The First Wife: A Short Story

by Tommy Black

  Part 5

  The trip back to her apartment had been uneventful. However, as she turned the corner and neared her entryway, Mileva found Eduard in a state of disarray and confusion. He was stark naked, standing in the open window, yelling down to passersby. Mileva could see his nurse maid attempting, unsuccessfully, to corral him. At the site of Eduard, Mileva rushed up the steps into her apartment as quickly as she could.

  The next few hours were a blur for Mileva as she and the nursemaid did all they could to physically restrain Eduard. Finally, Eduard collapsed on the sofa in the sitting room and fell asleep, as gentle as a lamb. Mileva rinsed her face in the wash basin and noted the sweat dripping down in the mirror, as Eduard continued to snore softly. Mileva smoothed her hair out of her face and collapsed into the chair at the table where her eyes once again lighted upon Albert’s letter.

  The physical and emotional pain of dealing with Eduard without his father, reminded her of her first child, and the first time Albert left her alone to deal with one of their children. Mileva was once again lost in reminiscence, traveling back to her hometown in Serbia where she had gone to visit her parents so many years before.

  Following the wondrous trip to Lake Como, Mileva had returned to school where she continued to study before she once again failed her graduation tests. To make matters worse, Albert had been so busy at his new job, Mileva was beginning to feel as though he were avoiding her. Finally, after weeks of uncertainty, when she could take it no more, Mileva traveled alone, by train, to Albert’s home to confront him. As he was living with his family, Mileva took a room at a boarding house down the street where she waited two days before Albert finally was able to free himself from work and his family.

  When he finally arrived, Albert looked preoccupied, nervous, as he stood in front of Mileva.

  “Well, are you going to come in or just stand there with your hat in hand?” Mileva asked after their awkward, formal hug.

  Albert had been so tender and loving at Como, yet now Mileva sensed anxiety and a distance in him as he slowly made his way to the sofa, his eyes darting back and forth as he took in the contents of the room.

  “Of course I’m coming in,” he replied curtly, “I only wanted to take you in before I settled. How was the trip? How are you?”

  “The trip was long, and I am cross that I have been waiting here with very important news for you, yet you make me wait two full days before you honor me with your company.”

  “Mileva, my sweet, you knew my work obligations would keep me until today, I told you this before you decided to come down. I’m sorry you had to wait, but I got here as quickly as I could,” Albert replied quickly. “Now, come sit next to me and tell me what is so important that you would wait for me in this room alone for two days.”

  Mileva felt the anger and frustration leave her as she slumped her shoulders and shuffled forward to Albert. How did he always know what to say to her? He was right of course, he had told her to wait, but she had hoped he would be able to sneak away briefly. Regardless, they were together now, she thought, as she sat next to him and rested her head on his shoulder.

  “I’m sorry you continue to have difficulty with your exams, Mileva,” Albert began, “but I’m certain you will triumph with perseverance.”

  Mileva’s head shot up as she pulled away from Albert, “That is why I’m here Albert, to tell you I will not persevere. I have decided to withdraw from my studies and either move up here to be with you or return home, if you will not have me.”

  “What do you mean?” Albert stammered, “why would you not finish your studies? You are so close. Your exams are nothing, you simply need to not give up.”

  “No, Albert,” Mileva interrupted, “there is more.”

  “Oh?” Albert sat up straighter, eyeing Mileva quizzically.

  “Yes, something much more significant than my exam results.”

  Albert was at a loss for words, all her life Mileva had pursued an academic degree in physics, what now could be more important than that?

  “Oh,” realization dawned on his face as Mileva stood, her hands resting on her flat stomach.

  “Yes, I’m, I mean, we’re pregnant. I’ve only just discovered but thought it best to tell you. ”

  Before she could finish, Albert jumped up and grabbed Mileva by her shoulders, turning her to face him.

  “What are you saying?” he demanded. “Are we going to have a baby?”

  “Yes,” Mileva stammered, searching for words as she struggled to understand Albert’s reaction.

  “This is wonderful,” Albert screamed as he threw his hands into the air before throwing them around Mileva and pulling her into him, hugging her closely.

  “Ha, ha, I’m so excited, my darling Mileva, our first child! How can you not be excited?” Albert finally released her from his grasp, as Mileva took a deep breath, a sigh of relief.

  “I was uncertain how you would react,” Mileva stated matter of factly.

  “Well, how do you feel now?” Albert asked, smiling broadly.

  “I feel much better, very relieved,” Mileva laughed as tears flowed from her eyes and down her face.

  “Oh, my love, we are together now, and we will soon be parents. This is a joyous time. Come let us sit and plan for the impending birth of our first child.”

  Albert took Mileva’s hand and led her to the bed where they both sat. Mileva could still recall the love in his eyes as he smiled warmly at her. The couple spent the rest of the evening and well into the night embracing on the bed, planning their future.

  Due to Albert’s mother's disdain for Mileva, they agreed she should go to her family to give birth. Soon after, they would be married in a small, private civil ceremony and then return to Geneva to begin their lives together.

  The next morning, Mileva arose with a smile upon her face as she walked a few blocks to the train station. Albert had come to see her off and was carrying her small bag as he strode beside her. The two said farewell, and Mileva returned to Geneva where she packed the remainder of her belongings. She was in Novi Sod with her family within a few days.

  Mileva was awed by her family’s reception of her pregnancy. Although she was only mildly concerned about their reaction, for she knew they would accept her, she had been thrilled by the sheer power of their acceptance and approval. They cared for her as though she were a queen throughout her pregnancy. The time was nearly utter bliss, the only thing missing was Albert.

  With Albert’s increasing responsibilities at work, however, his letters came fewer and farther between. Her father refused to allow her to lament Albert’s inattention as he showered her with gifts and assured her that he would always care for her and her family. Mileva could not understand how she had gotten such an understanding, thoughtful, and loving father.

  As the pregnancy drew along, Mileva began to despair as Albert’s almost daily missives quit coming altogether during the last month. Finally, after the birth of Lieserl, a healthy baby girl, Albert wrote and came to visit. All Mileva’s fears washed away immediately when she saw Albert with Lieserl. He was obviously as taken by their daughter as she was. His face lit up as he reached down and held Lieserl. Surrounded by all the people she loved, her parents, Albert, and her baby Lieserl, Mileva was certain their life together would always be this blissful.