Chandra

Chapter theme song: 'Stranger in My House' by: Tamia

He wouldn't ignore me…so I'm convinced that there is a stranger in my house.

I couldn't break my gaze from Gerald. He was motionlessly sleeping as small breathing puffed his chest in and out against the cotton fabric of our shared comforter. I been up for several hours, thinking and wondering if my worst fear had finally became reality. Gerald had been staying out later than usual since he became partner almost a year ago and has taken up quite the work load. I expected to spend less time with my beloved but I did not expect to wake up and come home to an empty bed almost every evening. I did not mind at first; his bigger salary and exquisite perks that I had grown accustomed to had compensated for the lack of affection I have recently encountered. But it grew old and stagnant to where the occasional diamond bracelet and Minkcoff bag did not bring as much joy to my eyes as it previously did from the beginning. I began to miss my husband and it not only was draining our sex life but dampening our marriage as well.

I keep telling myself that it's the long hours of work he had bestowed unto him with his promotion as partner to his firm, but my intuition was telling me that his ex, Phoebe, was also an underlying cause of his wandering affection. Arnold had suggested that he take on her custody case pro bono as a way to aid her in finding reputable legal representation without having to pay a hefty sum. From what I hear through the grape vine, Phoebe is a waitress at some local diner making less than minimum wage for bussing tables on cheaply constructed roller skates while living in a house Arnold and Helga foot the monthly mortgage for. Part of me wanted to hold some sort of pity for her, though I did empathize with her situation; it must be hard going through a custody battle and being a single mother while her husband relishes in all his financial glory. However, I did not sympathize with the woman. I was not comfortable with Gerald working with Phoebe due to the fact that they are exes, but what choice did I have in the matter? Gerald would always have a space in his heart for his first love; there was nothing I could do to remove her from the depths of his undying emotion.

I watched Gerald shuffle slightly, light snoring cascading throughout our roomy master bedroom. A small smile graced my lips as I pressed them against his. His eyes fluttered open slowly, a look of pure astonishment plastered across his face before I removed the large down comforter from his toned frame to straddle him. He remained silent, caressing the sides of my stomach before reaching up to my shoulder blades to grab the thin, spaghetti straps of my nightgown. He pulled the sheer fabric down to a puddle above my waist to expose my ample breasts. I leaned in for another kiss, returning the favor with his boxers. It didn't take time at all for Gerald to stiffen against my delicate touch; swiftly filling my walls to elicit a round of pleasurable moans to ricochet against the four corners of our suite. He began his rhythm and I matched it as we orchestrated a beautiful symphony filled with harmonious love making and the rough timbre of heated skin.

I awoke the next morning to an empty bed, soreness in my lower region, and a single handwritten note that spoke the three words I longed to hear. I smiled, grabbing the scented stationary to bring it to my face. I took in a good whiff and replayed the scene of our early-morning rendezvous. Peach and sandalwood filled my senses. I took a look at the clock nestled atop the nightstand and saw it was only a quarter past nine. I remembered Gerald had an early meeting this morning and had to be out by seven to make it to the office by eight. That familiar emptiness brimmed again but I paid it not mind; I was the wife of a famed lawyer and the long hours and quixotic work schedule came with the territory as the other edge to my sword amongst the diamonds and pearls. I buried myself deeper against the covers, exposing my nudity against the warm, morning sun. I contemplated giving him a good morning call before the doorbell rang. Grabbing my silk robe from the bathroom, I rushed downstairs to be met with the person I least expected: Phoebe.

I tried to hide my displeasure in seeing her so early in the morning but I could not do so fast enough. The look on her face said it all and that I made her feel quite unwelcomed- which she was.

"Phoebe…"

"I apologize for coming so early in the morning but I wanted to speak to Gerald if that was alright."

Actually it's not. I fake smiled. "Gerald left for work about two hours ago. He won't be back until late this evening so I suggest you make an appointment."

"I understand and I do not wish to disrespect your home, Mrs. Johannssen , but it is urgent I speak to Gerald immediately. It pertains to my case."

"Call him." I spoke flatly, almost regretting it by her change in disposition. "I mean, don't you have his cell number?"

She shook her head. "No, I do not ma'am. I did not take it out of respect for your home."

I gave her a quick look over to see if she was B.S.'ing me but she seemed genuine enough for me to let her in and be a hospitable hostess for the morning. I escorted her into the kitchen where I offered her some orange juice before she politely declined. I watched as she dialed Gerald's cell after I gave her the number, her smile shortening as it was immediately sent to voicemail. She let out a long sigh.

"Damn, do you know when he will be back?"

"Your guess is as good as mine." I shot back honestly, biting into an apple. "He works such a random schedule that even I can't track him."

A soft giggle escaped her lips. "Yeah, Gerald was always like that; changing things on whim and leaving everyone in the dust behind him."

I grew silent, jaws clenched. I steered back on topic. "If there is nothing else I can do for you…"

"Actually, can I stay and wait for Gerald until he gets back?" she rushed into a single sentence. She took in a breath. "I know this is last-minute and…"

"Inconvenient." I interrupted, chiming in irritated. "Phoebe, I understand you two are friends but you waiting for several hours while Gerald is at work is just…"

"I have no other options." She spoke meekly. Her head lowered, eyes now centered on the tile selection in my kitchen than me. "Kato…destroyed my home."

"E-excuse me?"

"My house was set ablaze early this morning. I cannot prove that it was Kato right away, but I know it had something to do with him. He hates me and hates to see me do well without him!"

I watched as she choked back tears. The icy veil I had masking my true emotions was removed as I comforted the sobbing, fragile woman. She buried her head in silk of my robe; moistening it with her many tears that fell against my skin like metal bullets. I patted her head gently, feeling somewhat guilty for treating her so rudely when she first arrived. "Phoebe…"

"I saw two men speed off in a truck when Haruhi and I exited the house. Everything is gone. Helga is out of town and Arnold is not answering is cell either. I have no other options."

"Where is Haruhi?" I asked, genuinely concerned. "Is she with her father?"

She shook her head, blowing her nose on the napkin she retrieved from the holder at the dinner table. "She is at school but I know she is not focused. I want to go get her an early dismissal and just let her clear her mind. I came here because I have no other options at this moment."

"Gerald won't be back for several hours. If you…"

"Please…" she begged, fumbling with her purse to force out a couple of crumpled dollars. The woman was desperate. "I will pay you. Just for a few hours is all I ask."

"I cannot take your money, Phoebe. You are a good friend of my husband and I won't dare charge you for staying in our home."

She sniffled, tears still streaming down her porcelain face. "But, I would hate to impose and make you feel…"

"No one can make me feel any kind of way." I interrupted, smiling. "I'll try and call Gerald's boss in a bit but for now, you make yourself at home and I'll make some breakfast. Feel free to call Haruhi's school if you must. I can drive you to go get her."

"You don't mind?"

I shook my head. "It's the least I can do." And I knew Gerald would berate me if I did not help her. After I took a quick shower, put on my sweats and Gerald's t-shirt, I took Phoebe to Haruhi's school to get her an early dismissal. The car ride was short, a deathly spell of quiet placed against the both of us to ignore the hypothetical green elephant in the room. She tried to speak on numerous occasions but closed her mouth as quickly as she had opened it. I wanted to make light, casual conversation but I was unable to do so in fear of saying the wrong things. I simply opted for some random radio station to fill the void.

Once Phoebe retrieved Haruhi from school, I took them back to my home and, being a phenomenal hostess, I made them both breakfast to make them feel less as strangers and more as house guests. Haruhi began making petty conversation to pass the time. She was still too young to sense what was really going on but could notice the tension between me and her mother was as thick as red brick. She talked about school, her plans for summer vacation, and how her impending trip to Japan was at the forefront of hr excitement. I plastered a permanent faux smile throughout the course of our conversation to show 'interest' and engagement. I honestly did not care about what was being said at all; I was more concerned at deciphering Phoebe.

What had Gerald seen in her? She was as pale as freshly fallen snow, but had the blush of a red rose deep within her full cheeks. Her hair was dark as midnight, shiny, flowing and long against her back but it lacked any luster and volume. Her breasts were quite large- probably a byproduct of pregnancy- but she had no ass what-so-ever. Her petite hour-glass frame was breathtakingly striking, but her height made it look relatively awkward. It was minor details I could notice about Phoebe, however I still could not see what made her so special to Gerald. Was it the mere fact that she was exotic as herself? Black men tended to lean more towards fairer women with lustful features that are not primarily seen growing up in the 'hood'. Due to the contrasting differences in both Gerald's upbringing and mine, I could understand that theory. Gerald grew up in a more…diverse town against my more….homogenous one.

But it did not account for much. What was it about this woman that would make Gerald go to the moon and back if it meant to make her happy? A small, awkward smile was shot my way from Phoebe as she took a bite out of my eggs. A small compliment followed suit and I thanked her. I turned to wash the dishes- and keep my creepy staring to a minimum- before I heard the front door open and slam close. I took in a deep breath, closing my eyes as I thanked the heavens that he had arrived home early.

"Where is Phoebe?" He asked from the foyer, taking off his shoes near the door before coming into the kitchen. Haruhi screamed out in sheer delight as she hopped down from her bar stool and gave Gerald a bear hug. He picked her up, placing a small kiss on her cheek.

"Papa Gerald!" She hugged him again, this time with my vigor. The word 'papa' left a bitter, sour taste in my mouth. Gerald was father to only one child and it most certainly was not this brat. "I miss you."

"I missed you too, Haruhi. You have gotten so big."

"I'll be ten this year in August."

"Then we must throw you the biggest party to date, my dear. Turning double-digits is a milestone." She smiled, beaming pure happiness. It sickened me.

"Where is your daughter?"

"With her grandparents down at the lake for the summer. Her school lets out a little earlier than yours but she visits every weekend. This weekend you will have to meet her."

Haruhi nodded, still smiling. I watched as Gerald placed her back on the ground and instructed that she go watch some television while he and her mother had an adult conversation. She gave one last hug before disappearing into the other room to watch some cartoon I paid no mind to. It was the same one Alicia watched.

Gerald immediately engulfed Phoebe in a hug, placing a chaste kiss upon her forehead as she started crying again. I felt my grip on the butter knife I was holding stiffen at the sight. I did not want him touching her, regardless of their current relationship. She was his ex and I was here to make sure it damn well stayed that way. Who did this busty bimbo think she was barging into my home taking my man? I was no longer the fiancée she knew off when he first introduced us; I was now the wife.

He calmed her, wiping stray tears from her face. "It's alright, love."

Love?

"Gerald, I have nowhere to go. I can't even prove that Kato did burn down my house. The insurance companies…"

"Are taken care of." He finished. "Arnold called me at six this morning to tell me the news and I rushed down to the office to consult with one of my colleagues who is more rehearsed on this type of law and he is looking into it."

"But, the police had escorted me off the premises before I could ask questions and…."

"A friend of mine works with the local fire-department. I am awaiting a call from him now and as soon as he can prove that the fire was indeed started intentionally from a third party, then I will send in my guys with a court order to search the place." He hugged her again. "It's all being taken care of, Phoebe."

I felt green with envy as they embraced again. I thought he left early for some board meeting. He left me…our bed…our home to rescue a damsel in distress that happened to be his ex-girlfriend. Why did he not tell me he was going to help her? Why did he not communicate to me that all this had happened? I took in a deep breath in order to calm my nerves, realizing I was clenching onto the butter-knife for dear life in a rush of pure rage.

"But…" she continued. "Helga is out of town for the weekend on her book signing tour and I don't want to make Arnold feel uncomfortable feeling he has to support three people in his home now. He offered me his spare gust room but I can't take it; and I only have enough money in my savings to rent a hotel room for a night or so."

"You can stay in my spare guest room and Haruhi can have the other so she can have her own space." He finished. I damn near chocked.

"E-excuse me?" I butted in, earning stares. I cleared my throat. "I mean…shouldn't we discuss this first, Gerald?"

"Chandra…"

"I think we need to talk for a minute." I deadpanned, immediately glaring at Phoebe. I watched her flinch. "Do you mind leaving the kitchen so Gerald and I can talk?"

She shook her head, forcing a small smile before quickly removing herself from the bar stool to maneuver past Gerald and away from my not-so-timid frame. I waited until she was out of earshot to dig into him. "The hell!?"

"Chandra, that was rude."

"No, what is rude is you inviting her to stay in our home without consulting me first."

"She has nowhere to go."

"A fucking hotel is made for situations like this!" I barked, trying to control my sudden flow of anger and adrenaline. Gerald rubbed his temples, trying to calm down himself. He hated when we argued and we seemed to be doing a lot of that lately. "Gerald, I am trying to be sympathetic, but a hotel is not a rule-out option. She has to go there."

"The closest, decent, hotel is downtown which is forty miles away. Phoebe works only ten away from our home and Haruhi's school is less than five."

"Trains and busses." I combated. "There is a train that runs to and from the city daily and I will be happy to buy her a weekend pass."

Gerald sucked in his teeth, glaring at me repulsively. It caught me a little off-guard. I have never seen Gerald look so disgusted and it made me shiver in thought. "You cannot be serious!"

"I don't feel comfortable with her in my house!"

"Why!?" he roared. "You think because we slept together at one point in time I'm going to immediately fall to into her arms again? Is that is Chandra? Do you feel threatened with my ex living under the same roof as my wife?"

I grew quiet, trying my damndest to ebb my anger in a half-hearted attempt to salvage this conversation. Truth was I was jealous and a little intimidated. This was the very woman that left his heart in shambles for me to pick up all the pieces and the same woman he is so quick to let back into his life without second thought. We both remained quiet for awhile, gathering our thoughts as our emotions were reeled back in order to simmer our tempers.

"Gerald…I just don't feel comfortable with your ex living in my home."

"She was my friend before anything ever happened between us, Chandra."

"I understand that, I do, but how would you feel if Michael was to come over and just ask to live here?"

He sighed, leaning back against the stainless steel of our new stove. "She did not ask to live her, Chandra, I invited her. And to be perfectly honest, as much as I would not like it, you have known Michael for damn near twenty years. He was here before I was so if he genuinely had no other options, I would not mind."

"Bullshit!" I spat with venom. I was tired of being cordial and polite. I wanted to end this conversation now and I was putting my foot down. "You mean to tell me that if my ex-fiancée needed a place to stay you would house him?"

"Not indefinitely, Chandra!" he shot back with equal amounts of poison. "It'll only be for a few days and you act like I said she could sleep with us in our bed."

"So you clearly are dismissing my feelings on the situation, huh?" I crossed my arms, tapping my foot. "You don't care how uncomfortable this makes me feel."

He sighed. "Chandra, be reasonable for a second."

"No, Gerald!" I slammed my fists against the countertop. There was a cloak of eerie silence that engulfed the house and I immediately went into the living room to find both Phoebe and Haruhi missing. Gerald had reached for his cell phone and dialed her number several times- all of them going straight to voicemail. He let out a low growl before punching a wall to release his frustrations. He shot me one last look before turning away from me to grab his shoes and car keys from the foyer. I reached out and grabbed his shoulder, but he jerked away from me. He warned to leave him alone in fear of having him say something he would immediately regret but I could not muster the courage. I grabbed him one last time before he snatched my wrists to pin me against a wall near the front door. If I was not feeling so guilty, I would have found the scene erotic.

Gerald remained silent, my breasts pressed against his chest as my breathing grew deep and ragged. He released me before telling me to give him some space for awhile. Before he could leave out of the front door I reached for his hand, grabbing it for dear life. I stunned him briefly, even myself, before I met my hazel eyes with his.

"Do you still love her?"

He remained quiet, pulling away from me before closing the front door behind him.

Took a while to figure it out, there is no way you could be who you say you are…you have to be someone else