The Speed Of Pain

Unwelcome Surprises

Chapter Fourteen

August 20th, 1998

Charlotte

Today marks our final day in Florida. In a few hours, we'll be heading to the airport. Imagine my surprise when Marilyn suggests leaving early to stop for ice cream at a specific spot he's chosen. He even mapped out the best route. It feels like when he took me to pick out Purgatory. Or Tory, as we call him now.

"I'm glad you got to meet my parents," Marilyn says, his hand gently rubbing my thigh as he speaks. "They already adore you."

Trying to keep the conversation going, I reply, "They're truly wonderful."

As a comfortable silence settles between us, I turn on the radio and start singing along.

"Black velvet in that little boy's smile. Black velvet with that slow southern style. A new religion that will bring you to your knees. Black velvet if you please."

"You really should sing more," he comments, giving me a genuine, lipstick-free smile.

Returning the smile, I say, "I'm actually thinking of recording a demo during some of the downtime I'll have in the spring."

"It's about time you put your voice to good use," he remarks with a smirk.

I playfully roll my eyes. "And voice acting isn't good enough?"

"You know what I mean," he teases.

His comment reminds me of my father's words. "Yeah... My dad says the same. 'You have the voice, Schroeder. Use it,'" I recount. "It's always been the plan to pursue music. I just wasn't sure when. But now I am."

Suddenly, I notice that we've missed our exit.

"Shit. Hold on," Marilyn says, maneuvering the car into familiar territory.

Expecting him to get back on the freeway, I'm surprised when he continues driving past the exit.

"Why are we heading to Orlando?" I ask, a hint of concern creeping into my voice.

Marilyn hesitates for a moment, his hands tapping on the steering wheel. "Char—" he starts, but I interrupt him.

"Why can't you just trust me when I say you don't want to meet her?" I can't believe he actually has the nerve to bring me here.

He grips the steering wheel tightly while retorting, "Why can't you just trust me when I say that I don't care? I want to meet everyone important in your life. And whether you want to admit it or not, she's important to you."

"I don't want her to scare you off," I confess, feeling like tears could spill at any moment.

He laughs as if I've cracked the funniest joke. "We made a pledge, Char. I take it seriously, so there's nothing she can do or say that will make me not want to be with you."

Is this why he left his face bare? Does he think she'll be more accepting? Bless his heart.

It doesn't take us long to arrive at the street she lives on. It looks just the same as always. The sense of dread that fills me as we approach the house is unsettling. I promised myself I'd never come back here.

Turning off the car, he gives me a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry I tricked you. I just can't see how the woman who raised you can be as bad as you say."

He moves to open the driver's door, but I grab his arm before he can get out. "If you really insist on going in... I need you to do one thing for me," I say, taking a few deep breaths.

"Anything," he agrees immediately.

Taking my blood-red lipstick out of my purse, I hand it to him. "She isn't going to like you whether you wear it or not. At least this way, you are who you are... Beautifully you."