by S M Mala
No-one would guess what lay behind those doors and the individual tales of woe.
Her mobile began to ring and it was Harry.
She hadn’t heard from him since the night before when he staggered back home in the early hours of the morning. He had rung her five times that day and texted, but she didn’t want to speak to him.
Something was telling her that he was up to no good.
Her head was making it clear but her heart was reasoning he was a busy man.
And this is what Harry did.
Made you unsure about everything.
‘Hello,’ she said and heard him sigh.
This made her angry as his behaviour overall was starting to piss her off.
‘Why didn’t you return my calls?’ he whispered. ‘Sophie, I worry when I don’t hear from you.’
‘And I worry when you say you’ll be home at nine o’clock and don’t turn up until the next day. That’s when I can’t sleep.’
She wasn’t telling the perfect truth.
Sophie had slept like a log until he came in, tripping on the rug when he got to the bedroom.
‘I got a bit drunk and you know what it’s like?’
‘Will you be doing this when you turn fifty? I need to know so we can have separate bedrooms.’
‘I’ve been thinking about you all day, do you know that?’
‘Am I going to see you tonight or will I have to wait until after the weekend?’ Gulping hard, she waited for the bad news to come crashing down. ‘Tell me as I haven’t got long before the baby is born and I have to plan ahead.’
‘What plan is that?’
‘Help for when you fuck off and avoid your responsibilities.’
She hung up.
Knowing she was hormonal and the day had taken its toll, she felt her baby kick.
‘Sorry little one but he pisses me off,’ she grumbled then noticed her phone rang again.
She wasn’t going to answer it then saw it was from Jonah.
Out of all Harry’s shitty dealings, this was the only good thing that had happened.
Twice a week he hung out with her and knew he was forced to do it because of wanting to please Harry.
This week he had been on a shoot in Morocco.
Then she wondered if Harry had put him up to calling and answered.
‘Hello,’ she said quietly. ‘How are you?’
‘How are you?’ he asked, sounding happy. ‘What time are you turning up?’
‘What are you talking about?’
‘Harry’s arranged for us all to meet for dinner.’
‘All?’
There was a silence down the other end of the phone.
‘He didn’t tell you?’ asked Jonah, sounding embarrassed.
‘I’m probably not invited. Anyway, I just swore at him so he’ll turn it around and say my ankles have swollen so I can’t go.’
‘Have they?’ He started to laugh. ‘Have they turned to cankles?’
‘Yes, calves and ankles, that’s me. Just call me elephant legs.’ Sophie started to laugh though she didn’t know why. ‘How was your trip? I thought you’d want to spend the time with your lady.’
‘It would be nice to see you again. It’s a rare occasion you go out with your husband.’
Sophie didn’t want to answer.
It was a rare occasion she had seen him at the weekend.
Then she noticed he was ringing on her other line.
‘I may or may not see you later,’ she said and there was a rush of excitement in her chest.
She wanted to see Jonah.
That’s who she had missed over the last eight days.
‘Sophie,’ Harry said. ‘I know you’re mad at me and there’s no explanation.’
‘If you’re sleeping with someone else, then there is.’
She heard his sharp intake of breath down the other end.
‘How can you say that? I’m working hard for us, for our family,’ he said, starting to sound upset. That threw her. ‘You know I love you more than anything. I would never do that to you!’
A stab of guilt hit her chest when she heard him say it.
‘Why aren’t you spending time with me?’ she asked, rubbing her head. ‘I feel so alone. This isn’t what I expected my life to be like.’
‘I’m sorry. I’ll leave early and we can spend the weekend together.’
‘You’ve not made plans?’ Now she was confused.
‘I said I’d meet Jonah for dinner with his girlfriend. I thought you’d like to come. A little get-together, but mainly as thanks for him spending time with you while I’ve been busy. I’ll cancel and come home.’
He was putting her on the spot but didn’t know that she had spoken to Jonah.
‘You’re making that poor man keep my company and do DIY around the home. I’m sure his girlfriend will have something to say about it. Tell me when and where to meet, and I’ll see you then.’
‘You don’t mind?’
‘Not today.’
‘Why did you agree?’
Onya looked furious when Jonah broke the news. Now she was in a sulk while he got dressed. ‘I don’t feel like it.’
He wanted to see Sophie.
A whole week away and he was missing her company.
The time he had spent with her had been fun, and she had a positive effect on his mind set and work.
Even when he was on the shoot, he thought about her. And he was itching to tell her about what he saw when he was away.
The child poverty in a large, affluent city in Europe.
‘I’ve not seen Harry in weeks,’ he said, checking his appearance in the mirror. ‘I thought it would be nice for everyone to meet up.’
‘Will she be there?’
‘She?’
He turned to look at Onya examining what to wear.
‘His pregnant and frumpy wife?’ She smiled then turned to face him. ‘I bumped into Harry a few days ago and he mentioned she’s huge!’
‘When did you see him?’
‘He popped into the gallery on the off chance. I get the impression he’s dreading impending fatherhood. Do you think she did it on purpose, get pregnant?’
Jonah didn’t know what he was thinking right now. He wasn’t too impressed with Onya’s tone and wondered what she had heard about Sophie.
‘Am I missing something here?’
‘I don’t think Harry’s happy. And when the baby comes, I reckon he’ll be out of there like a shot.’
‘That’s a horrible thing to say.’ Jonah walked up to Onya, who seemed oblivious to the comment. ‘I know he’s not into the baby but when she comes, he might change his mind.’
‘He’s having a girl?’ Onya burst out laughing. ‘Well, that’s poetic justice considering how much he screws around.’
‘Don’t say anything as Soph has no idea.’ He gently touched her arm. ‘She knows he’s avoiding his responsibilities. You’ll like her.’
Onya was staring at him and he couldn’t figure out what she was thinking.
‘You seem to like her,’ she eventually replied and let out a small huff. ‘I need to see what the fuss is all about to decide what I think of Mrs Harry James.’
An hour later, they were at the table, waiting for the said mentioned wife to turn up.
Harry seemed in good spirits and Onya had perked up.
Jonah discreetly looked around waiting to see where Sophie was.
‘She’s usually on time but she’s a bit pissed off with me at the moment,’ Harry said, as Jonah quickly turned to look at him. ‘I got drunk last night and came home late. You know Jonah, you look well considering you flew back this afternoon.’
‘It wasn’t that long on the flight and I’ve had lots of early nights,’ he replied, sipping his drink.
‘Based on what I’ve seen, you’re going to be a busy boy soon.’ Then Harry turned to Onya. ‘How are you going to cope when he’s globetrotting around the world?’
‘I’ll find a
way,’ she sighed, then started to smile.
Jonah grinned then he saw Sophie and it was as if everything stood still in time.
She was gliding through the tables, wearing a dark blue summer dress and he couldn’t speak.
Mainly because his heart felt like it was in his mouth.
And she smiled at him first.
‘What are you looking at?’ he heard Harry say, turning his head.
‘Hello there,’ Sophie said, going straight up to Onya and putting her hand out. ‘I’m Sophie and I’ve heard so much about you.’
Jonah watched Onya shake her hand but realised his girlfriend’s smile was a little stiff, as she flicked Harry a glance then looked at Jonah.
‘Same here,’ came the reply.
Jonah stood up and kissed Sophie, inhaling her sweet perfume before she kissed her husband.
‘You look good,’ Harry whispered and Jonah could see the shock on his friend’s face. ‘I didn’t thank fat would suit you.’
‘And then you open your mouth and spoil it all,’ mumbled Sophie, shaking her head and sitting down, blushing as she did. Jonah felt embarrassed for Sophie and tried to hide the snarl coming to his lips. ‘Sorry, I’m late.’
Both men sat down and he watched Harry take Sophie’s hand and kiss it.
Never before had he seen Harry look so mesmerised by his wife, and there was a grin from ear to ear.
Somehow, it seemed false but he was unsure why.
Sophie looked puzzled and pulled her hand away.
‘When are you due?’ Onya asked, taking a massive gulp of her wine.
‘24th September. Apparently I am going to get larger towards the end. I’ve got two weeks more at work then I wait for the baby to arrive.’ Sophie smiled at Jonah. ‘And look at your tan! Tell me all about it.’
And he did.
They spoke about the shoot and she told him about what was going on at work.
He wasn’t quite sure how long they had been speaking for but realised it must have been for most of the evening when coffee turned up.
‘Don’t I get a look in?’ Onya asked as he turned to see her false smile, then realised Harry was on the phone in the corner of the restaurant. ‘The pair of you have been chatting as if you’ve not seen each other for years, which is quite funny considering your husband coerces my boyfriend to babysit.’
‘Oh sorry,’ Sophie said and the smile was instantly wiped from her face. ‘I didn’t mean to be rude.’
‘You shouldn’t be monopolising two men, should you?’
‘What does that mean?’ Jonah asked, embarrassed by the comment.
‘Nothing. Maybe when I get pregnant, I’ll have men fawning over me.’ Onya stood up. ‘Excuse me. I have to go to the ladies.’
She walked off.
Jonah noticed Sophie looked upset and bit her lip.
‘I don’t think she likes me,’ Sophie whispered. ‘Did I do something wrong? Did I say anything?’
‘Not at all,’ he replied, placing his hand on her arm. ‘She’s like that sometimes. I call it spoilt, little girl syndrome.’
Then he glanced at Onya speaking to Harry, who seemed happy enough.
Mostly because he had knocked back the wine.
‘We’ve been chatting non-stop.’ Then she mischievously grinned. ‘The baby seemed to want to join in. She’s been kicking all the way through.’
‘Must enjoy hearing us talk.’
‘There she goes again.’ Stroking her tummy, Sophie grinned. ‘It’s your voice.’
Jonah leant down and placed his hand under where her hand was.
‘Hello there baby, are you okay?’ He felt the thud in his hand and looked up at Sophie grinning. ‘That’s amazing!’
‘What are you doing?’ asked Onya, standing by the table.
‘The baby kicked,’ he replied, smiling up at an angry face.
‘I think we should go.’ His girlfriend turned to Sophie. ‘It was lovely to meet you. All the best with the baby.’
‘I’ve not finished my coffee,’ he replied, sitting up. ‘Why the rush?’
‘I’ve not seen you all week and I want to spend some time with you. Alone.’
‘Go on guys!’ laughed Harry, sitting back down. ‘I’ll settle the bill. You, young lovers, run off.’
He didn’t want to go.
Jonah wanted to stay but something was bugging Onya, and he would have preferred it if she didn’t try to upset Sophie again.
‘I need your assistance on Wednesday,’ said Harry, as Jonah got to his feet. ‘My wife has bought safety gates and all sorts of things. Would you mind putting them up?’
‘He might be busy,’ interjected Onya, looking increasingly angry. ‘He’s on your books but not as your servant.’
‘I don’t mind,’ Jonah said and glanced at Sophie looking uncomfortably at Onya. He then turned to Sophie and smiled. ‘I’ll see you then.’
‘Good,’ she replied and nodded discreetly. ‘Enjoy the rest of your weekend.’
Bending down he kissed her on the cheek and noticed she was looking at him. He shook Harry’s hand and escorted Onya out of the restaurant.
Waiting until they were out of earshot, he stopped.
‘Why were you so rude?’ he asked, confused by her behaviour.
‘All that little lost routine makes me want to vomit,’ she said, putting her nose in the air. ‘What was he thinking marrying her?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘She’s dull!’
‘I don’t think so. Sophie-.’
‘And you? What was that about? Why did you have to ignore me?’
‘From what I recall, you were talking to Harry, so don’t tell me you were neglected.’ Jonah couldn’t hold it in any longer. ‘Why are you such a fucking bitch sometimes? It’s embarrassing.’
‘You’re embarrassing. Sucking up to your agent’s wife for what? He’s screwing around behind her back and you’re covering for it. How do you think she’s going to feel when she finds out? She won’t want to speak to you again, will she?’
‘He’s not,’ Jonah said, feeling his face get hot from the worry about what Harry was doing. ‘I owe him.’
‘And if he asks you to fuck his fat wife, what do you do then?’
He couldn’t stomach the nasty comment, so Jonah turned around on his heels and walked off, leaving Onya standing on the pavement.
He also couldn’t stomach spending any more time in her company for now.
But the idea of sleeping with Sophie was something that kept cropping into his head, most nights.
And he liked it.
‘That was a bit awkward.’
Harry was sitting in his armchair as Sophie took off her shoes and wiggled her feet. ‘What did you say to Onya to make her take an instant dislike to you?’
‘Hello?’ she replied. The woman’s bad behaviour was now sinking in. ‘I have no idea. I was talking to Jonah.’
‘She’s quite a jealous little thing,’ he said with a half smirk. ‘And you, wife, seemed to have turned many heads with your voluptuous figure.’
‘I’m not speaking to you.’ Sophie stood up and looked down at him, his blue eyes sparkling in her direction. ‘You’ve been treating me appallingly and I’ve had enough. If you want me to leave, then just say. I need to give eight weeks’ notice to move back into my flat.’
‘I love you,’ he said, tilting his head to one side and smiling. ‘You mean everything to me.’
‘Then how come I don’t feel that? Why don’t you want to spend time with me? And the comments about my size, the way I look, and how fat I’m going to get. Don’t blatantly show you find me repulsive. It’s both humiliating and embarrassing.’
‘Is it the hormones?’ Harry asked, leaning forward.
‘It’s my heart,’ she replied, watching his smile drop. ‘It needs to be handled carefully and I don’t think you’re doing that. You haven’t for a long time.’
Turning around, she didn’t want him to see her
cry, so Sophie walked to the bathroom and removed her dress, hanging it up behind the door. She needed a shower, as she was sweating a bit more than usual.
Carefully stepping in, she let the cool stream soothe her skin while closing her eyes.
This is where she could weep in silence and he would be none the wiser.
He hated it when she got upset.
She hated seeing him confused and unable to cope.
Harry wasn’t in tune with her emotionally.
Then Onya’s little snipe started to annoy her again and she stopped crying.
Jonah was far too good for that stick thin, flat chested, flighty, stuck-up cow. Even the way she spoke to him wound Sophie up. Pretty dismissive and condescending.
The woman was good looking. It was obvious why any man would want her, though she didn’t come across as a nice person.
When Sophie thought about it harder, Onya seemed only to want to chat to Harry.
Carefully getting out of the shower, she dried herself before wrapping a towel around her body.
Walking into the bedroom, she was surprised to see Harry sitting in bed, waiting. He had removed his clothes and was under the sheet.
‘I’m going to spend all weekend with you, being nice and to show I love you.’ Harry smiled and put out his hand. ‘Come to bed.’
She went closer and held his hand.
‘I know you’re not excited about the baby,’ Sophie whispered watching him wince. ‘But I have enough excitement and love for her. If you don’t want to be here, that’s your call but I want you to be here for me.’
‘I don’t want you to feel sad. I’d never hurt you.’ He got up on his knees and stroked her face. ‘Let me show you how much.’
Taking the edge of the towel, he slowly pulled it off and Sophie dreaded looking into his eyes, seeing the repulsion. But he looked at her all the time and started kissing her lips very gently. Then his hands tenderly stroked her breasts before moving down to her arse.
She noticed he never touched her stomach, never wanted to. He even diverted his eyes away to avoid looking at it.
Jonah was the first man, who was not medically inclined, to feel the baby kick.
Closing her eyes, she thought of him touching her.