Madeline

33. The final nail

33. The final nail

Madeline
Marc Paxton and I had unfinished business. I intended to finish that business tonight. It was only fair that I had one last conversation with him before never seeing or hearing from him again. It was time I put this to rest.

"If you're going to see him I'm coming with you."

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because then he'll look at you and you'll fall at his feet begging for forgiveness."

"Is that what you think of me?"

"I know enough about you two to know that if you go around him you'll change."

Eric rolled his eyes but let it go.

"I usually stand by my decisions once I've made them."

"Even so, you're still not coming with me. It's something we have to settle between us since it started out that way."

"Ok."

That was almost too easy.

"But once you sort whatever it is you have to sort out with Marc we're going to have a long conversation."

"About what?"

"Our marriage."

"What about it?" I shrugged.

"I want a real marriage."

"I don't like you."

"Learn."

"And what about you?"

"I'll learn too. People who are strangers get married all the time and they learn to like each other. Why should it be different for us?"

I could think of a few reasons why but I wouldn't say them.

"At least try."

"I can't make any promises."

He sighed. "Am I going to have to deal with this every time?"

"You're the one who wanted to get married."

"So this is punishment?"

"It's nothing at all."

"Fine."

We didn't continue with the conversation because there was nothing more to say. The real conversation would be had when I come face to face with Marc Paxton.

~~~~~~~~~
This would be the final time I see this man. After this I would put him in the past and put it behind me. I had to for the sake of my child and for myself. I was done. It was finally done and over with. There were a few things I didn't factor in but they didn't really make much of a difference. There were also points where I wanted to give up but I held on. Now the end is in sight.

I couldn't keep the smile off my face when I was shown into the devil's office. He go to his feet immediately but said nothing for a long while. He just looked at me.

Finally he spoke. "Have you been well?"

"I have."

"You got married."

"I did."

"With my best friend."

"I suppose."

"Was it because of the baby?"

"It might be."

"Why won't you give me a straight answer?"

"What is it that you want to know?"