Reaching out for her, I slowly begin to awake. I dont feel her. Then I realize where I am. I open my eyes to see a room not my own. Im lying in a bed not my own. The pillow is soaked with tears that are my own. How could she do this? I hear myself ask. How could she cheat on me?

My mind wandersuncontrollablyback to last night. Where is she, wheres Bette? There she is. Is that Candace shes talking to? I have to tell her she did a great job with her carpentry. Wait, what is Bette doing? Shes playing with Candaces necklace. Whats going on? It looks like theyre doneIll ask her about it. Did she just grab her hand? She didBette just held Candaces hand as she walked away. No, no, noI knew something was wrong. I knew she was holding something back. I cant believe she would do this to me. I ask her about itwhen we get home

Tina, a voice rouses me from my thoughts. Tina, are you up?

Alice opens the door and enters. She hands me a cup of coffee. Looking down I see the color of the steaming liquid. Thats the color of her eyesdeep, searing, penetrating eyes. She always had a way of melting my heart with just a look from those beautiful brown eyes.

Tinahoney, are you alright?

Huh? Yeah, Im fine, I reply, trying to believe my own words. Will she believe me?

I dont think A knock at the door interrupts. Who could that be, she says, rising from the bed. Alice leaves the room just as I realize who might be there. I cant see her. And I wont let her see me. I quickly rise and close the door, locking it just as I hear Bettes voice.

Where is she Alice?

Where is who?

You know who. Bette, growing angry, responds, Wheres my wife?

I dont think she Alice trails off as I hear footsteps coming toward the door.

Is she in here? The doors handle shakes. Then a fist abruptly knocks. Tina? It is herdont go to the doorremember last nightremember what she did you to with Candaceremember what you did to each other. T, open the door. We need to talk.

I slowly lower myself to the bed. Sitting there silently, I feel the emotions rising up inside me. My body begins to shake violently. Tears begin to fall. I open my mouth to yell somethinganything at her, but nothing comes out. Im muted by the heat of my blood boiling with rage. Whats that sound? Is that whimpering? Yes, I think it is. But where is it coming from. Just then, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Its meIm whimpering. Trying not to let her hear me cry, Ive reduced every emotionall the rage, sorrow, hate, ire, to a mere whimper. I lower myself further on the bed, bringing my knees up to my chest. Curled up in a ballI still dont feel safe.

To Be Continued…