A Song of Longing

Sweat dotted Anthony's brow as he gestured toward Linda and explained, "Linda is an investor in this orphanage. I just bumped into her today."

"So? What's that got to do with adopting Tracy?" Jessica shot back.

Anthony scowled. "How could I not have seen it before? You're so aloof, so unfeeling. Tracy's a sweetheart. Doesn't she tug at your heartstrings?"

Aloof? Unfeeling?

She was the one betrayed, let down, and then she was the bad guy?

Linda stepped closer and smilingly took Jessica's hand. "Jess, Anthony told me you're adopting Tracy. That's wonderful news! Tracy is an angel, the sweetest kid we've got."

Jessica could not resist. "If Tracy's such a treasure, why don't you adopt her?"

Caught off-guard, Linda felt her smile waver.

Anthony jumped to her defense, positioning himself between them. "What are you implying? Linda is single. What would people think if she adopted a child on her own?"

Jessica's heart ached as if pierced by a thousand needles.

Anthony had empathy for Linda, but he seemed blind to the whispers that would swirl around Jessica if they adopted Tracy.

For five years of marriage, Anthony had kept her from getting pregnant, using his 'career in its rising phase' as an excuse.

The rumor mill churned relentlessly.

Some whispered that Jessica's wild youth and numerous abortions had left her barren. Others speculated she was infertile by nature.

Even her mother-in-law's barbs cut deep, mocking her as an 'infertile hen'.

Whenever Jessica poured out her heart, Anthony's answer was to shower her with luxury gifts, never once standing up to clear her name.

If he truly loved her, would he not speak out against the slander?

Adopting a child would only cement the rumors of her infertility, would it not?

Clutching at a final hope, Jessica trembled and said, "Anthony, don't you want a child of our own?"

Anthony's gaze fell. "Let's wait a few more years, okay? You know the company is expanding..."

"Fine, I'll follow your lead," Jessica cut him off.

Her heart had gone numb. She might as well go along with it.

Anthony wrapped her in a joyful hug, "Jess, I always knew you had the biggest heart."

As her hair brushed his ear, Jessica caught the envious glint in Linda's eye.

In that instant, she realized Linda was no longer satisfied being the unseen wife on a marriage certificate. She was after the title of Mrs. Harris for all to see.

A line from Alicia Keys' 'Try Again' suddenly played in Jessica's head.

'I could try again, however, I would rather let you go.'

She was ready to ditch that mess of a relationship. Who picked up the pieces was none of her business.

Anthony had gone off with the director to sort out some paperwork, leaving Jessica and Linda by the staircase.

"Jess, don't you think Tracy and Anthony could pass for father and daughter? To the untrained eye, they might as well be related."

Jessica caught the hint in Linda's voice. "Really? What a coincidence."

Linda pressed on, a sly tone in her voice. "And Tracy's mom, whoever she is, must be quite the looker."

She tossed her hair back, not-so-subtly showing off a love bite on her collarbone.

"Oops, my husband can be a bit eager. Does Anthony ever get like that with you?"

Jessica took a deep breath. "Ever heard of someone biting when they're pushed too far?"

Linda's expression changed, and she was about to retort when she caught sight of a figure at the corner.

"Well, let's see if they're just putting on a show or if they're actually capable of biting."

Before Jessica could process her words, Linda suddenly stumbled backward, away from the staircase.