The moment I had to walk away.
I stood in front of the mirror, no longing recognizing myself.
It got lost in a relationship that was never meant to be, one I should have fled from the beginning things started happening, abnormal things, things involving the police and maybe a District Attorney.
The loving and happy version of me was exchanged with one that frequently had to apologize, that was afraid to speak the absolute truth. I have been fighting to get that person back, but she seems long gone, in layers of pain and disappointment. The person I am fighting to keep had exceeded their expiration date in my life. He had to be replaced.
Earl, was a charming man. He was every woman’s dream come true, but to me, he was a nightmare in reality. He was fear personified. Every time I looked at him or heard his voice, I shuddered. It was not meant to be this way. We had the biggest dream of spending life together. Moving to South America and starting life. Everything began to fall apart when I got an increase in my salary and a brand new role at my company.
The celebratory dinner was my treat. I was so happy, After working for the company for eight years, I finally got the role of Senior Manager. I wanted a brand new Mercedes. I deserved it.
I brought it up during the dinner and Earl became visibly upset. He gave reasons why I didn’t need a Mercedes. He wanted us to save for our very small wedding of eighty people. He wanted us to save for our move out of the country. It struck me that since I had a better position, we would not need to move after all.
“Move to South America? No way!” I said excitedly and watched him get upset.
“So now, this sudden promotion has gotten into your head, our dreams are no longer valid,” he raged, his voice loud enough for the other patrons to hear. I was too nervous to look around to see who was watching.
“Babe, that’s not what I mean, We can afford to buy something here instead of moving to reduce cost,” I replied tears stinging my eyes.
“That’s your money,”
“Our money,” I replied reassuringly.
He didn’t seem convinced. Ever since he lost his job, I decided to take the tab and…
