I had a contract with a company for two and a half years, so I was more or less trapped in Birmingham, unable to leave for what felt like an eternity. My wife refused to move with me; she had her favourite job back in London and her poorly mother to care for.
She would visit me twice a year at leastonce for New Years and again in late spring, taking annual leave she hoarded for the occasion. She acted as usual, telling me how terribly she missed me and pleaded that I shouldnt renew the contract, as she was eagerly awaiting my return home. Last winter, she didnt seem quite as desperate to drag me back, but I figured it was because she knew Id be coming. I hadnt told her the exact date, wanting it to be a surprise, like one of those romantic gestures they make in films.
When I finally arrived home, her mother seemed completely rattled by my appearancecaught off guard, flushed, then as pale as custard.
Im back! I proclaimed. Now well be living together, all three of us.
My mother-in-law sat in her chair in the kitchen, staring at me as if I was speaking Greek.
Hows that possible? Claire has a new husband, she said.
What? A new husband? I spluttered.
Yes, half a year now, living here. Hes an old friend. She started seeing him after her last trip to visit you, my mother-in-law explained, as if she was discussing the weather. She said you found someone else too, divorced ages ago. Papers signed and everything And shes expecting a baby.
Well, that was just about the most unpleasant, blindsiding bit of news you can imagine. I hadnt so much as looked at anyone in Birmingham, let alone given my wife a single reason to suspect me of anything untoward. And yet, shed found someone elsea chap conveniently nearbyand divorced me, apparently ages ago. And now, she and her new husband were having a baby, and there was nothing for me to come home to.
My mother-in-law, ever the caring type, suggested I clear out the old flat she let, but I firmly declined. I ended up staying temporarily with my dad and his new family, plotting my escape overseas again. Claire has no idea Im back in the country, doesnt ring, doesnt text, seems to be living a perfectly jolly life. And Id rather keep it that way. My pride just wont allow it. Once I find someone abroad, then maybe Ill let her knowjust so she gets a taste of how it feels.
