Thanks for the reviews! Wow, umm...well I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you don't like it or my writing style, you don't have to read it. It's that simple! :-) Anyways, those that do enjoy it, please feel free to R&R! Enjoy! :-)
Chapter 2
I go in Aiden's room and see him playing with his puppy Ginger. Stan decided to get him a dog instead of buying him a bunch of useless toys. He loves having Ginger around.
"Hi baby, are you having fun?" I ask him as I kneel down next to him.
He continues playing with Ginger. He pulls on Ginger's tail too hard causing her to cry out. "Oh no Aiden, you have to be gentle with her. She doesn't like that." I can feel Ginger's pain. I had my hair pulled by Stan more times than I can count.
Aiden let's go of Ginger as she scampers off as fast as she can. One of her hind legs is broken from Stan throwing her up against the wall. He was beating me up one day and Ginger made the mistake of growling at him so he took his frustration out on the poor pup. Now Ginger runs out the room when she sees Stan.
"You can't pull on Ginger like that Aiden, ok? That hurts her." Aiden nods. He doesn't talk at all, but I know he understands what I'm saying to him. I want to take Aiden to see a specialist about his speech, but Stan won't allow it. He doesn't think there's anything wrong with him.
"If you don't play nice, you won't be able to play with Ginger, do you understand?" He nods again. "Good." I give him a kiss and stand up. "I'm going to get dinner started before daddy gets home."
I head to the kitchen and season some salmon, which is Stan's favorite. I put it in the over and start preparing the salad. While I'm making the salad, Stan walks in the door.
"Hi honey!" I smile at him.
"Where's my dinner?" He asks.
"It's in the oven Stan." I tell him.
"Glad to hear it." He pulls me close to him and kisses me very aggressively. "I hope you made extra, we're having dinner guests."
"Who?"
"Does it matter?"
I nod. "It kind of does. Especially if I need extra food."
Stan raises his eyebrow. "Are you trying to sass me?"
I immediately tense up. "No...I just want to know who's coming."
Stan sighs angrily. "If you must know it's Kyle and Nichole."
"Oh..."
"Were you expecting someone else?"
I shake my head. "Not at all."
"Good, so make sure we have enough for them. Don't be stingy with the food!" He turns to walk away.
"There's only 4 salmon portions…" I inform him.
He turns around angrily. "So are we supposed to eat one piece?"
"Sorry Stan, I-"
"Is there anymore?" He interrupts me.
"In the freezer, but it's frozen."
He groans. "You're such a stupid bitch!" He takes out his wallet and throws his credit card at me. "Order some fucking takeout or something. Remember they're both vegetarians and don't spend more than $30!"
"Sure Stan. So what do you want me to do with the salmon I already put in the oven?"
I'm greeted with a back slap to the face. I felt like I had whiplash as hard as he hit me. "Do I have to fucking tell you everything? Use your fucking brain if you have one!" He storms upstairs. I notice blood dripping to the floor. Crap, my nose is bleeding again. I turn grab a tissue to hold up against my nose when I notice Aiden peeking in the kitchen.
"Oh no!" I kneel down by Aiden. "How much did you see buddy?" He looks at me, but doesn't say anything. "I just want you to know that your daddy and I love you very much." I start to cry. "He loves mommy too…" He continues to stare at me before he wraps his arms around me and hugs me as tight as he can. "Your daddy doesn't mean it. I promise…" I feel guilty lying to Aiden, but I don't want him to think Stan is a bad guy. He may treat me like trash, but he's a great father to Aiden. I don't want him to think any differently.
After dinner, after putting Aiden to bed, Kyle is telling us a story about one of his students. So far, it's been a great night. Good food, good friends, good conversation and most importantly wine! However things begin to go downhill in an instant.
"I could use another glass!" Nichole announces as she gets up, but Stan stops her.
"Sit down Nichole. You're a guest in our house." He looks at me. "Wendy will get it for you."
Nichole looks at Stan then at me. "It's not a big deal, I can pour my own troubles."
"We've worked all day. Wendy hasn't done shit but sit on her fat ass. It's the least she can do. Maybe she can burn a few calories." I'm very insulted by his remarks. Now I may have some baby weight left on me, I'm far from fat.
"Dude! You don't talk about a woman's weight!" Kyle tells him. Thank you Kyle.
"This is my wife, and I'll talk about her however I want! She needs to hear the truth."
"I think she looks great!" Nichole adds in.
"Whatever." Stan hands Nichole's glass to me. "Go get her a drink. NOW!"
I nod. "Yes sir!" I get up and head to the kitchen and pour Nichole a glass of wine. She joins me in kitchen.
"What's up with you two? Why do you let him to talk to you like that?"
"It's fine Nichole." I hand her the glass and pour my own. I can feel my hand shaking.
"Wendy, your hand…"
"It's fine!" I go back to join the guys and Nichole follows.
"How many glasses does that make for you?" Stan asks me.
"It's only my second."
"You've had enough." He takes my glass and drinks it. "I know you're a lightweight and I need you to be sober in case Aiden wakes up."
"I'm not going to get drunk Stan."
"Don't you dare argue with me, woman!" He shoots me a warning look.
"Yes sir…" I look down. I can feel the angry stares coming from Stan and the concern stares coming from Kyle and Nichole. Oh God, I need a way out of this. I fear the worst may be coming next.
"Hey Stan," Kyle says breaking the silence, "do you want to go to the bar and get a few drinks?" Dear God, let him say yes.
"Sure dude, we need some guy time." Stan looks at Nichole. "Don't keep Wendy up too late. Remember she has responsibilities." Stan and Kyle grab their coats. Kyle gives Nichole a kiss and tells her he'll see her in the morning while Stan completely ignores me. The two of them leave.
"Ok Wendy, it's just us. What's going on?" Nichole asks.
I shake my head. "Nothing…"
"You can't lie to me. I know something is going on with you two. Why do you let him talk to you like that?"
"He doesn't mean it."
"You're making excuses for that?"
"It's ok Nichole…really." I can feel myself tearing up. Nichole is one of my best friends and I feel bad that I can't tell her or anyone what's going on. I have to keep it that way for my own safety. I yawn. "I think I'm going to go to bed. Sorry."
Nichole hugs me. "You know I'm here if you ever want to talk. I mean that."
A tear comes out, but I quickly wipe it away while we're still hugging. "Thanks Nichole. I appreciate that." She smiles at me and leaves. The second she leaves, I burst into tears. "I can't live like this anymore…"
