Chapter 10: Almost Happy

This is a repost since for some reason part of the file just disappeared...hopefully works this time (fingers crossed)

Author's Note: I hope I got this right...I tried, honestly. But I fear I did this badly, but I needed to do it to get where I wanted to go. Pretty please let me know what you think. I hope you enjoy...bites lip nervously

Disclaimer: Not Mine.

"So this is why you never come home anymore." That was the sound of Samantha ruining the moment. The moment when my hand felt my baby move inside Jackie. The first time. And I can never get that moment back. And that pissed me off.

I had wanted to shout at her. Wanted to scream things like, "I never come home because you are a nagging whore who I can't stand" or "You wouldn't know when I'm home; home is where you heart is."

Sometimes anger is the most honest of emotions, even if it's brutal.

I wanted to say those things, but I didn't. Instead I listened to her scream about honesty in marriage and commitment and consideration. I listened without caring that she was upset. I listened and my anger grew that she was even there. And when she turned to Jackie, and opened her mouth again, growling in jealousy, I cut her off.

I told her in my harshest tone to shut her stupid mouth and that I'd see her at the Forman's. I turned and looked apologetically to Jackie, then motioned with a jerk of my head for her to get in the car. Before getting in, I gave one last withering stare to my wife that dared her to say one more word against the mother of my child. And then I drove away from her. With Jackie at my side.

The drive to Jackie's apartment was silent. Her hand was protectively draped across her belly, her eyes staring at the dashboard in front of her, her forehead creased. She was feeling guilty. Before she got out I opened my mouth to ease her mind, but nothing came out. So I just gave her a wary look and watched her walk into her building.

After dropping Jackie off, I took the long way home, so much so that now it is after dark as I pull the El Camino into the driveway.

I walk in slowly, dreading every step that brings me closer to the living room.

I see her eyes, her indignant glare.

And the real fight begins.

"Took you long enough." Her arms cross against her chest. I decide if she really wants a battle she'll get one.

"Samantha, you aren't my keeper so stop nagging or I'll come home even less."

"I'm your wife, Hyde. And that means something to most people. It means you should be spending time with me, paying attention to me, giving a damn."

"It probably also means you should keep you clothes on in front of other guys, but we all make sacrifices Samantha." I see the verbal slap redden her cheeks and I am satisfied to know it stung.

"You have never had a problem with my profession before, this another little bonus of all your time with Jackie? Well let me remind you that she's the slut that got knocked up."

I snarl as I take a menacing step towards her, unable to mask my anger. I feel the usual stoicism crack, the bitterness grow, andrage erupts inside me and it's the forces of zen alonethat keep it from bubbling all the way to the top. I want to make her hurt for that, I'll worry later as to why.

I lean into her threateningly, "You ever say anything like that about her again..."

"Oh, I'm so sorry. Forgive me for not singing the praises of the woman trying to steal my husband." Samantha spits out her words, the sarcasm dripping into the heavy air.

My voice is low as I stare steadily back at her, hoping she hears the meaning behind what I say,"Something can't be stolen if it's already gone."

She flinches.

I continue. "More accurately, something can't be gone if it never was."

She begins to say something, then stops. Disbelief is splayed across her features. Hurt comes over the anger in her eyes.

Then disgust.

"You, you bastard."

"Yeah, well...you bitch."

She huffs a moment, fuming, and I cannot fight the smirk that tugs at my lips.

"I'm leaving. Tonight. You can expect to hear from my lawyer in the next few days."

My smirk spreads to a smile. "Good." The word is sweet on my lips and it hits her like venom.

And my marriage ends as spontaneously as it began.

"Steven, you poor dear boy. Do you want a beer, because I will just look the other way. Mmm Mmm, my lips are sealed."

Being me, Inod and take the beer. But I don't need it. I'm not sad. Sam's gone and I'm Hyde again. I hadn't realized how heavy a burden a 100 pound stripper could be. I sit down in the kitchen chair, sip my beer and tune out Mrs. Forman's cooing. I appreciate her concern but for some reason I can't help but think of Jackie's face on the drive home last night.

Why would she let some stripper make her feel guilty? Maybe the look wasn't guilt, maybe it was fear. Or hurt. But that doesn't make sense either. She doesn't care what "the whore" thinks.

Pulling out of my thoughts I notice Kitty looking at me expectantly. She must have asked a question. I just stare at her blankly, hoping she'll repeat herself.

"Steven, I asked you what Jackie thought about all this?"

"I haven't told her yet."

"Oh." She nods as she looks at me, trying to read me.

"I figured I'd go to see her after work today. See if she needs anything. See if the baby kicks again."

Mrs. Foreman's face lights up. I realize I hadn't told her yet. "The baby kicked! That is so happy!" She laughs as she flaps her arms excitedly and stands up to kiss my cheek.

I smile at her, a rare thing indeed. But she's right. For the first time in a long time, I feel completely happy...well almost.