Margaret and Olivia

Chapter One: Jackson Cain

It began on a cold night, August 18th, 2006; Mr. and Mrs. Cain had lived comfortably within in their 20 year marriage, contently producing one son. In the spur of the moment, Jackson Cain asked his wife, Margaret Cain, on a date.

The pair wished to make the most of the night, with a dinner and movie. Mrs. Cain pulled out, from the depths of her closet, a dark blue dress that flattered her dirty blonde hair and pale creamy skin. The dress had a 50's-esque flare, with a tight, low-cut bodice and outstretched skirt. She wore black stockings and her old, but barely worn, black high heels; unfortunately, Margaret would later regret the heels due to the pain that accompanied them. The heels lifted Margaret by two inches, thus making her 5'4 and only 9 inches shorter than her husband, compared to her usual height of 5'2 and 11 inches shorter. Margaret wasn't one who usually wore makeup, but on that night she put on some mascara to bring out her deep brown eyes and lipstick to bring out her smile.

Mr. Cain was less detailed with his attire. He wore his special suit and tie, usually reserved for weddings and funerals. However, Jackson did choose to wear his wife's favorite dark blue tie that coincidently matched her attire and his eyes. Mr. Cain's hair resembled, in color and style, that of Jason Bourne, so he need not adjust it. On his wrist, Jackson wore his worn-in watch, a silver bracketed watch with roman numerals on the face.

Jackson and Margaret exited their house and headed to the car, a silver Honda. They rode in a peaceful silence to a nice restaurant, 20 minutes from their home. The Cain couple didn't make a habit of going to expensive restaurants unless for a special reason. At 43, Margaret was a defense lawyer for the State of Virginia. At 47, Jackson was a college math professor. Between the two of them, they were well off, but they didn't enjoy spending too much money.

At 5 pm they arrived at the restaurant. People stared in awe as the beautiful couple walked through the crowd to their seats. Champagne glasses were filled as laughter echoed in the small corner where the couple conversed as though they were on a first date. Margaret's eyes sparkled with more than just the alcohol. It was 7 pm by the time the couple left the restaurant.

Night had fallen and Margaret clung to Jackson as they walked arm-in-arm to the cinema that was down the street from where they ate. During dinner, Margaret had only touched one glass, but Jackson had a little too much. His body leaned onto hers, and he whispered into her ear.

"Then. Now. Always." Margaret smiled in response as they entered into the cinema. His statement to her was a reference from their vows. The couple still used the phrase, though in a shortened version. In each of their vows Margaret and Jackson had said, "I loved you then; I love you now; I'll love you always."

At the cinema, they caught the 8 o'clock showing of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. They left the theater shortly before 11 pm.

Once they arrived home, Mrs. Cain parked the Honda in the driveway, but Mr. Cain opened the car door for his wife. She had taken her heels off before the ride, for her feet had begun to hurt. Margaret twirled onto the grass, giddily, with heels in hand. She grabbed Jackson's hand and pulled him close to her. He draped his arm over her shoulder and the two lovebirds entered the home, unaware of the future that was to come.