The Psychopath's Prisoner

Chapter 3

Cheyenne took a sip of her wine then gazed at her sister for a moment before saying, "You know that things have been rough and time consuming lately."

"Chey, I know and understand that, but we haven't hung out or talked that much either and I miss that. We're family and all we have left is each other."

"Things will be different. I promise. I've got my freedom now, but still have a long way to go."

"I know that." Raina noticed the waiter hovering with fresh coffee and covered her cup with her hand.

"No thank you." She turned her attention back to Cheyenne. "I'm just saying that I'm here for you, Chey."

"You don't always have to be protective of me, Rain. I'm a grown up now."

"I can't help it. I promised Mom I would always look out for you and that's what I'm trying to do."

"You have your own life to live and your own worries. Don't fret about me. Things will be all right." Cheyenne squeezed Raina's hand and cleared her throat while noticing the new mother's ring. "How are Michael, Alaina, and Laird? Ornery as ever?"

Raina's dark brown eyes told everything as she gushed about her three children, the loves of her life she shared with her second husband, Aiden. "Oh my goodness! They are involved in so much that it's hard to keep up with them, but they are doing well. Alaina is on the honor roll and made the soccer team this year. Michael is, well, an average student, but he's holding his own. He's on the school's little league baseball team. Laird is doing wonderfully in school. He's also on the honor roll and has become quite interested in a new science program called The Big Research Project for Kids. With his autism, I can't stand to see him get bored because it makes him extremely hyper."

"Yeah, but he's a good kid. In fact, they are all good kids." Cheyenne leaned in conspiratorially. "Now, what's this Big Research Project thing?"

"Well, they take the kids on different field trips to a variety of science museums and do a lot of projects in a lab at one of the local universities. It's actually pretty cool and Laird loves it."

"That's really great." Cheyenne's voice deepened and took on a serious tone as she looked at her sister. "How are you and Aiden doing?"

Raina took a sip of coffee and waived to the waiter before answering. "We're doing great. He's still a computer technician and just recently got a raise. Me? Well, I'm still teaching part-time at the local college and working for Children's Services." She leaned forward. "I should've ordered a glass of wine while he was over here."

"Uh huh. I mean, personally and don't lie or attempt to change topics. Remember I know you better than that, Raina." The conversation paused when the waiter came over. Raina ordered a glass of wine and Cheyenne noticed Raina's hand constricting. "Rain?" she questioned.

"Let me get my wine first." Cheyenne nodded and they sat lost in their own thoughts. The waiter came over moments later and placed the glass in front of her. Slowly turning the wine glass' stem in her fingers, she stared at the candle in the center of the table. She looked like the weight of the world was on her shoulders. Then with a scoff, she said, "You sure do. There's definitely no fooling you." Raina paused and took a deep breath. "I don't know, Chey. One minute we're fine and the next he's so moody and angry. I don't know what to do. I don't think I can handle another divorce."

"I didn't realize. I'm sorry and wish I had been there for you this whole time instead of drowning in my own problems. When did this start? What happened for all of this to begin?" Cheyenne shook her head at the realization. "Where have I been? I should've noticed."

"Aiden has become so distant." Raina took a sip of her wine. "Every time I ask him about it, he becomes irritated and angry. I suspect an affair, but can't prove it. To be honest, I'm not sure if I want to know. My gut tells me if he isn't cheating, he's up to something and that is not good."

Cheyenne noticed the desperation in Raina's eyes. She bit her lip and contemplated how to respond. "I'll be honest with you, Rain, I'm not sure I'm someone to give advice about relationships. But, with that said, after what I went through, I would hire a private investigator whether you want to know or not." Cheyenne bit her lip again, furrowed her brow in thought and tilted her head. "It's just that I really can't picture Aiden cheating on you."

"You never thought Tyler would." Raina's words struck home.

Cheyenne jerked at the words. "Touché. However, contrary to what you believe, I did have some suspicions. I couldn't prove it once I did suspect until I finally caught them together. My situation is different. The only advice I can give is to be patient and you'll have your answers."

Raina shook her head with slumped shoulders. She grabbed a lock of hair and absently twisted it around her index finger. Exasperated, she shoved the lock behind her ear. "Yeah. I suppose you're right. Only time will tell."

"Just be cautious. Don't end your marriage until you have proof enough for yourself. Something tells me that he's not cheating."

"Will you speak with him, Chey?" Not only Raina's voice, but her eyes begged for help. "You two have a good relationship. Aiden listens to you."

"Do you have any idea what you're asking me to do?"

Raina sipped at her wine before answering. "I'm sorry, but I need to know what's going on."

Cheyenne shook a threatening fork in Raina's direction. "Okay. Fine. I'll do it, but only when I'm ready to."

"You're the best sister in the universe. You do know that, right?" 

"As a matter of fact, I do." 

Cheyenne replied in a smug manner. "You're so vain."

"If you say so."

They laughed.

~

Cheyenne glanced at her watch. "Oh my God, it's getting late. Where did the time go? We've been chatting for over two hours."

"I know, but it's been wonderful." Raina wrapped her arms around Cheyenne in a bear hug. "I love you, sis."

"Love you, too." Cheyenne gave her a small peck of a kiss near her ear.

~

Cheyenne leaned against the front door as the room circled momentarily from too much wine, but she was glad to have spent time with her sister. She wondered why she agreed to speak with Aiden. It's not like she didn't have enough problems of her own.