Chapter Ten
She grabbed her dinner from the microwave and her glass of water and sat down at the small table in the corner of the room. She'd set the table before hand, making sure to fold the napkin and place it just so. She had all the necessary silverware for each and every course, even though it wasn't necessary for her chicken dinner. It was the need to have the appearance of normalcy that drove her actions. She picked up the napkin, placing it in her lap. She picked up the knife and fork and began to cut the chicken into small bite size pieces. Once she had cut the entire piece up, she took a bite. Chicken Marsala normally was one of her favorites. This was a sad imitation of the real thing. She put down her fork and knife and swallowed the detestable mouthful. This is what she had been reduced to. Microwavable dinners in a tiny motel room, all alone. She pushed her plate away from her in disgust. This is what they'd done to her. Forced to move from place to place, never lingering for too long. Not able to live a life to which she had grown accustomed to. Though at one time, she'd been willing to leave that life behind. Leave it for a life that she had believed was hers for the taking. A life that turned out to be a lie. She clenched her fists tightly and closed her eyes. A familiar feeling of humiliation washed over her. One that was a twisted comfort to her and also helped to motivate her. It wasn't her fault she was forced to live this way. It wasn't her fault that she was forced to take drastic actions. They were the ones responsible. And because of that, she would make them pay. She took a deep breath and opened her eyes. A small smile curving her lips.
She'd seen her today. She'd been close enough to talk to her, though she hadn't. She'd been worried that she might have recognized her, but her disguise had worked. She was able to blend in and not be noticed. She hadn't been expecting to see her, even though she knew she was taking a chance being there. She had needed to test her disguise and had taken a bold step in going to Al's. Next time, she wouldn't need to panic. She mindlessly ran her fingers through her now short, blond hair. She had been with her daughter… their daughter. That thought made her stomach coil. She'd been able to give him a child. Something she had failed to do. But it wasn't her fault - it was theirs. It was their deceit, their lies that had caused her to loose her child. Lies! That's all that woman knew. How was it that she had managed to stay in his life all this time? She wasn't worthy of him - wasn't deserving of him. She'd thought for sure that her lies would have driven him away for good, but he always came back to her. Always.
She stood up and walked over to the window of the motel room. She pulled back the corner of the curtain and peered out. The town hadn't changed much since she had last been here. Most everyone she had come to know and love still lived here. Though, they too had been tainted by what had happened. At one time, she'd had friends and family and had been happy. It hadn't lasted long though. She'd returned and ruined everything. She'd tried to get rid of her and keep her whereabouts a secret, knowing everyone was better off without her. But despite all that, she still had come back. She knew instantly that he was still in love with her. He never looked at her that way. Never with passion in his eyes. Sure he tried to stay away from her, to keep his distance. He'd made promises to her. But she was always there, lurking in the shadows around every corner. Like a spider with her web. Even at their wedding she had been there. Casting her spell, trying to take him away. She hadn't been entirely successful, but she had been able to plant a seed of doubt. It was enough that things were never the same. She saw it there, in his eyes as he said his vows that day. Saw it every time he was near her. He couldn't take his eyes off her… watching her every step, every move. His thoughts were consumed by her - what she was doing, who she was with. Even when he was with her, when he said he loved her - she was there. Always between them. Just under the surface. In his blood. He'd finally admitted it one day. That she was a part of him. Something he could never let go of… didn't want to let go of. This is what she'd done to him. Well no more. She would finally put a stop to it.
It was dark. The streetlights were on now and the twinkling lights of the houses in the distance blinked at her. Her house was out there, not too far away. Not close enough to be seen, but close enough that she could feel it calling to her. She needed to be patient. Soon enough she would be back inside. And this time, she wouldn't leave.