Chapter 106 "Please Take Care of Me"
Soon enough, they got to a café. Elizabeth snagged a quiet corner for them to sit.
Sarah jumped right in. "Elizabeth, it's interrogation time. Spill everything."
Elizabeth chuckled, "Alright, I'll satisfy your curiosity."
Sarah kicked off, "Are you still in touch with Michael?"
Elizabeth shook her head, "We haven't been in contact for four years."
Elizabeth grabbed the menu from the waiter. "Sarah, what do you want to drink?"
Sarah said, "A latte. Did you come back alone this time?"
Elizabeth shook her head, "Nope."
Sarah's eyes went wide, "Did you get a boyfriend?"
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "I'm here with my mom."
Sarah nodded, "Oh, right, Nancy's with you. So, what's the plan this time? Long stay or short?"
Elizabeth explained, "I was okay abroad, but never really fit in. I'm here for good."
Sarah lit up. "That's awesome! We can go shopping like the old days."
Elizabeth smiled, "Yeah, just like before."
Sarah suggested, "Elizabeth, where are you staying now? You must've given up your old place, right? Found a new one yet? If not, crash at my place while you look."
Elizabeth grinned, "Thanks, Sarah. I already bought a house and got my mom settled."
Sarah was floored. "Wow, that was fast! Elizabeth, you're on top of things! Where's the house?"
Elizabeth said, "Whispering Pines Estates."
Sarah's jaw dropped. "Whispering Pines Estates? That's a luxury area! Those houses aren't cheap. You bought a place there? Looks like you did well abroad!"
"Yeah, I had to work hard to support you!" Elizabeth winked.
Sarah played along, extending her hand. "Elizabeth, I know you're the best." They both burst out laughing.
Elizabeth asked, "Enough about me. How are you and David? It's been five years, right? Any wedding bells?"
Sarah groaned. "Why does everyone ask about marriage? I don't want to get married! I'm still enjoying dating! David feels the same. Marriage means dealing with two families. Just thinking about it gives me a headache."
The waiter brought over their coffee and desserts.
Elizabeth took a bite of her dessert. "I'm so jealous you two are still so sweet."
Sarah grinned, "I'm jealous of you too, Elizabeth. David and I have been busy with our startups and haven't made much money. His parents want him to take over the family business and are pushing us to get married. But David and I aren't in a rush. We're still young. When we're old, we won't have the chance to do this."
Elizabeth nodded and sipped her coffee. "You're right. When you're young, you should explore. That's how you find out life's full of possibilities."
Sarah said, "Elizabeth, you're my best friend. We think alike. Tell me, have you really had no contact with Michael? What are your plans now?"
Elizabeth sighed, "What else? I'm waiting for him to sign the divorce papers so we can officially split. Then I'll be free."
Sarah teased, "You're already pretty free now."
Elizabeth said, "It's different. There are still things tying me down."
Sarah took a bite of her pudding and winked playfully. "Yeah, at least it messes with your dating life. Once you're divorced, you can date openly."
Elizabeth sipped her coffee and looked out the window. "I haven't really thought about that yet."
Sarah leaned in, "So, all those years abroad, you weren't just making money, right?"
Elizabeth nodded, "Pretty much. I picked up some new skills too. It's always good to learn more."
Sarah's face turned serious. "Elizabeth, sometimes David asks why you're so set on divorcing Michael. I can't answer him. So, I want to ask you too. Michael might be older, but he's handsome, rich, in good shape, and not a bad guy. He only messed up once. Why can't you forgive him? Do you really have to divorce? Is there no room for negotiation? You know I'll always support you, but I just don't get it. At gatherings, people criticize you, saying you let Michael down. They talk about how good he is to you, how much he loves you, how tolerant he is, but you still left him. I never know how to defend you. I feel like a bad friend."
Elizabeth looked down, her fingers tracing the rim of her coffee cup. "Sarah, there are things between Michael and me that no one else knows."
She gently held Sarah's hand. "I'm sorry, Sarah, for putting you in a tough spot."
Sarah shook her head, "What are you talking about? You don't need to apologize to me. I'm just mad they talk about you like that. If I could, I'd punch them all."
Elizabeth sighed, "Sarah, Michael doesn't love me. There's another woman in his heart. She's his taboo. Mention her, and he loses it. If I didn't love him, it wouldn't matter. But I can't stand the man I love having another woman in his heart. I can't stay with him. Sarah, if it were you, could you let David always have another woman in his heart?"
Sarah's eyes widened, "I'd probably beat David up. Or break up with him like you did! Let him be with that woman and always remember how good I was!"
She looked at Elizabeth. "Elizabeth, you've been through so much. Those jerks still think it's your fault. They all side with Michael. If David defends him next time, I'll kick him!"
Elizabeth smiled, "Alright, Sarah. Be good to David. Anyway, Michael and I are already in the divorce process. I've got a lawyer handling it. Soon, we'll be officially divorced. Then I'll have nothing to do with his life anymore."
After parting ways with Sarah at the café, Elizabeth went to pick up Nolan from school.
She held Nolan's hand and asked, "Nolan, how was school today?"
Nolan shrugged, "Not bad."
The teacher standing next to Nolan smiled at Elizabeth. "Nolan is very well-behaved and adapted quickly."
Elizabeth hugged Nolan, surprised and relieved. Finally, she found a school Nolan liked. She hoped he could stick with it for a while.
Maybe, after spending more time at school, he'd get used to communicating with people. Then he could transfer to a regular school.
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