Compromise

Carly shook her head, biting her lip, “That’s not what I was hoping to hear.” As she had hurried home the single thought had pounded. She hadn’t wanted to believe it. And now, here she was, listening to him confess to an affair. Hayden crumpled onto a barstool, resting his head in his hands, “Carly, I never expected this, I never expected her to do this!” Enraged Carly took a few steps away, “What did you think Hayden? That you could have an affair, and keep it from me? That all of this would just stay quiet? She asked you to leave me didn’t she.” How was it possible for her to know that? Hayden scrambled for an answer, “I told her that things had to end, that I wanted to work things out with you. That I would help her financially with the baby.” He realized he had gone to far as soon as he said the words. “Baby?” Carly’s eyes grew round, “She’s pregnant Hayden?” there were no words to describe the hate beaming from her eyes. “Yes.” As he sat there looking at her, he floundered suddenly realizing his own anger, “I found out about her pregnancy before ours.” Taken aback Carly looked away, the rage mounting all the more. Lacey had been her best friend! She had confided in her, and yet, this was how she repaid her? “She told you?” she asked quietly. “Yes, she told me. She thought that was the reason why I was leaving her.” Carly allowed a moment of silence to settle between them, “I can’t believe this, I can’t believe you!” she spat angrily. There was no need for any of this. Not to mention that everyone in the world was suddenly aware of their current situation. She was married to a super star athlete who had failed to be faithful to her, cheating on her with not some random but her claimed best friend! Suddenly unable to take any more, suddenly disgusted, she picked up her car keys again. “I thought we could make this work Hayden. I wanted you to find out about this baby differently, but obviously that wasn’t meant to happen.” “Where are you going?” he stood up behind her, suddenly horrified that she was headed for the door. “Away Hayden. Away from you!” she spat angrily. “I can’t stay here. I can’t keep putting myself through this hurt Hayden. Before, the hurt was forgiveable, but this Hayden, this I don’t know.” She shook her head angrily, tears spilling against her cheeks, “I was going to tell you that I wasn’t going to file for divorce, but now, now, you’ve only helped me to decide. This marriage is done Hayden. It’s over.” The words left a sorrow unlike any he had felt before, a dull forceful hurt pounding. “Carly, please.” She stood there, for a few moments, as if carefully reconsidering. And for a brief moment he felt hope. “No, Hayden. It’s over. My lawyer will be in contact with you.” Hayden leaned into the doorframe watching in horror as she climbed behind the wheel, driving away and for a second time, the horrid realization sinking in. This time she wouldn’t be coming back.