The Couple by Ken Smith

The Couple

Ruby Lu 0

WORDS CHECKED: 3879 WORDS IN OXFORD 3000: 94%

CONTENTS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER2

CHAPTER3

CHAPTER4

CHAPTER5

CHAPTER6

CHAPTER7

CHAPTER8

CHAPTER9

CHAPTER10

CHAPTER11

About the author “The secret of a good writing is to say a new thing in an old way and to say an old thing in a new way”. There was a girl who found this quotation while reading a book and she had made up her mind to create a good novel like what she read. Few years past, the quotation still has been haunting in her mind, and she always remembers the dream. Now, the girl has grown up, guess who the girl is? The girl is me. I am Ruby and I was born in October so I sometimes tell people that I am “the girl of autumn.” Many people say that I am sentiment; I think I should say yes and this is why I like writing and daydreaming. There are so many uncertainties in the world and we can’t predict anything. However, there is one thing I am exactly sure about is that you are going to read this story. Lying on the grass and close your eyes in the breeze. Listen to Ruby telling the story which happened to the Flemyngs.

Chapter 1 Wade Flemyng is my husband who I had been married with for twenty-five years and we had a daughter, Kate, and a son, Bryan. I met him during my sophomore year in university while he majored in Advertising of his senior year. I remembered the sky was clear and I was sitting on the grass with my friend, Lisa, discussing the poet which our instructor had just explained. “Lady, may you be my heroine of my advertisement?” said Wade. I raised my head and I saw him. The man in front my eyes was tall and thin with a minicam hung on his neck. “You want me to be a character in your advertisement?” I asked him confusedly. “Yes, this is my graduated creation which must been turned in the end of the semester. Could you help me with it?” he said in a sincere tone that made me nod to show my agreement. We fell in 2

love during the shot and he asked me, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Allison, may you be my wife forever?â&#x20AC;? after I finished my studies in university. He was true and he looked into my eyes as well as that time when he asked me to be the heroine in his advertisement, so I nodded to accept his propose. He was positioned to be the manager of the advertising agency in the fifth year of being in the agency. I could feel the warmness from his hug till now which he gave to me while announcing this good news. My daughter, Kate, and son, Bryan were rushing to their father and been lifting up high with childish giggle. We were happy for his promotion. Wade was always recognized when walking on streets because he had been presented in a commercial and I always stood silently and smiled when people asked to take a picture with him or sign. Every one who knew him all thought he was a well husband and a good father. He was, 3

but only for the first ten years of the marriage, and then he lost passion on me and had less talk with children, even me. The first thing he did after retuning home from work was putting on the slippers which delivered by me and asking me to hang on his coat and brewing the oolong tea. I usually sit opposite him and waited for him to finish the tea so I could wash it right away. However, he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realize the mode of life would become a hint of my leave. I was an ordinary housekeeper and my routine for everyday was cleaning the house and cooking three meals for my husband and children. I never complained about the tenuous life which had last for years because I thought this was the obligatory work for a good wife and a nice mother. For once, I had a thought to look for a job, but Wade thought this was unnecessary because he considered that making ends meet of the family was his responsibility. So I quit this 4

idea, kept staying at home and repeating the daily work. Kate had work as a secretary in the same company as her father for three years since she graduated from a university in the town. Actually, she got the job by Wade’s recommending because she didn’t know where to go and what to do after graduating. So she asked her dad who definitely promised to help. I was unhappy about this matter because I thought she shall be independent and must have taken every responsibility for herself. “You aren’t a little girl anymore so why don’t you plan your future by yourself? Don’t depend on your father. He won’t be your supporter forever!” I said calmly. She frowned and retorted angrily, “Mom, it’s not a big deal! My friend is also doing this. Why do you care about this so much?” Suddenly, I realized that she was not my little girl who used to sit and talk with me when I washed clothes. I sighed and looked her turn around. 5

She disappeared and left me in sadness. Bryan was still in his junior year at Chen-Kung University. Wade had asked him whether he wanted to work in his agency or not, but Bryan refused. He hoped he could run a restaurant in the future and invite me to be the manager. I was very gratified by what he said. Many people were envious of what my family was, and always asked Wade this question when he was interviewed. We were cheating on people and trying to maintain the surface peace.

Chapter 2 One day, after Wade was on his way home, a young woman approached him and said, “Hi, Mr. Fleymyng! Congratulations!” “Congratulations for what? And who are you?” said Wade with a look of puzzle. “I am Nicole and I am in charge of your daughter’s wedding.”, she said and handed over her card and bowed. He put it into his pocket and said good-bye to her. He didn’t know that his little girl was going to marry and the worst thing was that he didn’t even know who was going to marry Kate. “Katie, why didn’t you tell us? Who are you going to marry?” Wade was mad. He had never been so angry with Kate. “Dad, I’ve been with Shawn for two years. We both think it’s time to marry”, Kate said and lowered her head. “You mean the Shawn who belongs to my

department?” Wade said wonderingly. Kate nodded. There was a long silence, and I was very nervous what Wade would say. Finally, he looked at Kate and said, “I am going to cancel the wedding.” He grabbed his suitcase and slammed the door. I stroked her shoulder but she swept away my hands and told me to go away. That night, in my bedroom I listened to my daughter crying.

Chapter 3 It was ten o’clock. I had been sinking in sofa staring at the TV and waiting for a long time for Wade to come home. At eleven o’clock, the door opened, Wade finally arrived home. I didn’t ask him where he went, and he just went in our bedroom and took a bath. When I was hanging his coat, I heard a ring from his mobile phone, so I took it out. It was a message. In fact, I wondered what the content was, but I hesitated. By my instincts it was from a woman, so I decided to read it. “It was good to be with you tonight. I hope we can go out next time. Nicole.” I pretended that I had seen nothing when Wade came out from the bathroom. I walked out to the living room and roughed up everything, scattering the magazines and throwing the vegetables on the floor with sorrow. I cried as quiet as I could because I didn’t want

Wade to know. And I acted like a woman with mental problem and I kept chopping the pork into small pieces. Finally, I fell asleep with tears on the messy floor. The next morning, Wade woke up earlier than me. He had seen me lying in a mess but he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what was wrong. Surely he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know I had seen the secret message from Nicole.

Chapter 4 Wade and Kate were sitting in the living room after dinner. “Katie, I hope you can understand why I don’t want you to marry” said Wade. “Dad, I really want to have a blissful marriage like you and mom. This is my dream. I know Shawn doesn’t have much money, but I don’t care. We can make efforts together. You also had nothing in the beginning, Dad. You were once Shawn.” Wade realized that he had no right to interfere in their decision, so he agreed their marriage. Kate embraced her dad showing her appreciation. During the preparation of wedding, Shawn’s mother came to visit us from a remote village. Unfortunately, her heart disease 1suddenly relapsed while we were happily talking. Bryan quickly sent her to the hospital by car. When I arrived

at the hospital, I saw my son talking with a nurse as if they were friends. “Bryan, who were you talking to at the information desk?” He had been muted for a while and said that she was his girlfriend. Furthermore, she had one daughter. I felt dizzy after hearing what he had said. I decided to go to the nurse. I couldn’t stand my son being with a woman who was older than my son and I didn’t want him to marry a woman with a child. “Miss, I know a few about you and my son” I said politely and waiting for her to respond. “We love each other for sure. So what do you want to say?” the nurse said firmly. “You know Bryan is still young and he should love a girl who is the same age as him, not like…” I paused because I didn’t want her to feel hurt. “Like me? I know I am older than him, but there’s no rule to tell people not to fall in love with someone who is older. We treat each other honestly. I have to confess that my love for 12

him has been growing.â&#x20AC;? I looked at her astonishingly and went away.

Chapter 5 I felt I was betrayed by my husband and son, these two loved men in my life. So there was no need for me to endure. It was six o’clock, and I was cooking dinner as usual. I knew something was brewing in the boiler and was also in my mind. After we all finished dinner, Kate and Bryan went back to their rooms. “Wade, tell me everything.” I said to my husband. He raised his head from the newspaper and said, “What are talking about?” “Stop lying! Why don’t you just confess to me?” I wanted to yell at him, but I didn’t, whereas I tried my best to calm down. And I didn’t want to be out of control because I had to be well sophisticated, not like other women who reacted in drastic way. Wade looked guilty and he held both his hands tight. And then I noticed the white trace on his ring finger. He had taken of the ring which we

exchanged on our wedding day “I’m sorry, Allison. I met Nicole who resembles you very much. When I am with her, I feel comfortable and it makes me think of the beginning of our love”, my husband said repentantly. Miraculously, I felt a relief, not sadness. Wade told me everything honestly. It was what I wanted to hear, so I didn’t ask him who Nicole was. It was time for me to be honest with myself and Wade. I walked out from the sofa and sat next to him. “Wade, I feel lonely in the family. Every morning, I wake up and I open my eyes, dress myself well and put on my apron which I have had for almost twenty-five years. My biggest achievement is to see you, Katie and Bryan eat meals I make and clean this house as tidy as I can. I think if I arrange everything well and do the housework myself, you can concentrate on your work. However, I realized that I am wrong. And I have done too much for you three. You care less about our children and me. 15

There’s more, Katie doesn’t dare to turn on the gas burners. And she doesn’t know where the broom is. You know what? She fried an egg last night and it burnt. It was too unendurable! Katie is just like a spoonfed girl who is too dependent on her parents. I haven’t walked out of the door and seen what the world is like because I have to please your requirement. Wade, I want us to separate after Katie’s wedding…I need to broaden my horizons. And I don’t want to be reserved and conservative. None of that!” I said ceaselessly to Wade. He seemed to understand and I saw his mouth open. I thought he would say something. But he didn’t. He just stood slowly and said, “I am really sorry. I promise I will let you go and won’t tie you, Allison.” Deep depression cast over us after speaking frankly.

Chapter 6 “This restaurant is fancy! Thank you, Shawn!” Kate gave Shawn a kiss. “Actually, I have something to tell you.” “Sure, tell me!” she seemed expected something. “I think we should move to my hometown after we marry. What do you think?” Kate put down the glass and felt angry, “What? Didn’t you say we could buy an apartment downtown and why should I take care of a sick mother in the suburbs? I don’t want to spend my whole life being a bird in a cage like my mom!” Katie said and angrily stood up. Shawn kept persuading her to think about it, but Kate didn’t listen to her and argued with him. Now, she had to face reality herself. She clicked her high-heeled shoes to go to Nicole for help. Nicole was so surprised to see her crying. She dragged a chair to let Kate sit down. It was raining outside and the

tears on Kate’s face were like the somber weather. She told Nicole everything and asked her to give her advice. Nicole stood up and looked ashamed, “Sorry, I can’t help you”, she said and turned around. “Why not? You’ve been a planner for years, and you probably have seen different marriage problems. Why can’t you suggest me?” Kate wondered. “Kate, I am dating Mr. Flemyng. I’m the breaker of your parents.” Kate was surprised and rushed home. She shouted at her dad as soon as she opened the door,“ Why are you having an extra-marital affair? Why aren’t you loyal to mom?” Kate went mad and kept crying. I slapped her and stared at her, “Don’t say that to your father! You’re too unresonable! Although he makes mistakes, he is always your father who has raised you” Katie slammed the door and ran out of the house. Wade didn’t say anything.

Chapter 7 One evening, when Bryan came home from school, he announced that he was going to marry Zera, the nurse, who was going to leave for Japan. I couldn’t permit it so I went out in order to talk to Zera. As I past a police station, I saw her standing at the gate. I approached her and said, “Zera, could you give up, please?” “Mrs. Flemyng, don’t you know I am quitting loving your son? I’m leaving for Japan to have a new life, but Bryan’s unhappy about this. He doesn’t want me to go. I promise I will leave him.” said Zera blubbering. “What happened? Is anything wrong?” “My girl, Abbie is lost with her bike” she said in a hurry. I was also a mother so I could feel how she felt now. I was looking for her daughter along the street calling her name. Suddenly, I saw a little girl riding on a little bike in the park, so I asked her name. She

was Abbie, Zera’s daughter. I brought her home and taught her how to ride on a bike. She didn’t talk to me until she arrived my house, so I asked her why she left her home. She blinked her naïve eyes and said,“ I wanna ride my bike to find brother Bryan to tell him not to quarrel with my mommy.” At that moment, I was touched by what she said. She was just a child but she knew how to make people get alongl. Therefore, I decided not to interfere into the lives of Bryan and Zera. At the same time, I saw my daughter, Kate, standing across the street and smiling at me. “I’ve thought a lot about everything you said, mom” coming to me and hugging me with her hands round my neck. “I am too selfish to be thoughtful of people. I love Shawn; therefore, I should love his mother as maximum as I love him. Mom, I’ve made up my mind to be his bride” Katie was smiling at me like an angel. 20

My daughter finally had grown up, and I was very glad. “So, let’s tell your dad this good news!’ I hold her hand tightly.

Chapter 8 Kate happily announced this news to Wade and Bryan when they got home and they both felt happy for her. “Mom, Zera wants me to thank you.” Bryan looked worriedly at me. “No worries! Why don’t you invite her to come to your sister’s wedding?” I said giving him a smile. Bryan was so excited that he was bouncing around the living room. Wade and I looked at each other and winked. “Listen, your mom and I also have something to tell you” Wade said sighing. I told them we were going to divorce after Kate’s wedding. No one spoke. I was overwhelmed by the silence.

Chapter 9 Kate was in a long white bridal-dress. I still couldn’t believe my daughter was going to marry and learn how to be a good wife. Oh, it was time for Wade to go to the stage to speak.“ This is the beginning of their life which is full of bliss. Of course, one of them will die first. Sorry, I am saying something inappropriate. I only hope that they can feel happy having each other before one closes the eyes. Many unexpected accidents exist in the world; we can’t know what will happen in the next second. So what we can do is to love and treasure our loved ones more and more. Every couple wants to be remembered by each other because they have met in the world and have gone through many difficulties and happiness. I want to tell people how my wife supports me, helps me and endures me; I will remember every

moment that I have been with her.â&#x20AC;? Every guest clapped. My tears were dropping along my face. Wade had never said this to me since we were married.

Chapter 10 Wade and I were walking toward the county office to deal with our divorced documents. Our ticket number was No.35, and 20 appeared on the flash bulletin. I asked him to go to a Sticker-Machine while we were waiting, because having a photo of us had always been my dream. We went into the booth and smiled at the screen. “Allison, you complete me. I know no matter what I say, you’re leaving anyway. Thank you for being my wife for these twenty-five years, and I appreciate you deeply. And I know the only thing I can do to show my love is to let you go. ” We looked into each other with tears in our eyes and he took out the paper. “We are bonded together by a paper, and we’re going to separate from now on by it, too.” We left the booth for the office, and saw each other

signing on the document. “Allison!” Wade called me when I was walking out. “Yes?” “Allison, I…I…If you need any help, please come to me. I’m always here.” I nodded with a smile and left him in the first snow of thewinter.

Chapter 11 I rented a small flat far from downtown. My new life didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go as smoothly as I had expected, and I realized I had been disconnected from society for such a long time. There were many women who were in the similar age of me, and many of them had both job and family. Actually, I was envious, so I had made up my mind to look for a job. I have sent applications to a small company for a secretary, a kindergarten as an assistant and a flower shop as a clerk. They usually refused me after reading my curriculum vitae. I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t blame anybody because I knew I was not young anymore. Who would hire an old woman? I tried to absorb as much information as I could, because I wanted to get certificates by test. It made me sad. One evening, when I was having dinner on my way home

from looking for a job, I saw Wade on the TV screen. He was interviewed by a famous anchorperson. I was sitting on the floor and watching TV. I was eating alone and staring at the TV in my cramped flat. The next evening, I didn’t go anywhere but Wade’s company. I was standing across his company with an umbrella waiting for him. Wade came out with a suitcase as usual, and he saw me. “Allison? How are you?” he asked surprisingly. “I’m good. Wade, I am trying so hard to have a new life, but things doesn’t seem so easy for me” I said shrugging my shoulders. He smiled. I felt so accustomed to this smile. “How are Katie and Bryan?” “Do you believe that Kate is satisfied with her life in the suburbs? She called me last night and told me she and Shawn are planning to have a baby!” Wade was glorious when he was talking. “Wow, really? I am so glad to hear this. How about Bryan?” I was so 28

eager to know more about them. “He’s going to own a restaurant with Zera after graduating. Oh, and sometimes Zera comes to visit me with little Abbie.” I felt relieved and said, “Thank you for telling me so many things. I just came here to see if you are well. I gotta go.” “Hey, Allie, wait!” I looked back as he called me. He always called me Allie before we married. I was so surprised to hear Allie again. He took out a sheet of paper from his pocket and said,“ I have already signed. You don’t need to reply right away, just think about it yourself. I’m not gonna persuade you.” I accepted the paper and we smiled at each other. I turned around and walked toward my flat.