Page 279 - Reason To Sing by Kelita Haverland

Chapter Forty-Five

The time comes. I buckle Keldon into his car seat and off
we go to the pick-up location. Other spouses and children are
milling around. There is a buzz of expectancy in the air as we
all await the return of our loved ones. My head is spinning.
Knowing what I know now, how can I greet my husband as
the dutiful wife, grateful for his safe return? What makes it
worse is SHE is returning too. Lenora is the female musician
allowed on the tour when I was not! How very convenient.
Keldon and I watch the troop step out of the bus, one by
one. Finally, Gord appears. Keldon sees his Daddy and runs off
to greet him as I stand immobilized. I want to wrap my arms
around my husband and never let go. But I also want to fall at
his feet, wailing, for the pain that is crippling me. And then
there is still another part of me that wants to scratch his eyes
out and banish him from my life!
I take a deep breath and just succumb to the pain. I force
the anger to retreat. This is no doubt a very good thing, for
Gord’s sake.
Lenora’s husband Bobby is waiting by their car. I give a
little wave and he waves back. Lenora steps off the bus but we
don’t make eye contact. I cannot and she will not.
Gord walks slowly towards our car. He puts down his
suitcase and offers me an obligatory hug. Keldon is still holding
his other hand so it’s more like a half hug. No kiss. I’m doing
my best to hold it all together, but I feel like a dam ready to
burst. There is an ocean of despair waiting to spill all over this
parking lot. I love this guy so darned much, but he is killing me.
While Gord collects his gear from the bus, I catch a glimpse
of Lenora and Bobby. Thank God they are far enough away
that I don’t have to talk to them. I feel like I’m going to vomit.
I thought she was my friend. My best friend.
Once we arrive home, Gord focuses all his attention on

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