31 Days of Halloween

Day Fifteen: Melanie

Melanie didn't stand a chance. She knew it as she stood facing this big burly man, his hands easily able to smash her brain into pulp, yet she felt oddly at ease. Confident, even. Maybe not that she could overpower him, she wasn't that strong, but that she could survive no matter what he did.

He came towards her, anger reddening his cheeks and distorting his features. When he first asked her on a date, he had been so sweet. He picked her up at her apartment, brought her flowers. His opposing size hadn't mattered because he didn't use it. He didn't look threatening or stretch to his full height. He kept himself soft so she would be comfortable.

And then their six-month anniversary came around. He made reservations at a fancy restaurant, somewhere where a button up and nice Jean's wouldn't fly, so she broke out her classic little black dress and pumps. Melanie curled her hair and put on makeup for the first time in what felt like forever; she felt beautiful. Joe clearly had an issue with how she looked, but Melanie didn't care.

At the restaurant, Joe eyed every man who dared walk by their table. Even the waiter became uncomfortable with the staring, prompting him to switch with a waitress. Melanie felt so embarrassed; she had never seen this side of him. She felt horrible for their waiter, but she knew if Joe was being possessive over looks, he would lose it over her talking to another man. So, she sat in silence.

Once their plates had cleared, dessert was set before them. Joe had ordered a slice of their famous chocolate cake, ornately decorated with chocolate writing and piped roses, but when Melanie tried to dip her fork in, Joe shooed her away.

"Didn't you order this for both of us? I thought we were sharing." Melanie felt ticked off but she didn't show it.

Joe stared at her, his eyebrow raised. "If you wanted something, you should have ordered something. Besides, you were finally happy with your weight, why spoil it?"

Melanie boiled with rage. Yes, she was back to where she wanted to be but she couldn't believe Joe would mention that out loud in public. Especially as a reason not to eat sweets. Melanie knew she could have a slice of cake and be perfectly fine.

Melanie stayed quiet the rest of the evening while Joe made small talk, clearly not understanding or caring about her anger. But when they left, the host at the door noticed she was struggling with her jacket. He helped her slip her shoulders in and then politely backed off while she thanked him, stepping outside.

And now she's here, staring at a fuming giant of a man. Melanie backed off slowly until her back hit the restaurant wall, trapping her. Joe seemed built of steel, his muscles rippling underneath his long-sleeved shirt. He slammed his fists into the brick wall on either side of her head, making her jump.

"What was that, Melanie? Why would you flirt in front of me with that guy?" Joe leaned into her face, his breath smelling of chocolate and the beer he imbibed with dinner.

"Joey, honey. I wasn't flirting, he was just helping me with my jacket, I swear." Melanie's voice cracked with her fear, cowering away from Joe.

"I know flirting when I see it, Melanie. You smiled and were way too close just thanking him. You want to cheat on me, don't you?" Melanie opened her mouth to object but Joe slammed his fists again and all she made was a squeak. "Just admit it Melanie! You don't love me anymore, you want that little dweeb at the door. Then go, go have him. See if I care about what you do. Maybe I'll go next door and sleep with that woman that flirts with me when I get my mail."

The color drained from Melanie's face. Was he really accusing her of sleeping with someone else? What was his deal tonight? "Joey, I don't know what you're talking about, please baby let's go home now."