I whispered into the quiet kitchen.
“Oh, Caleb. What has she done to you?”
When I arrived at their house, the porch light was on. Through the window, I could see them at the kitchen table, laughing and smiling.
It made me sick to my stomach.
I knocked once, a sharp rap that echoed in the cold air.
Caleb answered, surprise flashing quickly into a guarded resignation.
“This says that Tessa is 17 weeks pregnant, but you were in Dallas for a month from mid-June to mid-July. Do you see the problem?”
Caleb’s brow furrowed, realization dawning in layers.
“That… that can’t be right,” he stammered. He turned to Tessa, his eyes pleading.
“Tell me this isn’t true.”
She reached for him, but Caleb stepped back. A small movement that spoke volumes.
“The math doesn’t lie, Tessa.” Caleb stared at her coldly. “Tell me the truth, now!”
“I-I was lonely without you, and I made a mistake.” Tessa’s eyes filled with tears, and she cradled her belly protectively.
“But it was only once, I swear! When I found out I was pregnant…”
“I didn’t know how to tell you,” Tessa sobbed. “I thought… You’re a good man, Caleb!
You aren’t going to throw away everything we have over one mistake, are you? We can fix this. We can—”
“No, I don’t think we can,” Caleb replied.
Tessa’s face crumpled, and then she turned on me.
I stepped backward, but Caleb caught Tessa.”Don’t blame Mom!
You’re the one who was unfaithful, who tried to cover it up, who lied to me. The only person to blame here is you.”
I didn’t say another word. My job was done.
The truth, ugly and painful, was out.
I simply turned and walked away, thinking it was all over now.
When I opened it, Caleb stood there, pale and quiet.
“I need a place to stay… I don’t know how long. I’m going to file for divorce in the morning, and I have a feeling Tessa will make the process as difficult as possible.”
I simply stepped aside and let him in.
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