Illicit affairs | William Afton

Chapter Three: In-Laws

  As William pulled his set of keys out of the door and twisted the handle open he was expecting to see his wife, what he got was her sister. She just sat there, looking like a deer in headlights, as if she had been caught doing something she shouldn't have.

"Well hello there. Wasn't expecting you in today."

"I called Miriam to let her know I was flying in about a week ago."

"I see... Miriam! Take care of your sister, she looks dreadful sitting out here all alone."

  Esther frowned, she never liked William, (heck, she hardly knew him well enough to dislike him) but she tolerated him because Miriam did. He was who Miriam chose to spend the rest of her life with, sadly he couldn't hide the contempt for his sister in-law as well as she could hide that of her brother in-law. Esther kept telling herself that she only had to bare this for six months tops, then she would be free. Furthering her motivation, Esther decided she would to go job hunting as soon a possible. If not to actually find an income, then at least as an excuse to get out of this dreadful house, so she resolved to look for work first thing tomorrow morning.

  Miriam came into the living room to great her husband only for William to walk past her in a dismissive manner. Esther was never told the entire story of how her sister met her off putting husband. She was always told it was something along the lines of a chance meeting while Miriam was still a journalist, covering some case detectives were on. The story had never been more in-depth than that, Miriam was usually content to show off her ring and her things the same way she would show William off. Here's the stove, the new typewriter and here's the husband.

Miriam had always been quick to gloat the fact she snatched a husband for herself, but that initial joy quickly faded. And while now she may not be beaming, she certainly didn't seem unhappy to an outside observer; with all the clothes, cars and perfect little houses she could have. But to Esther, Miriam just seemed bored with the business of being a wife, bored of being Williams wife. Miriam looked at her sister, who was deep in thought before clearing her throat to get her attention.

"Sorry, Miriam, I must have spaced out."

"You need to work on your focus, you'll never get a job if you do this in interviews."

"You're probably right... How did you and William meet?"

"That was unexpected."

"It's just, I was thinking about it, and I don't think you've ever told me the full story."

"It's boring, you really wouldn't care for it. William was never very big on romance."

"Then why did you marry him?"

"I don't know, it felt right, I guess."

"You're acting as if getting married is comparable to trying on a pair of shoes Miriam."

"You just wouldn't get it. Maybe you'll meet someone someday and then you'll understand what I mean."

  Esther hated the way Miriam dodged questions about her husband, was she like this with everyone who asked? Esther wasn't sure if her curiosity stemmed from a desire to protect her older sister, or a selfish sense of curiosity. Either way, Esther was beginning to sound like a broken record, asking similar questions about marriage. She felt like a child asking endless questions, to parents who were unresponsive. Esther decided to keep her mouth shut for now, but if Miriam wasn't going to tell her anything, she resolved to go to the root of the problem, William.

  Esther got off the couch and went into the dining room. As she did she thought about what she'd been asking. It felt wrong for Esther to pick and pry, because perhaps Will was just an average man and maybe Miriam and him really were in love. Soon Esther made her way to the dining table Miriam announced that dinner was ready, and Esther sat in one of the four dining room chairs; not offering to help, knowing her sister was a control freak in the kitchen. Soon after, William walked in and took rest in the chair across from Esther, they sat in silence for a bit before William opened his mouth.

"What do you want from us?"

"Pardon?"

"What do you want from me and Miriam? Is it money? Student loans not fairing so well?"

"No. I just need a place to stay until I can find my own flat, that's all."

"Tell me, what did you go to University for?"

"To learn."

"Doesn't seem like you've learned anything from the looks of it."

He gave Esther a look to go with his tone before he clarified.

"What was your major."

"I'm surprised you're putting so much effort into this conversation, it's really very flattering. Mechanical engineering."

"Don't be cheeky."

"I could say the same."

"Mechanical Engineering you say?"

"I do."

"Has my wife told you about a little project me and my friend are working on?"

"A bit. Not much though."

"Good. What are you doing tomorrow?"

"Flirty are we?"

"You really shouldn't say things like that. Especially not when you're staying in my house. And I'm married to your sister."

"Trust me I find no pleasure in your company and your house. I'm here in search of work and my sister."

"Well as long as you remember who's house it is."

  Esther saw Williams's triumphant expression; the thought that he had won their little battle and it shown on his face made Esther's blood boil.
Son of a-

  To Esther's delight Miriam suddenly waltzed through the kitchen and towards the table setting her purple Pyrex of roasted chicken down before taking a seat next to William. Miriam was saying something about borrowing her car as Esther picked and prodded at her food, her previous conversation with her brother in-law ruined any chance of having an appetite. Once she had choked down a few pieces of chicken so as not to seem impolite, Esther thanked her sister for the meal and stood from the table to clear her plate. Of course William rose right away to meet her at the sink, and slotted a card in between her nimble hands before whispering in her ear:

"Enjoy your stay, Esther. Have a goodnight."

  His words sent shivers down her spine as she watched him disappear into the dark hallway before turning her attention to the cream colored business card.