Of course. Clare looked at me but said nothing. The doctor came in shortly afterward and explained that Anna and the baby were stable, but they wanted to be cautious. I stayed for several hours, not as her husband, not as part of their family, just as someone who had once loved her and wasn't going to leave her alone during a medical emergency. Later that night, I stepped into the hallway.
Gregory followed me. I appreciate you coming. I nodded. Then he said, "I know things are bad between you and Anna, but after the baby is born, maybe you two could reconsider. " I looked at him. "You still don't understand. " "Understand what? " "There is no you two anymore. " He looked uncomfortable.
I continued, "The baby being born won't change that. " He walked away without answering, but the real explosion came two weeks later. Clare discovered that Gregory had been discussing additional expenses directly with Anna. She confronted him at our house. I was upstairs when I heard shouting. You promised me there wouldn't be anything else.
Gregory yelled back. I never said that. You told me everything was covered. It was. Then why is she paying for things herself?
I came downstairs. Clare turned toward me. Did you know about this? No. She looked at Gregory.
What did you tell Larry? Nothing. I stared at him. Clare's face changed. What did you agree to with Anna?
Gregory became defensive. I was trying to make sure she had what she needed. Then why didn't you tell me? He didn't answer. Anna stood in the hallway, visibly uncomfortable.
Clare turned toward her. You agreed to this? I didn't want to cause problems. You were going to hide it from me? Anna looked down.
I was trying to keep everyone calm. Clare laughed bitterly. That's what you said when you started this whole thing. The room went silent. Then Clare looked at me.
I'm sorry. I didn't respond. She continued. I thought you were the problem. I shook my head.
I'm not interested in being right. You were. I just wanted my wife to be honest with me. Clare started crying. Gregory left the house.
Clare followed him a few minutes later. Anna remained standing in the hallway. Are you happy now? She asked. I looked at her.
No, she nodded. Neither am I. The next month changed everything. Clare and Gregory began fighting constantly. The pregnancy that was supposed to bring their family together had exposed every disagreement they had buried for years, and I stayed out of it.
My divorce hearing was scheduled for the following week. Anna knew it was coming. The night before, she came into my office. I finally understand. I looked up from my laptop.
Understand what? You weren't trying to punish me. No, you were trying to leave. Yes. She nodded slowly.