Rich Oaks
The soft chime of my laptop signals an incoming video call, and Kari’s face fills the screen as I accept it. Her hair, always so immaculately styled, frames her face in a polished manner. Yet her eyes, usually so sharp, hold a touch of concern today.
‘Aisling,’ Kari starts, her tone laced with a mix of irritation and worry. ‘This virtual exile… it’s not ideal. I’ve potential clients wanting to meet you. They’re asking questions.’
The mere thought of face-to-face interactions drains me. ‘Video calls, Kari. It’s what we’re doing now, isn’t it?’ I brush a strand of hair behind my ear, hoping my calm exterior hides my internal turmoil.
Kari’s eyebrows knit together. ‘It’s not the same. These people deserve a personal touch, especially since you’ve never met them.’
‘You mean we haven’t met them,’ I correct her, my gaze steady.
She sighs, rubbing the bridge of her nose. ‘You promised you’d be back to Wesbury soon.’
The mention of Wesbury evokes a flood of memories – some sweet, but most bitter. I avert my gaze, focusing on the potted plant behind her. ‘Plans change,’ I murmur
‘So what’s the plan, Aisling? We don’t know when you’re coming back, and I really think you should meet them,’ Kari says, her voice laced with uncertainty.
I’ve only been in Rich Oaks for a few days.
‘No, Kari. Please, don’t send anyone here,’ I tell her, my tone leaving no room for debate.
She sounds puzzled. “You sure?”
‘We can just do this, a video call,’ I suggest, trying to offer a compromise.
Kari hesitates, then admits, ‘I thought of that, but… it’s not really professional.’
I counter, ‘Kari, come on, Duke does these video meetings all the time.’
‘Yeah, but it’s different. You haven’t met these people before,’ she argues.
I’m firm. ‘Just don’t send anyone, Kari. I’ll be back in Wesbury soon enough.’
‘When’s soon?’
‘I’m thinking a few weeks. I already said I wouldn’t be here long,’ I remind her.
Kari points out, ‘That’s what you said last time, then you left two weeks early.’
I sigh, feeling the need to explain myself. ‘I just had to get away, Kari. Needed some me-time.’
She throws a possibility at me. ‘And you might just decide to extend your stay.’
I can feel my patience wearing thin. ‘Why are you making this so hard today?’
She laughs, which only irks me more. ‘I’m not. That’s all you.’
I shoot back, ‘No, it’s definitely you.’
She changes tack. ‘But you’re just starting to settle in. Why not come back for the weekend?’
‘The process here won’t take that long,’ I say, trying to be clear.
Then she hits me with, ‘I thought you’d be back for Heather and Dean’s baby naming this weekend.’
‘No, I won’t make it.’
Kari sounds disappointed. ‘But it’s a family thing. Heather’s not going to be happy, Aisling.’
‘She knows I’m not coming. I talked to Heather, and she’s okay with it,’ I say, trying to brush off Kari’s concern.
‘You’ve been gone almost two weeks, Aisling. You sure you’re okay?’
‘Yeah, I’m fine, Miss Kari. Thanks for checking in, though.’
‘I miss you. Can’t really hide that.’
‘Aww…’
‘We all do. Miss those days when you were always here.’
‘Me too.’
‘Don’t you get lonely?’ she asks.
‘Not really. I’ve been keeping busy.’
‘With what?’
‘Oh, lots of stuff.’
‘Like?’
‘I’ll fill you in next time we chat,’ I say, laughing a little.
Kari’s face beams on my screen, her vibrant eyes sparkling with curiosity. She tilts her head, appraising me. ‘You’ve got quite the glow today. Been staying in more or is it a new product?’ Her tone is light, teasing even.
I chuckle, brushing my hand across my cheek. ‘Neither, surprisingly. Just life, I guess.’
‘Your cheeks. What are you using on your skin?’
‘Must be the camera. I haven’t really been doing anything special.’
She laughs. ‘Or maybe it’s just being indoors.’
‘Maybe.’
‘So, when’s Duke coming over?’ she asks, bringing him up.
‘In a few days.’
‘When exactly?’
‘Tuesday, to start the fifth cycle.’
‘I really hope it goes well.’
‘I’m ready for whatever. Not anxious anymore.’
‘I bet he misses you.’
‘I don’t know about that, Kari.’
‘What are you thinking?’
‘Umm… he’s probably busy with something…’
‘Aisling, you need to forgive him,’ she pleads. ‘He stopped the process, you know.’
I chuckle, ‘Yeah? Why’d he stop it, then?’
I wander into my kitchen, the cool air from the fridge hitting my skin as I grab a juice.
‘He’s human and…’ Kari trails off.
‘Just because he stopped doesn’t mean he’s done with her,’ I say, frustration creeping in.
Kari goes quiet. ‘Do you think he’s still seeing her?’
‘He might be. Wouldn’t surprise me. Maybe he even wants to marry her.’ My heart squeezes at the thought.
We both pause, the emotion heavy. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves.
‘I don’t think so, Aisling,’ she finally says.
‘She hasn’t left, Kari. He’s probably keeping her around until after our anniversary.’
‘You think he wants to marry her?’
‘It’s possible. He’s allowed.’
‘I don’t think so, Aisling. I really don’t.’
‘He was going to have a baby with her, Kari.’
‘I know, but… Aisling, stay positive. We need to win this. I’m glad you’re trying again. That’s huge. But you have to forgive and move on. Forgiveness opens doors.’
‘How do I forgive and forget something like this?’
“You can.”
I shake my head.
Not sure.
A few days later
The cool breeze brushes past my cheeks as I slip on my walking shoes, my phone buzzing just in time to disrupt my rhythm. My aunt’s name flashes across the screen. With a soft sigh, I answer.
‘Hey Auntie,’ I greet with a small smile.
‘Aisling dear, going somewhere?’ she asks, a hint of teasing in her voice.
‘Just stepping out for a walk,’ I reply, adjusting the earpiece. ‘Need some fresh air.’
She hums, ‘Speaking of fresh things, I stumbled upon some lovely photos on Instagram. Heather’s son’s baptism, it seems.’
I freeze. The baptism. An event I promised to attend, but how could I? I couldn’t make it, couldn’t leave Rich Oak, and certainly wasn’t ready to see Duke again.
‘I saw the entire Presley clan,’ she continues, her tone airy but her words anything but. ‘Except you.’
Avoiding the topic, I focus on another detail. ‘You follow Heather now?’
A small chuckle. ‘Wanted to see the photos. She looked radiant. That dress she wore…I might contact her designer.’
I picture Heather, smiling for the camera, surrounded by family. I swallow hard, pushing down the pang of envy.
‘I just wanted to see the baby ceremony pictures.’
‘Aunty…’ I start, not sure what to say.
‘What? Is that wrong?’
I shake my head. ‘No, but you shouldn’t follow people just to snoop.’
‘But I know Heather,’ she argues.
‘Yeah, but she isn’t really your friend,’ I point out.
She laughs. ‘Whatever, Aisling. But you know, she looked incredible.’
‘Really?’ I can’t help but smile a little.
‘You need to connect me with her dress designer,’ she insists.
‘I think she went with someone in Lincoln,’ I recall.
‘Oh, that dress was stunning. You were the only one missing, you know.’
I laugh, though it’s a bit forced. ‘She understands…’
‘Aisling, Duke was there in one of the photos. With his grandmother.’
‘I see. So he wasn’t alone.’
‘You should’ve been there, Aisling.’
I sigh. ‘I don’t think so, Aunty.’
She sounds concerned now. ‘What are you even doing there? You didn’t have to miss the ceremony.’
‘I didn’t want to be there. I’m tired of all these family gatherings.’
‘So, what’s your plan today?’
‘I’m going out tonight.’
‘With who?’
‘Elsa’s coming in from Montaceito this evening. We’re hitting a comedy show.’
‘Comedy, huh…’ She doesn’t sound thrilled.
‘You don’t seem too happy about it,’ I note.
She hesitates. ‘I just don’t know if… Given what she’s been through, and what you’re dealing with… I’m not sure she’s the best influence right now.’
‘Aunty, it’s not like that.’
‘Aisling, just be careful, okay?’
‘I will be, Aunty. We’re just looking to have some fun.’
‘Just remember, your marriage isn’t over. Don’t let yourself be swayed,’ she warns gently.
