* * *
It’s Saturday morning,and Ethan is enjoying his favorite cereal again. I’m cooking him an egg, scrambled like he likes. He loves it with ketchup, just like I do. I’m super excited about today’s excursion; lunch and a trip to Shedd Aquarium.
“We’re going to see lots of fish,” I tell him. “And all kinds of sea life like stingrays and jellyfish and maybe seahorses.”
He smiles up at me, completely clueless. He doesn’t know what I’m babbling on about, but he knows I’m excited. So he’s excited too, of course.
I hand him his sippy cup. “Maybe we’ll even see a shark.”
His eyes widen, as if he understands me. I wonder if he does.
“And then we can go to the gift shop, and I’ll get you a stuffie. Maybe a dolphin or something.”
My phone pings, and I get excited when I see it’s an email from Weston.
Hello Grasshopper,
I’m so very sorry but something has come up. Due to very recent circumstances, I won’t be able to make it today. I was so looking forward to it, and I’m sure you were too. Give my apologies to Ethan. We will reschedule as soon as convenient.
Best, Weston
My heart sinks. I reread the message twice. Ethan is still smiling, happy as a clam. I was so looking forward to this. This is exactly the kind of thing I’ve been trying to avoid. This breaks my heart. More than it should. And why? Because I’ve let myself fall for him.
No more.
How dare him send me an email to cancel. He should have called. The man has the social skills of a chimpanzee. Actually not even. Chimpanzees are pretty social beings. He’s more like a bear or a rhinoceros.
Being the masochist that I am, I read the message again.
Recent circumstances.What freaking recent circumstances? He could have been a little bit less cryptic.
Give my apologies to Ethan.“Mr. Hanson sends his apologies, Ethan,” I say matter-of-factly. “He unfortunately won’t be able to make it today.”
Ethan giggles. He apparently finds my serious voice very amusing.
Well, at least one of us is still in a good mood.
We will reschedule as soon as convenient.Convenient for whom? For him, I bet. What a narcissist jerk. He seems to think my life revolves around him. No, we willnotreschedule.
Best, Weston. Best? Really? He could have left it with Yours, like he usually does.
Ugh.
I hate him.
* * *
I tryto make the best of the weekend and put on a brave face for Ethan. The fact that I’m stewing inside shouldn’t ruin our time together. We go to the park and the library. We watch a few Disney movies and make cupcakes.
I really enjoy this time with him. Weekends are now cherished. I took them for granted before when I had him almost twenty-four seven.
I’m glued to my phone all weekend, waiting for another message from Weston, an email or possibly even a phone call. Every hour that goes by without a peep from him brings me closer to rage. I find it extremely insensitive on his part to not send another note of apology. I’m not expecting flowers or anything, just ahelloand possibly anothersorry.
Sunday night rolls around, and still not a single peep. I lay in bed wondering what kind of messed up relationship I’ve gotten myself into. Does he even care about me? Or am I really just his plaything? I fall into sobs for the first time in a long time. Following what seems like endless hours, I finally drift into slumber, my pillowcase wet from my tears.
* * *
I’mexhausted and very cranky as I get Ethan ready for daycare. I’ve not bothered much with my hair or outfit today. I just don’t care anymore. I’m planning to give my two weeks notice now. This ends now. I will not be treated like this. I deserve better.
