Malika curled up against Erik's body, she ached for him to hold her, however, he only barely touched her when she got too close. She frowned as she wondered why he was so distant with her lately. What was wrong with her that he did not want to touch her? She looked at him as he slept. She wanted to know what he was thinking. "Erik." She whispered softly, hoping he would respond.
"I have to work in the morning Malika. Go back to sleep." He dismissed her quickly.
She bit on her lip in order to stifle a cry of protest. "Can't we talk?"
"I'd rather not." She sighed softly then pushed the covers off and stood from the bed. She then grabbed her robe, wrapped it around her, and headed toward the door. "Where are you going?"
"To the children's room. I can see I am not wanted." She replied rather coldly.
She then opened the door, exited the room, and slammed it shut. She entered the triplet's room and sat down on the rocking chair and rocked for a while, thinking about her relationship and what she could do to save it. It seemed that he didn't want to try to save it, as he didn't bother talking much.
Could he have a mistress somewhere? Or maybe he just didn't like her appearance any more. She had gained some weight; however, she did not think it was too much to have affected their relationship. She sighed again. What was a woman to do except go to church and pray. She hoped she could do something before their relationship broke apart.
xxxx
Erik looked at Malika as she sewed on a baby garment that she had been working on. Silence permeated the room as he wondered whether she was going to say anything or not. Finally she asked, "What is wrong with me?"
"Hmm? What do you mean?" He questioned back.
"I mean that we have not had sex in months and you don't want to touch me in bed. What is wrong with me?"
"There is nothing wrong with you."
"Then why don't you want to make love like we used to?"
"Because you are still weak from labor. I am sure you are sore as well."
"Erik," Malika groaned loudly, "That was two weeks ago. I am fine."
"I don't want to take that chance." He replied.
"Do you have a mistress?"
He sighed deeply. "Here we go again. I do not have a mistress. Why would I need one?"
"Maybe to take out your sexual aggressions because your wife doesn't look the way she used to." Malika replied as she felt hot tears run down her cheeks.
"I don't have a mistress. Stop obsessing over it."
"Will you go with me to church? Please Erik, it would help me."
"I'll arrange for a carriage to take you tomorrow."
"No!" Malika cried out. "I need you to come with me. We need to start over."
"I'm not going to church Malika. I don't need to."
"Then prove to me that you love me!" She held up her hand in which her ring was on. "We made vows! How can you forget them?"
He stood up from his chair and angrily said, "I have not forgotten. To love, honor, and obey."
"Then prove you still love me. Erik I need you. I don't know what I will do if I do not feel your touch soon. Please." She pleaded with him.
"No!"
Malika bent her head in defeat. "Alright then." She stood up and walked quietly out of the room. She tried not to cry, but could not help when a cry of despair exited her lips. What had she done to deserve the treatment that he was giving her? She suddenly buried her face in her hands as she tried to keep the oncoming tears from flowing. She felt helpless and did not know what to do to save her marriage. What could she do except go back to Notre Dame and pray?
xxxx
Malika knelt on the small knee rest in the church. Many thoughts ran through her head as she prayed. What would she do if Erik kept ignoring him? Would she turn from him? Would she betray him? Or maybe she would wither away? She shook her thoughts away; she could not let any of those things happen to her. She would not. Her heart would remain true to her husband even if he didn't want her, though she prayed fervently that he would return to her. Tears began falling down her cheeks as she felt helplessness permeate her. "Malika? I didn't know you would be here today." Alexandre's familiar voice entered her thoughts.
"I needed to pray." Malika replied as she wiped at the tears.
"May I sit with you?" He asked. She nodded as she sat back on the pew. "Why are you crying?"
"It's nothing." She responded.
"It cannot be nothing. Obviously something is bothering you."
"I am having a problem at home that is all."
"Does it have to do with your husband?" Malika was silent for a few moments before he said, "It does."
"We are merely having marital problems. It is nothing big Alexandre."
"Come now. He must of said something or done something, otherwise, you would not be here alone and crying."
"It is not what he has done; it is what he has not done." Malika responded, she averted her eyes from his.
"Ah." He paused as he laid a hand on her thigh, "I think I can help you."
Malika gasped and pushed his hand off her thigh. "Monsieur, I do not know why you are touching me like that, but I am a married woman and I am not interested." She then nervously stood up and began to quickly walk towards the front doors.
Alexandre met her at the door, causing her to cry out in protest. He pulled her inside a dark confessional and pulled her against his body. She sobbed as he gently stroked her hair. "Shh."
"Why are you doing this?" Malika asked, he brushed the tears from her eyes.
"Because I wish to relieve your pain." He whispered in her ear.
"What makes you think you can relieve my pain?"
"Your husband is not."
"Leave me alone." She responded.
He drew out a piece of paper and pressed it in her hand. "If you change your mind or wish to talk, you can reach me here." He then pulled back and left her in the confessional. Malika felt confused and afraid for herself. She would never betray Erik. Never.
Author's Note: Thank you all for the reviews. So what's going to happen? You will see soon. I hope to update soon this week.