Chapter 5: Happy Ending Days

In no time years had passed and Bea was still not pregnant. Despite all the traditional medical treatments and all those moments of drinking potions and applying tricks found on the net, nothing was done.

For his part, Noel didn't stay much at home anymore. He would rather spend his days in the office, acquiring new markets than watching his wife cry every day.

Every time he saw the children of his friends or his partners, he wondered when he too would call himself a father. Sometimes he even wondered if everything wouldn't be easy if he tried to have a child out of wedlock. How can he, the great Noël Mel, an architect by profession, the one for whom design has no secrets, have a wife unable to conceive?

The days go by and Christmas was changing too. He hardly ever came home. Because now everyone knew that he had a relationship with Celine, his friend's sister. He bought her a villa and that's where they lived as a couple without hiding.

From then on, even if Céline was not officially Madame Mel, everyone considered her as such. It was to her that the prestige and glory belonged. He was called upon at all major events. Everyone wanted to flatter the future Mrs. Mel because we knew that sooner or later she would be.

Bea had become the laughing stock of her friends. She was no longer considered as before. She was even withdrawn from several associations. Her few friends who remained had only one topic of conversation "the children".

Bea couldn't stand their hypocrisy any longer. She stayed home and no longer appeared in public. She bore her pain alone with no one to confide in. Even when her family called to check on her, she always told them that everything was fine.

The day before her departure, Béa received a visit from Anna Mel, her husband's cousin.

Béa: How are you my beautiful? I really didn't expect you here.

Anna (taking the glass of juice that Béa held out to her): Why? You know I can't live without you.

Béa: That's it… You always say that but you run away every time you have a chance. The last time you went abroad without even telling me. And in case you want to know I'm still mad.

Anna (hugging her in her arms): Don't get mad. It was not planned. But let's forget about all those little things that don't matter. So tell me how are things between Christmas and you?

Bea: As always. He wants a child and I can't conceive.

Anna: I already know that. What I want to know is how he reacts to you.

Béa: He treats me well. He pays my bills, pays me money every month. He gives me everything a woman could dream of so what more can I say?

Anna: He gives you everything a woman could want? OK, but that's not the question my dear. Does it give you what you need? News travels fast you know? I want to know if you're ready to raise another woman's child. If Christmas comes back with a child out of wedlock, would you accept it?

Béa (after a moment of reflection): I love my husband and you know it. If a child out of wedlock is the only condition for our happy days to return then I am ready to accept it.

Anna (hugging her in her arms): I'm sorry it happened like this. You know everyone loves you back home don't you? I want you to learn it from my mouth. Yesterday we had a visit from Céline's parents and she is pregnant. I know it's painful but know that everyone has your back. We are all with you.

This news had the effect of a bombshell in Bea's heart. All she could remember from Anna's words was "she's pregnant". Celine was pregnant what would become of her. She was so shocked that she didn't realize that her tears were flowing profusely.

Anna: I'm really sorry darling but I had to tell you. Be strong as you always have been; don't let sadness get you down. Cry if you want but I want to see you strong as always don't show others that you are sad please.

Béa (wiping her tears): And what does Christmas say in all this?

Anna: I'm sorry my beautiful but he recognized. He says he is the author. Grandma asked him to inform you so he will be here today.

Bea: Alright. Anna it's not that I'm chasing you but please can you leave me alone?

Anna: Oh my beautiful I know I asked you to be strong but please I don't want you to treat me like the others. Be open and sincere with me, tell me how you feel please. I'm here for you.

Béa: I want to be alone please. Maybe later I could talk to you but right now I need to be alone.

Anna: Ok I'm leaving but call me if you need anything.

Once left alone, Bea locked herself in the bedroom and started crying. She had no appetite because she was waiting for her husband. She wanted to hear what he had to say to her.

Lying in front of the TV Bea was still pensive until she heard the sound of the car and then footsteps. She stood up and when her gaze met Christmas's, the two froze.

It was she who spoke to break the silence.

Bea: Welcome my darling. Come, I saved you something to eat.

Noel: You already know why I'm here so I'm not going to beat around the bush. I want us to separate

Bea: PARDON??

Noel: Don't make it harder. I will not let my child grow up with his separated parents. He needs a united family for a good education.

Béa: What about me? And your promise to wait even a few years if necessary? Where have your beautiful words gone?

Noel: I'm sorry about all this but I'm a man and I need descendants. Sorry I can't keep my promise to you I'm going to pay you a very large pension if you accept the divorce without problem.

Béa: It's not a question of money but a question of trust.

Noel: Stop Bea, you're ridiculous. Tell me why are you still here if it's not about the money? Despite the humiliations that you undergo, you are there. So tell me I'm listening to you.

Béa: Is that how you see my sacrifices? Is that why you don't even come to your own house anymore?

Noel: No, I'm not coming anymore because it would be useless. Being with you in the same house is like being with a man. Why bother to make love to you when there would be no result. You are just incompetent. Whether you like it or not, we are going to separate and nothing and no one can make me change my mind.

Noel let her crash and went upstairs to hang some things of his. He was only there to talk to her and as it was done he had no intention of spending the night there.