Chapter 3
Stan came back later that night and went to the kitchen. Rosario was there finishing up some cleaning when she noticed her boss.
"Good evening Mr. Stan." The maid said
"Hey Rosaria, have you seen Karen?"
"Last I saw she was in your bedroom. She seemed upset."
"How could you tell?" Stan wanted to know what kind of mood his wife…girlfri…Karen was in.
"She hasn't had a drink since this morning." Rosario simply said.
Stan smiled. These could be the best conversations and the worst. Karen was easier to talk to sober, but she wasn't sober unless she was deep in thought. Being deep in thought also meant that she had a decision to make. Stan didn't know if this was good or bad.
"Thank you Rosario." Stan said leaving.
"Mr. Stan!" Rosario called
Stan turned
"I know you love her, but you hurt her. I have never seen her so broken. She doesn't know it but I've seen her cry or throw things. She's not as strong as she puts on.
Stan didn't turn but said, "I know" and with that he went to find Karen.
Bedroom
Stan walked into the bedroom but didn't see Karen anywhere. He tried the bathroom, balcony, TV area but found nothing. The last place he checked was her closet; that's where he found her. She was sitting on the chase staring at her Chanel Slingbacks. Those were her favorites. He remembers her telling him about when Jack gave them away. He smiled at the memory. Karen made sure to check her closet to always make sure they were there.
"Karen?" he said quietly he didn't want to scare her but she still jumped a little out of her daze.
"Hey Stanley"
An awkward silence fell over the two. Stan was worried. Karen never gave a second thought about yelling at him. This was new for him. He could handle the yelling because he would yell right back. They never were afraid of each other. This was probably one of the scariest things he ever went through though. Karen brought Stan out of his thoughts when she started talking.
"You bought these for me. You knew that I had a little war going on with that Gina Wellington. So you got me these for her and Frank's anniversary party. I was the center of attention. These shoes weren't supposed to come out for another two seasons. Gina hated that. She was supposed to be the center of attention. I had better shoes, more money, and a better husband. It wasn't until the end of the party that we found out that he brought his mistress. I always thought that I had everything after that. I guess I was wrong." Karen paused. "I guess that's why these are my favorites though. So many good memories came with them."
"I'd buy you anything you heart desires, you know that."
"I do, but that's not enough. You hurt me Stan." Karen was near tears.
"Kare…"
"Bah Bah Bah…let me finish. You hurt me, but I hurt you too."
"You didn't do anything. I don't care about Malcolm." Stan tried to make her feel better.
"Not Malcolm"
"Then Lyle"
"No! His name was Lionel Banks. It was a few days before I found you with Lorraine."
This shocked Stan. He didn't know what to say. He really wasn't ready for that. Even though all this was going on he couldn't stop himself from laughing.
"What the hell is so funny!" Karen yelled angrily.
"Us; what's going on. Everything is so messed up its funny. Why are we life this?"
Karen gave a small smile, but as soon as it came it was gone. "Promise me one thing?"
"Anything"
"No more lies. I want the truth from you from now on; and I promise to give you the truth."
"Done"
"I mean it Stanley. I can't handle…"
Karen was cut off by Stan's lips on hers. It was the most passionate kiss she had in awhile and she was enjoying it.
"Wow" they both said as the pulled apart.
Stan then proceeded to get down on one knee. He pulled out the box again and opened it. "Karen – Delaney - St. Croix – Popeil – Walker - Finster - Walker, will you marry me…again?"
"Oh Stanley, I never took Finster's last name." She said as he slipped the ring on her finger. "Yes"
Stan stood and pulled Karen into a big hug and kissed her head. He was so glad to be holding her again. He missed this so much.
