I look at the other photos, and anger assails me. I make them all fly to the ground.
“Damn you, Jeremy, for destroying me. I hate you with all my heart for making me feel guilty about being alive now!” I fall to my knees, crying in fits and starts.
Danny tries to get closer, but Ingrid stops him.
After what seems like an eternity, I get up and collect the photos from among the glass. I place them on the table. Then, like an automaton, I get the broom and dustpan, collecting the glass.
I must be strong. For me, for Alice, and for all those who have suffered during this period.
I have to be strong for Danny, who has always loved, supported, and saved me.
He’s my anchor, my rock.
“Ingrid, I have to confess something. Danny isn’t just my best friend, and he’s definitely not gay. I was lucky enough to have met him in the workplace, and our friendship has become something more.” I look at him. “By this, I’m not saying that you were right when you said that I was cheating on Jeremy. I have never physically cheated on him. But my heart and mind have belonged to Danny for a long time.”
Ingrid approaches me and hugs me. “I know, honey, he already told me. You don’t have to explain anything to me.”
“Thank you,” I say, hugging her in turn.
“I just want to ask you to let me see Alice every now and then. I know what you went through, what my son did to you, and believe me, I’m really sorry, but I hope to have the chance to let you know me and show you that I’m not as bitchy as I was before.”
“You’ll always be a part of Alice’s life, Ingrid, and Jeremy’s memory. Not everything, but she’ll always know that her father loved her. And grandmothers are very important in the growth of children. I could never distance her from you.”
She wipes away tears. “Thank you.”
“You’ll make me cry, too. No more tears, girls, please,” Andrew tells us.
“He’s right. Let’s order for dinner. Stay with us for dinner, please,” Danny says, and I nod.
“I’m happy to stay, thank you guys,” Ingrid replies, moved.
Danny comes over and hugs me. He kisses me on the forehead.
I’m at home.
I’m safe.
Three months later…
We’ve been waiting for this moment for a lifetime.
This is our first real date. The first as a real couple. Only us, without the fear of being judged.
Danny has always been a staple for me. He was there in my dark moments, which were so many, and he’s here now.
For me, for Alice, for us.
He always said that red looks great on me. That’s why I’m choosing to wear a simple and elegant red cocktail dress. Sexy but not too much, elegant, and classy. Light make-up and hair left loose, the cascade of curls that he loves so much.
I look at the mirror one last time. I like what I see.
I’m finally back to being myself, with a few extra pounds after the pregnancy, but happy to feel alive, loved, and respected.
Danny is waiting for me on the veranda with Ingrid and Alice. He’s turned away from me and is making funny faces at Alice. She’s laughing.
When Ingrid sees me, her eyes are bright, and I smile at her.
I never thought we would be friends, but after the clarification, things changed. She’ll always remain Alice’s grandmother and has earned all my respect.
