CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The smell of eggs and coffee circle Alexa's room and gently nudge her awake. It's almost nostalgic. In a half slumber she remembers back to a time as a little girl when breakfast as a family was commonplace. The sound of sunny-side eggs sizzling on the stove was her alarm clock - and laughter. There was always laughter in the morning. It seems like such a long time ago now, when her parents were disgustingly in love. But that was then. This is now. She's not a little girl anymore and her parents aren't in love. She's not even sure if she's sad about it. She's annoyed that they just won't decide, that SHE won't decide. She never held her father in high regard, not even as a kid. They were always detached, maybe not intentionally, but nonetheless she had no real connection to her dad. She was never a daddy's girl. He never gave her someone to admire. He treats her mom like shit. The verbal abuse is unrelenting. The way he mocks her is unforgivable. The way he looks down on her with that smug condescension is disgusting.
She hates that her mom just withers. She's so strong in everything else, just not with him. She was old enough to know that now and old enough to despise him for it. Her mother is everything to her, but she resents her weakness. He was never physically abusive to her, not that she saw, but he isn’t loving either. They're like silhouettes that you see through frosted glass. They're just shadows, barely visible, like they're not even there. Nothing is transparent. Nothing is out in the open. They're hidden behind the frosted glass of wealth and status, projecting the lie of perfection. No one can see out and no one can see in. No one can see past who he is, to see his real nature. There's evil underneath that charm. It won't be long until it bubbles to the surface.
Alexa grew out of her sense of empathy like a child grows out of their favorite pajamas. Her eyes adjust to the light and open up to her ceiling. The memories of happier times fade away like all dreams do and you realize you must face the reality of the day. She's not even ready to face what's happening downstairs. Her dad is awake so she can only assume he's being an asshole. She lets out an exhausted sigh. "It's fucking breakfast. Who the fuck argues at breakfast?" It was in that moment that she realizes what she has to do - throw a rock through that goddamn glass!
"You're being very intrusive right now, Robert!"
"As your husband I have a right to know! Now who is this 'C' person?"
"As my husband? I didn't know you cared. Who she is, is none of your goddamn business!"
"She? Oh, so it's a woman?"
"Is that what this is about? Yes, she's a woman. A fucking fantastic one. She's been a great friend.
"At least I know you're not screwing her. I know you’re up to something."
"Are you sure about that? Are you sure I’m not screwing her. Maybe I let her scissor me every chance I get."
"What the fuck is that supposed to mean? You’re a lesbian now?"
“Are you worried you don’t measure up? That she can do things to me no man … not even the Great Robert Gallagher … can do?
“Fuck you, Jennifer.”
“Oh, now you want to fuck me? Too late, I’ve got that covered, but thanks.”
“We’ll see.”
"I'm not doing this with you this morning. Give me my phone back and let me eat my breakfast."
"I don't have time to deal with your fucking bullshit. I've got to head to the office. You need to figure out what’s most important."
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Dominus (Book I: parts 1-3)
General Fiction"I'll give you everything you want, but are too afraid to ask for. There's no judgement with me. With me, and only me, can you truly be free. Over time I'll learn what you are comfortable with and push you further than you've ever gone. I will guide...
