Chapter 7

Divorce.

That word hasn't left me ever since Keith gave me the papers. After last nights events, I'm quite exhausted today and the numbness hasn't vanished.

After our little chat, I cried while letting the milk and Oreo's comfort me, today though, I might be feeling all sorts of emotional but I refuse to let it consume me, and take me from the reality that stares me in the face.

Making way down the stairs, I'm all set in mind about a couple of things. I walk on to the kitchen, expecting to find Sarah so we could have a chat, but all plans are put aside when I hear my name being called.

Keith.

Whipping around, I see Keith right behind me, coming down the stairs. " I have something to discuss with you." No good morning, nothing.

" okay" the sound of the doorbell interrupts him from saying anything, whilst awaiting for whoever, I give him a once over and I can say, he looks really nice and casual, with his blue jeans, navy shirt and nice shoes, his hair looks messy in a ' I woke up like this' type of thing.

Footsteps could be heard coming our way. I look away from him and to Maria followed by Rick , Keith's lawyer.

Rick Matthews has been Keith's buddy since they could barely walk and are close as brothers, I'm not really surprised to see him here, seeing as I've already signed the papers as well as Keith, it won't be much of a hassle.

Rick is handsome with dirty blonde hair, green eyes , pale skin, tall, successful and a very good and sharp lawyer. He's won most of his cases and only lost one, that's how good he his.

With him in a suit then his usual casual wear coming over, I know that it's business.

" Rick, hey man" Keith says, coming down the stairs further and meeting Rick halfway, giving each other that bro hug thing, guys normally do.

" hey..." He turns over to me." Hi Akiandra" he greets and all I can do is nod in acknowledgement.

" Right, please come this way." Keith says, gesturing towards the dining room.

We follow him silently until we are all seated , Rick on the opposite side of me, Keith sits in his usual chair, the head of the table.

Thankfully, the dining area has a wooden sliding door, giving us privacy from the world.

" Alright, so I'm here to discuss the divorce proceedings and all, both parties acknowledge that they agree to this?" Rick asks and we both nod....

" Alright let me explain a few things and we can get started." Rick continues before getting down into explaining and just talking.

I'm watching his lips move yet I don't hear a word he says, my mind has just blocked my surroundings and only welcomed my thoughts.

I'm here seated with these gentleman, discussing divorce settlements and all, but I'm neither present. The whole time he speaks, I feel that we are dragging everything.

A start over....

That's what both mind and heart tells me. Bringing me back to reality, where Rick's voice reaches my ears and soon I hear about what either of us could agree on.

" wait.." I hold up my hand, silencing him.

Now all eyes are on me." We don't need to go down that route, for I already know what I want and need." I tell them.

I watch them glance at each other before looking back at me.

" okay then, tell us what you want." Rick says.

I'm pretty sure they think I want gallows of money, some shares in one of Keith's businesses, which he possibly can fight me on, if he wanted. But no, I'm not into burdens.

" A house, that's what I want." I say, leaning back into my chair.

" Are you sure?" Rick asks, glancing from me to Keith, who's now frowning at me.

" yes I am...." 

" wait, wait....Kea....what is this? Why would you - " 

" we had a deal yes, but I've decided to lessen everything, and ask for the simplest of things, a house." 

" are you sure?" He asks me, his eyes displaying surprise.

"Yes....I want it in my name, fully furnished, paid off and then I'll be out of your life." I say, shrugging, though my throat tightens at me mentioning, I'll be out of his life.

Keith keeps silent after that and just stares at Rick, who's now going through some papers, the silence is starting to eat at me as well as the feel of Keith's eyes , burning the side of my face..

" Are we done now?" I ask, wanting more then anything to walk out.

" Almost....we just need to discuss about the Clause in the contract

" my head whips to his direction.

" What - What clause?" I'm too scared to know. I seriously didn't know any Clause when I signed the contract, or maybe I wasn't paying attention.

" Well there's a Clause or in simpler term, a condition...if one of you chooses to leave this marriage, then there would be a month long extension before the divorce goes through."

" What? .....but I - " I pause and take a breath before looking at Keith, who's got the contract in hand.

" The deal was that after six months , I'll be able to walk" he looks at me, handing me the papers.

" yes that's right." He nods.

" Then I don't understand ......" I say, going through the passage that says Clause. 

They are right, the Clause does state that there's a month long extension, as a sign that one honours and respects the marriage. I can't believe this.

" Akiandra......I didn't trust that you'd stick around for the 6 months, it was for security purposes." 

Glancing between him and the contract, I feel a twinge of hurt in my chest, the lack of trust, even though I kinda understand him." Two years is more then enough to notice that I honour my word." I point out.

He opens his mouth to say something but I beat him to it.

" After the month long period, the divorce will be finalised?" I ask Rick, who nods.

" Is there anything else I should know of, any other Clause?" 

" No....Keith?" We both turn to Keith, who looks to be lost in thought.

" No, nothing else." 

Right after he says that, I hand the contract back to Rick, before he continues on with the last biddings of the contract and divorce .

The word Divorce rings in mind again, this time I can't describe the feeling, because soon I think of the new lady in Keith's life and how she might feel hearing about this. I'm pretty sure it would be hard, when you were in hope of moving in soon and planning a future with my man.

Gosh what am I thinking, my man. No, no...I shake my head off those thoughts.

" One more question, in this month long period, is it required that we both be under the same roof?" 

This has them stopping whatever they were doing and looking at me. " No." Keith answers and I nod, rising to my feet and pushing the chair in.

" Excuse me." I say, before turning and leaving the dining room, leaving the two males alone.

Right when I'm out that door, the words 'month long extension' rings in mind, the fact that I still have a month of being Keith's wife, I still have that right to be in his life brings a smile upon my face.

Gosh I must be crazy....

What is wrong with me?