Coveted by Mychea

do I tell my kids? I mean what is going on in my life? Did I do something to someone in a past life? Why am I going through so much? How much is one body supposed to take?
    An old saying my mom used to quote faithfully comes to mind, God will never give you more than you can bear. I keep saying that to myself but when your heart has been squeezed so tightly, and you are gasping for breath, what do you do?
    I want to scream! Kaden is such a liar. I gave him an opportunity to come clean. He could have told me, I would have been able to handle it. He could at least have prepared me so that vindictive, jealous bitch would not have been able to catch me off guard.
    I should have known better, and deep down I did. I knew better, once a cheater, always a cheater, an age-old song. I think deep down I did know Kaven was Kaden’s son. I knew. They share so many of the same qualities how could I not. But I wanted to stay oblivious, and be in denial ‘til I had proof. I wanted to believe that my best friend and my husband really would not have an affair. I thought they would both respect the relationships that they each had with me. Guess I was wrong. I always try to keep relationships that do not need to be kept. That’s me. Always trying to hold on, and get crushed in the process.
    What do I tell my kids? I think again. I sit down in my chair and swivel to stare out the window. My life is spiraling out of control. First things first, I buzz Camille on the intercom.
    “ Camille.”
    “ Yes Mrs. Fairchild.”
    “ I need the number of a good lawyer. Can you handle that for me please and get my mother on the phone?”
    “ Certainly, Mrs. Fairchild.”
    “ Camille, please call me by my maiden name Vaughn. Thank you.” I disconnect from the intercom.
    I continue to stare out the window and my thoughts drift towards Damir. The meaning of his name is so fitting. His spirit reached out and touched mine. Maybe that is why I can’t seem to get him off of my mind.
    The intercom buzzes, “Your mother is on line one Ms. Vaughn and your husband is on line two.”
    “ Camille please inform my husband that I will see him at home and send my mother’s call through please.”
    “ Right away Ms. Vaughn.”
    My phone rings.
    I pick up, “Hi, Mommy,” I say.
    “ Hi pumpkin. What is the matter? You only call me Mommy when something is wrong.”
    Immediately I feel the tears spring to my eyes. Moms are so wise. I thank God for mine everyday.
     
    “ Oh Mommy, my life is a mess.” I feel like I did all those years ago when Kaden and I told her and my dad that we were expecting a baby.
    “ Remember what I taught you Naima. No matter how bad life feels at any given moment, it can always be worse.”
    Lord, if my life gets any worse I think I might jump off a bridge. I pause before I respond, and decide to tell her outright.
    “ Kaden and I are getting a divorce.” I stop and wait for her response. There is none.
    “ Did you hear me?” I ask her.
    “ Well I can’t say that I’m not glad,” she finally says. “I always felt that you could do better Naima. I never thought he was good enough for you.”
    “ Mommy what?” I say as I continue to look out the window and gaze at the horizon. “Why didn’t you tell me that a long time ago? Why did you feel compelled to let me marry him and forge a family?”
    “ Naima Ari! When was I supposed to say he was not the one for you huh? When you two popped into my living room for the first time and announced you were pregnant? Or perhaps after you eloped and your father and I weren’t allowed to attend, or much less even know about? Or maybe when you were pregnant with your second child? When really did you expect me to tell you? You were so headstrong; you would have done what you wanted to do either way. So do not sit on the other side of this phone and act as if I had a chance. My job is to be your mother, not to lie to you. If you are looking for a liar, you need to go elsewhere.”
    I