Interim update so that I won't get scolded for updating too slowly!! :) Has Randy changed? Or, is something up?


Andrea cautiously keyed in the door code to her house and turned the door-knob. She held her shoes in her hands and tip-toed into the house, hoping not to make any sound that would rouse her husband.

She had made her way almost across the living room, when a low, hollow "Andie" stopped her in her tracks. Andrea felt her hands turn icy-cold and fear and trepidation creep up on her as she turned and looked toward the couch, where her husband's voice had come from. She was literally scared for her life at this point.

"Andie," Randy called again.

The sight that greeted Andrea surprised her. Randy was sitting on the couch, in the same suit that he had worn to the party. He looked a little worse for the wear – his eyes were red and swollen. He reached out for Andrea. "Baby..."

Andrea flinched, almost imperceptibly, her fear physically apparent. Nonetheless, she walked to Randy, trying to stop herself from shivering. She wanted to open her mouth and say something, but she just couldn't. She silently, obediently walked to Randy, letting him take hold of her arm. Randy pulled her onto his lap.

Andrea was shocked when he enveloped her in a tight embrace, burying his face into the nape of her neck. "Don't ever do that again, baby," he pleaded with her, his tears wetting her neck. "Don't ever run away from me. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

Andrea put her arms around him. She gently stroked the back of his head, unsure of what was happening. "I won't, baby," she murmured to him. "I'm sorry, too."

Randy kissed her neck lightly. "I love you so much, baby. Are you okay? Where did you go?"

A stab of guilt hit Andrea. She leaned back from Randy's hug and looked at him. "I'm okay. I just went to a nearby hotel for the night." She hoped that she sounded convincing enough.

Randy nodded, seemingly convinced. He looked at her, chewing on his lower lip. "Baby, I know I haven't been an easy person to be with," he said remorsefully. "I promise I'll change. I'm just under so much stress at work. I really want a title shot and I've got to do all I can to get it. But, I promise I won't bring all that home anymore. I've been a shit husband, baby, and all that's going to change. I promise."

Andrea felt the stab of guilt hit her again. She felt compelled to confess to Randy the indiscretion that she had partaken in. But, she didn't – despite all his assurances, she wasn't sure that his anger wouldn't kill her. Instead, she gulped it down and nodded at him, smiling a small, uncertain smile.

Randy enveloped her in a hug again, whispering how much he loved her and countless assurances that he would change.

As Andrea remained in his hug, the guilt continued to eat away at her...