I thought if I just tried harder, worked harder, was a better wife, she would accept me. She laughed that sad, broken laugh again. “I was so stupid.” “You weren’t stupid,” Nathan said quietly. “Yes, I was,” Evelyn said. “Because it never got better. It got worse and worse. She started showing up at the house when you weren’t home. She’d walk around touching things, moving things, criticizing everything.” she’d say. This house is a mess. Nathan deserves better.
You don’t know how to take care of him. Evelyn’s hands gripped the chair so tight her knuckles turned white. Then one day about 2 months after we got married, I found out I was pregnant. Nathan’s breath caught in his throat. I was so happy, Evelyn whispered. So excited.
I wanted to tell you right away, but I wanted it to be special, so I waited. I planned a nice dinner. I was going to tell you that night, but I never got the chance, she said. Because your mother came to the house that afternoon. Evelyn’s mind went back to that day. She could still remember it perfectly, like it had happened yesterday instead of 8 years ago.
She had been in the kitchen cooking Nathan’s favorite meal, chicken with rice and vegetables. She was humming a happy song, thinking about how surprised and excited Nathan would be when she told him about the baby. Then she heard the front door open. “Nathan, is that you?” she had called out. But it wasn’t Nathan. It was his mother, Mrs. Patricia Cole.
Patricia walked into the kitchen without knocking, without being invited. She was wearing an expensive dress and pearls. Her hair was perfect. Her makeup was perfect. Everything about her was cold and perfect. Evelyn, she said, not hello. Not how are you? Just Evelyn, like the name tasted bad in her mouth. Mrs. Cole, Evelyn said, trying to smile. I wasn’t expecting you.
Nathan’s not home yet. I know where my son is. Patricia interrupted. I came to talk to you alone. Something about the way she said it made Evelyn’s stomach feel tight and uncomfortable. Oh. Evelyn said, “Well, would you like some tea?” “I was just I don’t want tea,” Patricia said. “I want you to sit down. We need to have a serious conversation.
” Evelyn sat down slowly at the kitchen table. Patricia sat across from her. Patricia put her expensive purse on the table and looked at Evelyn with cold eyes. I’m going to be direct. Patricia said, “I don’t like you. I never have. You’re not right for my son.” Evelyn felt like she’d been slapped. Mrs.
Cole, I love Nathan and he loves me. Love, Patricia said the word like it was a joke. You think love is enough? You think love pays bills? You think love builds a future? I think love is important, Evelyn said quietly. and Nathan and I are building a good life together. You’re dragging him down, Patricia interrupted.
My son could have married someone important, someone educated, someone from a good family, but instead he married you. A nobody, a girl with nothing. Each word was like a knife. Evelyn felt tears starting to form in her eyes, but she blinked them back. She wouldn’t cry in front of this woman. “Nathan chose me,” Evelyn said, trying to keep her voice steady.
“He loves me. We’re happy. Happy? Patricia repeated. For now. But how long will that last? How long before he realizes his mistake? How long before he sees that you’re not enough? Patricia opened her purse and pulled out an envelope. She placed it on the table and pushed it toward Evelyn.
What is this? Evelyn asked. Open it. Evelyn’s hands shook as she picked up the envelope and looked inside. Money. Lots of money. More money than Evelyn had ever seen at one time. There’s $50,000 in there, Patricia said. It’s yours. All you have to do is leave. Evelyn looked up, shocked. What? Leave, Patricia said simply. Disappear tonight. Don’t tell Nathan where you’re going.
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