Page 6 of Forever

“Why didn’t you say as much before? Why let us lead this farce for so long if this is your feelings?” The tears threatened to spill, but I took a deep breath and kept them hidden.

“Because I didn’t think you wanted it. But I clearly see you do now.”

My hand went to my hip. “Seriously, Jefferson? And you didn’t want this too? Think about it. You were the one that got cold to me first and suggested the split.”

“Exactly.” He nodded. “And you suggested we stay in the same home for Kenna’s sake. And yes, I agreed. But now, it’s getting uncomfortable and we’re both miserable.”

“What are you saying?”

He pulled the recliner upright and leaned forward to me. “I’m saying, it’s time we split for real. No more pretending, and we need our own space.”

“Alright. The question now is who will leave. Obviously that’s what you’re aiming at. We need to not share the same home.”

“Yeah. And being that I bought this place, it’s in my name, you should leave. The apartments down the road have vacancies and it will be easy to have joint custody of Kenna that way. I’ve already looked into it for you. I will help pay to move you and offer you alimony.” He pulled out a large manilla envelope that was stashed among the smaller books in the side of his recliner and scooted it across the coffee table to me.

Shocked, I pulled the contents out of the envelope. It hit me hard that he wanted his marriage over before I was even ready for it. I guess maybe somewhere deep in the back of my mind I had hopes that we’d somehow make it work. But then Do’Thortn filled my head and heart and a renewed energy swept through my body. Somehow, it didn’t take away from the sting of the moment. Yes, I entertained thoughts of Do’Thortn, but I also tried to stop it.

“Seriously, Moxy? You knew this day would come.” Jefferson’s flat voice showed boredom.

A form ready to sign for a lease was among the top of the papers. “You already chose my apartment?” I bit my lip trying to keep my voice calm.

“Yeah. I figured you wouldn’t mind if I were paying for part of it.”

I nodded and scanned through the documents. Among them were the divorce papers. He’d been planning this for a while, apparently, judging by the date which was while I was in Zorlox. It felt icky knowing he tried to make it look like my fault, when in fact, I hadn’t done a thing, cheated on him, or even looked at another man. Until Do’Thortn. And his talk of me being his fated mate.

“Fine. You’ll get your divorce. I’ll check on the apartment. We’ll tell Kenna together, tomorrow.” I straightened the papers and slid them back into the envelope. There was nothing left to say. It was over.

Kenna perched on the sofa the following morning. It was a day off from school. She didn’t smile or look us in the eye. Her little head shook.

“I know what you’re going to tell me.”

“What honey?” Jefferson sat on one side of her while I sat on the other.

“You and mom are divorcing. I knew it.” Her face scrunched in a cry.

We spent the next hour assuring our daughter that even with us splitting, she was our daughter and we’d always be there for her. And that mommy would live just down the road. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.

CHAPTER 6

Do’Thortn

Moxy was visibly upset when we attended the meetings. She wouldn’t even look me in the eyes and when I did get a peek at her eyes, they were bloodshot. Obviously, she’d been crying. But she pulled her shoulders back and kept her chin lifted, doing her duty with me and with the Earth Council.

The afternoon sun bore through the shades of the tall rectangular window. The meeting droned on, we talked about forming an alliance army and an alert system. I had to bring up the space pirates who could potentially come to Earth because they were privy to our business thanks to the half-bred moles planted on Zorlox.

Dinner time rolled around and Moxy rushed by me after the meeting. Her hands clenched the door and she paused and turned to me. “Do you mind if we order dinner in your room? I just don’t think I can be in public right now.”

Anything for her. I quickly hailed a cab, stepping into the Earthling ways with finesse. She scoots over in the cab, her face turning to the window. I couldn’t help but want to put my arms around her and console her, whatever it was hurting her so. I only hoped it wasn’t me that put her in such sadness.

The moment we entered the room and shut the door, she collapsed onto the sofa, her face in her hands and heaved a big cry. The tears flowed fast and she couldn’t talk. I sat beside her and wrapped my arm around her.

“Moxy, dear Moxy. What can I do to help?” Helplessness poured over me for the human woman whom my twin hearts pound endlessly in unison. I merely held her while she cried until she couldn’t cry another tear.

Her tear-stained face, cosmetics running from her eyes, and red nose peered up at me. “I must look like a mess.” She shook her head and blew her nose and grabbed another tissue to dab her face.

“You are incredibly beautiful. We don’t care about the cosmetics on the face, or the clothes on the body. We look at the heart and the person behind all the masks.” I smiled as I moved her hair from her face.

“You are kind. And I’m so sorry to burden you with all of this.” Her head shook again.

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