First and Foremost, I apologize for the very, very long delay… LOL I have no clue how I haven't updated in 6 years. Without wasting anymore time, let's work on this story….

Chapter 8

Reba arrived back home after her encounter with Tim. She didn't really know what she was thinking. On one hand, she wanted revenge. She wanted Brock to hurt like she was. But on the other hand, Tim was like an escape. He was different than Brock. Everything about him was different; the way he talked, smiled, walked and even made love was unlike Brock. The secrecy of their forbidden relationship provided a new sense of excitement for her. Although she wanted Brock to hurt, she tugged at her heart when she realized that she'd have to lie to him. Everything would be a lie. She'd be lying to her husband and her children. But she needed this, she needed this release.

As she reached her bedroom, she was unsure of whether to turn the knob. She feared the moment when she would see Brock's face. She was afraid that once she saw his face, she wouldn't be able to go through with the lies. She may have been mad as hell at him, but he still had a hold on her. All it would take is for her to look into his eyes and she would spill her heart out to him. With shaking hands, she opened the door to her bedroom. Fortunately for Reba, Brock was asleep. She just stared at him for a while, wondering how they allowed themselves to get this far off base.

"How did this happen?" she thought to herself.

She quietly made her way across the room, changing into her pajamas. She slowly climbed into bed, making sure not to wake her sleeping husband. She turned her back towards him because she couldn't face a man that she no longer respected. Eventually, her eyes became heavy and asleep she went.

The morning came and Reba made sure to get out of bed before Brock. Brock awoke to an empty bedside. He massaged his arm over the spot where his wife would've been. Worry and concern permeated his mind because he remembered waiting up for her, but she never came home. He wondered where she could've been. He knew that he couldn't be too upset because he was aware that she needed space. She needed space away from the house, their situation, and more importantly space away from him. He loved her and he wasn't ready to give up on their marriage yet. Deep down he knew that Reba wasn't ready to give up on their marriage either because if she was, she would've left him by now. Brock made his way out of bed and downstairs. He figured Reba wasn't home so he wanted to make sure that he was downstairs before the kids because he didn't want them to notice that she wasn't home. As he came down the stairs, he could smell bacon and eggs coming from the kitchen. As he walked through the living room and closer towards the kitchen, he heard talking and laughter. Once he reached the kitchen, he was surprised by what he saw. All of the kids were at the kitchen table and Reba was by the stove cooking. She was even smiling. Brock was confused because he didn't remember her coming home last night. He wanted to know exactly where she had been but figured he wouldn't rock the boat but would instead ride this weird wave that everyone seemed to be on.

Reba noticed the confused look on Brock's face so she spoke up.

"Good Mornin', honey. Breakfast will be ready in a bit," she said with a reassuring smile.

"Geez dad, you must've been tired, we've been waiting on you," Cheyenne said while looking at her father.

"Oh sweetie I apologize. I don't know what happened, I just sort of passed out. I would've been down here earlier if I had known all of you were up and having a good time," he said while smiling at his daughter.

HONK, HONK! The horn on the school bus penetrated the Hart House.

"Okay kids, hurry up the bus is here." Reba Hart kissed all of her children as they each walked out of the door. The kitchen became eerily quiet once the children left. Both Reba and Brock were unsure as to what they would say to each other. Reba placed a plate of food on the table for Brock, trying not to seem suspicious or make eye contact. Brock was confused as ever. He finally walked over to his wife as she moved about the kitchen. He couldn't stand the lack of communication anymore. He gently took hold of her arm. Reba jumped a bit, not realizing that he was there. With everything in her she wanted hide what was really going on in her head.

"Honey, I don't want to fight, but what is going on? I don't remember you coming home last night and I didn't hear you come in this morning." Brock was concerned for his wife.

"Brock, you don't have to worry. I came home last night but I noticed you sleeping peacefully and I didn't want to bother you. I woke up early this morning because I realize that I have been distant from all of you guys and I wanted to make up for that by cooking breakfast." Reba had hoped that he was buying what she was saying.

"Reba, I know that our lives have been pure hell for the last several months. And I am so sorry for that. But please believe me when I say that I love you. I love you with all of my heart and I don't want to give up on our marriage. I'm sorry about Barbara Jean, the pregnancy, the kiss, and just everything. I know I don't deserve it, but please give me another chance."

Reba didn't know what to say. Here he was, spilling his heart out to her and believe it or not, he looked sincere. But Reba had heard this song before. Every time he hurt her he would make the same plea for forgiveness and she would fall back into his arms. She didn't want to be the fool anymore. So with the most sincerity that she could find in her heart and with the most honest expression on her face she said,

"Okay Brock. I'll give us another chance." A smile spread across his face as he pulled her into a hug. Brock believed that their lives would go back to the days of hugs and kisses. While Reba knew that their lives would never be the same.

After breakfast, Brock left for his dental office. Reba was in the process of cleaning up the kitchen when her cellphone started ringing. It was him.

"Hey?!" Reba said a little unsure.

"Hey Reba, I was just calling to see if you're okay?" Tim asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just straightening up around the house," she laughed nervously.

"I know this is a bit sudden and you haven't had a lot of time to let our discussion that we had earlier marinate. But, can you come over to my house?"

"Umm Tim, I…Uh"

"Reba, I know this isn't easy for you, but I assure you that this is just between us. Please, come over. I really want to see you."

"I know and I want to see you too but what if one of my kids calls me from school or Brock comes home early from work?"

"If your kids need you, then you'll have your cellphone. If Brock comes home early, then you can just tell him that you were out shopping."

All of those excuses sounded like the perfect alibi. Still nervous and unsure, Reba remained silent.

"Reba, please. Come to me. I promise nothing will go wrong."

"Ok. Give me 20 minutes," Reba said with a shaking voice. Reba slowly hung up her phone. She just stood there for a moment, uneasy and unsure. Finally, she shook all thought and began to get ready. As she left her bedroom, she stopped in front of her mirror and looked at herself.

"Who is this woman looking back me," she thought to herself. She pushed away any negative thoughts and walked out of the room. It was time for her to be selfish. As she drove to Tim's house, she purposely drove under the speed limit. She would breathe a sigh of relief when she would stop at a red light. But even with all of these distractions, she still made it to Tim's House. It took her 10 minutes to get out of the car. Slowly but surely, she walked her way up to his front door. Tim opened the door.

"Hey," she said nervously looking away from him, making sure no one saw her. He gently grabbed her wrist and lead her inside, closing the door after them. Reba just stood by the door, clutching her purse. Tim seeing the nervousness wash over her began to speak.

"Reba, thank you for coming." She just nodded her head in acknowledgment. Tim wanted to break the ice, so he walked closer towards her with lust in his eyes. He was just about to kiss her when she backed away.

"Tim, I'm sorry but I'm scared. What if my husband finds out? I don't know how this works, I've never done this before," she released the breath that she was holding.

Tim smiled and walked closer towards her until her back hit the door. He placed his hand under her chin and looked into her eyes.

"Reba, I promise you, nobody will know." Her breathing became heavier and faster as he once again leaned closer to her face. Anticipation began to build as she awaited the moment when his lips touched hers.

The kiss began soft and sweet. She closed her eyes as they made contact. He removed his hand from her chin and placed both hands on her waist, closing the gap between their bodies and penning her to the door even more. The heat between them made her body tingle. She knew it was wrong but the more he kissed her, the more she couldn't stop herself. His touch was like magic. Without a second thought, he lifted her off the floor and began carrying her upstairs, neither one of them breaking eye contact.

He laid her on the bed as gently as he could. Not breaking the kiss as they lay horizontal, him on top of her. She loved the feel of his lips and his touch. She loved how he took his time taking off her clothes. She loved the butterfly kisses. She loved his passion and lust. He was slightly rough but it was sexy and added to the moment. She felt so great and free. All thoughts of guilt, Brock, and her worries were washed away in this moment. He made her feel so good and so important. As they both began to reach their climax, they stared intensely to the eyes of one another. And together, they released themselves of all inhibitions.

When it was over, Tim just stared at Reba as he ran a finger alongside her face. She appreciated that when it was over he didn't just roll over on the bed. She liked how he studied her instead. He kissed her one last time before speaking,

"I would ask you to lay with me for a little while longer, but I know you have to go home."

"Thank you, Tim," Reba said with a few tears welling up in her eyes.

"Thank you for what?"

"For saving me." She lifted her body up to kiss him one more time before climbing out of his bed to put on her clothes.

Reba made it home before Brock or the kids, she was relieved. She had a pep in her step and more energy. She had dinner ready before the kids got home and even managed to make dessert. The kids noticed their mom's change in attitude but didn't think anything of it. Brock came home and when he walked in the door, he could smell a delicious home-cooked meal. He noticed that Reba seemed happy and moved about with more enthusiasm. She laughed and talked with the kids. She even greeted Brock when she noticed him standing in the kitchen. He was a bit taken back but then realized that maybe she was ready to move forward with their marriage. He enjoyed seeing his wife happy again.

That night, after the kids went to bed, Reba and Brock retreated to their bedrooms. As they lay in bed, Brock turned over towards her and wrapped his arms around her. To his surprise, she didn't push him away. He went to sleep believing that the old wife he knew and loved was back. She lied awake with thoughts of Tim roaming through her mind…

To be continued next week =)