Miranda put the fish au gratin on the table and called for them. She wasn't looking forward to this meal. It was hard to pretend everything was fine when their lives had been turned upside-down.
"How was your day at school?"
"Long, as usual." Sofie set a potato on her plate. "And with the handball training, it'll be even longer."
Miranda smiled encouragingly. It was her daughter's first training session in Solvik. "But it helps that it's close by. Think of all the time you'll save not having to drive."
"Which I will spend walking instead, you mean." Sofie wasn't impressed.
Miranda knew it wasn't the best argument. She didn't have to drive or pick them up, so they all saved time. "It's just around the corner."
"Noah gets to play on his computer while I have to train. It's unfair."
Miranda sighed. It had been a frequent discussion even when living in Oslo. "Noah has to study for a science test."
"Says you. You don't know what he does in his room."
Sofie was right. It wasn't easy to monitor the children at this age. Miranda had to trust that they followed the rules they'd agreed upon. Besides, her son was a good student. She knew he was holding the reins of his homework and tests. Sofie was another case altogether. If she didn't pull herself together, she was in danger of not being accepted at any of the best schools come fall.
Miranda placed a spoon of shredded carrots on her plate and squeezed lemon over them. "Do you know what subjects you need to study for your exams? There's not much time left."
Resigned, Sofie put down her cutlery. "You know what, Mom? I want to live with Dad if you get a divorce. You're way too controlling and check everything. Dad lets me do as I please."
Dismayed, Miranda looked at Sofie and felt her heart sink. She should have known this was what concerned them. They'd talked about it the night before, but it was apparent she hadn't managed to appease them sufficiently. And what more could she say? She didn't know the answer herself. She looked at her daughter, who sat there with teary eyes. She suddenly started crying, and got up and ran to her room.
"It might be best if you talk to her, Vidar."
He nodded and left the kitchen. Miranda looked at Noah who continued eating. He was more of an introvert than his sister and not as quick-tempered. Nevertheless, she knew this situation was difficult for him, too.
"Are you okay, Noah?" She stroked his arm.
"Think so. It's hard when we don't know what's going to happen. Several kids in my class have divorced parents and have to live with each of them every other week." He frowned, and she took this wasn't appealing.
"I hear you. The problem is that we haven't decided yet. We have to find out if we can continue living together."
"I get it, Mom. You'll let us know when you've decided?"
She pulled him close, hugging him, even though he was too big to like it. "Of course. You're the most important things in our lives. We'll do what's best for you."
18
Frustrated, Miranda went over to the spa department. She'd taken it for granted that they'd talk things through last night. But Vidar didn't seem to find it necessary. He'd gone off on his bike when Sofie headed for her handball session, and that was the last she'd seen of him. She'd waited for Vidar to come home until ten thirty but had given up and gone to bed.
Miranda didn't know his plans. Did he believe they could continue as if nothing had happened and ignore the affair? Shouldn't they discuss how to solve the ongoing conflict between them? Having a conversation with someone who wasn't physically nor mentally present was hopeless. She'd give it another go when she got home.
"Annabel, how are things with you?" Miranda smiled at the cute woman standing behind the reception desk, working on the computer. Her booking system contained an overview of everything that took place in the spa and beauty parlor.
"It's quieter than I like. I'm counting on an increase once the conferences start."
"I hope you're right. How about the locals, have you seen any of them?" Miranda looked at her.
"Some have visited, but not many. The half prices we had on all treatments last week didn't help. Our services should be advertised better in town."
Miranda started to get an understanding of where the problem lay. "And Tony doesn't get much done?"
Annabel looked at her hesitantly and played with a pen. "Let's say he has lots of opinions. And he likes to do things his way."
Miranda knew precisely what she was referring to. Her brother's closest family didn't get him fully. It had to be even harder for a stranger.
"I see. I'll have a word with him."
"Hang on. He's engrossed in yoga right now and doesn't like to be disturbed." Annabel tried to hide a smile but didn't succeed.
She laughed. "Yes, he's a character."
"Miranda, what are you doing here?" Jasmine came toward her with bottle-green nails that were air drying. Wasn't she supposed to paint other people's nails?
"Just checking to see if everything's running smoothly."
Jasmine hesitated. "Can we talk?"
"Sure." She didn't feel like it but hadn't spoken to her sister in a long time.
They went into the beauty parlor and continued to the break room, where they sat at a small table. "How are you feeling?"
"Good, except for some nausea."
"Have you talked to the baby's fathers?" Ouch, did she really say that? She regretted it. She could definitely have formulated the question better.
Jasmine's pale skin took on a warmer hue. Even her freckles seemed to have changed color. She was very different from her siblings in both appearance and personality. Did they have anything in common at all?
Jasmine nodded. "I've told Hugo I'm pregnant. He wasn't particularly happy."
What a surprise. The man was married, and it was unlikely he had any plans for leaving his family. He was a master at making promises but never following through.
"He feels we should've waited, but I'm fed up waiting. And he can't leave his wife now, because she's having surgery. Something with a foot."
"I bet. It's always something, isn't it? Either it's his wife or his son. There's never time for you, Jasmine." Miranda almost felt sorry for her sister, who made do with being second best. "Deep down, you know he'll never leave his wife."
"That's not true."
"Did you tell him about the other man?"
Jasmine shook her head and bit her lip. "He's got enough on his mind. I heard what happened with Olivia, by the way. Vidar is such a bastard!"
Miranda agreed but had no wish to discuss her marriage with her sister.
"He said he'd never been with anyone but you." Jasmine stared at her accusingly.
Miranda smiled sadly. "I didn't think so, either."
"And then he's been with both Olivia and me, simultaneously." She suddenly started crying.
"You? What do you mean?" Miranda closed her eyes as it dawned on her what her sister meant.
"I didn't mean to. I only wanted to make Hugo jealous." She sobbed loudly and went to find tissues to dry her tears. "I'm so sorry."
"That's what they all say." Miranda was too shocked to talk. Was it possible? Had she been betrayed by both her husband and her sister? A thought occurred to her while sitting there, watching her crying sister, whom she had no plans of comforting.
"Could Vidar be the father of your child?"
Jasmine nodded and started sobbing even more loudly.
Miranda felt her head would explode, it hurt so much. "What are you going to do with the baby? Keep it?"
Bewildered, Jasmine looked at her. "Of course. You wouldn't want me to get rid of what could be your husband's child?"
No? Miranda wasn't so sure about that. Did she want to wait all these months for a child who might be Vidar's? And if he was the father, then what? She pictured a little toddler tottering about in their living room on the weekends Vidar had custody. It was likely she'd end up taking care of and raising the child, as she'd
done with Sofie and Noah. Vidar preferred making babies. The thought was so absurd she became nauseous and had to get away as quickly as possible, despite all her unanswered questions.
Miranda threw Jasmine a final look of contempt, but her sister had more than enough to do thinking about herself, as always. She rushed upstairs to her office and collapsed on the sofa. She tried to breathe calmly in and out, several times, but her heart beat wildly. She attempted to take it all in once more, to understand what had happened. Feeling drained, she closed her eyes.
There was a knock on the door. Miranda most certainly didn't want any visitors right now. She didn't know if she was even able to get up. Another knock. Why couldn't they just leave? A third one.
"Come in," she shouted at last.
"Are you sick?" Gabriel came over to her and kneeled at her side.
"Almost feels like I am." She turned her head toward him but couldn't raise herself.
"Where does it hurt?"
"Here." She pointed at her heart.
Gabriel looked at her, worried. "Are you having chest pains? Have you called for an ambulance?" He pulled his cell phone from his back pocket.
She shook her aching head and instantly regretted it. "There's nothing they can do."
He held her hand, stroking it lightly. "Miranda, you're not making sense. What's wrong?"
If it had been tough telling him about Vidar being unfaithful, this was a whole lot worse. It was almost impossible to get the words out. They wouldn't leave her mouth.
She sensed his soft hand on hers. It felt good having him here. She must tell him what had happened. He was waiting for an answer, but it was terribly embarrassing to say it aloud.
"Vidar has gotten Jasmine pregnant. Maybe. It could be Hugo too."
Gabriel squeezed her hand so hard it hurt. She recognized he loathed Vidar as much as she did right now.
He looked at her, appalled. "No wonder you're lying here completely knocked out."
She told him about her meeting with Jasmine.
"You don't deserve this, Miranda. First the nightmare with Olivia, and now an even bigger one. How is it possible to make this many mistakes at the same time?"
She nearly smiled at his wording. He was right. "Good question. I've no idea how to deal with it all. If I manage to forgive Vidar, I'll have to wait in uncertainty until Christmas. What if the baby is his? What do we do then? Should I raise my sister's child, which she had with my husband? I can't picture it."
"Me neither. It sounds dreadful." He released her hand and got up from the floor. "Would you like some tea? Or a sour toad?"
This brought a little smile to her face. "Both, please. I do believe I need two toads, actually." She felt somewhat better and sat up on the sofa. "If I don't think about it, the problem might disappear."
"You think?"
"Not really. I usually handle challenges straight away, but they've never been this complex before." She accepted the mug. "By the way, how did the handball session go yesterday? Sofie was there for the first time."
Gabriel pulled his hand through his blond hair. "It went fine. Sofie was about the same level as the others on the team and appeared to enjoy herself."
Miranda drew a sigh of relief. At least something was going in the right direction. Once the children were happy living here, everything would be much easier. Sofie's remark from last night, about wanting to live with her father rather than with her, still hurt. She hoped it was an expression of frustration and not a desire.
"I'm happy to hear it. One headache less."
He looked at her solemnly. "Did you talk to Vidar?"
She slowly shook her head. "Nor do I want to, but what choice do I have? I don't know if Jasmine has told him he might be the father, I forgot to ask. But that's not my problem. I prefer to get the discussion over and done with." She pulled her cell phone from her pocket and texted Vidar.
"You have a difficult conversation ahead of you. I admire your vigor and ability to go through with things." He hugged her quickly and walked to the door.
"And my ability to be totally blind, you mean? How is that possible? To think I didn't know they were having an affair. I forgot to ask Jasmine how long it had been going on. Must be a couple of months, since she's pregnant."
Gabriel went back and embraced her. He held her still as she laid her head on his chest. "Miranda, this isn't in any way your fault. You deserve so much better than this."
Her eyes were bordered with tears, but she blinked them away. Now wasn't the time to cry, when she had an uncomfortable talk with Vidar ahead. It felt good standing here in the arms of someone she knew cared about her. She didn't want to let go.
"What are you two doing?"
They jumped and released each other. Vidar stared at them, flabbergasted.
Gabriel nodded to Vidar and disappeared out the door, for which Miranda was thankful. This wasn't a conversation for three. At least, not when the third party had nothing to do with the matter at hand.
"I'm more interested in knowing what you are doing. Or rather, what you've been up to the last few months." She pointed at the chair, and he sat down heavily.
"What's that supposed to mean? You're speaking in riddles. Say what you mean, if you have something on your mind. I thought we were finished discussing Olivia. It was a mishap and should never have happened."
"What about Jasmine? Was that a mishap, too?" She sat across from him and watched his uncomprehending face.
"What do you mean by that?"
She sighed silently. Vidar had no intention of admitting anything. Or he didn't know that Jasmine was pregnant. He hadn't expected their affair to be discovered. What a pity his wife was the one to inform him about his fatherhood, she thought bitterly. The alternative was to let her sister tell him about the pregnancy herself. But it could be weeks or even months before Jasmine mustered the courage to tell him. The thought of living with Vidar for such a long time without getting clarification about their marriage was unbearable. It was simply out of the question.
"Don't you know that Jasmine is pregnant?" She watched her husband's face lose all color.
"Huh? Isn't she with that married guy?"
He wasn't going to give in easily. Well, she could play along, if that was what he wanted. "She is, but that didn't stop her from finding another lover who's also married. And now she doesn't know who the father of the baby is... Poor Jasmine."
Vidar glared at her, pop-eyed. "What an idiot." Resignedly, he shook his head.
Miranda was unsure if he meant Jasmine or himself, or both. She waited for several rhetorical pauses to see if he wanted to own up.
Vidar went over to make himself a cup of coffee. She looked at him from behind. What thoughts were going through his mind at this moment? He had to be terrified of being uncovered, and even more terrified of being the father of the unborn child.
She felt completely empty inside, as if she was talking with a stranger who drained her of all energy. Vidar was back in his chair, without a word. He drank the piping hot coffee, and he suddenly appeared old. She took pity on him, but felt even more sorry for herself and the children. They were the ones to suffer due to Vidar's stupidity and irresponsibility.
"Is there anything you'd like to tell me?" This was his last chance at being honest. She was aware of a splitting headache, and only wished to finish this.
"I don't get what you mean. How does this concern me?"
Her frustration reached new heights, and she gave up. "There's a great chance you're the father of Jasmine's child."
Vidar gasped loudly, and an unwelcome blush crept into his cheeks. His trembling hand made the coffee spill down his light shirt.
"It would've been better for everyone if you'd been honest right from the start. I'm incredibly disappointed in you." Tears threatened to spill from her eyes, and she blinked rapidly. She didn't want him to see how much this affected her.
Vidar recovered. "Miranda, I'm terribly sorry. It was just a lapse. I'd complete
ly forgotten. You know how frustrated I've been about this boring janitor job. Jasmine comforted me as best she could, and it went a bit too far."
"Quite a bit, if you ask me." So all the support and comfort she'd given him hadn't been enough. She could have saved the time spent on encouraging him to continue applying for jobs because his dream job would be right around the corner. Yeah, right. The job he had to look forward to now was as a diaper changer.
"How dare you judge me when you were embracing the finance manager that way." Vidar looked at her angrily.
She didn't swallow the bait but stayed calm. "It's called being comforted, Vidar, and something you're an expert at. But contrary to you, getting a hug is enough for me. I don't jump into bed with my friends."
He was about to say something but seemed to change his mind.
"So, what are you going to do about Jasmine? She's dead set on keeping the baby. You'll be a father again at Christmas. Best Christmas gift ever, or what?" Her voice was sharp, but she couldn't help it. That was how she felt, and he needed to hear the truth.
He stared at her, dismayed. "But I don't want more children. There's enough hassle with the two we already have."
"You should've thought of that before. Jasmine didn't get pregnant on her own."
"Hugo may be the father." He looked at her hopefully. "Yes, I'm certain of it. He's been with her more often than I have."
Her heart almost blasted from despair. So this wasn't a one-off. "How many times have you been together?"
He wriggled but had the good grace to look guilty. "I don't remember. Maybe a couple of times."
Sure. A couple of times here and there. What difference did it make? His adultery felt just as bad no matter how many times it had happened.
"I can't bear talking about this anymore. Be happy I'm letting you stay in the house a few days while I think this through. And be even happier that I don't intend on telling the children about their new sibling. At least, not yet..."
Time for Surprises Page 11
