked in and to my surprise Grace was waiting for me to come back home.
"Hey" I said
"You're back. How was your drive?" she asked
"Eventful. I drove to Lourdes' house." I told her
"How did it go?" she asked
"It went well. I asked her why she kissed Jared and at first all she said was I don't know, but after I made a move to leave she told me that she missed Jared and that she still loves him so much. She knows that she wont have him back, but she can't help and be jealous when she looks at me and him. I get to have the life that she thought she would get to have with him. She told me she was sorry and I told her that I forgave her, but that she broke my trust in her and that I don't want to jump back into the way we were because things have changed. I want to take our friendship day by day." I explained
"Well it's good that the both of you talked and you got to hear her side of the story." she said
"Yeah. It's getting a little late I'm going to turn in for the night." i said mid-yawn
"I should probably head to bed too I have to get up a little early to make breakfast for the kids tomorrow." Grace said
"Okay goodnight" I said
"Goodnight" she replied
The next morning…
I woke up and knew it was time for me to go home, but before I did I was going to go downstairs and eat the breakfast that I could smell all the way from the kitchen. I got up made the bed and went downstairs.
"Good morning" I said to Grace when I entered the kitchen. She was sitting at the island drinking her coffee and eating breakfast.
"Morning" she replied back. I grabbed some food and sat across from her. We ate in silence with the tv being the only source of noise in the house. The kids had already left with Ben early this morning. He told me a few days ago that he was going to take them out and have a bonding day which I thought was a great idea.
"Are you heading back home after breakfast?" she asked
"Yeah" I said
"Do you know if Jared will be home?" she replied
"I think so. I pretty sure that he doesn't have to go into work until later today." She said getting up and cleaning up
"Well good luck and remember anything you need I'm here and you are always welcomed here. I hate to leave you, but I need to head to the catering kitchen. Let me know how it goes." she said
"Okay I will" I replied back to her as she grabbed her things. With one last goodbye and wave Grace left for work. I was left alone in the empty house. I finished eating my food, cleaned my plate and left the house. My drive back home was calming. I turned on the radio and just listened to music as I drove. I arrived at the apartment and the moment I drove into the parking garage my earlier comment to Grace was proven right. Jared's car was parked in his spot. I parked my car and headed upstairs. Once in the elevator I pressed the button for the second level and waited for the doors to close. I put my key in the doorknob and opened the door I walked inside and looked around the apartment for Jared. I opened the door to our bedroom and found him lying on our bed with his eyes closed. I wasn't sure if he was asleep or awake, but the minute the door closed his eyes opened and he looked up to see who walked in.
"Hey" he said as he got up to reach me. I walked to him and didn't say anything instead I kissed him.
"Does that mean that you forgive me?" he asked after we pulled away
"There was nothing for me to forgive. You didn't do anything wrong; actually you did everything right. You pulled away the minute she kissed you. I know that some part of you still loves her and I understand that. I mean you guys were happily married you could have easily kissed her back, but you didn't. I didn't leave last night because I was mad at you and thought you did something wrong. I left because I needed time to think and I needed to talk to someone. I also went to see Lourdes last night. I wanted to see if she told me the same thing you told me. I never doubted what you said. I knew that you didn't lie to me, but I also went there because I wanted to hear why she kissed you. We had a long talk in the end I forgave her, but i told her that my trust in her isn't the same anymore." I told him
"I love you so much and i hope you know that I would never do anything that would jeopardize our relationship. I lost you once and I'm not going to lose you again you mean way too much to me." he said
"I know and I love you too" I told him