I was officially divorced. Divorced. Divorced. Divorced. No longer Mrs. Apple. It was precisely one year and 31 days since March 13, 2010.
I wanted to scream with relief. However, I was filled with sadness, anger, and a little bit of happiness. At least that’s what I told myself.
George as always, was one big smile, when I came into the Computer Room. I said, ”Thank you” and goodbye to all the guys.
George gave me the computer and said he wanted to talk to me. I said, ”Okay but I’ve got a class so can you walk with me.”
As we walked outside the door, I asked George. ”What was it he wanted to talk about?” His face flushed and as always I could never tell which eye to look at. I know that is bad, but it is true.
Since I started school I never took off my wedding ring. And I never discussed with a classmate or teacher. Only the Displaced Homemaker, Brian Thomas, who had come in the dining room recently, and in front of everyone, he gave me a huge hug.
I’m sure my co-workers, Cheff and Mr. C wondered what the hell that was about. Brian told me he was leaving the school, and just wanted to wish me well. I was not happy as he had helped me and I would miss not having the one person who knew my past gone.
George, who had been jabbering and walking alongside me, suddenly stepped in front of me so that I had to stop. ”George?” ”Jillie.” ”Yes?” ”Will you go out with me?” ”I know you don’t wnt to go out with someone like me, but someone as beautiful as you are the prettiest girl I know. And your so nice and I would actually fall over dead if you did say yes. But will you?”
I never saw that coming. I was indeed taken aback and the irony of today of all days. The day of my Divorce and being asked out? ”Oh, George” I put my hand on his shoulder, and you will not believe, how much you made my day!”
So I kissed him on the cheek and gave him another huge squeeze hug. Thanks for making my day. And I walked by myself with an enormous smile on my face.
I will never forget on the day it was officially over and Divorced. I got asked out on a date.
The last time was 40+years ago.