Discovering Truths by B. Benfield (chrysanthemum read aloud .TXT) 📕

take the plate I was drying and sling it across the room. Who did he think I was…his maid? That’s what I felt like anymore.

“Yes.” I said, not meeting his eyes.

“Great. Thanks.”

I didn’t reply. I continued drying the dishes as I tried to breathe and hold myself together.

“Is something wrong?” he asked as he came up to me from behind and touched my shoulder. The contact startled me and I jumped.

“I’m fine.” I said. I tried not to let the irritation in my voice be evident because I didn’t want to get into it with him. I didn’t have the energy.

“Why so jumpy?” he asked.

“You just scared me. I was in the zone.”

“But you’re good?”

“Yes. I’m good. Just trying to get this done.” I lied. No, I wasn’t good. He was driving me insane. That, piled on top of everything else was enough to send me to the crazy house. Somebody quick! She’s lost her mind!

“Alright, well I’m going upstairs to finish packing and get ready for bed. I have to be at the airport early in the morning.”

“Okay, let me know if you need anything else.” I said. I tried my best to act as normal as possible.

I finished in the kitchen and picked up my phone, leaning against the counter as I pulled up my e-mail. Gage’s name was there waiting in my inbox. I smiled as I opened the message.

Abby,

 

The weekend chores are all finished, and yes, went smoothly for the most part. Thanks for the well wishes. Aside from that, I haven’t done much of anything else besides hang out with my son. His name is Bentley, by the way. Sounds like you had just about as much fun as I did. I guess this is what happens when you become an adult lol.

You don’t have to apologize for venting and expressing your thoughts. Trust me, I have the same ones as you. I may not talk about my home life much, but I’m a guy, and I don’t like talking about that crap, but don’t be sorry about getting into it. I completely understand…and I’m sorry. I’m sorry that he’s hurt you. I can tell that you’re hurt. I just hope that what we have going here doesn’t end up hurting you worse in the long run. That is a genuine concern of mine, however, I’m still looking forward to seeing you and continuing what we have. If it ever becomes too much, you just let me know.

That picture you sent is drop dead gorgeous. I definitely feel like you’re out of my league. Did I also tell you that I have a thing for brunettes?  Seriously, you’re beautiful and that black dress looked amazing. It makes me that more excited to finally see you in person. I’m hoping for Tuesday. As much as I want to see you as soon as possible, Mondays are usually pretty busy, so let’s shoot for Tuesday. I’m trying to think of a good spot that’s not too noticeable.

Your random questions are good. So, I’m a morning person also. As a teenager, I would stay up all night and sleep all day, but now that I’m older, I can’t hang like I used to. I’m usually in bed by ten and up at six. Even on the weekends. I wish I could sleep until eight at least, but my body just won’t do it. My biggest pet peeve is probably indecisiveness. Like, I hate when people are wishy-washy. If I ask you a question, just give me an answer. I hate the back and forth, and I hate when people can’t make a decision. Now that I say that out loud, it kind of makes me sound like a butthole, but I promise I’m not. And my favorite genre of books and movies…well, I don’t read books. I wish I did, and I’ve tried. I’ve just never been one to be able to sit and stay focused for that long. But movies…I definitely love horror movies. All the old ones though, not that crazy crap they come out with nowadays lol.

It’s definitely not too much to say that my letters brighten your day, because I feel the same way. Just like you, I always seem to catch myself smiling every time I read something from you. This can only mean good things. I’m positive we’re on a good path.

Sleep well tonight, gorgeous. Talk to you tomorrow.

 

Gage

 

“What are you doing? Are you coming to bed?” Marcus’s voice caught my attention. I was still leaning against the counter, my phone in hand.

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m coming. Just got caught up on Facebook.” I said. “Did you need any help?”

“No. I think I have everything.”

He walked back upstairs and I followed, rolling my eyes the whole way up. Was it bad that I couldn’t wait for him to leave? Luckily, the only thing that sat between him and a plane ride north was sleep, and we wouldn’t be doing any talking during that time either.

Chapter Seven

 

Marcus was gone and I sat alone in my big, empty house. The prescription the doctor gave me helped…for the most part, but some days, like today, I felt depressed and alone. I sat on the couch with my knees pulled up my chest and willed myself not to cry as the silence began to cave in around me. Something had to change. There was no way I could continue my life this way.

I grabbed my laptop and perused job listings. I needed to get out of the house and do something. Surely that would help the situation. Only being my age with no work experience didn’t help the situation. What was a degree if you’d never used it? I’d have to start somewhere as the low man on the totem pole and work my