The Music Producer and the Teacher 2

Chapter 7: 'Cause if I get caught cheating then I'm stuck with you.

I woke up the next morning with a major hangover. My head was pounding, and I felt like I had been hit by a truck. I grabbed for my phone and checked the time: twelve-thirty. I also noticed I had a shit ton of missed calls from Marshall. The night was a little hazy, but I did remember calling him. I had no recollection of what happened though. So, I figured I'd better call him. I was surprised at how fast he answered. "Marissa! There you are! What the fuck? I've been calling all morning!" he was practically shouting. I realized for someone who hadn't drank in quite a few years, he maybe didn't know how I was feeling right now. "First of all," I began, "don't shout. Second, what's wrong? Why are you so anxious?" "You don't remember anything that happened last night, do you?" he asked me, lowering his voice. "No. Care to refresh my memory?" he filled me in on our phone call and how I accused him of cheating. It wasn't something I thought I was brave enough to do. But then again, I guess that's why they call alcohol liquid courage. "Well, I'm sorry for just out right accusing you. But it did look suspicious." I replied when he was done talking. "I'm sure it did. But I have nothing to lie about." "Okay, Marshall. I believe you. I've got to go okay?" We said our goodbyes and I hung up the phone.

About an hour later Melissa got up, shortly followed by yet another man I had never seen before. I shot her one of my infamous looks as he walked out the door. She grabbed some coffee and came over to sit by me on the couch. "So?" she asked, raising an eyebrow, "I heard you on the phone. What did you do?" I remembered I hadn't told Melissa about the underwear that weren't mine I had found when I went to get my shoes. So, I filled her in on that and the drunken phone call I made that I was just informed of. "Wow. Good job." she said, sarcastically slow clapping. "So, he's pissed huh?" I shook my head. "No. He understands. I wish I wouldn't have called my sober boyfriend drunk off my ass, but it could have been worse I suppose. She nodded in agreeance with me. We spent the rest of the day relaxing and trying to nurse our hangovers. It was a light, happy, lazy day.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Finally, it was the day before Marshall was due home. I was anxious as all hell to see him. After the other night I just wanted one good night between the both of us. I'm sure it was something we both needed. I was at school today, participating in my usual routine. I decided while the students were taking a quick test, I would run the attendance sheet to the front office. When I walked in, there was a woman signing a child out of school who instantly started staring at me. Every move I made she was just watching me. Her stare was intense, it felt like fire burning through the back of my head. I was beginning to feel rude, like maybe I knew her and was ignoring her. But I glanced at her and I couldn't remember for the life of me who she was. She finally spoke. "So, you're Marissa?" she asked me, pointing to my name badge. I was still clueless. "Um, yeah? I'm sorry, do I know you?" "No," the lady began, "but your boyfriend is my ex-husband." My eyes got wide. Kim? Her appearance was much prettier than I had expected. "Oh, yeah, Kim, right?" I asked her, trying to be cordial. "Yes, it is. Have you seen Marshall yet today?" I assumed maybe she hadn't talked to him recently enough to know he was out of town, or maybe she did but didn't know when he was coming back. So, I thought I would fill her in. "He's out of town actually. He isn't due back until tomorrow." I replied, using my most friendly voice. It sounded kind of fake when I think of it now. She just lightly shook her head, and a smirk spread across her face. I didn't like the feeling I got from it either.

About this time, a little girl ran into the office. She ran right past me up to Kim and hugged her around her waist. "Hey, auntie!" she said as she looked up into Kim's evil face with the most innocent smile. Kim's face instantly changed so not to let the little girl suspect anything. "Hello, Alania. Are your ready to go home now?" the little girl nodded anxiously. They walked out of the office, and I followed behind them. "Lainey, why don't you head off in the direction of the car and I'll be right there in just a second." The little girl nodded and ran off to the car. Once she was sure Alania was out of ear shot, she turned to me, the sinister look appearing on her face again. "Look," she began, "you deserve to know this. You seem like a decent enough woman." I was not breathing by this point. Kim looked around to make sure no one was listening. "Marshall has been helping me financially and-" I put my hand up and cut her off. My shoulders relaxed, and I said "I already know this. He's told me." I turned, getting ready to walk away thinking I was in the clear when Kim touched my shoulder to re-focus my attention. "Oh, so then you also know we've been fucking on a regular basis?" her smirk returned. My shoulders tensed up again and apparently my jaw dropped because she let out a small chuckle. "I didn't think so." She said, and with that she turned around and walked away as if she didn't just totally turn my life upside down. My worst suspicion finally a reality.