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My throat is pleasantly warm from the alcohol when my friend places her phone in front of me. Her look is apologetic, as if she’s the one responsible for what I’m about to read. Because no matter the quantity of alcohol, I’m not ready to read what’s on that screen.
Here’s the revelation of Luuk’s secret relationship in Amsterdam. That much I can stomach. Then it starts escalating. There’s a part implying that Luuk is the father of my children. Wishful thinking, but nobody’s business nonetheless. And then comes the disgusting part. The part talking about me, leaving no ground uncovered: from my age (‘He could have done so much better…’) to my weight (‘She should go easier on those stroopwafels.’) to my character (‘Rumor has it that she’s a gold digger.’).
By the time I plough through the shit, I feel sick to my stomach. I know those so-called articles are meant to attract clicks and readers. In order to do that, they will stop at nothing, absolutely indifferent as to the truth of their allegations. Still, it stings to be taken apart like that for everyone to read, especially my loved ones. Dread fills me at the thought that what I feared—the rumours at school—might be happening already.
‘I would really like to have in front of me the person who went and talked about all this,’ my friend says, her hand darting to grab mine on the table.
‘Oh, I know who did it. That’s what she meant by “Karma is a bitch”.’
Obviously, Wanda couldn’t have made the first part up, the pregnancy one. But all the rest, I’m pretty sure that she was the source of information. Finally, she’s taking her revenge on behalf of some people who decided to condemn me, taking their son’s words at face value, not once bothering to fact-check. When I tell Dory, she looks incredulous and furious at the same time.
‘Screw her and everyone else from the slush pile. Those who matter know the truth,’ she says. ‘If they ask me, I’ll give everyone a piece of my mind.’
A cold shiver runs down my spine. Is this how it’s going to be from now on? Strangers digging into my life and contaminating the life of my family and friends? And all this to prove what? That the regular single mom is unworthy of the music celebrity?
‘Pretty much,’ Dory says when I voice my thoughts. ‘But we all know that you two are the best thing that has happened to each other.’
‘I hope that they let us continue being such…’
It’s fear more than pessimism. Fear that whoever or whatever wants to come between us has a bigger arsenal with far more updated weapons to use against us. Fear that no matter how much we fight, our Us against the world will eventually become too fragile to withstand a proper battle.
‘Above all, you are friends,’ Dory says. ‘You were before, you are now. So talk, you’ll find a way, I’m sure of it.’
‘Will you let Bea and Lola know I’m okay?’ I ask my friend as she’s about to leave. ‘Right now, just the thought of typing makes me feel exhausted.’
‘I sure will. But call or text about anything, okay?’
I call Luuk the moment the door closes. ‘Hey, I was about to call you, we have just finished.’
‘Have you read the recent scoop on us?’
He lets out a long breath. ‘Joey has just shown me. I’m so sorry you’re being targeted because of me.’
‘They are targeting me because of someone else.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘I’m pretty sure that Wanda is behind all this.’
‘I find it a bit far-fetched, Corrie. No matter how much she dislikes you, why bother? But I’ll take a closer look and promise to do something.’
‘Can you even? Luuk, I feel as if we’re trying to float and are being pushed under water.’
‘The kids know nothing yet, I hope.’
‘I dread the moment they might find out…’
‘I won’t let it happen, I promise.’
‘Nothing I wish for more,’ I say, an incoming call interrupting us. ‘Gotta go, it’s the kids’ school.’
‘Call me once you hang up.’
When I answer the call, I expect that my fears have materialized. That some kid told mine and the rest of the class what the world has been gossiping about, so I brace myself.
I’m totally unprepared for what I hear and run out the door.
Chapter Forty-Six
