Downtown Calgary, July 7, 1997, 8:24 am
Gerald paced the room as his lawyer/friend, Jeff, sat in a chair next to the door. Gerald was very restless, not wanting to go through with what needed to be done.
“We just have to go in there, listen to the Liz’s lawyer read through the agreements, hopefully no arguments will arise, sign the papers and that's that.” Jeff explained. Gerald nodded, his heart sinking.
“That's that,” he whispered. Jeff sighed.
“Maybe try sitting down,” Jeff invited. Gerald shook his head, twiddling his thumbs. Jeff tapped the seat next to it.
“I'm not sitting down, Jeff,” Gerald snapped.
“It might help you relax,” Jeff suggested.
“I'm getting a divorce,” Gerald said, “I don't think I can relax in this situation.” Jeff looked away, shaking his head. Gerald walked to the window. “I'm sorry, I don't know why I snapped.”
“Hey, man, don't worry,” Jeff said, “It's a tense situation.”
“Elizabeth is my sweetheart,” Gerald said, “she was my first friend in Calgary, my High School sweetheart, we lost our virginity to one another,” Jeff held up his hands, gesturing too-much-information. “Sorry.”
“I'm just kidding,” Jeff chuckled; Gerald smirked. “Finally, a smile.”
“Anyway, you can see how I feel.” Gerald said.
“Trust me, Gerald,” Jeff said, “I've known you since I was five; I can tell how you feel.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Gerald sighed. “It’s still hard though; worse than any break up I’ve gone through.”
“You’re taking it rather calmly right now, though,” Jeff pointed out. Gerald laughed sarcastically.
“I’m too tired to be angry or cry now,” he explained, “You should have been there when Elizabeth said we should separate.”
“I can probably imagine,” Jeff said. Gerald sat in the chair next to Jeff and stared at the ceiling.
“Remember how I told you a year ago that this was just a temporary thing?” he asked; Jeff nodded. “I guess, in a sense, I was right, but this isn’t at all what I hoped for.” Jeff placed his hand on Gerald’s shoulder.
“I know, buddy,” he assured, “Neither did I. I’m sure Liz didn’t want this.”
“Then why is she asking for this?” Gerald asked. Jeff thought for a moment, wanting to avoid saying something stupid.
“There are some things that can’t be reconciled,” he finally said, “no matter how hard people try.” Gerald placed his palm on his face, rubbing his eyes.
“Will I still get to see Clare?” Gerald asked.
“Liz has agreed to grant you visitation rights,” Jeff explained, “Liz’s lawyer and I will go over this when they get here.”
“I’m not really her father, through,” Gerald said, “Isn’t that in a legal gray area?” Jeff shook his head and took out a document: Clare’s birth certificate.
“Read who it says the father is,” Jeff requested. Gerald looked up, deciding to humour Jeff.
“Gerald Wolfe,” he read.
“Gerald Ingrid Wolfe,” Jeff echoed, “That means that you are the father of her; not the step father, but blood father of this child in legal standards.” Gerald nodded. “Besides, you’re the only father she has and needs.”
“I try my best to be a good dad,” Gerald said.
“You do a good job, bud,” Jeff said, “And you will continue to do so?” Gerald nodded. “I need you to say it out loud. I’m asking as your friend, will you continue to be a good father?” Gerald looked at Jeff and smirked.
“Of course,” he said. There was a knock on the door and in walked Elizabeth’s lawyer.
“Sorry we’re late,” he said, “We can start now if you two are ready.” Gerald and Jeff stood up, both adjusting their ties. Gerald looked at himself self-consciously, and then tapped Jeff’s shoulder.
“How do I-” Gerald started.
“You look fine, Gerald,” Jeff chuckled. “Are you ready?” Gerald took in a deep breath, nodding his head. Jeff led Gerald into the next room. Upon seeing Elizabeth sitting on the opposite side of the table, Gerald felt his heart skip several beats; this had been the first time in since Elizabeth asked for the divorce that Gerald had seen her. Elizabeth looked slightly pale and sad, as if she was feeling the same as Gerald. Elizabeth wore a black shirt covered by a cyan sweater and long black skirt; Gerald wondered if complimenting her would be a good move, but decided to stay quiet for now. Jeff shook hands with Elizabeth’s lawyer, then with Elizabeth. Gerald reached out his hand and did the same. While shaking Elizabeth’s hand, Gerald could feel her sadness flowing through her like a river, making Gerald feel bad.
“You look beautiful,” he said. Elizabeth looked at him, shocked at first, but then her cheeks slightly flush, like a small light had lit up, and a small smile formed.
“Thank you,” she whispered, “You look good too.” The meeting went on for quite some time, Gerald tuning in and out depending on how important the topic was. Throughout the meeting, all Gerald thought of his wedding and when Clare was born, the happiest moments in his life.
“Gerald!” Jeff said; Gerald jumped. “It’s time to sign now,” Gerald nodded and took the pen in his hand. As he placed the pen on the signature line, he hesitated.
Is this really what’s for the best? He asked himself. Jeff saw tears dripping onto the table and placed his hand on the pen.
“Do you need some time?” He asked. Gerald shook his head.
“Just give me a second.” Gerald requested, and then leaned back and took a deep breath, wiping the tears out of his eyes. Then, he placed the pen back on the paper and wrote his signature, sliding the pen and documents away from him after. Elizabeth took the pen and wrote her first name down, but found she was also hesitant to finish. Her lawyer took notice and looked at his watch.
“Is something wrong?” He asked. Elizabeth looked at Gerald. Elizabeth felt angry about what her lawyer said.
What do you think? She wanted to say, but held her tongue and finished the signature. I’m really sorry, Gerald; for everything
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