Overcoming The Lie

Chapter 3

"Addison, I really am sorry for that conversation. David made sense at the time, and I thought things were different. But I never intended for you to get hurt, least of all by me. But I am not sure what this has to do with my sister. We are here because of Marli. I need to know everything that happened with her, how we got to today. I need to understand."

"Mark, I know you didn't mean to hurt me. But you did. I also know that I hurt you, much worse. Keeping Marli's cancer diagnosis from you was the last thing I wanted to do. And I will tell you everything, I promise. What happened with David, unfortunately is part of this story."

"I am hurt and I am angry. Angry at Marli, at Adam, at you. Addy...Addison, please continue; I need to know."

***

The next few days were filled with patient appointments and planning the next steps for Marli. Addison did not have time to think about David or Mark. Then Marli came in for a checkup, both for her cancer and her baby. The 26-week date was just over a week away and Addison needed to ensure Marli was still well enough to deliver her baby. After doing an ultrasound and getting her blood drawn, Marli went back to Addison's office to wait. She figured it would be the best place to stay where Mark would not see her. It was becoming harder not to tell him everything and she knew seeing him would make it even more difficult.

While waiting in her office, Marli was looking around and saw a card with a phone number on it on the floor. Picking it up, she flipped the card over to see if there was a name on it, but there was only the number. That saying "curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back" was on replay in Marli's mind, so she took out her cellphone and sent a text. Hey, I saw your number on a card here and I wasn't sure what to do with it. It wasn't much and it was vague, but she was hoping that she could figure out who it was without having to disclose her identity first. Almost immediately she felt her phone vibrate.

Thank you for texting. I didn't think you would reach out. I know I have so much to explain, and if you will give me the time, I promise to make it worth your while.

I'm listening.

Can I call you? Or, if you are okay with it, can I come to LA and see you in person. It feels so impersonal over text.

First, give me a reason to say yes.

Well, the most important thing to say is I am sorry. I hurt you, I betrayed your trust, and for that I apologize. I was not in a good place back then. I made a mistake, one I know I will have to live with the rest of my life. It is no excuse for what I did, but there are so many things I never told you, and I would appreciate the opportunity to explain. At the very least, I hope that my explanation would help you feel some closure.

Ok. I will give you a chance to explain yourself. In person. When will you be here so I can plan ahead and have an exit strategy lined up.

Always the optimist, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I will be there on Thursday, in two days. Let's meet for coffee, maybe a café close to your work so you can fake an emergency if you need to.

Thursday. There is a local café on third a block away from the clinic. I will be there at 1pm sharp.

Thanks Addison. Marli quickly stopped texting and threw the card back on the floor as she heard the office door open. Now all she had to do was get Addison to the café on Thursday and hope she didn't kill her for it. Marli wasn't sure who it was, and David was the last person on her mind. She didn't think he had the guts or the know-how to reach out to Addison. Marli assumed it was another ex-boyfriend or maybe even an old friend that had a falling out.