Losing Grip (#Wattys2015)

Chapter 21 ~ Explaining

Richard pulled out of the drive and headed toward his house. When he got home and parked his car he saw Mindy on the front step with the dogs and a few cats.

'Uh oh' Richard said to himself 'I cocked up again' He got out of the car and walked over to her.

'Mindy?' Richard said bending over and tilting his head to the side to look at her face. Richard sat down next to Mindy and put his arm around her but she shrugged it off and stood up. She walked halfway across to the other side of the drive and turned around.

'Who is she, Richard? WHO IS SHE?'

Richard took a deep breath and blew it out. 'Mindy, come here. Please?'

Mindy sniffled and stepped back. 'Why Richard?'

Richard put his head in his hands and rubbed his eyes 'Why WHAT Mindy!? I don't understand what your mad about'

Mindy whipped around and glared at Richard. She stepped forward a bit, the rocks crunching beneath her feet and the animals fleeing. Almost like someone flipped a switch and Mindy was Medusa. Everything stopped and Richard could only focus on her. He was terrified.

'The girl Richard, THAT GIRL! Who is she! Why are you always going to see her now? May I remind you that you have kids? Oh, and a WIFE, ME!'

Richard stood and backed up. Then, he took a power stance and said 'Were you in my office? I expect Willow or Jeremy to do that, but YOU? Wow Mindy. Maybe i should be mad at you. You don't even trust me'

'I have a reason not to trust you. Your cheating on me.'

'I am NOT cheating on you. I would never do that and you bloody well know that.'

They both stood, panting for a moment. Mindys whole face was all red and wet. Richard looked closer at her and stepped toward her. He put his arms around her and hugged but she pulled away and stormed up the steps, turning around to say 'Until you tell me whats going on i am NOT hugging or kissing you.'

This made Richard very mad and he stormed into his room and grabbed a suitcase. He was crying.

His eldest daughter Isabella stopped outside the door and asked 'Daddy? What are you doing?'

Richard put his laptop in his pack and zipped it. He walked over to Izzy and bent down. 'Daddy is going on a trip for work. Please stay close to mommy, OK? Shes poorly right now and she needs all the help and support she can get. Izzy..' He said standing up and planting his fists on his hips like a super hero '.. Your the man... er.. Woman of the house while mommy is poorly. I will see you soon'

And with that, he gave her a hug, hopped in his Jag and drove away