Chapter 35

I dropped Victoria off at home at her request while the boys and I went out to get ice cream. The whole ride home she didn't talk to me. Her mind was elsewhere. Did I say something wrong that might have offended her? Nah. It couldn't have been that, because she came in the doctor's office happy go lucky and came out stressed and "tired." It must have been something the doctor said or did to her.

-

After the boys and I got our ice cream we sat at the lake, observing its beauty. I called Victoria.

"Yes?" She answered.

"How are you doing, baby?" I asked.

"I'm fine."

"Did the doctor say anything rude to you?"

"No."

"Then what's wrong."

"I'm just tired."

"Tired of what?"

"Tired as in sleepy." Victoria sighed, annoyed. I bit my tongue and looked around me.

"I just wanted to make sure you were okay, V. Because I noticed a dramatic change after you came out of the office." I exhaled.

"I'm fine. I guess staying up all night finally got to me."

"How long did you stay up?"

"Until at least two or three."

"What time did Joshua leave?" I'm never letting another man into my house. I must be the only man in history to let such a thing happen without him being a man of business.

"Around one of those times."

"Wow."

"Michael, I apologize for allowing him into the house. I can only imagine how you felt coming home to another man snuggling up to me."

"Yeah, It's okay. I understand." I took a deep breath. "V, for the past three months, I've been cheating on you with several women." I exhaled. I was relieved that I finally got it out. After my confession, Victoria's line went silent. I feel like a punk breaking it to her over the phone, but at least I finally got it out. After a long moment of silence, I became impatient. "Victoria?" The line was still silent. "V?" I waited again. Finally, I looked at the phone to find that she had hung up. I should have expected that... It seems as though I told her at a bad time.

-

In the middle of a game of tag, my phone rang. Seeing as Victoria hung up on me, I have no side girls, who could this be?

"Hello?" I answered.

"Michael, it's Isabelle." It never occurred to me that I should have had my Mother-in-laws number saved in my phone. I already know what she's calling for, so I'm just going to take it and listen.

"Yes, ma'am?"

"You cheated on Victoria?"

"I don't believe this is a matter I should be discussing with you."

"Oh no. Answer the question." Is she serious? I thought she would just shout about how stupid I am for cheating on her daughter. I'm not about to have this conversation with her. That's the difference between Victoria and me. I have brothers and sisters to confide in. She on the other hand is an only child and her Mother is her best friend, so of course her mother would be the first to know about this

"Ms. Luhn, I understand you're Victoria's mother and all, but I refuse to have this conversation with you." I finally answered.

"So, I suppose the more appropriate question should have been, why would you cheat on my daughter?"

I sighed heavily. I'm not answering her. "Ms. Luhn, I'm not having this conversation with you."

"I don't see why you choose not to. It's a simple question."

"Yes and I have the option of answering it or not and I choose not to."

She sighed, annoyed, "so you're not going to answer me, are you?"

"There's no reason why I should answer you."

"Fine. Get a pen out before you get home, because Victoria is ready to divorce your sorry ass!" Ms. Luhn hung up. Seriously? That was out of line. Way out of line. Besides, Victoria won't divorce me. That's a given. I know she's upset right now, but she's also probably glad that I told her.

"Boys, let's go!" They raced to the car. I walked slowly, recollecting my thoughts. I don't know what to expect when I get home. More than likely a lot of yelling from Victoria. I should probably expect her to slap me too. It's not like I don't deserve it. As soon as I got to the car, the boys were chasing each other around the car. When I got in the car, they rushed to get in and slammed the doors shut. I sat and waited, looked out at the scenery. Words failed to describe how I felt right now. I could only imagine how Victoria feels right now. I feel like I shouldn't go home and just go ahead and let Victoria calm down. Maybe I should do that. That way she wouldn't have as much anger tomorrow... No, then that'll make it seem like I'm running away from her. I don't want to look like I'm scared and run away. I should just take it.

-

When we got home, all the lights were out. Maybe Victoria is sleeping although I say it's not good to do. She tries to sleep away her problems whenever possible. The boys got out of the car and raced to the back door. I swear, they've been running after each other all day. I got out and unlocked the door.

"Mommy!" The boys called in unison. I looked around to find the house still in tip top shape. Luckily, she hadn't broken anything in anger.

"Mommy, we're home!" Prince shouted. I went to the guest room to find Victoria not there. Maybe she's in our room. I hurried to our room to find her not there either. Maybe she decided to run away for a while. Maybe she's at Joshua's. I couldn't blame her. As long as they weren't having sex, I'm fine with it, I guess.

"Daddy, where is Mommy?" Michael asked as he and Prince jumped on the bed.

"She's having some alone time right now." I sighed.

"Where?"

"Probably at the lake or something."

"Why is she having alone time?"

"Because she really needs it right now."

"With Uncle Josh?" Prince asked innocently.

I cringed, "maybe."

"Can you call her?"

"Sure." I shrugged. Although, I highly doubt she'll answer. I called her and gave the phone to Michael. If she answers, I'm talking to her.

"Hi, Mommy!" Michael smiled. The speaker was loud, so I could hear her replies.

"Hey, baby, how are you?" She sounded like she was smiling, but her voice was clearly filled with anger and hurt.

"Good, Daddy took us to the lake and we got ice cream. You should have come with us."

"That sounds fun, but I was really tired, sweetie. I had to get some rest."

"Are you resting now?" Prince snatched the phone from Michael.

"Prince?" Victoria laughed. "Yeah, I'm still resting."

"Where are you? We miss you."

"Aww. I miss you guys too."

"Even Daddy?"

"Yeah.... him too."

"Well, where are you?" Michael snatched the phone back.

"I'm with Uncle Josh right now. He says hi."

"Hi!" The boys said in unison.

"Boys, I'll talk to you later, okay?"

"What are you doing?"

"I love you."

I took the phone from the boys, "Victoria, we have to talk." Her line went silent.