Now
I went into the store hoping to get my groceries, but I left with a truth that I didn’t know needed to be revealed.
She was standing in the dairy aisle, Mel – our neighbor. Young, blonde, and recently divorced. And hanging from her ears were my mother’s earrings.
I approached her and said:
“Mel, hi! Lovely earrings!”
“Oh, thank you, Rachel! They’re a gift from someone special, you know.”
A gift. From someone special. Someone married?
“Oh, they’re simply beautiful,” I said, smiling through my gritted teeth. “But didn’t it come with a pendant and a bracelet? What a stunning set that would be…”
“I definitely would if I had those pieces. But I don’t. It’s just the earrings. But maybe my special someone can gift me the whole set.”
Derek hadn’t just hocked my mother’s jewelry. He had gifted part of it to his mistress.
It was a selfish, well-thought-out plan.
Then
Empty. The box with my most prized possessions was empty.
I scanned my bedroom like the earrings, pendant, and bracelet might miraculously reappear before my eyes.
But they didn’t.
There was only one person who had known the box and the priceless things inside. But would Derek… Was he actually capable of taking my things?
He maybe had put them into our safe deposit box at the bank.
“Derek!”
“What, Rachel? It’s too early for this noise.”
“My mother’s jewelry. Did you take it?”
“No, maybe the kids took it. You know they’re into dressing up now.”
“Nora, Eli, Ava,” I said, almost breathless. “Did any of you take the box from under my bed?”
“No, Mommy.”
“I saw Daddy with it,” Nora said. “He said it was a secret. And that he would buy me a new dollhouse if I didn’t say anything.”
Someone had stolen from me.
And that someone was my husband.
I spent a long time with the kids, trying to figure out my thoughts and feelings while they played. Eventually, I had no choice but to confront him.
“Derek, I know you took it. Where is it?” I asked.
“Fine, Rachel. I took them.”
I blinked slowly.
“Why?” I asked simply.
“You were so sad after your mom di:ed. I thought that a vacation would cheer you up, Rachel.” He picked up his beer can and took a long gulp. “So, I hocked them and bought us a trip.”
“You pawned my mother’s jewelry?! My d3ad mother’s things!”
“Rachel, we’re struggling! How can you not see it? Or do you choose to ignore it? The mortgage, the bills… I wanted to do something nice for you and the kids.”
He sighed dramatically.
“Okay, I’ll return the tickets. I’ll fix it if you want everyone to be as miserable as you are. Seriously, Rachel, the kids see it. It sucks.”
I turned away before I did something I’d regret.
“Promise me one thing, Rachel,” she said. “Keep writing your poetry, darling. Keep that side of you alive.”
Now
I smiled at Mel in the grocery store, pretending to listen to her rave about Greek yogurt and chia seeds for breakfast. I was going to take back what was mine. And I was going to make Derek pay.
The next morning, I played the part of the forgiving wife.
I wanted to slap him.
“Derek, can I see the pawnshop receipt?” I asked.
“Nora,” I called, watching her pick at her pancakes. “Do you want to come with Mommy today? We’re going to look for Grandma’s jewelry.”
“Yes!” she said excitedly.
I wasn’t sure about taking my child to a pawnshop, but if I’m being honest, that little girl was the only thing that would keep me calm.
“We’re buying the jewelry, Mom?” Nora asked.
“Indeed we are, baby girl,” I said.
“It would make a good anniversary present for my wife,” he said.
“It’s my mom’s, sir,” I said. “Please.”
There was only one piece left. The earrings.
The ones that Derek’s mistress had been brandishing.
Then, I showed her the necklace and bracelet I had reclaimed.
“These are part of a set,” I said. “They’re family heirlooms, and I need the earrings back. They were not Derek’s to give.”
“Rachel… I had no idea,” she said. “I thought it was a gift from Derek. I didn’t know that it was yours! I had no idea that it was your… mother’s.”
I knew what she was saying. I understood it loud and clear.
“Hell hath no fury…” I said. “I know. I’ll deal with him.”
“Rachel, I’m sorry,” she said quietly. “I didn’t mean for this to happen. It was just that Derek gave me the attention that I craved. This divorce… it took a part of me when it ended. I don’t know who I am without my husband. Ex-husband, I mean. Derek swept me off my feet and made me feel normal again. I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you for saying that, Mel,” I said, turning away.
Later
I waited until he was back at work and the paperwork was finalized.
“You shouldn’t have given away my things, Derek. I mean, really. You gave my mother’s earrings to your mistress?”
My voice was louder than I expected.
“You stole from me. You betrayed me. And that’s your final mistake in our marriage. This cannot be fixed. I don’t want you.”
Then, I turned and walked away.
He begged, of course. But I was done.
