Forever Mine

Steam billows from the spout as the kettle reaches boiling point. I clench my jaw and grip the handle as I pour it into the teapot, imagining I’m pouring it over her head and watching her melt like the Wicked Witch of the West.

“What makes you think I want another relationship? I’m perfectly happy on my own.” I’ve accepted I’ll be alone for the rest of my life. I can’t think of anything worse than dating. It sounded horrendous when Kelly told me all her dating stories accompanied by dick pics.

Is that what the lads do nowadays? If a guy ever sent me a dick pic, I’d send one back of my vibrator.You don’t own one.Well, I’d buy one just for a photo. I make a mental note that I’ll have to invest at some point.

“I don’t know any man that would decorate his ex’s house. He clearly still loves you, even with the devil’s spawn in your belly. I think you’re being so unreasonable, Stephanie.”

“Are you serious? You know he was screwing Maxine.”

“Stephanie,” she scolds, then looks around to check the children aren’t in earshot.

“In fact. He’s still screwing her. Seeing her tonight. That’s how much he misses me.” I have to laugh, or I’ll scream.

“If you’d been a proper wife, he wouldn’t have strayed.” She juts her chin out and runs a hand over her perfectly styled burgundy hair.

My eyes bulge. Crescents imprint on the palm of my hands as my fingernails dig deep in my clenched fists. “I thought you were going.”

“I am. It’s obvious you’re still not ready to come to your senses.” She struts back into the living room to say bye to Justin. I’m sure she fancies him herself. If she wasn’t with Dad… Ew… I shudder at the thought.