Love UnExpected

Thirty-five year old Desiree Hagan half-way listened to her patients confessions during the monthly therapy group session. Her mind wandered as she thought about the loneliness that followed her from work to home daily. The romance novels and movies were no longer satisfying her thirst for human companionship. Her divorce from Jackson Morrison, her college sweetheart, found her back on the dating scene. Things had changed dramatically since she had been married. She'd dated a few times, but nothing ever materialized into a serious relationship. Her divorce from Jackson left her feeling insecure. While one of Desiree's patients spoke, her mind flashbacked to one of the last conversations she had with Jackson before their divorce.

Jackson, in his tailor-made suit and short cropped hair, entered the bedroom. Desiree looked up from her romance novel. Without saying a word, Jackson handed Desiree an envelope. Desiree, confused by his actions, remained quiet as she accepted it and opened it. As she read the words, she couldn’t believe the love of her life was serving her with divorce papers. She looked into his eyes and saw pain or was it only a reflection of her own pain?

Jackson broke the silence. “Desiree, this hurts me more than it hurts you."

"I thought you loved me." Desiree's heart cracked in two.

"I do love you and always will. Some things I just can’t let go.”

Desiree tried to hold on to some of her dignity. “If this is what you want, I will not contest.”

Jackson tried to justify his reason for serving the divorce papers. “Desiree, in the line of work I do, my wife cannot look the way you do." He pointed at her body. "You are a beautiful woman, but you need to lose weight.”