Chapter 58

**Angela’s POV**

I hadn’t one ounce of sleep and my tears had dried up when I finally came inside last night. I had removed all of my clothes and slipped into bed. I couldn’t think and I blocked out my emotions. I didn’t dare think about the divorce papers lying on the bedside table. After brad left last night I found them on the kitchen floor and brought them up to our room.

My head pounded from all the crying and I felt only fatigue. I rose from the bed as I saw the warm light of sunrise seeping through the curtains. I ventured downstairs and made breakfast. My entire actions were a force of habit. I didn’t know how I was able to keep it together at this point.

Harvey descended and greeted me. I plastered a huge smile and returned the sentiment. “Is dad off early again?” He questioned as he took his seat and began eating. I turned my back to him as I felt my façade weaken.

“Yeah, apparently there is a lot of work to be done.” I replied, thankfully in a neutral light. How on earth was I going to tell Harvey? What was I going to tell him?

I skipped breakfast that morning and drove Harvey to school. I had hoped being at work would distract me but it seemed Brad was completely embedded in my memories. I couldn’t blink without seeing him and my entire day was forced and face in exhaustion.

**Brad’s POV**

I propped both hands on either side of the doorway and waited for it open and allow me entrance. After a couple of minutes, the door swung open and my mother eyed me curiously.

“Brad?” She questioned. It was obvious she had been asleep. I looked at her and smiled.

“I need to stay here for a while.” I responded and she nodded moving aside to grant me entrance.

One inside I shrugged off my damp jacket and held it in my hand.

“What’s going on?” I turned to see my mother looking at me expectantly. I shook my head, this was not the time to talk.

“I’ll tell you later.” I gave her kiss on her cheek and strode upstairs.

“Brad.” She called.

“Later ma!” I called back and finally I was in my old room. I ran my fingers threw my hair and sat on the edge of bed. I knew I did the right thing. Angela would be happy without me.

Would you be happy without her?

My mind recoiled and I flinched. My happiness didn’t matter. That night was sleepless. I was only able to close my eyes for the duration of five minutes. My body was tried and fatigued yet sleep didn’t come. I trudged out of bed once the sun decided to rise and I made myself ready to go to work. I needed the distraction.

I climbed down the stairs purposely. My mind anywhere else but at the present. I was brought into reality as the sound of someone clearing their throat slapped me. I gazed at my mother blankly and she seemed worried.

“Do you want breakfast?” She questioned but her eyes told me she had other questions to ask me.

“No. I have to get going.” I replied and tried to reach to the door.

“Brad, stop.” She commanded and as a force of habit I did. I studied her and silently encouraged her to speak.

“You need to tell me what has happened.” She demanded, her eyes pleading with me.

“Maybe later I-“ I was making excuses, I didn’t want to talk about Angela, or about the life I was leaving behind.

“No.” She exclaimed, her voice hard and motherly. “You are going to sit down on that table and tell me.” She was insistence. I sighed and walked into the dining room. I sat at the table and waited for her to take her seat beside me. I leaned into my chair, exhaustion coaxing me into a dizzy state.

“Did something happen with Angela?” She questioned and I flinched at the mention of her name.

“We are getting a divorce,” I answered and her eyes widened.

“Divorce?” she mouthed the words more to herself, ensuring she had heard him properly.

“Yes, a divorce.” My voice was expelled harsher than I intended but the thought of us severing all ties angered me. But this was necessary.

“Why?” Mother blurted her features truly confused. “Did she ask you for one?”

I laughed sardonically, “No, I asked her.” I pronounced the words carefully and I saw confusion turn to anger.

“Why in God’s name did you do that? I thought things were good between you.” Mother questioned.

“I can’t love her ma, not in the way she needs.” I explained and somehow my justification sounded weak and feeble.

“That’s not what I saw. It’s not your place to tell her or decide for her what she needs or wants. That decision is hers. You can only decide whether you want to accept her love or reject it.” She replied forcefully.

“She deserves more. I don’t know if my love is enough for her. I just want her to be happy.” I replied.

“And why is it so hard for you to accept that being with you is what makes her happy?” she questioned as she covered my hand with hers.

“She can’t really. What do I know of love? I may turn out to be just like him.” I replied disdainfully.

“Him? Your father?” she questioned and when I averted my gaze she sighed. “Love is pure Brad you don’t need a tutorial to know of it, as for your father. You are nothing like him, you don’t have his tendencies you respect women a quality he lacked. Do not, for my sake and yours, use him and our past to destroy your life.” She pleaded.

“I have to go.” The words were out before I even thought of them. Perhaps subconsciously I didn’t want to have this conversation. “I will be late as it is.” I eased out of the chair and I saw her face fall.

“Okay.” She conceded. “But will you please call her?” she questioned. I stilled, I wasn’t so sure I could face Angela I couldn’t bear to see her after the pain I caused.

“I will think about it.” I granted for her peace of mind but unfortunately she saw through it.

“Don’t you want to be with her? Aren’t you missing your life with her and Harvey?” She questioned. I finally allowed myself to think of Harvey. Now I am sure he would hate me and I couldn’t blame him, I was unreliable. Maybe when Angela and I came to terms with our separation we could work out visitation schedules?

“I do want to be with her and Harvey. They are worth every second but the love they place in me is pressurizing and I might screw it up far worse than leaving.” I responded and strode out of the room before she could carry on the conversation.