Back To 1981, No More Wife, No More Mother Chapter 02

Back To 1981, No More Wife, No More Mother Chapter 02

That night, James fumbled to peel an apple for me, his voice wheedling.

“Grace, Nicole moved here from California. She’s used to a finer way of living. She didn’t think anything of taking a little fruit. Don’t hold it against her.”

He tried to put his arm around me, but then Nicole’s pained voice came from outside.

“James… my stomach hurts…”

That night, James never came back.

The next morning, as soon as Nicole saw me, she put on a pitiful look.

“Grace, don’t misunderstand. I had a stomach ache yesterday. James was just worried about me, so he stayed by my side.”

She came closer and reached for my hand.

“And about college… don’t feel bad. Once I start making money, I’ll never forget you two.”

When Nicole first moved to town, I’d heard she was a woman betrayed by her husband. I felt sorry for her. I helped her in so many ways. I even changed the light bulb in her living room.

I shared my study plans with her. I encouraged her to work and study part-time, just like me. I wanted to go to college more than anything.

When some men in town started spreading rumors about her and trying to harass her, I didn’t hesitate. I gathered my friends and stood outside her door until we chased those men away.

I’d treated her with nothing but kindness for years, only to find she’d been seeing my husband behind my back.

I stepped aside, avoiding her outstretched hand, and said flatly, “Is that right? Well, thank you.”

Nicole paused for a second, glanced toward James’s room, and sighed.

“Look Grace. Not everyone gets the same breaks in life.”

“James said college is simply out of your league.”

Every word circled back to James. Every one of them cut me deep.

She quickly covered her mouth, her voice trembling. ” I’m so sorry, that came out really harsh. I didn’t mean a word of it.”

Just then, James walked out of his room. When he saw the scene, his face darkened.

“Grace, Nicole is alone in this town. You have a family. Try to be generous. Don’t turn this into an awkward, messy situation.”

“James, it’s not Grace’s fault. I put my foot in my mouth and upset her.” Nicole leaned into James, her eyes reddening.

James gave her shoulder a sympathetic pat, then looked at me with disappointment in his eyes.

I stared at the marks on James’s neck, gave a cold snort, and pointed. “You’re certainly generous with your affection.”

He tugged at his collar awkwardly and opened his mouth to explain.

I didn’t want to hear it. ” I’m heading into town.”

“Let’s all go together, then,” he said. “Nicole getting into college is wonderful news. We’ll go to a nice restaurant and celebrate.”

We drove to the nearby city, where the biggest Greyhound station was.

James spotted a pair of Levi’s jeans and said excitedly to Nicole, “These would be perfect on you!” Then he tugged my sleeve. “Don’t you think so, Grace? This outfit would be great for Nicole to wear when she starts college.”

I looked down. On my feet were James’s work boots—too big and uncomfortable.

Nicole was wearing fashionable new leather boots. She tried on the jeans and twirled happily in front of the mirror, looking just like a sunny California girl.

James smiled warmly, his eyes full of affection for her.

When I’d been quiet for a while, James checked his watch.

“Grace, you’re probably tired. Why don’t you take the bags and wait for us in the parking lot? Nicole and I are going to the post office. She needs to mail her enrollment confirmation before the deadline.”

I followed them quietly. I thought they were going to the post office.

Instead, they walked into a photo studio at the mall.

Nicole leaned against James’s shoulder. The photographer told them to move closer.

In that moment, they didn’t look like neighbors.

They looked like a couple about to run off and get married.

Watching the blissful smile on James’s face, I clenched my fists so hard my nails bit into my palms.

James. You want to use my acceptance letter to buy your bright future with her?

Dream on.