The next morning when I wake my mind trails back to last nights argument between Michael and I. I know I overreacted, I just couldn't help my outbursts. I want to be the supportive wife but I'm starting to get fed up. His job requires so much of his time and attention. Between both of our work schedules we hardly get to see each other. Don't get me wrong, we create beautiful memories when we have the time to spend together and we make the best out of it but...sometimes I just still feel like I'm alone. Instead of living together, I feel like Michael either spends the night or pays weekly visits....that's how much he's gone away on business. I thought this move would not only benefit Michael but benefit the both of us. I take the time to reflect on how Michael must feel. I'm sure its just as hard on him as it is on me. Having to live out a suitcase, he probably doesn't even see the point of unpacking anymore. He's worked so hard especially with this firm and I am so proud of him, I just wish things could be a little different. I guess I've put up with this for years now what's a few more. It's not like it'll kill me.
My inner thoughts are cut when I hear the shower running. I slip out of my night gown, make my way to the bathroom and sneak my way into the shower. I wrap my arms tightly around Michaels waist and rest my chin on his back. "I'm sorry babe...for last night", I say to Michael. He turns his body around and kisses me. "You don't have to apologize, I'm sorry for putting you through this". Neither of us say anything for a few minutes and allow the water to rinse away all of our problems.
"Feel like doing it?", I ask Michael with a full on smile. Michael doesn't respond, instead he lifts my body, wraps my legs around his waist and makes deep love to me in the shower. Once we finish our little one-on-one loving making session we both get dressed up and make our way to the front door.
"Meatloaf tonight?", I ask Michael as I put my coat on. He scratches the back of his head and responds, "Babe...my flight takes off at three today...".
"Wha--what?"
"I tried to tell you last night but you didn't allow me to. You cut me short when you stormed off", Michael says in an apologetic tone.
"I'm sorry--", I say while shaking my head slowly.
"You're sorry, what are you sorry for? Alex, please stop being sorry for something you didn't even do. I'm the jerk, I'm the one who should be apologizing to---"
"No...no, no, no, no, no. Look, I know this is hard on you as much as it is on me. I know that you're sorry, you don't have to say it. Just promise me that this will be the last trip", I say with a brave smile.
"You've got my word...and I promise I'm going to get us that sailboat so we can getaway and escape from all of our worries", Michael says stepping closer to me. "Hang in there for me baby, it's just a few weeks and I'll be back to hold and comfort you.
"...I guess it's too late to ask for one last quickie, huh?", I jokingly respond to lighten both of our moods.
"...Quickie, more like everlasting with you...it takes a while for you to cum, babe", Michael teases.
"Ugh... I wish I didn't have to go to work.I would go with you to the airport and watch your plane take off".
"It's okay baby. The company is sending someone to pick me up. Besides, you're still the new professor. You don't want to give them a reason to talk shit about you."' Michael takes a few steps toward me and tell me that he loves me. We hold each other longer than usual and kiss goodbye.
.
.
.
It's now noon and I decided to have lunch in my classroom today, specifically the music room. Something about being around the musical instruments calm my soul. I'm grading a few papers that I had assigned last week when there's a sudden knock at the door. I stand and make my way over the silhouette figure behind the frosted glass on the door.
"Camilla...what can I do you for?", I ask surprised.
"I'm sorry to deesturb you mees Summer...can I tolk tu ju?"
"Of course, of course... is everything okay?", I ask as I back away and allow one my sweetest students into the room. She stays silent as I direct he to my desk. "You'll have to excuse the mess here, I was just finishing my lunch", I say setting my sandwich and chips to the side. "Please, grab a chair and tell me what's going on."
"Well, it's...it's about someone.", Camilla says while fidgeting with one of her books.
"Anyone in particular that I may know?", I ask smiling.
(Silence)
"Camilla, are you sure everything is okay?", I ask now concerned.
(Silence)
"Camilla, I can't help you unless you talk to me and tell me what's going on."
"It's about Lorenzo", Camilla outbursts and turning her head to the side.
"Oh...", I say caught off guard and slide back into my chair. I remember the blue-eyed boy who disrupted my class and almost caused my breakdown on my first day. "Okay...is he causing you trouble?", I ask still unaware of the situation taking place.
"He made a beeg meestake"
"What kind of mitake? Is he in trouble?"
"When he left jur class"
"Oh", is all I can manage to say again.
"He would like to return to jur class"
"Let me get this straight. Did he send you in here to talk to me?".
Camilla doesn't respond.
I clear my throat a little for I say, "Lorenzo is a big boy. He made his decision even WITH my final warning."
"I know,I tried tolking to him dat day but he vouldn't listen. He can be bery stuvvorn (stubborn) at times. He is now realizing his mistake."
"Please, if our farder finds out, Lorenzo is going to be in deep trouble. Our farder used all of his sabings (savings) to pay for our college tuition."
"If Lorenzo really needs this class as bad as you say he does, he would be a man and come talk to me. He wouldn't have sent you. I'm sorry but there is nothing that I can do, Camilla".
Camilla shakes her head in understanding before standing. "I'm verri verri sorry for dessturbing you mees summer during jur lunch".
"You can always come and talk to me Camilla, you're one of my best students", I say smiling as I hold the door open. "I'll see you Thursday...we'll be learning how to read music". She takes one last look at me, smiles then goes her way.
When I get home, the house is so quiet. Usually when I return from a days work I cook dinner for Michael and I but I'm still full from my lunch earlier. Instead, I make my way to the kitchen. I open one of the cabinets, grab a glass, open the fridge and take out one of my wine bottles. I make my way into the living room and play Sabrina Claudio's 'Frozen' and start doing some unpacking to keep my mind busy. I start with the box closest to me that reads "fragile". As I explore the box I discover photo frames. The frames hold captured memories of Christmas with friends and family, the day Michael and I graduated high school together, honeymoon to Jamaica and engagement photos. I hold our wedding photo and swipe my hand across the photo.I'm not sure if the wine is kicking in or because I miss Michael but I start to cry. I hold the frame tightly to my chest and cry some more. After I've finally had enough and there's no tears left to cry I finish the bottle of wine. Once I finishing placing the frames on the fireplace mantel I turn up the music and grab another bottle of wine. Before I realize it the wine creeps in and takes full control. I'm a drunken mess dancing solo in the living room performing at my own concert. "Look at me I'm so suave. You, dancing like your name Sade. Hey, why you so worried about me. No, no, no sir no today...", I sing along to The Internets, 'La Di Da'.
(Buzz-buzz-buzz)
"Mmm"
(Buzz-buzz-buzz)
"Mmmm, shut-the-fuck-up"
I grown some more as I reach for my phone on the nightstand to sound off my alarm. When I finally have enough strength to open up my eyes I look around. Mind foggy from last night. I guess I had one too many glasses of wine and fell asleep on the couch. Soon as I sit up, my body starts to heave and saliva builds in my mouth. Oh god, oh god, no. I say to myself as both of my hands rub on my thighs to calm my nerves. Before you know it I'm running to the toilet to throw up. Once done I gather myself and notice the time on the bathroom clock. Shit!!! Not having enough time to get fully ready, I brush my teeth, wash my face and change into casual clothes and rush to work. When I finally make it, I am so thankful to see Oliver watching over my class. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry everyone!"
"Long night Mrs. Summer?", Roberto says smiling widely and raising both eyebrows up and down. I don't know how but I manage to laugh as I bring my hand to my forehead and calm myself down. I instruct the students to finish their art projects as I step into the hallway with Oliver.
"I'm so sorry...but thank you", I say bringing both palms together in prayer form.
"You look like sheet", Oliver says teasing.
"I've definitely had better days"
"Grab some coffee, get jurself together. I'll wrap up jurclass". I look down form my lips in a tight smile and nod my head. After an hour of sitting in the teachers lounge, I come to the conclusion that I am not going to be able to talk through a full lecture and cut all my classes for the day. Not to fall back on anywork I decide stick around the music room and finish grading assignments...while occasionally taking barf breaks.
I'm never drinking again, I say inside my head as I lift myself from the toilet and wipe my mouth.
"I do look like complete and utter shit!", I say staring at my reflection in the mirror. I throw some water on my way, fix my hair a little then make my way back to my classroom. When I turn the corner I see a male figure standing outside the door.
"Mmm", I grown as my steps bring my closer to none other than Lorenzo.
