Just Keeps Getting Better-14
The Regiment
Before Eva departed, she had downloaded the latest version of Skype on her laptop.
Her laptop, along with her microwave, her camera, joined the other things she had given to Jeremy. The difference was that the other things didn't come with a caveat.
The laptop was to be on by 6:30 am and Skype available. For Eva would contact Jeremy every morning at 6:30. am.
As there was a seven hours time difference, her call would coincide with her lunch.
If for any reason they were unable to connect at that time, the back up call would arrive at 4 pm, his time.
Every morning as Jeremy woke, up he turned on the laptop, went into the shower,
Eva would call precisely at 6:30 and they'd speak for ten minutes. On weekends the connection would start at his 10:00 am and go on and on.
He felt like a dog on a leash. But once he got off of Skype, he felt free. He felt alive. With Eva gone Jeremy could breathe.
He returned to the Chess club with full force. His lawyer, Diane Robinson, who was also his usual opponent, only brought up the Divorce once, as it so agitated him and threw him off his game it wasn't fair.
For Jeremy didn't want a divorce, didn't want Eva, didn't want the child she was bearing, all he wanted was his life back.
Feeling Almost Free
Outside of the Skype calls, Jeremy felt himself. He went out, he met his friends, and acted as if it was pre-Eva days.
Diane didn't pressure him. Didn't ask for money or the documents. She focused on Chess, on football and they had many easy conversations.
As time passed and 'D' day approached he felt the pressure coming back.
He tried to avert it, going out, drinking, hanging with old friends, trying to get home so tired he'd fall into bed without thought.
If only... if only he never ... but it had all happened.
The Approach of D(elivery) Day
Eva had arranged that Jeremy would be in her country to witness the birth of their child. She had gotten him a VISA, booked the ticket, and he had been instructed when and how to ask for leave.
During the time of their separation she had brought up the divorce only once during their morning chats. She could see it annoyed him so she forswore herself never to mention it again.
Her mother and friends agreed with her, one of them suggesting that on his salary how could he possibly afford a lawyer? He must be paying the retainer on weekly installments.
They didn't realize he hadn't paid the lawyer At All.
