Daunting Realities

On the trip back to North Carolina, there was noticeable tension between the married couple. Once they made it home, Allen immediately retreated to their bedroom and began removing some of his belongings.

Kate looked on in shock, “So, what’s this?”

Allen continued to grab his items.

“So, we’re not going to even attempt—”

“Look, Kate, I can’t just pretend that all that has happened didn’t.”

“I thought we agreed what happened in New Orleans, stayed there. You certainly had fun too.”

Allen scoffed, “I did have fun. It was fun. But what I never did was lie. I’ve never lied to you. I was always true and I would have never cheated on you even though—”

Her face washed with sadness, “Even though what? Say it.”

“The last year was rough. You know it. We weren’t having sex like before and when we did it would end too quickly. I wasn’t satisfied, Kate. I just wasn’t.”

“I Know. That’s why I got you, Bree.”

“Is that why?”

“What does that mean?”

“You were already sleeping with another woman throughout our marriage.”

“It wasn’t all throughout…it was an occasional meeting twice a year for God’s sake. Don’t be so melodramatic.”

“Melodramatic…wow. I’m going to the guest bedroom.” He attempted to walk off, but she ran and stood in front of the bedroom door. “What are you doing?” he asked.

“We’re not done.”

“For now…we are. I need a few days—”

Tears streamed down her face, “Allen…I’m done with Judith and Yvette and everything. Please.”

He shook his head, “Just allow me time.”

She stepped aside. He opened the door just before he walked out, she said, “Just fucking admit it.”

He turned to her, “What?”

“You’ve fallen in love with her. That’s why you don’t want to give this shit up.”

Did he dare respond? He saw the panic and stress in her eyes, “As I said, give me time.”

She unleashed a series of soft punches on his chest, “Kate, calm down,” he insisted. He grabbed her wrists and held them.

“Look me in the eyes and just fucking say it.”

“I’m going into the guest bedroom,” he stated firmly before walking off with a gym bag full of his things.

After Allen put away his stuff, he went over to the bed and dropped down, “Geesh, fuck,” he said to himself. He wondered how did it ever come to that moment when he was contemplating if he had made a mistake getting married.

It was a whirlwind affair. He was intrigued by Kate’s intelligence and her love of people. He had to convince her to marry him. They had to deal with Kate’s father’s disapproval and even Allen’s mother thought it was a bad idea. She wanted grandchildren and knew Kate would most likely not be able to give Allen a child.

They did try for a couple of years, but it didn’t work out. He convinced himself he’d be okay without having any children. He loved Kate. He’d do anything for her.

He reached for his cellphone and called Bree, her sweet voice sounded and his heart melted, “What are you doing right now?” he asked as he lay back.

“I was just about to grab a snack and then head to bed.”

“Umm, take tomorrow off.”

“Um, maybe I can do that.”

“Come on, let’s go up to the mountains take some pictures, have some lunch just enjoy the scenery.”

“You’re very enticing Mr. Allen.”

“So, yes?”

“Yes.”

“Great let’s meet by the mall and I’ll drive.”

“Okay, babe.”

Allen laid back and smiled.

Kate paced back and forth along the side of her bed. “What was I thinking?” she asked herself out loud. When she first saw Bree, she couldn’t help but think how pretty she was. She was perfect. Much like Yvette. Women with unique beauty always caught her eye. Even more so when they had great personalities.

These were things Kate loved about Judith. Judith was a beautiful person with a beautiful soul. The moment they met, they hit it off. Society was stricter when she was coming into her sexuality and realizing what she wanted and liked.

Her parents were die-hard religious, especially her father. She had heard her father say some pretty nasty things about Gay people. How could she ever come out if he felt that way? She didn’t want to be hated, cut off, or disowned.

She took a deep breath, “No, I won’t lose. I will fix this.”

She lay in bed. Tears formed in her eyes. She would not lose her husband to the woman next door. She would not lose Allen to anyone.

When morning arrived, Kate sat up and groaned. The night was long and morning seemed like it wouldn’t arrive. Her eyes felt tired. She slowly rose to her feet and shuffled to the bathroom. After relieving herself, she looked in the mirror and took a deep breath, Allen would love breakfast before he heads to work, she thought.

She fixed herself up and headed downstairs. She saw Allen already dressed and about to head out, “Oh, you’re leaving?”

“Yes. I have some stuff to get caught up on.”

She nodded, “I was going to make you breakfast. Maybe we can do lunch. I’ll bring you something around noon.”

Quickly he responded, “No. I’ll be busy all day. I plan to just grab a sandwich from the cafeteria and eat it at my desk.”

“So, is it going to be like this?”

Deep sigh, “I asked you for time. Just give me some time.”

“How much?”

“I don’t know Kate. Five years perhaps.”

She frowned and watched as he left. The door shut. She grabbed a coffee cup from the counter and threw it down on the floor. Sure, it didn’t fix anything, but it felt good to break.

She called her mother, “Hey, are you busy?”

“No, what’s wrong?”

“Is dad there?”

“He’s going golfing in a few.”

“I’m on my way over.” She ended the call and then headed to her room to get dressed.

***

Bree headed to the mall, when she pulled into the parking lot, she parked on the far end away from most of the cars. Her phone sounded. She answered the video call from Nicole, “Where you going?” asked Nicole. She saw Bree in a tank top, her hair pulled up in a bun.

“I’m headed to the mountains with Allen.”

“Wait. What about Kate?”

“I suppose it’s okay,” Bree responded, but she didn’t want to think about it. She only wanted to spend time with Allen. “He’s pulling up now, I have to go.”

“Alright, sis.”

Bree got out of her car and walked over to Allen’s. They hugged and kissed immediately, “Can’t wait to spend the day with you.” He was still dressed in his business slacks and polo-style shirt. “I’ll change at the park,” he said as he opened the car door for Bree.

An hour later, they were at Hanging Rock State Park. Allen parked at the visitor’s center and then changed quickly before they headed out on a trail. Bree stood looking at the map, “Which one?”

“Let’s do Indian Creek to Hidden Falls. I would love to get some shots over there by the falls.”

Bree lifted her left eyebrow and he chuckled, “It won’t be that bad,” he said as he reached for a long wooden stick that lay on the ground, “Here you go,” he said as he handed her the stick.

The trail he chose happened to be strenuous, which meant it was going to be a serious leg workout. “Alright, let’s go,” she said as she began walking with the stick in her right hand.

Fresh air, magnificent trees towering all around, dirt and graveled trail, the sweet sound of birds singing and they fluttered about the sky. It was a perfect day to get away and reflect.

So much had happened. The mountains were a great place to disconnect from the craziness of life and just exist and enjoy the beauty of nature. They hiked for a while stopping occasionally to take pictures and steal a few kisses off each other’s lips.

“I could stay out here forever with you.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I mean, you are my wife now.”

She chuckled, “Oh you mean our play wedding in New Orleans.”

“Yeah. That was fun.”

“It was.”

They continued along the trail and finally ended up at the hidden falls. They took some pictures and then sat to rest. It was peaceful, she turned to him. She saw how deep in thought he was. “You good?”

“I’m good for now. I just don’t know about my life anymore. It’s like you think you have it all figured out and then here comes life with a hard kick to the ass.”

She chuckled, “It certainly seems that way. But…I don’t know. I think life is less complex. We just overcomplicate it.”

He turned to her, “We overcomplicate it?”

“I get it. Life does have its twists and turns, but things get messy when we begin to mess with things. It’s like we know what to do, but our egos, emotions, and all that other stuff keeps us from moving in the direction we should…so we end up convincing ourselves that the crazy decisions we make are good. Then when it gets messy…we ask how and why?”

He nodded, “Yeah. I can see that.”

“It’s like me agreeing to sleep with you. Deep down…I knew that it probably wasn’t a good idea, but my flesh craved you from the moment I first saw you. I wanted what I wanted and now things are messy. I honestly can’t keep myself from thinking—”

“Thinking what?”

“How I want to be with you. Back in Florida. A nice house near the bay. Big backyard, trees, two kids, two dogs, some goldfish, and a turtle named Margret.”

He smiled, “A turtle named Margret. Nice. Two kids?”

“Two boys, maybe a girl and a boy or whatever God and the universe sends us. A boat, you can teach us how to navigate the open waters.”

Allen smiled, “Those are beautiful visions.” He had not allowed himself to think that far ahead, but he did envision being with Bree for a longer duration than what Kate expected.

“But you’re married.” She turned to him. Her eyes nearly watered. He reached over and kissed her.

“Come on let’s head back.”

****

Kate and her mother sat out on the patio having sweet tea with lemon and eating tuna fish sandwiches.

“New Orleans happened and everything got messed up,” Kate said as she took a sip of her cool tea.

Her mother nodded, “So, what exactly do you want?”

Kate scoffed, “What do you mean?”

“I mean gal, what is it that you want? What do you really want?”

“I want to save my marriage of course.”

Her mother sighed, “Well, then you have to make a choice to leave all that other stuff behind. No more lying. Be honest with Allen. Give him a chance to see you mean business.”

She reached for her mother’s hand, “Thanks, mom.”

Her mother nodded. After another hour, Kate went home.

*****

Allen had driven to the lake. They pitched a tent in the camping area. They laid back and enjoyed the view while talking.

“You think we should head back?” she asked looking into his eyes.

“Not yet.” He eased over to her and pressed his lips onto hers.

She giggled, “Close the flap,” she said as she undid her shorts. He closed the flap and then turned to her to remove the shorts. He took off his shirt. She ran her hands along his chest. He pressed his way inside and feel the warmness of her yoni. He savored the feeling as he looked down upon her.

She bit her lip. The look in her eyes was so inviting. She enjoyed him just as much as he enjoyed her. He stroked slowly while kissing her breasts. Her fingers strummed her clit as he moved masterfully.

“Oooohhh, shit,” she moaned softly, “come here baby,” she said pulling him closer, “Kiss me,” she said.

She wrapped her arms around him tightly, her legs were straight allowing the friction to move perfectly along her clit as his cock filled her. Her hands were on his ass, pulling him deeper as she moved her hips, “Oh fuck,” her eyes watered, she giggled and cried as her orgasm sent energy through her body.

“You cumming all over my cock babe.”

“Um-hmm.”

“I love it.”

She bent her knees and opened them wide, “You know what I want,” she said. He pulled out and fingered her with two fingers while wiggling her clit. He watched her body twitch, her legs tremble just before she squirted, “Oh fuck yes.”

He pushed his cock back into her drenched cunt and stroked for dear life. They moaned softly, panting more and more as they got closer to orgasm. His lips touched her, he pushed for far in she squealed and let out a deep groan as did he when he burst. “Ohh fuck,” he said.

He wanted to see a future with Bree, but how could he allow himself to think like that? What excuse would he have to divorce Kate? It would get messy. People would think he was just some gigolo using Kate for her money. Or that he was a loser who saw the first chance to leave for a younger woman.

“We should probably head back,” he said.

Bree nodded, “Yeah.”

Allen arrived home around 6:00 pm. Kate stared at him when he walked through the door, “Where have you been?” she asked.

He looked at himself dressed in his slacks and polo shirt, “Work. This is the time I usually get home.”

“I called your office. Josh said he had not seen you.”

He shook his head, “So what are you going to be checking up on me now?”

“You were with her.”

“This is ridiculous.”

“Ridiculous. My husband is out screwing another woman and I’m being ridiculous.”

“Yes. You gave me the thumbs up, remember.”

“I also rescinded. I want you to stop.”

Allen sighed, “And then what? How long will it be before you meet some other woman that gets you all hot and bothered and you start cheating? Or how long before you realize our sexual energies don’t match and you run off to find me another fuck buddy that you can enjoy too.”

“Don’t speak to me that way.”

“I’m going to go take a shower.” He walked away and stopped before he got to the steps, “Yes, I was with Bree. And yes, I do love her.”

Her face cracked, “You’re leaving me?”

“No. I’m not going to leave you, Kate. That’s the harsh reality of life. You’ve loved a woman for twenty years and chose to marry me and I’m married to you when I love someone else. This is our reality. It could be simple, but—” he sighed, “Good night.”