Disclaimer: Not mine. *rolls eyes and whispers* like anyone thought it was.
AN: '...' means thoughts. I state this every single time cause maybe some of you have a short term memory like i do. What was i gonna write for the story again? umm... lol j/k
When we got home, the envy and aggravation that had built up during dinner was beginning to release its energy. As soon as we entered our doors, I turned towards Arden, not bothering to check if anybody was watching. "I can't believe you and Racheile were so engrossed in each other! It was so embarrassing that my own husband didn't pay any attention to me!"
"Why are you so mad at me? I just happened to talk to the hostess and suddenly, I'm the big bad guy?"
He said it so calmly and innocently that it infuriated me. How dare he deny it! My eyes grew large at him and I stomped all the way upstairs. Arden followed obediently, like some puppy. Why wasn't he telling me to stop and trying to make things all better? Why did I vow that we would stay together no matter what... why?
I swished my head around, my hair sounding outraged as it settled unhappily, covering my bitter eyes. "This was just like how it was with Vera. When I'm not looking, you're gonna leave me for Racheile. And then, I'll go crawling back to you and you know it!," I screamed, half sobbing out the words.
"No it's not, Audrina. I always tell you that I love you, don't I?," he asked. Arden made puppy eyes at me. It was an attempt to make me feel guilty.
I completely ignored what he said. "You left me for Vera because I wouldn't practice our... marital relations but now I am and it hasn't made a difference at all! And you know what, Arden Nelson Lowe? This time, I won't forgive you so easily."
Scared at how unstable I had become, my husband slowly climbed the stairs towards me. "I admit, I'm a bit attracted to Michael's spouse but I bet you like other men too. Audrina, stop doing this to us. Stop doing this to our relationship. Stop suspecting me of cheating on you because I won't."
"Ya, you didn't commit adultery with my sister either, right?"
He faltered, because what I had said was the complete truth. "Let the past rest, love. Let bygones be bygones, as they say," Arden whispered softly.
My chest quivered and I felt numb. He was right. Why was I thinking so much of the past? The present was golden and here I was, starting a fight with my husband because he had spent more attention on a woman than he should have. Relationships were based on trust and I wasn't respecting my spouse.
I collapsed on the stairs, a hand wiping away the distraught tears. "Oh Arden, I want to trust you. I really do but I can't! No matter how hard I try, I keep thinking of all the men that have betrayed me. I don't know if I'll ever get over it. Why don't you just leave me for Racheile right now and save us from the heartbreak we'll feel later."
Arden quickly knelt in front of me and held my frigidly cold hands in a firm grasp. "There you go again. No matter what, I will always love you. I promise." He gently brushed away the strangled locks of hair that had persisted in staying in front of my blood shot eyes.
For once, I hugged my husband. "Pinky swear?"
"Yep, I swear on my mother's grave."
I put my fingers on his soft lips. "You don't have to go that far."
His eyes brightened, as if he magically had an amazing idea. "Audrina, why don't we have kids? I love them and you're amazing with Sylvia. It'll be wonderful."
I had a sudden impulse to bury my head into his warm shoulders. I resisted at first but I slowly laid my head in them. They made me feel safe and secure. Nodding to his inquiry, I wondered if he got my answer. After a moment or two, I no longer cared because my mind was slowly drifted into dream land. There were no worries, no anxieties... too bad my life wasn't like that 24/7.
***
When I woke up, I thought I was still dreaming. In front of me was a platter with breakfast in bed. I bared my big grin to an already dressed Arden who was standing by the bed. One wash cloth was lazily lying on his arm and he appeared to be the perfect waiter.
After glancing at the pancakes that looked like it had gone from hell and back, I beamed up at my husband. "Don't you have to work?" After the words had come out of my mouth, I instantly regretted them. It seemed I was always ruining the perfect moment with my questions.
"Later," he mumbled while he bent over and bestowed a kiss on my eyebrow.
I nodded gratefully and leaned back on the head stand, closing my mystified eyes and thinking to myself. 'I should never have doubted Arden. He's changed.'
He coughed self consciously and I looked at him. "You know. The sooner you get finished with breakfast, the sooner we can get to our goal."
"Goal? We have a goal?"
Arden sat down on the edge of the bed and wrapped an arm around me. "You know. The thing we discussed yesterday? The baby?"
Immediately uncomfortable, I fidgeted around and decided to concentrate on the pancakes instead. It was much more discerning when we were talking about it like this in broad daylight. "Ya, I remember now." Taking the fork and knife, I cut the maple syrup covered pancakes into small pieces, willing myself to take as much time as humanly possible. In a way, I was hoping Arden would get exasperated with me and go off to work or something.
Arden didn't do it according to my plan. Not that I should have thought it would turn out like that. Men never did what I expected them to. He just simply took the fork and knife and fed me. Making it seem romantic, my husband finished the job swiftly. Arden then proceeded to lean in and slowly lick the maple syrup off my mouth. The rest of his actions spoke for themselves.
***
Yawning, my arms stretched and I incidentally felt the space beside me. It was empty. Smiling contentedly anyhow, I was reluctant to sit up. I scratched my head while stretching again. Something seemed out of place. Wasn't I supposed to go somewhere? Curling up on one side, I closed my sleepy eyes. My eyelids flashed open while I suddenly remembered. I HAD A INTERVIEW WITH A POSSIBLE EMPLOYER! My head swerved to the clock on the wall. Holy cripes! I had half an hour to get there. Trying to save the remaining precious moments, I haughtily threw the comforting blanket off of me and raced to the bathroom, skipping a shower. I brushed my teeth hopping around as I managed to put on my underwear and clothes. Late, late, late. I was going to be late! What kind of impression would that make? I wanted the job of being a secretary to a bank manager yet I didn't even know what gender my possible boss was. I had gotten the appointment through the receptionist.
Because I was in such a mad rush, I somehow hit my ankle on the doorway on my way out of the room. I cursed out loud and raced to the garage. 'Damn, damn, damn,' I thought. Now normally, I was one of those people on the road drivers had to change lanes on cause they were so slow. Today was not the case.
"Get out of my way," I practically screamed to the unknowing driver. Luckily, there were few red lights. God save us all if there were a lot of them. I was THAT determined to get this job. It wasn't uncommon but whoever made the ad in the paper about it made it strangely tempting. I had cared little about the other occupations but I had almost memorized the ad for this one.
'Want a fabulous job that your friends will envy you for? Well... look somewhere else because all we offer are maternity leaves, promotions, dedicated staff, flexible hours, work compensation, and much more. Looking for a secretary for a bank manager. Call 937-2872 now!,' the newspaper had said.
By the time I parked my vehicle, I had violated a million and one driving regulations. Fortunately for me, the police were all busy at a drug bust or whatever required their attention more. Briskly locking the car doors, I pushed my purse higher on my shoulders and ran inside the building. I was at a quick walk until I reached the receptionist. "Good morning. My name's Audrina Lowe and I made an appointment earlier this week?," I let out in one breath.
"Oh yes, you. You're late," she said. The receptionist's voice sounded happy and young; not what her appearance was. The woman had large eye glasses that had strings attached to the sides. They would have looked decent except she was wearing them like it was a necklace. Her graying hair was cut shorter than I would have preferred. Even her eyes disagreed with her vocal cords. They were a dull brown and bird-like. "The other potential secretaries have already had their interviews. Please sit down in those chairs over there and Mr. Anilson will be with you right away."
I obeyed her. 'What a coincidence! Isn't Anilson Michael's last name?,' was the first thought that came to mind. Of course, I got distressed. 'I hope it isn't the same Anilson. It would be dreadful if I had to be an employer of a fellow family friend.'
The bank manager's door opened and time slowed down. I spotted familiar dishevelled brown hair, the same dark blue eyes, the familiar chiseled good looks. "Michael," I choked out, getting off the chair.
Not noticing the receptionist's upraised eyebrow, I walked up to him and stretched out my arms in a greeting. "Isn't it a coincidence that I'm here to get interviewed by you?"
He shook my hand heartily and gave me a charming grin. It was strange seeing him smile after yesterday. Maybe it was just his wife, Racheile making him frown all the time. I didn't understand his predicament since Racheile was the perfect trophy wife. "Nah, that's okay. You're automatically hired." He didn't appear embarrassed at our situation at all.
Author's Note:
I'm gonna keep this short and sweet... HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND MAY THE NEW YEAR BRING ALL THAT YOU EXPECT IT TO!!!!!!!!!!! Enjoy your family, the presents, the whole works! =)
AN: '...' means thoughts. I state this every single time cause maybe some of you have a short term memory like i do. What was i gonna write for the story again? umm... lol j/k
When we got home, the envy and aggravation that had built up during dinner was beginning to release its energy. As soon as we entered our doors, I turned towards Arden, not bothering to check if anybody was watching. "I can't believe you and Racheile were so engrossed in each other! It was so embarrassing that my own husband didn't pay any attention to me!"
"Why are you so mad at me? I just happened to talk to the hostess and suddenly, I'm the big bad guy?"
He said it so calmly and innocently that it infuriated me. How dare he deny it! My eyes grew large at him and I stomped all the way upstairs. Arden followed obediently, like some puppy. Why wasn't he telling me to stop and trying to make things all better? Why did I vow that we would stay together no matter what... why?
I swished my head around, my hair sounding outraged as it settled unhappily, covering my bitter eyes. "This was just like how it was with Vera. When I'm not looking, you're gonna leave me for Racheile. And then, I'll go crawling back to you and you know it!," I screamed, half sobbing out the words.
"No it's not, Audrina. I always tell you that I love you, don't I?," he asked. Arden made puppy eyes at me. It was an attempt to make me feel guilty.
I completely ignored what he said. "You left me for Vera because I wouldn't practice our... marital relations but now I am and it hasn't made a difference at all! And you know what, Arden Nelson Lowe? This time, I won't forgive you so easily."
Scared at how unstable I had become, my husband slowly climbed the stairs towards me. "I admit, I'm a bit attracted to Michael's spouse but I bet you like other men too. Audrina, stop doing this to us. Stop doing this to our relationship. Stop suspecting me of cheating on you because I won't."
"Ya, you didn't commit adultery with my sister either, right?"
He faltered, because what I had said was the complete truth. "Let the past rest, love. Let bygones be bygones, as they say," Arden whispered softly.
My chest quivered and I felt numb. He was right. Why was I thinking so much of the past? The present was golden and here I was, starting a fight with my husband because he had spent more attention on a woman than he should have. Relationships were based on trust and I wasn't respecting my spouse.
I collapsed on the stairs, a hand wiping away the distraught tears. "Oh Arden, I want to trust you. I really do but I can't! No matter how hard I try, I keep thinking of all the men that have betrayed me. I don't know if I'll ever get over it. Why don't you just leave me for Racheile right now and save us from the heartbreak we'll feel later."
Arden quickly knelt in front of me and held my frigidly cold hands in a firm grasp. "There you go again. No matter what, I will always love you. I promise." He gently brushed away the strangled locks of hair that had persisted in staying in front of my blood shot eyes.
For once, I hugged my husband. "Pinky swear?"
"Yep, I swear on my mother's grave."
I put my fingers on his soft lips. "You don't have to go that far."
His eyes brightened, as if he magically had an amazing idea. "Audrina, why don't we have kids? I love them and you're amazing with Sylvia. It'll be wonderful."
I had a sudden impulse to bury my head into his warm shoulders. I resisted at first but I slowly laid my head in them. They made me feel safe and secure. Nodding to his inquiry, I wondered if he got my answer. After a moment or two, I no longer cared because my mind was slowly drifted into dream land. There were no worries, no anxieties... too bad my life wasn't like that 24/7.
***
When I woke up, I thought I was still dreaming. In front of me was a platter with breakfast in bed. I bared my big grin to an already dressed Arden who was standing by the bed. One wash cloth was lazily lying on his arm and he appeared to be the perfect waiter.
After glancing at the pancakes that looked like it had gone from hell and back, I beamed up at my husband. "Don't you have to work?" After the words had come out of my mouth, I instantly regretted them. It seemed I was always ruining the perfect moment with my questions.
"Later," he mumbled while he bent over and bestowed a kiss on my eyebrow.
I nodded gratefully and leaned back on the head stand, closing my mystified eyes and thinking to myself. 'I should never have doubted Arden. He's changed.'
He coughed self consciously and I looked at him. "You know. The sooner you get finished with breakfast, the sooner we can get to our goal."
"Goal? We have a goal?"
Arden sat down on the edge of the bed and wrapped an arm around me. "You know. The thing we discussed yesterday? The baby?"
Immediately uncomfortable, I fidgeted around and decided to concentrate on the pancakes instead. It was much more discerning when we were talking about it like this in broad daylight. "Ya, I remember now." Taking the fork and knife, I cut the maple syrup covered pancakes into small pieces, willing myself to take as much time as humanly possible. In a way, I was hoping Arden would get exasperated with me and go off to work or something.
Arden didn't do it according to my plan. Not that I should have thought it would turn out like that. Men never did what I expected them to. He just simply took the fork and knife and fed me. Making it seem romantic, my husband finished the job swiftly. Arden then proceeded to lean in and slowly lick the maple syrup off my mouth. The rest of his actions spoke for themselves.
***
Yawning, my arms stretched and I incidentally felt the space beside me. It was empty. Smiling contentedly anyhow, I was reluctant to sit up. I scratched my head while stretching again. Something seemed out of place. Wasn't I supposed to go somewhere? Curling up on one side, I closed my sleepy eyes. My eyelids flashed open while I suddenly remembered. I HAD A INTERVIEW WITH A POSSIBLE EMPLOYER! My head swerved to the clock on the wall. Holy cripes! I had half an hour to get there. Trying to save the remaining precious moments, I haughtily threw the comforting blanket off of me and raced to the bathroom, skipping a shower. I brushed my teeth hopping around as I managed to put on my underwear and clothes. Late, late, late. I was going to be late! What kind of impression would that make? I wanted the job of being a secretary to a bank manager yet I didn't even know what gender my possible boss was. I had gotten the appointment through the receptionist.
Because I was in such a mad rush, I somehow hit my ankle on the doorway on my way out of the room. I cursed out loud and raced to the garage. 'Damn, damn, damn,' I thought. Now normally, I was one of those people on the road drivers had to change lanes on cause they were so slow. Today was not the case.
"Get out of my way," I practically screamed to the unknowing driver. Luckily, there were few red lights. God save us all if there were a lot of them. I was THAT determined to get this job. It wasn't uncommon but whoever made the ad in the paper about it made it strangely tempting. I had cared little about the other occupations but I had almost memorized the ad for this one.
'Want a fabulous job that your friends will envy you for? Well... look somewhere else because all we offer are maternity leaves, promotions, dedicated staff, flexible hours, work compensation, and much more. Looking for a secretary for a bank manager. Call 937-2872 now!,' the newspaper had said.
By the time I parked my vehicle, I had violated a million and one driving regulations. Fortunately for me, the police were all busy at a drug bust or whatever required their attention more. Briskly locking the car doors, I pushed my purse higher on my shoulders and ran inside the building. I was at a quick walk until I reached the receptionist. "Good morning. My name's Audrina Lowe and I made an appointment earlier this week?," I let out in one breath.
"Oh yes, you. You're late," she said. The receptionist's voice sounded happy and young; not what her appearance was. The woman had large eye glasses that had strings attached to the sides. They would have looked decent except she was wearing them like it was a necklace. Her graying hair was cut shorter than I would have preferred. Even her eyes disagreed with her vocal cords. They were a dull brown and bird-like. "The other potential secretaries have already had their interviews. Please sit down in those chairs over there and Mr. Anilson will be with you right away."
I obeyed her. 'What a coincidence! Isn't Anilson Michael's last name?,' was the first thought that came to mind. Of course, I got distressed. 'I hope it isn't the same Anilson. It would be dreadful if I had to be an employer of a fellow family friend.'
The bank manager's door opened and time slowed down. I spotted familiar dishevelled brown hair, the same dark blue eyes, the familiar chiseled good looks. "Michael," I choked out, getting off the chair.
Not noticing the receptionist's upraised eyebrow, I walked up to him and stretched out my arms in a greeting. "Isn't it a coincidence that I'm here to get interviewed by you?"
He shook my hand heartily and gave me a charming grin. It was strange seeing him smile after yesterday. Maybe it was just his wife, Racheile making him frown all the time. I didn't understand his predicament since Racheile was the perfect trophy wife. "Nah, that's okay. You're automatically hired." He didn't appear embarrassed at our situation at all.
Author's Note:
I'm gonna keep this short and sweet... HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND MAY THE NEW YEAR BRING ALL THAT YOU EXPECT IT TO!!!!!!!!!!! Enjoy your family, the presents, the whole works! =)