Dabbling in Danger

Reflection

Adeen

I don't know why I did it, but I knew at the time it was a mistake.

Earlier Today

"Hey, have you heard from Malina yet? I'm really worried since she never came home last night."

I try to maintain an expressionless face when Malina is mentioned. I feel horrible for yesterday.

I look at my wife, "I haven't heard from her, no."

She sighs and balls up under the bedspread.

I stand up from the bed, "she'll be back. You know how she gets... Have you eaten today, want me to heat up your food from yesterday?"

Without looking at me Tiana replies, "I'm okay... Can you get me some water?"

"Sure sweetheart," I leave the room.

Fuck. What do I do? If I call her, it'll probably make her not want to come home even more. I sigh slamming the refrigerator shut. After giving Tiana her bottled water I retreat to my study and click around on my computer.

I don't know what gives me the idea, but I log into my account and read about services offered through At&t.

That's when I come across the "Ping My Location," option. The page loads, and a map pops up on my screen with three red dots. Two of the dots are overlapping then there's another a ways away.

I zoom in and see that these three dots represent me, my wife and Malina's phone locations. Then I naturally and very stupidly click the red dot away from the other two.

Rosewood Oakley Mall's address hovers over the red dot. I lean back in my chair and pull at my beard, thinking over my next move.

It doesn't take much convincing to lie to my wife and drive to the mall.

I pull into the parking lot outside of the food court. After circling the area five times I come up to a van backing out of a spot close to the entrance. Once parked I realize I don't know what I'll do if I see her. The mall is packed with people, I could see her and not even know it.

I decide to wait in the car for a while. Every few minutes I check her location on an app I downloaded.

I wish the location was more precise. All I get is a generic idea, not her specific whereabouts.

I go from staring at the entrance to staring at my phone awaiting her movement.

Then I realize she's been standing there all along.

When I see her, it takes everything in me not to jump out and cause a scene. She's leaning against a pillar and I see she's talking to some guy.

This guy is making her smile and laugh.

I groan and shake my head never tearing my eyes away from them. Who the hell is this kid? I bet he convinced her to skip today, to not come home last night. I just know it.

My grip tightens around the steering wheel while picturing his scrawny neck.

The two of them join hands and start walking in this direction. I should get out and yank her away from him.

If she tries walking by without acknowledgement, I'm getting out.

I know Malina has spotted me now, she's stopped in her tracks and hasn't taken a step closer. I watch as she explains to the shithead and he looks over in my direction. I stare at him, eyes full of resentment, his face twists up and he looks back at Malina...

If she knows what's good for her, she'll get in this car.

I'm about to roll down the window and yell out, but then I see Malina kiss the boy.

My skin prickles with goosebumps and the back of my neck burns instensely. I can't bring myself to move I'm so shocked. Every jealous bone in my body writhes in pain.

They pull away from each other, he passes her something then she's walking in my direction.

While she's approaching I can't break away from the boy. He stands there as if he's waiting for Malina to do something. He's waiting for some sort of threat to spark up.

I don't realize Malina's strapped in beside me until her door slams shut.

●●●

Everything in me told me not to go to the mall. Everything in me told me not to flirt with Malina. Everything screamed, don't fuck your assistant, especially if you're only wanting to get to Malina.

Time after time I try to stop myself from acting on my shitty thoughts. And here I am. Jealous of a boy ten years younger because he doesn't have to hide his affection for that beautiful girl.

I almost ordered Malina not to see him again, but I know how that works. She'd only run to him faster, cling to him harder.

I... I don't know what to do. I care too much to let her go... I can do so much more for her than any horndog boy can. All those boys care about is sex! That's all it ever is and I won't let her be taken advantage of like that.

I may have to pay this boy a visit...