Chapter Seven: Anniversary
Two more weeks went by and Lee was still disappearing from our life together. He kept telling me his time away was for work, always for work. I said nothing because I still didn't want to open my eyes to the alternative.
So, with blinders, I ignored the obvious signs that something terrible was about to happen.
Our anniversary had come and I was excited. The morning of our anniversary, Lee had promised to be home in time for dinner. I had a hair appointment and a nail appointment. My hair was long and falling in soft waves, curled at the end. My nails were painted a soft pink. I made a dinner for two before I bathed and made up my face. I slipped on a glittery pink toga styled, clingy dress and black strappy heels.
Tonight there will be romance and after I was going to suggest we start a family. I felt it was time we brought up the subject of children and a house.
With hope in my heart, I set the table and placed our meal, kept warm in the oven, on the table. I lowered the lights. The dogs were in their carries. I lit a couple of candles. It was after 6 when I finished. I sat and waited and waited.
6 quickly turned to 7 and 7 to 8. Lee still wasn't home. Time passed by slowly and I began to worry. I sent out a text and at 9, I got a reply.
'Had to work late, sorry'-Lee
No other explanation and no hint of what time he was going to be home.
With tears in my eyes, I cleaned my face and pulled on old ratty pajamas. I took the dogs out of their carriers, walked them up and down the block before feeding them. I carried them to bed with me. I cried myself to sleep.
I felt the dogs start hours later and then I heard the shower. Lee was home. I looked at the digital clock to see it was 2 am. Lee had missed our anniversary.
END OF CH. 7