Author's Notes: Hi, readers. Here's chapter twelve of "Outside Love." I'm glad it took just five days to get out. I can't believe I've already gotten one hundred reviews. I want to give a shoutout to Wolfgirl2013 for being the one hundredth reviewer. I want thank everyone who has reviewed so far. A special shoutout goes to Tasha Hill, Alex B Goode, SpecialK92, brankel1, Boris Yeltsin, ToxicWednesday, sabina21, black-ladyToronado-power, Ms. Catherine Willmon 2018, and Wolfgirl2013 for being continuous reviewers. Your support means the world to me. As for other readers, please don't hesitate to review. I'd love to hear what you'd like to see in this fic. I don't mind that at all. If you really like it, put it in your author alert and favorites lists. You'll be able to keep track of it better. Anyway, this chapter features Tommy's confessing everything to Jenny. Things get pretty ugly here. Stay tuned for chapter thirteen.
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Chapter 12: Paying/Confession/Rage
At Riley's Dinner, Jenny was watching a young man talk quietly on his IPhone at a table across from her. She saw him make a motion with his hand in the air. She had finished her dinner and dessert, which consisted of brown cake with white icing and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. She was waiting for her bill. She sighed softly.
Jenny propped her head up with her elbow. She felt grateful to the man for not talking on his IPhone loudly. She hated it when people did that, especially the twentysomething type. There were times she felt tempted to go over to those disruptive people and snatch their phones out of their hands. It didn't matter what type of phone it was. She didn't do that because she didn't want people looking at her like she was crazy, especially when Tommy was there.
Jenny snapped out of her thoughts when she heard approaching footsteps. She put her arm down and turned to see Aubrey coming her way with her bill. Breathing deeply, she grabbed her purse and laid it in her lap. She opened it to get out her wallet. She repeated her action with her wallet. Aubrey stopped next to the table.
"Here is your bill, ma'am," Aubrey announced, handing the young woman the bill.
"Thank you," Jenny answered, licking her lips. "Thank you for not taking so long this time."
Aubrey scoffed. "You're welcome. Have a good evening."
Jenny snorted. "You too."
Jenny watched Aubrey walk away. She turned to her bill and saw that it was twenty dollars and eighty cents. She thought three dollars would be a good tip, though she believed Aubrey didn't do that great of a job. She reached into her wallet, getting out three ones. She laid them on the table before grabbing a twenty and a one.
Jenny closed her wallet and slipped it into her purse. She stood up and patted the table twice. She walked to the register. The cashier looked up. She gave him the bill. She stretched her arms above her head and emitted a long yawn. She smacked her lips before running her tongue over her teeth. He typed in the price and rung it up.
"That will be twenty dollars and eighty cents," the cashier said cheerfully.
"Here you go," Jenny said and handed him the money. She saw him type in the amount given and ring it up. He grabbed her change.
"Twenty cents is your change," the cashier said as he handed her the change. He formed a big smile on his face as she slipped the change into her pocket. "Thanks for coming. Have a nice evening."
"You too," Jenny said, nodding at him. She became annoyed when the smile didn't leave his face. "You can stop smiling. I am about to leave."
"I can't help it, ma'am. I am just happy tonight," the cashier said and gave her a wink.
"Well, don't smile too much," Jenny warned sternly. "Your face will stay that way permanently. People who are unnaturally happy all the time get on my nerves."
The cashier stopped smiling as Jenny walked away. She went outside while singing nonsense. She snapped her fingers. A teen boy accidentally bumped into her as he passed. She stopped in her tracks, as did he. They turned around to face each other.
"I'm sorry, ma'am. I didn't mean to bump into you," the boy apologized seriously.
"Apology not accepted," Jenny snapped, pointing her finger at him. She took deep breaths and narrowed her eyes at him. "You need to watch where you are going."
The boy expressed guilt. "I usually do. I just didn't notice you coming out. By the way, you don't have to be so rude. I apologized."
Jenny gritted her teeth. "Well, you need to get your eyes checked. I wasn't being rude. You were. Take your apology, and shove it up your ass."
Jenny approached her truck while the boy entered the diner. She slipped a lock of hair behind her ear.
"Hey, Jenny!" a male voice called.
Jenny turned to see thirty-eight-year-old Chris Wang coming her way. As an Asian, he was very tall. His frame was muscular, and he looked quite pale. His head contained no hair whatsoever. In fact, his bald spot looked as if it could reflect light. His face was full of freckles, some connecting to each other. His dark brown eyes had bags underneath them. He stopped before her. She smiled at him.
"Chris, what are you doing here?" she asked in surprise.
"I came here for dinner," he answered. "What are you doing here? I thought you weren't coming home until tomorrow."
"I managed to get an afternoon flight back to Angel Grove yesterday. Tommy picked me up from the airport. I wanted to spend time with him before he went to work tomorrow. We were supposed to have dinner here, but he decided not to go after we got into an argument about his refusal to go down the interstate shoulder during a traffic jam," Jenny explained and shook her head in disbelief.
"I see," Chris said, nodding at her. "If I were him, I would've gone down the shoulder because I wouldn't want to sit in a traffic jam. I would want to get home quick."
"That is what I told him, but he had to act like a jerk and refuse," Jenny hissed, rolling her eyes. "We argued a little more when we got home because I didn't want him bringing my stuff in. I'm no weakling. I can carry my things." She scoffed.
"When a woman wants to carry her own bags, then she should be allowed to do so. She doesn't always have to rely on a man to help her," Chris commented with bluntness.
"That's right," Jenny said, giving a sharp nod. "I enjoyed my dinner, though I encountered several rude people. My waitress was as slow as Christmas."
Chris ruffled his friend's hair. He laughed when she grabbed his head and pulled him downward. She began rubbing his bald spot.
"Oh, magic bald head, what future do you see?" Jenny joked.
"Your future is filled with Mexican jumping beans," Chris answered with a chuckle. He felt her let go of him and rose to his full height. "I enjoy it when you do that. Maybe I could shave your head and rub your bald spot to see my future."
She punched him in the shoulder. She snickered at his punching hers in retaliation. She rushed two fingers forward. He blocked her by putting his hand sideways between his eyes. He pushed hers downward.
"Since your husband will be at work tomorrow, why don't you come over to my house and spend some time with me?" Chris suggested.
"I'd like that very much," Jenny commented warmly. "Thanks."
He winked at her. "You're welcome. I will do anything for a friend."
"You and my other friends are way more interesting than Tommy's friends are. You've all been around the world. They haven't. They've lived all their lives in this city," Jenny muttered and huffed to herself. "Why hang out with a bunch of boring people when I can hang out with exciting ones?"
"I agree," Chris said with pride. "Anyway, I better get into the diner before more people arrive." He jerked his thumb in the direction of the entrance.
"I understand," Jenny said, sighing in contently.
"I will see you tomorrow," Chris replied excitedly.
She giggled. "You too. See you later."
Jenny observed Chris walking into the diner. She entered her truck and laid her purse in the passenger's seat. She fasted her seatbelt and gazed in the rearview mirror. She pushed her bangs out of her eyes. She smiled. She couldn't wait to spend time with Chris tomorrow. She wondered what games they could play. Perhaps he would show her his gun again. He did the last time she was at his house three weeks ago.
Jenny's thoughts shifted to Tommy. She believed he was still watching movies. She had a feeling he would be setting up the couch to sleep on it very soon. She didn't care. She was ready to go to the lake and spend time there. She started the engine. She pulled out of the parking lot and went down the street. She sang nonsense.
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Tommy was sitting on the Oliver residence's living room couch an hour later. He was watching Night of the Twisters. The scene where Dan and Arthur opened the windows during the siren's first blaring came on. He shook his head in disbelief. He knew that opening windows didn't save houses from tornadoes. At the same time, he understood this event occurred during a time when that was common practice.
He looked down at his pillow and sheet that covered the couch. He was glad he made it up right after he got home. He didn't want to wait until after Jenny got back and ended up in another argument with her. He turned back to the TV to see the scene where Dan and Arthur went to the supply closet to gather the stuff they needed coming on.
"This movie is so good," he whispered with much warmth. "I can't get enough of it. Maybe Kim and I could watch it together when it comes on again."
Tommy sighed softly. He got calls from Jason and Trini thirty minutes ago. He learned they called their parents and asked to come over to their houses to which they accepted. They confessed everything to them. They revealed Jerry, Nina, George, and Victoria were furious with them over hiding such a secret. They apologized remorsefully. Their parents calmed down and told them they didn't condone cheating, but they understood why their friends did what they did. They pledged their support and said they would attend the wedding.
Tommy got calls from Billy and Zack fifteen minutes later. They revealed they called their parents and asked them to come over to their houses to which they accepted. They confessed what they had been doing. Billy's parents, Victor and Mary, Brad, and Zack's mother, Adrian, were furious with them over what they did. They apologized with much remorse. Their parents became calm and said they understood their friends' reasons for what they did, though they knew cheating was wrong. They pledged their support and said they would show up at the wedding. He called Kim and let her know what happened. She was relieved to know their friends' parents had accepted their relationship.
He looked toward the front door. He hoped that Jenny wouldn't be home for a while longer. If she ended up coming home very late, he was fine with that. He could tell her about his affair with Kim in the morning. He was determined to tell her, though he knew she would likely go postal on him. In fact, he had the handcuffs he used during arrests while on duty in his pocket just in case he needed them. A rope was also under the coffee table. He returned his attention to the TV.
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Tommy was still watching the movie twenty minutes later. He heard the sound of an approaching engine. He gazed toward the window to see Jenny pull her truck into the driveway. He listened to the sound of the engine being turned off, followed by the door opening and closing. He touched the tips of his spikes and rubbed his neck.
He sighed heavily that she was home. At the same, he was glad she was here. He wanted to get everything over with. He heard the door unlock. He saw it open, and she walked in. She closed it behind her. She smirked as she approached him. He picked up the remote from the coffee table and turned off the TV. He returned it to its spot.
"Well, well, the karate master is still watching movies," she said mockingly.
"Not anymore," he responded swiftly. "How was dinner?"
"It was good, though I encountered some rude diners. My waitress was slow," Jenny said, turning her nose upward.
"I bet those diners weren't rude. You were," Tommy said matter-of-factly. "You shouldn't blame the waitress for being slow. She probably had a lot to do."
"Whatever," Jenny commented, waving him off. "I encountered Chris. We talked for a minute. He invited me over to his house tomorrow." She chuckled.
"I don't care if you go," Tommy retorted, standing up. "By the way, we need to talk. I have something to tell you."
"It can wait until later," Jenny snapped and placed her purse on the coffee table. "I need to go brush my teeth and take a shower."
Jenny walked away. Tommy growled in determination because he wasn't about to let this go. He went after her and took hold of her arm. She looked at him, an angry look crossing her face.
"Let go of me," she demanded.
"I will, but you need to hear me out," he answered truthfully. "It is very important."
Jenny huffed. "It's a free country. Talk."
He let go of her, allowing her to face him and make eye contact with him. He breathed deeply. She crossed her arms, becoming irritated. She scoffed to herself.
"Tell me whatever it is you need to tell me," Jenny demanded.
"All right. For the past year, I've been having—" Tommy started, feeling unsure about continuing.
"What? You've been having what?" Jenny asked, raising her eyebrows and tapping her foot on the floor.
"I…I…" Tommy stammered.
She rolled her eyes and sighed impatiently. "Come on. Quit stammering like an idiot, and tell me what is going on."
He became very confident. He was prepared for her reaction. "For the past year, I've been having an affair with Kim behind your back."
Jenny gasped in great shock. She opened and closed her mouth, but no words came out. Tommy looked at her closely, wondering when she'd say something. Suddenly, she felt rage rise within her. She slapped him across the cheek very hard. He felt his head go to the side, but he looked back at her with much defiance.
"You bastard! How dare you cheat on me with your slutty ex-girlfriend!" she snarled.
"How dare you treat me like crap for the last two years!" he yelled and clenched his teeth. "I confided in Kim about our marital problems."
Jenny pointed her finger at him. "That was none of her business! You had no right to tell her!"
"Oh, I had every right. She is one of my best friends. I told my friends about our situation as well. Kim and I fell in love all over again. We started our affair the night I went over to her house while you were in Caribou. We kissed and made love in her bed. We've gotten together many times since then. Many of our secret meetings happened in the park on Friday and Saturday nights," Tommy explained in a calm yet firm voice.
"That little slut. She got her claws hooked into you and managed to get you to sleep with her!" Jenny screeched.
Tommy shook his head. "She did no such thing. I instigated the relationship. We both take responsibility for what happened. After all, it takes two to tango. Jason, Trini, Billy, and Zack know about the affair as well. They learned about it when Jason and Trini accidentally caught us going at it during a get-together at Zack's house. They agreed to help us hide it. Their parents know everything now because they confessed to them. They are on my and Kim's side."
"Your friends are sick creeps for doing what they did! They helped you to cheat on me!" Jenny said, letting out a loud growl.
"They regret what they did. Kim and I regret what we did too. At the same time, we love each other deeply. In fact, I was with her last night, this morning, and tonight," Tommy admitted.
"You what?" Jenny screamed, her rage climbing higher.
"That's right. We made love many times. We've enjoyed every second we've spent together during the course of our affair," Tommy said honestly.
"You are such a filthy jerk," Jenny hissed with much ferocity. "You had the nerve to cheat on me with your ex-girlfriend of all people!"
He showed seriousness. "Kim is my girlfriend. You can call her my mistress. I don't give a damn. I prefer to call her my girlfriend."
Tommy took slow breaths in an effort to keep calm. He didn't dare move at all. Nor did his wife.
"It's over, Jenny. I am not taking your crap anymore. I want a divorce," Tommy announced bluntly.
"You—" Jenny started.
"That's right," Tommy interrupted, his voice filled with determination. "I am leaving you. I intend to marry Kim after the divorce is final. I am kicking you out. I want you out of the house by tomorrow afternoon."
"You can't—" Jenny hissed, gritting her teeth.
"Oh, yes, I can," Tommy answered defiantly. "I have the documents to prove I am the sole owner of this house. If you won't leave willingly, I will file a petition for an order of eviction. The court will side with me when I show them the documents. I am hiring Trini as my divorce lawyer. She will help me—"
Jenny roared and tackled Tommy to the floor. She pinned him down with her weight. She grabbed his throat with both hands. She started squeezing. She gritted her teeth as he began to choke.
"I am never letting you go!" Jenny screeched. Her eyes flashed with much fire. "Do you hear me? I am never letting you—"
Jenny grunted when Tommy punched her in the cheek. This caused her to lose her grip and knock her off him. He took in a huge gulp of air. He proceeded to cough as he rolled over on his stomach. She jumped to her feet and raced over to the bookcase. She grabbed a baseball bat that was leaned against it. She raised it high as she made her way toward him.
Tommy managed to catch his breath. He began to stand up when Jenny came up behind him and hit him on the head. He ended up on his knees. She slammed it on his back, knocking him on his stomach. She dropped it and stomped into the kitchen. She went to the knife holder located next to the toaster and grabbed a steak knife.
"You must die for ruining my life, you cheating bastard," Jenny muttered, hissing with fierceness. "You must die."
Jenny pulled the knife out of its place. She proceeded to make her way back into the living room.
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Tommy managed to get to his knees in the living room. Jenny came toward him as if she were a predator stalking her prey. She took hold of the knife with her other hand while raising it high. She reached him. She rushed it downward with a rage-filled scream. He looked up just in time to catch her wrists in his hands. They struggled to gain the upper hand.
She growled with fierce determination and pushed the knife toward his right shoulder. She managed to stab it. He cried out painfully and lost his grip on her. He touched his wound, feeling blood seep from it. He gritted his teeth. She brought the knife upward again. She rushed it downward. He saw it. He caught her wrists in his hands again.
Jenny started pushing the knife toward Tommy's left shoulder. He got it away from there. They resumed their struggle for the upper hand. He grunted with determination and stood up. He narrowed his eyes at her. He shoved her away. She stumbled backward, but she regained her footing. She maintained her grip on the knife with one hand. She panted hard.
"You won't get away with that!" Jenny screeched as she glared at him. "I mean it big time!"
Jenny rushed at her husband with the knife. She screamed like a maniac. He swung his arm at her feet, sweeping them out from underneath her. She ended up on her back. She dropped the knife. She looked toward it. She tried to reach for it, but he kicked it away. He flipped her over on her back. He got on top of her, pinning her down with one knee on her back. He pulled out his handcuffs. He clenched his teeth.
He took hold of her arms and pulled them behind her back. She struggled to get free, but she couldn't. He snapped the handcuffs around her wrists. She snarled with much ferocity. She continued to struggle, but she tired herself out very quickly. She became still, and her breathing turned to normal. She seemed to shudder softly. He got off her and grabbed the rope. He moved to where her feet were. He tied it around her ankles.
"It's over, Jenny," Tommy whispered, panting heavily. "You will pay for what you did."
He managed to catch his breath. He hated he had to restrain his wife like this, but he knew he didn't have a choice. He was glad he had his handcuffs with him and the rope underneath the coffee table. Otherwise, he would've been injured further unless he knocked her unconscious. He groaned in agony and grabbed his shoulder. Blood continued to flow from the wound. He stood up and approached the end table, where his IPhone was. He took his hand off his shoulder. He picked it up. He turned it on and swiped the screen. He went to the second page and brought up his contact list. He touched dial and dialed 911. He pressed call. The first ring came. A click followed suit.
"911, what is your emergency?" a dispatcher asked with much concern.
"This is Officer Tommy Oliver. My wife, Jenny, just attacked me. She beat me with a baseball bat and stabbed me in the right shoulder with a steak knife," Tommy answered, his body trembling badly.
"How deep is the wound?" the dispatcher commented in much concern.
"I am not sure. I need you to send me an ambulance and the police over to my house now," Tommy said, his breathing turning to shudders. "I managed to subdue her and put my handcuffs around her wrists and a rope around her ankles. She is lying on the floor right now."
"Okay. What is your address?" the dispatcher asked.
"It is 5732 Benton Blvd," Tommy said, swallowing hard. He heard typing sounds in the background. "Oh, shit."
"I got that down," the dispatcher said and breathed deeply. "I will send an ambulance and the police right away. Put pressure on your wound."
"Thank you," Tommy whispered gratefully. "Bye."
Tommy hung up his IPhone and put it down. He grabbed his pillow, pulling off the pillowcase. He tossed the former aside and crumpled the latter into a ball. He placed the pillowcase over his wound. He sat on the couch, a painful groan leaving his mouth. He hoped that the police and the ambulance would be here very quickly.
