The Other Woman

Don't Let The Door Hit You...

    There he stood, shifting feverishly in front of a white door.  His slim form swayed from side to side, as thick restless fingers raked through his unruly, black waves. His feet shuffled beneath him, as if to keep his knees from giving out. The moon above shone down on his caramel complexion, revealing every line, blemish, and scar on his face. As his mind replayed the events of the day, he couldn't help but be burdened with accountability. Eventually, that obligation pulled him out of bed. On the way, he'd rehearsed his apology so many times, he almost lost track of where he was going. And yet, as the minutes ticked by, the doorbell seemed so far out of reach. 

    Calum narrowed his eyes at the tiny button. Before he could second guess anything, he flicked the bell, straightened his flannel, and fought for patience. A minute rolled by. Two. Three. Just as his finger inched toward the door frame again, a rustling from within sounded. He froze as the white door cracked open, revealing a woman. Her skin looked as if it were doused in cinnamon, and her hair hung in loose twists around her shoulders. She was slightly above average, with a pear shaped figure and prominent hips to boot. But her brown eyes, once warm, threatened to burn him right where he stood. 

With a voice like gravel, she barked," You have some nerve showing your sorry ass around here,"

"I know I was supposed to be there-" he stuttered.

"Supposed to?" she screamed. She pushed off the wall and folded her arms. "You must've thought this was some sort of obligation, huh? Nevermind the idea you should want to be there!"

He sighed deeply, attempting to keep his composure," I tried to contact you. You can even check your phone. I texted you saying that I was running late,"

"Running late and completely flaking are two different things. And why the hell would you be late? The project was completed this morning. We even left early. Hell, I asked you before we left if you were really up for this!"

"I know!" he exclaimed, deviating from his composure before calmly stating,"I know. I should have been there. I told you how badly I wanted to meet her and...I should've moved some things aside to make it there-"

Inside, a shrill voice sounded. 

"Mommy, are you oka-" it called out. 

"I'm fine, just go pick out a story!" she shouted back.

"But Mo-"

"Please! I'll be up in a minute!" She blew out a heavy sigh, and recreated the initial fury in her expression. "I shouldn't have even told you about my daughter, especially knowing why she is here. Why you want to suddenly get involved with my life is anyone's guess, but if you think you're gonna waltz in here like you're her father at any given day at any given time, you are seriously mistaken," 

   A moment of silence parted the conversation. Her eyes traveled to the ground for a bit. Calum couldn't help but take in the weary look on her face, as well as the guilt that quickly followed. Had he never asked about that child, she wouldn't be looking like this. She wouldn't be yelling at some guy she hated, rather she'd be reading a story and getting ready for bed. If he turned back now,  she'd be able to have that. A sharp sigh caught his attention. She was slumped against the frame now, visually tired from her outburst. 

"You may go read her a bed time story," she declared, softly,"and after that, we're done. You go home to your wife, you don't speak on any of this at work, and you respect my boundaries,"

As a cloud of happiness overwhelmed the muted anger in his chest, Calum nodded silently, and gingerly entered her home. 

~                                                                                                                                                                                            ~