Rapunzel

HE WAS RAPUNZELED

She let her hair down, but not with him.

Preamble Ramble- Some people hate my rambles but I like them. It gives me a chance to explain my thinking behind a story. Its the only way I have to communicate with people who read my stories. And those who do thank you.

THIS IS VERY AND I MEAN VERY LOOSEY BASED ON THE FAIRY TALE.

Someone wrote, 'writers aren't born. You become a writer.' Maybe one day I can call myself a writer.

My stories are narrative heavy which some consider lazy writing. I do include dialogue were I feel its necessary but I find this is my style.

Also, people say I need an editor. This will be the last time I mention it. If you want to proof read my stories and can get them back to me in a timely manner hit me up. I've sent request to everyone who complained about my lack of editing on my last story to ask for assistance only got one response. So if bad grammar bothers you it might be best to pass this by. I would love for you to give it chance though. I do the best I can.

The idea for this story is to weird to get into, but I was thinking about making a series of stories based on fairy tales. We'll see how it goes.

I hope you like the story. Oh yeah, its based in Greenville of course.

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I heard Sara walk in after work. I'm usually home at least a couple of hours after she was but I strained my back at work and left early. Me, I'm Devin Fletcher. 32 and work for Martin Plumbing here in the city. Have been for 8 years. Its not glamorous by far but it pays very well. I could be in the very high five figures in 5 years if I play my cards right. I'm not what you think of someone who is a plumber. I watch Jeopardy every day. I read Greek Classics and love Classical music. I'm not a nerd just well rounded.

Sara, my beautiful wife is 29 and works for the city library. She is the embodiment of the hot librarian you read about in stories or see in videos. She's 5 foot 10 inches tall which is an inch taller than me. Only weighs 130 pounds without a day of working out. She has been blessed with good genes. Not overly busty and a well proportioned booty. Also like the typical librarian she's very, shall we say very reserved. She's not very adventurous. Her style of dress is very conservative with her wearing her hair in a tight bun. Or as I learned a Chignon. When its not in a bun, I mean Chignon, it reaches to her waist. I like it either way. She very rarely wears it down. She has a dry almost British like sense of humor. She is very loving and caring. We have been married for 4 years having dated for 2.

She gave me a big kiss as she entered the kitchen. She's not always affectionate so I appreciate it when she is. "I'm surprised to see you home so early. Is everything okay? Carl didn't fire you did he"?

Laughing, "No I didn't get fired yet. I strained my back reaching under a sink. Maybe I'm getting to old for this type of work."

"How about I give you a nice back rub later on, maybe that will help."

"It should but you'll try to touch my booty." We both laughed. It was an inside joke between us about giving each other massages.

I had ordered dinner from a new Mexican place on Main St. Viva Tequis Taqueria and Cantina and was putting it out on the table. She only eats American, Chinese and Mexican food. We tried Thai and the new Ethiopian place Almez and found out she hated both. The library isn't the most exciting place so most of her stories were about funny things people asked about or having to chase out a homeless person, I'm sorry an unhoused person. They once found a woman passed out in a bathroom and had to call the police and ambulance. The worst was when a kid found a guy doing the Fenty Lean. I had to look that up.

My job is the same way. How many times can you talk about clogged drains and toilets. I once went to a house and when the lady answered the door she was only wearing a sheer robe and stockings. I had to reschedule because to me, only bad things could happen. I don't cheat on my wife and if I rejected her she could have said I tried something with her in anger. Better safe than sorry.

"You remember I talked to you about Tressa?" She had been there for a little less than a month. She was younger then everyone else at 24 and single. I hadn't met her but the stories Sara told about her made her sound very interesting. She sounds like someone between a 60's hippie mixed with a 80's new wave fan. She just moved to town from Columbia South Carolina. Sara said she was a very nice girl and people loved working with her.

'Yes, I remember her, why?"

We all decided to get together after work Friday and go to Whiskey Mill Gastonia on New Hope. She doesn't know a lot of people and doesn't get out much. Brent thought it would be fun if we all got out together and socialized away from the job." I knew the place. It was ten minutes from both the library and our house. Sara isn't a big drinker. She's a two glass of wine kind of woman. I don't know how her co-workers are. Two are around her age and four others older. Two of those are really old, well over fifty. This was the first time they had ever gotten together for an event like this. I wasn't worried about thing happening because I knew Sara's nature.

"Well that sounds like fun. I know it would be interesting to see how people act away from work. People can be someone totally different after hours."

"I don't think Judy is a big drinker and Jack is over his party days. Plus, I won't be there long myself."

That Friday came, Sara texted to remind she wouldn't be home until around eight. I had completely forgot about it told her to have fun. I didn't say 'not too much fun' because like I said, I know Sara's nature. I decided to treat myself to some Thai food at Kitchen Mae Kong. A coworker turned me on to the place. People always go for the Pad Thai which is a shame because there's so much more to Thai food. I got Pia Sarm Rod, fried fish, and a Singha Beer. You can only get them at Thai restaurants. Who said plumbers can't be cultured.

I got home around 6:30 and sat and watched a MAC game, Northern Illinois versus Miami on ESPN 2. Eight came but I wasn't worried. I mean I wasn't expecting her as the chimes rang. Than 8:30. 9 o'clock. At 9:30 I started to have some concern. 9:45 I texted her to see if she was okay and didn't get a response. 10 o'clock I was now very worried. This isn't like her. At 11:00 I was frantic still not getting a response on her phone. I drove to go by the bar. Its not a really big place. The lot was full which I expected being a Friday night. I drove around but didn't see her car. I went in and looked around but didn't see her or any of her co-workers that I might know. Now I was freaking out. She had never done anything like this before. We always communicate if plans change. On the way back home I called to see if there had been any accidents because that's all I could think had happened. There were none in my area. I had no other option but to go home and pray she was okay.

I guess I had fallen asleep on the couch. The TV was still showing Sports Center when the lights of the car pulling into the driveway woke me up. I jumped and ran to the door when I got my bearings. Sara was sitting in her car but didn't get out immediately. I was wondering what was wrong and glad that she was home and okay at the same time. When she opened the door she seemed to hesitate getting out. I reach back and turned on the porch light. Momentarily blinded by the light she let out a gasp. As soon as I saw the way she looked I joined her in that gasp. Her clothing was what only could be called disheleved and her hair was down and uncombed. I've never seen in like that except when shes getting out of bed in the morning. She always took pride in her appearance.

She stopped and was looking at me, like she was trying to gauge my reaction. I could only stare at her. Finally words came to my idled brain. "Please tell you didn't do what I think you did?" From her appearance there can only be one conclusion. Either she's had sex or was in a fight. And I know she doesn't fight.

She finally started walking towards me. "Devin, you need to let me explain. Its not what it appears to be." She said as she reached me.

I stepped back. "It appears you've been having sex Sara, that's the way it appears to me. Unless you have another explanation. And if you do it better be a damn good one." I said louder than I wanted to. I didn't want wake the neighbors. Not that I cared about them at the moment. Still, I didn't need my families dirty business as gossip fodder for the block.

"Please let me explain what happened Devin please." As she reached out to me I backed away into the house.

"You better have a damn good story to tell!" I said as I walked back into the living room. She followed slowly. I turned and motioned for her to sit down. In all the years we've been together we've never had a serious argument. This would be the first. Maybe the last depending on what she said. When she was sitting down, "Okay lets hear your story. And it better be really good Sara. Our future rest on it."

"Devin, you know I love you." I stopped her, "I don't need a preamble, Sara, I need the truth. This is a bad start."

"Okay' she continued. 'most of the people from the library showed up after work. Brent drove and Tressa and I rode with him. We didn't expect to stay as long as we did. Everyone except Judy and Jack came but they begged off They are the two oldest employees and a couple of others who couldn't get babysitters. We were there early and the place was starting to get crowded because of Happy Hour. We had put a couple of tables together and were having a good time. You know I'm not a big drinker. Tressa is more of a party girl than I thought. Karen was keeping up with her and they started teasing me only drinking wine and Brent just having beer. Tressa ordered shots of some kind of liquor so we all did one. I knew I didn't want to drink to much. Plus I wanted to be home at 8:00 at least. Around 7 they started playing music. At first we just sat and talked about things outside of the job. Someone asked Tressa to dance. Then Brent asked some woman to dance and I was sitting at the table by myself. Joshua and Tyler had already left. While I was sitting a man approached me to dance but I refused. He was very persistent. I tried to be polite telling him I was married. That didn't seem to phase him though. Brent came back to the table and overheard the guy and told him to move on. Which he finally did. Tressa came back to the table seeing what happened asking if I was okay. She went and got I think she said a Citywide for all of us. She said its usually a shot of liquor and a beer but she got me one with wine. I didn't realize it but this was my third glass of wine and my second shot. I was feeling pretty good by then. We all went out to dance several times as a group. I don't know what time it was. It had slipped my mind to be home by 8 since I was having fun. I figured I didn't have a curfew and I very rarely went out socially without you. I was with friends so I know I was safe. So we danced a couple of times. Tressa was asked to dance several times. Brent was even asked to dance. Eventually it felt silly sitting at the table by myself so I accept an invitation.' She could see the look on my face that I wasn't happy to say the least.

'I know what you're thinking but I keep the guys at a safe distance.' I interrupted, "Not safe enough it appears." I said sarcastically." Please Devin, you're not helping. As I said I had danced a couple of times. I had started drinking orange juice instead of wine. I knew I was starting to get tipsy. A guy I danced with offered to buy me a drink and I accepted. I was still sitting with Tressa and Brent. The guy seemed nice and understood I was married. We talked a little but that was all. In the next ten or fifteen minutes I started to feel woozy. I got up to go to the bathroom and afterwards went outside to get some fresh air." She stopped to see how I was reacting to what she was saying. I motioned for her to continue.

When I was outside I started to feel worse. I felt strange. My body felt warm, really warm. The guy that bought me the drink came out of the shadows it seemed. He asked if I was okay and I told I was feeling strange. He suggest we take a walk so I could clear my head. My thinking wasn't clear. I'm going for a walk with a guy who I didn't even know. I would never have done that if I was in my right mind. I had noticed that he would touch my arm or caress my shoulder as we walked. The more he touched me the hotter my body got. I had never felt like that before. It couldn't have been more than five minutes of walking we end by an duplex and he was rubbing my breast. Whenever he touched me it made me hotter. I would have never acted like that if I wasn't drugged. I think he put ecstasy in my drink. Between the alcohol and the drugs its the only thing I could think of." She was imploring me with her eyes to believe her.

I sat back in the chair. I had to think for a minute. To wrap my head around this. I stood up quickly. She was shocked not knowing what I was going to do. "Come on we're going to the emergency room." as I went to get my car keys and cell phone.

"Why are we going there?" she asked questioningly.

"Because if you were drugged that is considered rape. X doesn't last long in your system so we need to get a blood sample and call the police as soon as possible."

"I don't want to call the police, Do we have too?"

I stopped short, "Why wouldn't you want to report it. You were basically raped. You said you think you were drugged. That means you were unable to say no. Are you saying you weren't now?" Her hesitation startled me. I was going to give her the benefit of the doubt. Now I was the one having doubts. Why wouldn't she want the guy arrested. 'Was everything you told me a lie to cover the truth Sara?"

"No I wasn't lying. You know I would never have sex with another man without being forced! I don't want everyone to know what happened to me is all."

"That's a weak excuse. Your co-workers know you went outside and never came back in. They probably already know you left with that guy since he was the only one you danced with and he bought you a drink. You both disappeared at the same time. I mean, Brent was your ride back to your car. Ergo, you left to have sex with him. You had been drinking so maybe you weren't thinking straight and came up with this story to cover the truth. Forced or unforced, drugged or not drugged. If you don't want to get tested and report it I can only assume one thing. You had sex willingly. And that means I have only one option."

"It wasn't willingly. He drugged me. Why can't you just take my word and trust me. I've never lied to you in all the time we've been together. I don't understand why you don't believe me!" She wasn't crying, Sara isn't a crier.

"Than give me one good reason you don't want to see the guy who raped you put away? If he did it to you he did it some other women and will keep doing until he's caught. How hard is that to understand. They have laws now to protect rape victims. You reluctance gives me pause Sara. I want to believe you. I really do. I want to give you the benefit of the doubt. You're making that real hard."

"It would be embarrassing that's why. People would think I'm a slut. A drunk who gets drugged and screwed. I'm not doing it!" She said emphatically.

I just looked at her. I was stunned. "So you would rather have your husband think you cheated on him then be more concerned about what a bunch of strangers think? Is that what you're telling me? Because that's what I just heard. Don't bother responding because I got the answer already. I'm going to the guest room and take a damn nap because I been up most of the night worrying about my loving wife while she was out having a getting her back blown out by whatever his name is." I got up and walked towards the stairs to bed. I was physically and mentally exhausted. I could hear her calling my name but I kept walking.

Going into the guest bedroom I realized it didn't have a lock on it so I pushed the chest against the door. Which of course made my back hurt again. Sara came up and tried to open the door. It only opened an inch or so but no more. "Open the door Devin please. We need to talk about this. You need to understand. Open the door!"

"Sara, I'm all talked out. You made your decision now I made mine. I need some sleep so I can cut the grass." I laid down in bed with the same clothes I had on yesterday. My back was bothering me from the strain I got yesterday so after being on that couch it hurt even more. Sara was still at the door trying to get me to talk. I knew she wouldn't go away. I got up, moved the chest out of the way. I pushed past her without a word and went into the master bedroom. I grabbed a small bag and threw a couple of shirts, pants and some underwear in it. Stopped in the bathroom and grabbed my toothbrush and deodorant.

She was standing in the doorway looking at me with wide eyes. "What are you doing Devin? Where do you think you're going? We need to talk this through. You need to understan"... and I cut her off.

"Shut the fuck up Sara! I'm tired of talking, Shit I'm tired period and my back is killing me. I'm going somewhere so I can get some damn sleep." I've never cursed at her before, ever. Don't think I've even raised my voice towards her. We've never got to that level. Not even close. The worst fight we had was about me tracking crap into the house one day after work. My anger over this situation was now boiling over. The thought that she had fucked some guy and then made up a bullshit story like I would roll over like a good puppy and believe it. What the hell! She was better off saying she got abducted by aliens. Space, not Mexican. Mexicans are working to hard to kidnap some white perra. Or maybe got hit with a Martian Slut Ray!

Her mouth was open but nothing was coming out as I walked past her. I got into my car and drove off. She was on the porch yelling my name as I drove down the street. I don't know where I was headed exactly but it would be away from her.

I ended up at the Comfort Suites on Reamont. I stopped at Wendy's for a breakfast sandwich and those potato things they sell. I noticed it was already 7am. I don't know how long we were arguing or talking or whatever you want to call it. I never noticed the time when she got home. At the time I was too relieved to care. So I figure anywhere from 4am to 6am. That's a far cry from 8pm when she said she would be home. I booked the room for two nights, just in case. In case of what I had no clue. Either way I was going to be prepared.

After I ate I took a quick shower. While I was in there the time she got home came back to me. If she got home at four and she left the bar at the earliest before 11pm that left at minimum four hours of fucking. I got there no later than 10:30 myself. Anytime after that only makes it worse. More time for fucking. She never mentioned falling asleep or waking up. No matter how drugged you are you remember waking up. She didn't talk about waking up in a strange bed next to a strange man. And if she walked to an unknown apartment how did she get back to her car? I was drying myself off and sat on the bed. Last I remember was laying back and that was it. The Sandman beat me in the head and I was out.

I woke up wondering where the hell I was until I remember I was in a hotel. I looked at the cheap alarm clock on the side table, 2pm. I guess I was really tired. My original plan was the get some rest and cut the grass. I decided the grass could wait. I thought it would be nice if I treated myself. So I went to the movies. I very rarely go. I saw the Fall Guy because I needed some laughs. It didn't help.

On the way back to the hotel I stopped at Sub Station II for a sub. I had checked my phone and found dozens of text messages from Sara. When I got back to the room I read through them. She apologized and was begging me to come home. She said she wanted to talk and straighten things out. I responded with one text. "You had a chance to do the one thing I asked to fix this. And you refused. The time as passed to even be able to prove your assertions that you were drugged. And there are others things that don't add up in your story. I don't believe you and will be filing for divorce." and hit send.

Three minutes later my phone started to blow up. She called 5 times in a row. Then with the text started. Finally I blocked her. Ten minutes later her friend Vicky texted and called, then Shannon and finally Jocelyn. All saying the same thing. I need to give Sara the benefit of the doubt, How can I be so cruel for what she went through or If I loved her I should forgive her. I responded back that they are never to contact me concerning my marriage and she should not have put herself in that position for something to happen in the first place. And blocked them. I knew it sounded like victim blaming but sometimes the victim has to take partial blame. Funny how she didn't want people to know what happened but now everyone knew.

I got a call I wasn't expecting, at least not at this stage of the game. It was her mom, LoriAnn, I love LoriAnn. She's always treated me well. My parents died 10 years ago so she's been the closest I've had to a mother. Her and her husband Melvin are good people. We would get together with my brother in law Logan go see a Panthers or Charlotte U football game. We tried golfing which is where I found I sucked at it.

"Good afternoon Mom, how are you doing?"

"Cut the crap Devin, whats the hell going on with you and Sara?" She said cutting straight to the point. That's her, she's a no bullshit kind of lady.

"What did she tell you Mom?" I answered without answering.

"She told me you were mad because she went out with some friends and got home late. That you yelled at her and stormed out this morning. Now you won't returned her calls?"

"So she told you about a quarter of the story. Yes she went out with friends. Yes She got home late and yes I got mad and stormed out. What she didn't tell you was that she didn't get home until well after 5am this morning. She had been drinking all night, Several shots of liquor and glasses of wine which she admitted too. That she had that just had sex look when she got home, Her dressed was wrinkled and her hair was down. The only time that happens is when she first wakes up or takes a shower. She said she did have sex but was drugged. And when I told her I wanted to take her to the ER to get tested and file charges for rape she refused. I was mad because she cared more about what strangers would think of her than I would, her husband, the man she claimed to love. The more I thought about the story she told me the more holes were in it. I have my doubts and suspicions concerning her story. Honestly, it might have started out one way but it ended another way. Maybe it wasn't planned or maybe it was, I just don't know."

"Wait, my baby was raped and you left her? Devin, how could you do that? I thought you were a better man than that." She said angrily.

"Hold on Mom, Of course if she was raped I would stand by her side. Think about it. One, she said she was drugged, I'll grant her that one point. But and its a big but, if she left with the guy under false pretenses it happened between 10 and 12. She didn't get home until say 5am. That's seven to nine hours. When she got home she only seemed upset about how I would react, not about what happened to her. If it happened as she said she would have come running to me. But she didn't. She sat in the car and wasn't even crying. I know she's not a crier but its hard to believe something like this wouldn't cause a more emotional response. She didn't seem upset, only afraid of what I would say about her getting home late. She had said she would be home by 8. She should know how much I loved her and would do anything for her in that situation. Also not one time did she mention waking up in a strange bed with a strange man. Heck mom, I woke up in this hotel room not knowing where I was and had to get myself together. And that was just from being tired. That's something that you would mention. She said she thinks he gave her ecstasy, that makes your horny not sleepy. So lets say she fell asleep. How long did she sleep? Did she rush right home? Or did she decide for another go round? How did she get back to her car? I don't know. She only had one thing to do, get tested and we wouldn't be where we are now."

I could hear her thinking through the phone. I know I gave her a lot to think about. "This is hard to believe Dev, you know how Sara is. I can't remember ever seeing her have more then two glasses of wine. She's never been drunk before. She's the most straight laced person I know.?

"Well Mom, she let her hair down last night. Literally and figuratively. She admitted to drinking too much. I didn't jump to conclusions until she refused to get tested and press charges. I can't wrap my head around her refusing to get tested and file charges unless it didn't happened the way she said it did."

"I'm gong over there and really see whats going on. I'll talk to you later." And she hung up.

I was still tired even thought it was only 7:30. I sat back in bed and watch TV and fell asleep. I woke up at 5:30 Sunday morning. I decided I didn't have money to stay here long term. If it came to divorce I would need to pay for a lawyer. I thought about all the shit I had to do if it came to that. I figured it would be better if I left and went home and just sleep in the guest room. I was able to get a refund on my unused day since I checked out before 11. After getting breakfast I pulled up to my house around ten. I could see the In-laws car there as well as her brother and sisters cars. Jesus the whole gang was here. This is all I needed. I parked a little down the street and walked to the door. As I entered I could hear some loud voices coming from the kitchen and dining room area.

I didn't announce myself because I wanted to eavesdrop a little. I turned on my phone to record. Luckily North Carolina is a one party consent state. "I can't believe you were so stupid, how did you think this was going to turn out, Huh?' That was her brother Aaron. I always liked Aaron. 'You just had to go all whole slut didn't ya? Jesus sis." I could hear Sara whimpering.

"So you're telling us none of that crap happened that you told Devin? Why would you lie? You could have gotten someone sent to jail for no reason." That was Lucia, Aaron's wife. She still had that heavy Mexican accident. "You wanted to throw away your marriage for a one night stand to have some excitement. Jesús, ¿cómo podrías ser tan estúpida? (Jesus, how could you be so stupid). You could have had some excitment with your husband if that's what you wanted!"

"I didn't plan on anything happening. We were drinking all night. I had to much to drink. I'm sure Malcolm put some X in the drink he gave me. Its the only way I would so something like that. But I couldn't file charges. Sure he drugged me but I did it on my own when we woke up. I figured what was done was done. It was my chance to do something crazy. Time just got away from me. We were both wrong." So she did fuck him again in the morning, I knew it!

"So you cheated because you wanted to let your hair down one time before you started having children, is that the reason your saying?" Her dad asked her. I could hear the frustration and disappointment in his voice.

"I got carried away. I knew I made a mistake as soon as I was done. I left Malcolm's house and got an Uber to my car and cried for a half hour. I love Devin with all my heart. I want to have his kids and grow old together. I would die if he leaves me." And she burst out in full tears.

I entered the kitchen, "Well Rapunzel', I wondered if they would get the reference, 'you got what you wanted. An exciting night. I hope it was worth it. Because it cost you those kids you wanted with me, growing old together with me and it cost my love and trust in you. Hope Collier once said "That's the thing about trust. It's like broken glass. You can put it back together, but the cracks are always visible--like scars that never fully heal." I can't trust you anymore Sara and I don't want the scars. As much as I love you, and without trust there can be no love. I think its best if you go stay with one of your family until we can figure everything out." I turned and went out into the back yard. I could hear Sara having what sounded like a nervous breakdown.

I was at the shed checking the lawn mower. Why, only God knows and he ain't telling. I just told my wife and her family I wanted a divorce. My heart is breaking and I'm checking the oil in my Toro. Maybe its time to go all electric. Maybe get one of those remote automatic ones. Nah, I like taking care of the yard, its makes you feel like a man. One of the memories I had of my father was him every Saturday cutting the grass. He would always say you tell a man's worth about how he takes care of his yard.

Melvin came out maybe 10 minutes after my announcement, At first he didn't say anything. He just stood there watching me check the mower. Finally, "I can understand how you feel Dev, what she did is inexcusable. If LoriAnn did that to me I would do the same thing. But its not me. I'm hoping you could be stronger, better man then I am. I've never met someone as smart as you. You're a walking conundrum. You're a regular guy who listens to that high brow stuff and can quote them dead Greeks and poets. And then go in and fix a toilet. You know she loves you Devin. And I know you love her. I can imagine how heart breaking this is. Maybe you want to take some time and do some thinking. Possibly go to a marriage counselor. I'll even pay for it." I think he was running out of steam.

I looked up at him. "Mel, You've been like a father to me. You and him would have gotten along very well. You think I can get past this? Get past that my wife who didn't even make it five years before she cheated. I might understand the seven year itch. But four years. It sounded like she was worried about having kids. What happens during the next life altering event. When they graduate and move out? What then, a gang bang.' excuse me Mel, seeing the look on his face 'I'm not trying to disrespect you. I can't be with someone waiting for the bottom to drop out. I can't live like that."

He had his head down in resignation. He knew me. Once I make my mind up its a done deal. What took 6 years to build only took 6 hours to destroy. It was hard thinking about it. We had made a life together. It wasn't perfect but whose is? We were both happy, at least I thought we were. "This makes me think of a quote by Kahlil Gilbran 'Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.' I will grieve for our lost marriage Melvin believe me. I thought she was the one. I was wrong." I pulled the cord to start the mower signaling the conversation was over. He shook his head and walked away.

When I was done cutting grass and other things around the yard I went into the house and everyone was gone, including Sara. I went upstairs to shower and change and found her closet and dresser empty. There was a hand written note on the bed. It was from Sara.

Dear Devin,

I am so sorry for everything that happened. I never in a million years thought I would do what I did. It was nothing you did. It was all my fault. While I hope you would give us a chance, I still want you to be happy. Give someone a chance. Just because I messed up doesn't mean they will.

I will always love you forever, Sara

I don't know where she went. Probably with her folks. I would have to find a lawyer tomorrow morning. I was again thinking about all the things I needed to do.

Suddenly it hit me like a Mike Tyson punch. My wife had cheated and we are getting a divorce. I sat on the edge of the bed and cried. I haven't cried since my parents funeral. Now I'm crying over the death of my marriage. I sat there for I don't know how long. Finally I was able to get myself together. I went to take my shower. I felt like I was not only washing off the grime and sweat but everything from before. The longer I stayed under the water the more renewed I felt. Even with the cold water I was feeling reborn. All my heartache was washed down the drain.

Epilogue:

The judged ordered six therapy sessions which I didn't mind. We found out a lot about ourselves. Sara always wanted to be more open and freer but could never bring herself to do it with me or how to let e know. She felt I would judge her. The drinks and being in a new atmosphere was the catalyst. Being given drugs only reinforced the feeling that she could get away with it.

For me I needed to loosen up a little. I was very regimented without realizing it. Looking back almost everyday was the same without very little derivation. We expanded to six more sessions but no matter what we talked about I couldn't get over my lack of trust in Sara. She promised and pleaded that it would never happen again but I reminded her that she made those same promises four years ago.

The divorce was finalized a year after the night she did her impression of Rapunzel. It was basically a 50/50 split. We had hardly any equity in the house so we walked away with very little from that. She stayed with her parents. It would be hard for her to get a place on her salary from the library. She could have done it if she lived frugally.

It was hard on me since I now had no family. Jeff and Logan keep in touch for a while but eventually it became awkward with Sara at the house. I don't know what she was saying to them but over time the calls stopped.

Very few of our friends knew the reason for the divorce at first. We or at least I said we grew apart or couldn't agree on our life goals. Sara is basically a good person who made a huge mistake. I didn't hate her so I wasn't going to throw her under the bus. Eventually the real story came out which caused Sara some embarrassment.

So here I am, 33 years old with a good job, full head of hair and all my teeth. To get out of my rut I started going out to different places and trying no things. I tried Karaoke but found out I can't sing a lick. But that didn't stop me. I finally got pretty good at golf. And I take roads trips almost every weekend. Lately I've even had company on some of those trips.

Life is good.

The End

First Greenville story without any previous characters. Except Martin Plumbing has been mentioned in Cancer Part 1, Double Fault both in Loving Wives. Almez Restaurant in Yes Chef, Loving Wives.