Chapter 5
“Elise might do it, even if Jonathan made her grovel and apologize to Alicia, don’t you think?” I remained silent. They were mocking me, betting I wouldn't challenge Jonathan. Their chatter grated on my nerves. I scoffed and walked away, their voices finally falling silent, perhaps in disbelief. I wondered how they'd react if they knew I intended to divorce Jonathan.
I went to the pool, hoping for some respite. Alicia soon appeared. “Ms. Sawyer, I see you in a new light today.” I glanced behind her; she was alone. “You know how much I hate you. Aren’t you afraid I might push you in?”
Alicia smiled. “I worried you wouldn’t dare. We all know Jon would save me first.” I pursed my lips. She walked closer, taunting, “Want to make a bet, Elise?”
I found it absurd. “If you two are so in love, why not get Jonathan to divorce me? Do you feel more in love trampling on another’s feelings, Alicia?” Her expression darkened. “That’s because you won’t let go! You attempted suicide to cling to him! What he feels is pity!” She swiftly resumed her calm demeanor. “Want to make a bet, Elise?”
Light glinted on the pool’s surface. It looked deceptively deep. I shook my head. “No.” I couldn’t swim. My hasty answer surprised her. Even if I could, why risk my life to test a man’s love? Attempting suicide once was enough.
As I stood, I saw the malicious glint in Alicia’s eyes. She shoved me into the pool. Screams erupted as I fell. I began to sink, consumed by fear. Water filled my throat, burning my lungs. I struggled upward, only to see Jonathan swimming away, saving Alicia. A sharp pain pierced my chest—the last of my feelings for him, a 25-year-old memory. Even that was drowned.
When I awoke, I was at the pool’s edge. Alicia and I had been rescued—she by Jonathan, I by a handsome stranger who was pressing on my chest, helping me expel water. I coughed, sputtering. I saw Jonathan approach. Alicia sat hugging her knees, looking pitiful and gazing at Jonathan. He seemed to remember he had a wife. He frowned. “Are you alright?”
I didn’t answer, scrambling to my feet. The stranger tried to help; I pushed him away. When Jonathan stood before me, I slapped him. Silence fell. “Let’s get a divorce, Jonathan,” I said. “Consider that slap your alimony.”