Clung Like a Leech
Listen, why are you clinging to me? Im working, understand?! Im doing this for the family, mind you. What kind of silly question is that? Where else would I be but work? Youre the one lazing about, living off me like a leech!
…Lara married Edward three years ago. He had pursued her relentlessly, gone to great lengths for her affectiononce even climbing a tree and declaring to all their friends that hed do anything for her.
The memories now made Lara feel queasy. She never imagined that just a year and a half into their marriage, everything would change so drastically. Edward had abruptly stopped seeing her as a womanhe saw a housekeeper, a cook, a laundress, a confidante, but not a wife or a lover. He stopped noticing her, stopped bringing little gifts. He even forgot her birthday. She tried to talk to him, to ask what was wrong, but Edward would only shrug and mutter, Everythings fine.
After their son was born, things worsened. While Lara was still in hospital, Edward moved her things into the nursery. When she gave him a questioning look, he just shrugged.
Whats the problem? As his mother, you should be with him. Im the only one workingI need proper rest. Its simple, love. The babys tiny, no routine yethell cry all night. Should I go to work with a splitting headache? Well manage like this for now.
Lately, Lara couldnt shake the feeling she was no longer the only woman in Edwards life. He had always worked late, come home past midnight, but now there was a new edge to itrudeness. If she dared ask where hed been, hed snap:
Why are you clinging? Im workingunderstood?! Im doing this for us! Whats with these stupid questions? Where else would I be? Youre the one bringing nothing to this house, living off me like a leech!
It made Lara shrink with guilt. What was she thinking? Of course he was working lateextra hours meant more money. The idea he might be seeing someone else hadnt even crossed her minduntil recently.
…Lara woke to a loud slamEdward had already left for work. She frowned. Not even a good morning anymore. For months, they hadnt shared breakfast, let alone a bedsince the babys arrival, her beloved husband had banished her to the nursery. What had seemed solid now crumbled like a house of cards…
She leaned back against the pillow, then picked up her phone and dialed. The line rang endlessly before his irritated voice crackled through.
What do you want? Im busy!
Her throat tightened.
I just wanted to wish you a good day. You left so early, and
Edward cut her off.
You called for *that*? Ive got meetingsno time for nonsense. Youre like a leech, Lara. Bloody suffocating!
The line went dead. Lara sniffled, then slipped out from under the blanket. The baby would wake soonshe had to pull herself together. And decide how to go on.
In the bathroom mirror, she saw red-rimmed eyes, tangled hair, cheeks long drained of colour.
What woman are you now, Lara? A frazzled mother, nothing more. Just a leech. The cruel thought brought fresh tears.
After washing up, she crept into their old room for clean sheetsthen froze. Something was missing. She stared at the shelf, puzzling it out, before it hit her.
The box was gone. The one shed bought for their anniversarysomething intimate, something special. Shed planned a quiet dinner, hoped Edward might finally *see* her again. Shed even bought the largest packjust in case.
Did he move it? she muttered. Why bother? It wasnt in the way.
Two hours later, with the baby fed and napping, she dared call again. His words*like a leech*gnawed at her. She knew he had a lunch break after his meeting.
Ed, its me again. Sorry, but
What *now*? he snapped.
We need to talk. Properly.
Get on with it, then.
Not like this. Tonight, after work?
Tonight I want to sit and watch telly, not listen to you whinge. Couldnt you ask me then?
But this *matters*youve stopped looking at me. You dont care how I look, how I *feel*
Here we go, he groaned. Fine. You look like any woman after a babybit heavier, bags under the eyes. Nothing tragicyoull bounce back. As for feelingsyoure a *mother*, Lara. Be grateful youve got a childsome women cant even conceive. Im beside the point now.
Thats not fair! Im still a *person*! I need to feel
Alright, fine. Lets start with looks. Maybe change your hair? That sack dress does you no favoursyou know I like you smart. And youve let yourself goyou smell. Used to always have your nails done, makeup on. Now? Youre a grey mouse.
A *grey mouse*? Im with the baby all day! Have *you* ever watched him alone?
Not my job. Mines earning. Yours is the house and childand yourself. Look in a mirror! Even your cookings gone downhilltodays lunch better not be salty like last time. Bloody hell, ruined my mood. Dont call againtalk at home.
Lara didnt. That evening, she showered, dabbed on makeup, twisted her hair up. Met him with a smile, asked about his day. Instead of softening, Edward scowled.
Whats this pantomime? Dressed like a clownthat frocks hideous! Shows off your chicken legs. Change. *Now*.
Laras hand flewa sharp crack echoed. She fled to the bathroom, scrubbed her face raw, tossed the dress in the bin. Edward didnt followjust turned on the telly.
Later, with the baby asleep, she returned. Needed answerswhy had he stopped loving her?
Edward that box from the wardrobe. Where is it?
He didnt look up.
What box?
She steadied herself.
The one from the chemist. You knowprotection. I wanted Id planned something nice for us. My mum was going to watch Alfie
Edward jolted up, snarling.
What are you implying? That I gave them to some *tart*? Youre mental! How *dare* you?
The row erupted. Shouting, accusationsthen, abruptly, he said it.
Fine. I took them. And Im leaving. Been meaning tojust pitied you. Its your fault! Christ, Lara, are you really this dim? Theres someone else.
How long? Her voice was eerily calm.
Ages. Before Alfie. You were *insufferable* pregnantwhining for cuddles, fuss over your belly Youve no idea how you grate on me. Im only here for my son.
Whats she got that I havent?
His smile was cruel.
One advantageshe *cant* have children.
Lara turned and left. No tears nowjust quiet relief. She sat by Alfies cot, stroked his soft cheek. Shed manage. Edward? Let him go.
…In the end, Edward did the decent thingleft the flat to her and Alfie. Both families sided with Larahelp came. The divorce was quiet, child support paid without fuss. He rarely sees Alfie, and Lara doesnt mind. She remembers the words*leech*, *clown*, *grey mouse*and thinks, perhaps, its for the best.
