In Honour of the Heart

"Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own."

~   Paulo Coelho

**

Isaac heard a running tap and noise from the bathroom. She was inside. What took her so long? Why was she not coming out? Was she unwell? He was so worried for her. He moved towards the door. Puking sounds were coming. Was she sick again? He will have to do something soon. But what he can do? It was normal to get such symptoms during first few months of pregnancy.

Isaac stood outside when suddenly the bathroom door opened and Ashlee stormed out, hitting him in the route. Her eyes were red. She had splashed some water on her face. It was still wet. Or were they tears? He didn’t like the loose dress which she wore. It hid her curves. He had never seen this shapeless, deathly outfit before. There was no makeup on her face which was becoming a daily routine now. Her hair looked uncombed and dirty. She didn't even notice his presence and moved towards the drawing room like a woman possessed. Isaac just followed her.

Way was she breathing so heavily? He couldn't understand that. Should he talk to her gynecologist and find out? Definitely her hormones were playing havoc with her health. He couldn't help comparing these two women. Isabelle never had such symptoms. Or perhaps, she had. He remembered her retching. How pale she had become both the times. She didn’t keep her breakfast down but Isabelle never cried and cribbed like Ashlee. Belle had managed herself very well despite the sickness. She had not called him back from the office, complaining her health.

For a split second, his mouth went cry when he remembered this. What was he doing here when he had a family? His thoughts stopped when he saw that Ashlee was calling him near.

Isaac glanced at Ashlee. Her forehead had drops of perspiration. Her chest still heaved heavily and she had clutched Isaac's hand with a strength he never knew she had.

Isaac drew her towards the bedroom. She walked limply. He made her sit on the bed. Isaac went to the bathroom and returned back with a towel. He wiped her forehead and sat beside her. If He loved her, he had to love all the things about her. His heart was set on her and he was not going to let her be like this. But he couldn't understand the way she had changed. It was better to be careful. She was carrying his child, perhaps a son.

A smile spread on his face as he imagined playing with her baby. A son. Isabelle had not managed to do that by now. He did love Suzan but son was a son. He was not even sure that the baby she miscarried was his or not.

Ashlee whimpered loudly this time.

He again nudged her.

"Ash, please tell me. Why are you behaving this way, darling?"

She leaned on his shoulder and said nothing. After a minute she lifted her head and gazed in his eyes.

"You won't believe me if I tell you. I hear voices."

Ashley’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. She looked haggard and tired. Her face was puffy and swollen. He looked over her shoulders, checking everywhere in the room. After making sure there was nobody, he eyed her sadly once more as he shrugged his shoulders.

"Voices? What voices sweetheart? There is nobody in the house except us."

"No, Isaac. I told, you won't understand. We are not alone. Your wife is present."

He could have sworn that her eyes had flickered with a streak of fear. He embarrassed her and held her tightly in his arms.

"Who? Isabelle. No, Ash. Nobody is here."