The Song

Part Forty

The dress hanging on the rack in my wardrobe, I sat cross-legged on the big bed in the master bedroom and watched Aston flit about as he got ready for the club night. It was a late night affair, but he’d agreed to go to dinner with a few people before hand.

“Babe I’d invite you, but I really don’t think you’d want to go.”

“It’s ok,” I shrugged, twisting the rings on my finger around. I’d worn them out shopping and hadn’t yet taken them off yet. They were so pretty and I really did like them. Maybe I’d just leave them on?

“You’re sure?”

“Yeah, I don’t really want to go clubbing or anything. Would probably give me a headache.”

“I sort of figured,” Aston said with a sad smile.

“Anyways, it’ll be nice to spend time with the girls.”

“Don’t let them feed you too much wine.”

“Ok Dad!” I laughed, pointing to one of the tops he was holding out for me to pick from. He took another look at it and then laid it on the end of the bed, going back to put the other tops away.

“You’ll text if you need anything?” Aston asked.

“Course.”

“Ok,” he sighed, “I’m going to have a shower.”

“The girls should be here soon anyways,” I said, slipping off the bed, “And Ast… please don’t worry about me.”

“I can’t help it.”

“I know,” I said, touching his arm gently before wandering out of the room and going down to the kitchen to tidy up a bit.

The girls arrived before Aston was done getting ready and we sat sprawled across the sofas in the front room chatting with glasses of wine.

“Ok, I’m heading out,” Aston said, coming to stand behind me, “You promise you’ll let me know if you need anything?”

“Of course,” I said, “Have fun!”

“I’ll try,” Aston sighed, kissing the top of my head instinctively before wandering out of the room. I could see the lights of the car that had come to pick him up, and soon he was gone.

“Wow,” Camila grinned.

“What?”

“You guys are doing so well.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“You and Aston, remember when you were talking about leaving him?” Camila said, “But now you’ve got the rings on and you two seem to be doing great.”

“I almost did leave him,” I muttered, “I didn’t tell you.”

“Huh?” Ellie said, grabbing her wine from the table.

“I got as far as being about to sign papers for a divorce,” I said shamefully, “But I couldn’t do it.”

“Ohhh Jess, you should have called,” Ellie said, “We could have helped you through that.”

“I’m sorry,” I replied, “I was freaking out I guess. I felt inadequate.”

“It’s ok,” Camila smiled sadly, “We know the situation is tough. You’ve just got to have trust.”

“I’m getting there. I mean, every day I don’t remember is less of a chance that I’ll ever remember. But, I’m getting more comfortable in this life and with Aston.”