Chapter Six- Thoughts & Tribulations

Lenora was stumped on what to do next. Bag in hand, she waited around the entrance before realizing what she had to do next. With confident strides, she called over one of the spare drivers and headed to her next destination. Luna was quite strict with Lenora’s checkups and made sure she went to the doctors at least once a week. Lenora wasn’t all too sure what to do with the fact that she was on her period but she decided that one Levine was against her, she didn’t want another one as well. With due diligence Lenora walked into the clinic not realizing the change that was about to come. “Congratulations, Mrs Ares. The procedure was a success. You’re pregnant,” Lenora stood still, watching the doctor as she flashed her a brilliant smile. Lenora felt as if she was underwater, all sounds were distorted and not making much sense to her. With wide eyes and concern on her face, Lenora tried to correct the doctor. “B-but I’m on my period. I can’t be pregnant. I literally just started my period today.” “Don’t worry. It’s normal to have your period while expecting. Although I must say, your results are showing that you’re not in the best of health. If you want to have a successful pregnancy, you’ll need adequate rest.”   Lenora’s hands shook and so she placed them together, trying not to appear as if she was about to lose it at any second. How could she keep a baby? Ares made it very clear that no baby was to be born. She was thinking of getting a divorce from the man. What way out does she have? As weird as it was, Lenora felt an ache in her heart, knowing what she had to do but already forming a bond. Trying to push the tears away, Lenora sighed softly. “What if I decide to get rid of the baby?”   The doctor hummed but didn’t appear disgusted. Instead, he looked down at the charts. “You’re unhealthy. There is a risk that you might miscarry but you can also have a successful pregnancy. Is that what you’re worried about?” Lenora shakes her head in then negative. “No. I think I’ve made up my mind. It’s best to abort the baby.”    The doctor cleared his throat at the revelation, passing a rather uncomfortable smile. “Mrs Levine. I would recommend you to discuss this with your family. It’s not just you that is concerned with this.” Lenora knew exactly what that meant. The doctor was a good man but his affinities lied elsewhere. Did she have much of a choice in this matter? Letting out a sad laugh with no mirth, Lenora understood. It’s not just me. It’s the entire Levine family. Especially Ares now that he was awake and barking out orders. The sun was out for a change as Lenora exited the depressing clinic. Birds chirped their songs and families were out enjoying the day. Unfortunately, Lenora felt colder than ever. Icy claws gripped tightly at her heart, refusing to let go.   What was she to do next? Sitting back in the car, the driver waited patiently to be given orders on what to do next but Lenora sat oblivious. How would Ares react if he found out about this? He definitely wouldn’t be jumping for joy that’s for sure. Lenora knew she wasn’t in any state of mind to be making proper decisions. She had to think logically, not based on a whimsy of emotion.    It was like fate when it struck Lenora on what she was meant to do.  The ride was short and uneventful but Lenora was quick to rush out of the car, eager to meet the person that she came for. Knocking on the door to the large house, she waited. Cassandra Smith stood haughtily in the door. Her aunt glances down at her with disdain as she curled her lip. Expectantly, she looked behind Lenora, the irritation increasing when she found out there was nothing for her to gain from this interaction. Although the Smith family wasn’t hers truly but the affair that rocked the city led to some complicated relationships.  “Sorry, Cassandra. I was in a hurry but I promise, I’ll get you something nice next time.” Cassandra didn’t look too happy but shrugged in nonchalance. “I don’t know why you still keep coming over. Your father cheated on your mother with my sister. Yet that wasn’t enough to get rid of you. I guess maybe we’ll be rid of you now that your husband has awoken. I’m not surprised to see you on our doorstep again.” Lenora couldn’t say anything to that. Everything she said was absolutely true so she stayed quiet. Everyone criticized Lenora for staying close to the Smith family after it was revealed that her father, Abraham was cheating on her mother with Nora Smith but she couldn’t help it. Nora was a better mother to her than Nancy ever was. “Now what do you gain from making Lenora uncomfortable? Lenora is more my daughter than you are a pain in my ass. Come inside dear. Ignore the troll.” Lenora felt at ease almost instantly when she caught sight of the woman. Blonde hair and blue eyes with a figure just like a model. She was a bombshell that’s for sure and no one was surprised when Abraham was linked to Nora. “Oh don’t act so high and mighty. I might be a troll but at least I’m not a home wrecker. Nancy married her off to be rid of her but you’re still desperate to play happy families. Go fight with the Levine’s but don’t act like a Queen in front of me.” Nora visibly bit her tongue, trying to calm herself at the harsh words of her sister. Nora would do everything she could to save the young girl from falling into traps much like she had. Lenora didn’t utter a peep but understood the reality. Nora always proclaimed she was loved by her family but she now knew that to be a lie. They were treating her the same way the rest of the City treated her.  “Nora. Do you remember when we’d joke about getting an apartment together? Just the two of us away from the people. Why don’t you come with me? It’ll be the two of us and you won’t have to deal with these people.”  Nora knew exactly what Lenora was playing at. No apartment existed but Cassandra didn’t know that. The sobering expression on her face was well worth the bold faced lie.   Nora nodded softly, agreeing to the prospect. “That sounds wonderful.”  “But don’t worry darling. I can manage myself just fine. Now that I know you’re here and safe, it keeps my mind at ease. I’m glad to see you.    Cassandra left soon after Nora’s tirade, bored with the lack of gossip.  The two women stood standing, each of them having gone through something that would leave other women broken. They were strong. Weak in their own ways but that just made them all the more fierce. “Ares has woken up. I think I’ll be getting a divorce soon. That’s the only logical step now.” Nora wasn’t surprised to hear this turn of events but she was taken aback at the dejected tone of Lenora. She sounded almost sad that Ares wasn’t seeking to keep the marriage. “Don’t stress over it. A divorce doesn’t mean your life has ended. I got one two and now you can join the family. There are plenty more fish in the sea. We’ve just got to keep together, us two.” Lenora knew that was true. As long as they stood strong, they’d be happy somewhere down the line. With new found conviction, Lenora took her once step mother out for a lavish dinner. The both of them returned to their respective homes once again. Lenora returned with that same bag in hand but this time, the mansion was as lifeless as ever.   From afar, it looked like it was full of life but up close, the glitz and glamor was all for naught. Lenora had lived here for several months but she felt like an outsider. Like a stranger looking in from outside, wishing that she was truly one of them.