I poured a triple amount of bubbles into the sparkly tub and opened the beer. Setting it on the edge of the tub I shed my jeans and tshirt and gratefully sank down to chin level. I leaned back letting the water slosh over me, warm warm bubbly water. Between sips of beer I began to wonder where Ken was. I hoped his temper had cooled, that he had forgiven me. After all I had cleaned a bit! Not only cleaned but straightened too. As the water cooled I imagined his pleased face when he returned to the clean kitchen and the cleanish living room. Scooping up a handful of bubbles I blew them onto the tile wall and grinned. Of course he would forgive me. He loved me! And I had cleaned. Lets not forget I had made a good attempt today, nearly two rooms cleaned!
I slid down into the tub dunking my head then sitting up with a smile. Now I was eager for Ken to return home, eager for his praise and attention. With my toes I flipped the toggle for the drain then stood up and whisked the bubbles from my skin with the flat of my hand. Wrapping in my towel I stepped from the tub and finished the last gulp from my beer. Leaving it on the edge of the tub I headed into the bedroom where I stood at my closet doing that clothing debate thingie. Jeans, sweats? Pretty or comfy? I opted for comfy, donning soft cotton pull-on pants and an oversized tshirt. Not glamorous but soft and snuggly. I flopped onto the bed and reached for my book. Books are always a nice way to spend waiting time and I was tired of waiting for Ken already.
I must have fallen asleep, suddenly it was nearly dark and the quiet was different. I sat up and rubbed my eyes, knocking my book to the floor with a thump. I rolled to my tummy and reached down for my book and set it on my bedside table. Focusing, I saw an envelope propped against my clock, an envelope with my name written in black marker. JULIE the letters jumped out at me.
My first thought was panic, that Ken had come back and left this note to tell me that he was gone. With a whimper I tore it open, ripping the envelope in my haste for the bad words.
Julie, I have decided to forgive you depending upon
How you handle the rest of this evening.
Julie its really up to you now, its your choice.
I will be waiting for you downstairs.
You will come downstairs to the living room
Do not speak until spoken to. Failure in that
Will cause serious trouble Julie.
I felt a strange uncertainty inside as I studied his signature. It was his writing yes but not his attitude and I was worried. This was something new and strange but part of me, there was part of me that resonated to his show of strength. I bit my lip then set his letter down. Yes, I would do as my husband said. Within reason, maybe. Or I would try. I felt suddenly shy and nervous oh so nervous. I went to my dresser and studied myself in the mirror, brushing my long dark hair I looked for signs of the disquiet and apprehension that I felt inside.
