The rule of three

Chapter One

THE RULE OF THREE

CHAPTER ONE

We have all dated terrible men. Each and every one of us. You know the type. Gorgeous, sexy yet so arrogant that nothing exists in their world besides themselves. The human being on their arm is not treated as their equal. Instead she is ignored or spoken to as if she is a speck of dirt on their shoe. We have all been on the receiving end of this. We know how it feels. But why do we permit it? What is it about them? Have we fallen prey to irresistible bad boys whom we think we can save? Or are we just too afraid of being alone? Whatever the reason, I Scarlet Q am going to share my wisdom so that you can take back your self-worth and never allow yourself to be treated this way again.
Remember- you have the power.

Normally I pick just one problem to solve. But last week saw a flood of the same cry for help towards an identical theme- awful boyfriends and horrible husbands. I found myself and the conceited pigs of my previous relationships within each of them. So they became the essence of my latest piece to be a source of support for all. I write for Hype magazine. My column The Power Of You is designed to help women take their power back. It is highly rated and worshipped by females everywhere, so I've been told. Emails come in by the hundreds from readers. Asking for my assistance on matters of all kinds. The Power Of You is much more than an advice column, though. Week after week someone finds what has been missing in their lives and helping them do this fills a void within myself. I generally choose the misfortune that I believe requires help the most. But every hopeful wants to be heard and have their turn at feeling empowered.
I should be loving this fabulous life. Reveling in the attention and success as many pour themselves over my words. But it is not mine to celebrate. There is plenty that I'm keeping from loyal followers about who their precious Scarlet Q really is. The knowledge that I actually am helping people however, gives me what I need to keep doing what I do. Regardless of how clueless I am about a majority of the subjects that I write about.
Suddenly, a ringtone fills my ears. Startling me from my reverie.
'Hello?' I ask of the white buds nestled within my lobes.
My heart begins a rapid dance as I am greeted by Melanie's voice. I have been avoiding this all day.
'Hey, I tried calling but you didn't answer. I've just finished my hair and only have my make up to go now. How 'bout you? When do you think you will be ready?' She says. Her voice sky high with excitement.
I take a deep breath as I prepare for a response that I have given time and time again.
'I can't do it, Mel. I'm so sorry.' Air is released that I didn't know I was holding in.
'Seriously? Again? Come on, I don't want to go to another event alone. Nothing bad will happen and you can't hide away forever.' Melanie's earlier enthusiasm is lost in soft speech which sounds as though she is scolding herself. 'I actually thought you'd come this time.'
I feel terrible for letting her down again. When she begged me to go with her to the benefit for the animal shelter, I had agreed. Thinking that maybe I'd be okay if I didn't draw attention to myself. But as usual, my thoughts ran away with me. Poisoning me with fear. I know she's right. That I can't hide forever. But there is something bigger than me that I just can't risk right now.
'I know Mel, but if anyone did find out I'd be so screwed.' I tell her. Hoping she can understand as she has so many times before.
'Well, I still think you should just tell your parents and get it over with.
I'm not getting into this, here.' My face crinkles as though I have consumed a lemon.
'You know why I can't do that.
Okay, okay.' Melanie finally drops the subject but she has not yet given up on the previous one.
'That sexy vet that I was telling you about is supposed to be there tonight.' She says. Her voice growing softer as she continues.
'You'll miss a great night if you don't come. Plus, the animal shelter really needs this and well, you know how much it means to me.'
I feel like the worst friend in the world. I want to tell her how much I wish I could go with her. How much I hate letting her down and that I would love to live a free life of my own. But I emerge in barely a whisper.
'I can't, Mel. I'm sorry.
Okay. I get it.' She says, low and defeated.
'You can still have the limo, though.' My vocal cords drip with hope that she will suddenly perk up as she always does whenever I mention the limousine. But her response is clipped and short.
'Sure. Thanks.
You're welcome.' I try to search for more words. She beats me to it instead.
'I gotta go, okay?'
I'm left without a chance to say goodbye. In the deafening silence, dread snakes its way through me, constricting me. I worry that I have really done it this time. That Mel has reached her limit and no amount of fancy cars or anything else will help at this point.
I attempt to finish this week's column. I have chosen Stefanie Walsh's email and her oral sex dilemma. Unlike most of the girly subjects that I am clueless about, I can handle most of the sexual issues alone thankfully. But they're always the same. 'How do I get my boyfriend off?' or 'How can we make it last longer?' Boring.  Hopefully one day I will receive one that incorporates some of my more personal tastes. I have no concentration to offer poor Stefanie, however. I continue trying to rouse my brain but I am interrupted by a work call that I am unable to ignore. I try my hardest to remain focused but my mind remains an empty space. Twenty minutes later, I am still stressed about Mel and now work has added to the mounting tension.
I try again to finish typing my thoughts on the art of cunnilingus and finally I have success. But just as I am about to send it to Maggie my boss, I am startled by a knock coming from Ted's office next door.
I turn my head and glimpse Ted through the glass wall that separates us, chestnut hair immaculate as always while he taps his watch.
'Shit!' I cry as I hurriedly maneuver the mouse and begin tapping at the keyboard. I promised him that I would send a document by the end of the work day and in my bout of anguish I completely forgot. No one else knows about it and I definitely intend to keep it that way. I complete the task and then rush to forward the column to my boss. I then shut down the computer, check that the large white desk before me is in order and rise from a pasty leather chair. I wander across marbled floors. Heading slowly past a pearl coffee table and two champagne colored seats. I open a tall ivory cabinet against the wall, pausing as I retrieve my designer hand bag and keys.
I glance through the transparency, jealousy surfacing as I watch Ted's tanned facial features crease into a carefree smile at what has been said through his own ear buds.
'Bet he gets to do whatever he wants and doesn't have to hide a thing.' My inner self mutters.
I heave a huge sigh as I drift from my office. I stand in front of Ted's translucent door and give a unique combination of knocks. Earning myself a wider grin that reaches his green eyes as he gives a nod. Clearly receiving my signal that I have sent the secret pages.
I turn on the spot and make my way past other colleagues. I take care not to engage in small talk, but still catch glimpses of their plans for the weekend which makes my stomach drop as I think of Mel. I dip my head and scurry along. Barely lifting my arm in a vague wave goodbye to them as my heels click and clack towards a silver elevator.
In my low mood I barely notice Liz standing by the shiny doors. Her and Ted are two of the few people at work who know my secret.
'Hey, Scarlet.' She says. A cheeky smirk flickering between her high cheekbones.
'Hey.' I try to communicate that I'm in no mood to talk.
'Woah.' Her smile instantly leaves her glossy lips as she examines me with x ray vision.
'What's up with you?
The usual.' I sigh as we step into the lift.
'That bad is it?' She looks around to make sure we're alone. Her short red hair swishing slightly as she turns her head.
'Care to share?
Not really.' I say as we are taken down into the bowel of Hype's tall black building.
'Sorry, Liz.' I note her slightly fallen face as I choose my next words.
'Let's just say the column is costing me a lot at the moment.
Yeah, I don't know how you do it sometimes. But you know I'm here if you want to talk, right?' A sympathetic smile warms her deep blue eyes.
'Yeah I know Liz, thanks. I have no idea how I do it either.' I say truthfully as we step out and cross the car park.
'If you need anything over the weekend you know where I am, okay?
Thanks, I appreciate it.' I try to attempt a small grin.
'No problem. See you later.'
She stalks towards a sporty white car. While I approach a sleek grey one.
I try to feel grateful that I still have Liz. But if I'm honest with myself I know that she doesn't come close to my friendship with Mel. She has had my back since our days at our preppy high school and you just can't beat that.
I clamber into stylish black interior. Fumbling with buttons as I attempt to start the engine which roars to life. I maneuver my way around until I find the exit. My mood growing even lower if that is possible as I long for Betty, my simple red car. I increase the volume of my favorite female artist in an attempt to cheer myself up. But as the late afternoon glare challenges my designer sunglasses, I also miss my plain drugstore shades. I can't help but think about how much I'm sacrificing just to be something that thousands of women believe that I am. When I'm not. I'm lying to every single one of them and now it's probably cost me one of the most important people in my life.
I try to sing along to some beloved songs. But the vocals that normally soothe me aren't helping. My mind keeps drifting to memories of Mel screeching along with me at the tops of our lungs. For a minute, I re-consider. I wonder whether I could still get there in time. My eyes darting back and forth between the traffic lights and the time displayed on the dashboard, trying to calculate whether I could make it. But I give my head a little shake as I tell myself it can't happen.
I pull up to an automated black gate. As I drive on through, the numbers inside the car read exactly five thirty. The benefit is due to begin at exactly six o'clock. But instead of rushing to get ready I drag myself along a wide paved area, passing perfectly sculpted greenery. I unlock a dark stylish door and enter a home that lives and breathes elegance in the colours of white and grey. I deposit my hand bag and keys on a long rectangular table against the wall. Walking gingerly past an open space to the left that contains ashen carpeting and a pale corner lounge that could fit an entire soccer team. Low marbling is built into the bottom of the back wall which almost creates a shallow table that reaches all the way along, ending with an adjoining separation. I continue my melancholy journey along caramel floorboards, past a blindingly light kitchen. An area to the right contains two cream coloured couches at opposite ends and the same solid rock as the front room lines the bottom of the wall. Distorted works of art that require squints of the eye hang about vertical surfaces while lights within the floor illuminate every tread of the foot.
I reach ebony steps and take them partway. Slowly I turn a corner as I make my way up the remainder alongside high glass railings. I wander down a hallway and enter the pale carpeting of my bedroom. I pause at an indulgent walk in wardrobe. Staring at the light pink gown that was supposed to be worn tonight. I run one finger down the silky fabric before turning away and heading on through to the spacious ensuite bathroom. Tears threaten as my stockinged feet pad across eggshell colored tiles. I stand before a high mirror and regard my sleek red top and black pencil skirt. My eyes travel to shiny blonde locks and impeccable make up. Courtesy of my hair and make-up team but unbeknownst to my readers who think that I style my own hair and apply cosmetics like an expert.
'What do you want?' My inner voice says from somewhere deep inside.
'To keep your secret safe or have a life?'
I know what I want my answer to be. But I have no idea how to make the impossible, possible.