Whispers Turn

“Today, Mr. Gilbert didn’t show up, and I’m worried…” Colin waved his hand, buzzing with excitement. “Look at this. I was overthinking it. Mr. Gilbert might not be here in person, but he sure hasn’t forgotten about you.” 

Really? A smile spread across Sherilyn’s face, but inside, she found it all ridiculous. He barely wanted to glance at her when she was his wife, but she seemed to have sparked his interest when she wore a mask. Who would have thought that Gilbert was falling for a dancer? 

But what would his face look like once he saw the girl behind the mask? Disappointment, or perhaps outrage? Either way, it was not going to be a happy face.. 

It was Monday again, Sherilyn’s day off. 

She had arranged with Sylvia to come over for the day and stay the night. Sylvia was, of course, delighted. There was no reason not to be. 

Early in the morning, Sherilyn arrived with her bag over her shoulder and carrying what she needed for the day. 

Sylvia had just woken up and was surprised to see her so early. “Sherilyn, you’re here already? You’re young. Don’t you sleep in like other youngsters?” 

“I have plenty of time for sleeping. I don’t mind missing out on one day.” Sherilyn sat by the bed, seeing Sylvia looked well, and decided to speak her heart. 

“Sylvia.” Sherilyn took Sylvia’s hand gently, “I have something to say, and you must promise not to get upset. These are my true feelings.” Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

“Oh?” Seeing her seriousness, Sylvia smiled, “Okay, if it’s what’s in your heart, I must listen.” 

Sherilyn smiled. “Then I’ll begin.” 

Sylvia gestured for her to continue. “Go on.” 

“Sylvia.” Sherilyn started, her eyes welling with tears, “I’m so grateful to you for taking me in. If it weren’t for you, I probably wouldn’t have been able to continue dancing and might have had to start working a regular job much earlier…” 

She could barely get the words out before her voice choked up. 

“Oh, child.” Sylvia was moved, too. “You’re just like my own, like Francis and Gilbert.” 

“Sylvia, you’ve always been so kind to me.” Sherilyn bit her lip, taking a deep breath, “Could you… could you be kind to me one more time?” 

“What?” Sylvia was caught off guard for a sec, thinking she meant something else, but then quickly caught on and nodded. 

“Fine, tell me, what is it? Whatever you want, I promise I’ll make it happen.” 

“Then, Sylvia, I thank you in advance.” Sherilyn steeled herself. “Please agree to let us get a divorce.” 

“What?” Sylvia was shocked, unable to believe what she was hearing. “Sherilyn, do you understand what you’re saying?” 

“Yeah.” Sherilyn nodded through her tears, “Sylvia, I used to love Gilbert very much…” 

That was the undeniable truth. 

Sherilyn added, “But I don’t love him anymore.” 

Behind her, the bathroom door was ajar. A man’s tall figure stood at the doorway, about to step out, when he heard her words and stopped dead in his tracks. 

“Sherilyn?” Sylvia tightened her grip on Sherilyn’s hand. 

“Moreover.” Sherilyn’s heart ached as she continued, “As you know, Gilbert never loved me, not a bit. He’s always loved Caroline.” 

Sylvia paused, her mouth opening with no words coming out. She couldn’t refute it. “You… you knew?” 

“Sylvia.” Tears quietly fell from Sherilyn’s eyes. “I want to find someone who loves me, to feel cherished. Please be kind to me and grant me this.” 

“Sherilyn…” Tears welled in Sylvia’s eyes, and with a heavy heart, they began to fall. “It’s me who’s failed you.”