Unexpected Changes (4 page)

Tabitha

GLAD TO
BE STEPPING
foot on my home turf, I take in the air around me and move down the stairs. It’s not until I reach the bottom that I look over towards the car parked next to us. Cory’s leaned up against the side with his arms crossed in front of his chest.

The pure sight of seeing him warms my heart. I haven’t the slightest clue how he knew when I would land, but I’m happy to see him. At this moment, I need his strength and comfort. I don’t care what everyone else thinks, he’s the only one who knows me now.

Rushing over to him, I stop mere inches away and look up at him. “Hi stranger.”

“Welcome home, Firecracker. Missed you,” he says before he embraces me in a bear hug and places a soft kiss upon my head.

Mumbling into his chest, I say, “Missed you more.”

“Come on; let’s get you home so you can tell me all about your trip.”

“Home sounds good, but can we stop by my parents’ on the way? I have a package to pick up,” I say as I get into the car.

“Sure, it’s been a while since I’ve seen your parents.”

“Oh, then you might want to stay in the car. Mom has another banquet coming up and you know what that means,” I say as I give him a deadpan look.

“I know, Meredith already asked me to attend and I kindly explained that I will have two dates for this event.”

“I’m not crashing your date. I’ve explained to Mom that I’m passing on this one. Plus, you never know, I might be out of town.”

“You travel way too much. I don’t like it and you look tired.”

“I am and thanks for reminding me,” I respond as I look out the window to avoid eye contact.

Cory can see right through me, and as much as I need his support and love, I’m not ready to explain everything. He knows what he needs to in order to understand.

“Have you heard from him?”

“I take
him
to mean Carter, and yes, but you know I’m not answering his calls.”

“What if he’s trying to explain? You know it won’t hurt to listen and see what he has to say. I know you still love him and you’re fighting it.”

“Cory, I suggest you change the subject. I’m not in the mood to go through this again. Whatever Carter has to say, I don’t care to hear. It’s over and done with. Time for me to learn how to be alone.”

He doesn’t respond—no words are needed as he squeezes my knee to show he’s here for me.

The rest of the car ride is silent and that rips my heart out a little more. We have never been the ones who didn’t have something to say or talk about.

Thankful to pull into my parents’ drive, I open the door and look over. “I’ll be right back.”

With a nod from Cory, I continue on the path to the doorway of my family home. I notice Seth’s car in the drive and pray I can get in and out like I’d planned.

“Mom, I’m here,” I say loudly as I walk toward the kitchen.

“Kitchen,” I hear her say as I get closer.

When I step in I look around and notice that my brother, Seth, is sitting on top of the kitchen counter picking at the salad Mom is preparing.

“Hey, Sis.”

“Hi. What are you doing here?” I ask as I look at him. His forehead’s all scrunched and those permanent worry lines he sports are front and center.

“Just visiting Mom. You?”

“I have a package and Cory is waiting for me.” I stop and try to gauge what is really going on here before I speak to Mom. “Mom, where’d you put it? I hate to run, but I’m tired and need to get home.”

“In the foyer, dear. Tell Cory to come in and have dinner with us. I have plenty and you know how I miss seeing you guys.”

Shrugging my shoulder, I respond, “Maybe this weekend. I really am tired.”

She walks over and grabs both of my shoulders to turn me towards her. As she takes me in, Mom turns to Seth. “You two need to get over this. I’ve never seen the two of you like you are right now. A mother knows when something is wrong. You two might not explain it all to me, but I see it. Dinner this weekend and you both will be here.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Seth and I both answer in unison.

“Gotta run. Love you both,” I say quickly and head out, trying to avoid any conflict with my brother.

He and Jessica are not seeing eye-to-eye on things, and since she works with me now, I plead the Fifth on all matters.

Shutting the door behind me, I look out and notice that Cory has his head leaned back in a way that shows me he’s got a lot on his mind. The package is light but odd. I haven’t received mail at my parents’ home in years and this one doesn’t contain a return address.

“Have you talked with Seth lately?” I ask as I buckle up.

“Earlier today. Why?”

“He’s in the kitchen with our mother and seems down.”

“He and Jess are still not seeing eye to eye. Those two are made for each other if they would only wake up and see it.”

“I know and I’ll see what I can find out.”

“Good luck, because I already tried. They don’t talk about it. What’s in the package?”

“Don’t know, but let’s see.”

I take one of my keys and slice the tape across the top of the box and open the cardboard flaps. When I look down into the box, I gasp and shut the lid up tight.

“What’s wrong?” Cory asks.

“Nothing, I forgot I ordered this and must have not changed the address when I did it.”

“Okay.”

Thank God he didn’t see inside this box.

Carter

With the ultrasound picture folded up and stuffed into my pocket, I march towards Bethany.

“I’m going to ask you this once and I expect an honest answer. Do you understand me?”

She only responds with a nod of her head.

“Were you ever pregnant?”

Silence takes over the room and I notice Bethany has tears welling up in her eyes. She looks down to the floor and then back up to me. “I’m so sorry, Carter.”

“That is not the answer, Beth, and you know it,” I say.

“That’s all I can say. I can’t answer you.”

“Don’t play coy with me. And you will answer my fucking question. Do you understand the pain I have gone through thinking I wasn’t here to protect you and our baby? Do you?”

“No … I didn’t have your child, Carter. I was pregnant, but it wasn’t yours. All the answers are in your briefcase.”

My nostrils flare as I feel the increased blood flow within my body. My vision becomes cloudy. Pure hate is what I feel right now for the woman in front of me.

“Beth … I’m going to say this once: get the fuck out of my house. Do not contact me ever again, and I swear if I see your face again I’ll not be held responsible for my actions.”

When I finish and back away before I lose control, I notice that she’s become pale and all of a sudden seems weak. This isn’t a look I am used to witnessing on her, and I’m taken by surprise when she starts to speak. Bethany’s voice sounds defeated as she explains.

“For what it’s worth, I am sorry. I never meant for it to get this far. I’ve already packed my bags, since I knew where you were going this morning. I’m leaving the country for a while; it should give you enough time to finalize the divorce.”

“Don’t you think you need to be here for that?”

“Not right now, just know that I’m not behind it all, Carter. Also, make sure you watch out for the one you love.” She walks out the door, leaving me confused about that last bit of information.

I’m more confused than I was before, but at least I’m closer to having all the answers.

Tabitha

GLAD TO
DITCH CORY
with the lame excuse that I’m tired and ready to unpack, I throw all my things into the foyer and dig out my phone.

I punch at the screen to dial Carter and wait for him to answer. As his voice filters through, I start in on him. “Listen you son of a bitch, call the dogs off and leave me the hell alone. I didn’t ask for any of this shit.”

Carter interrupts me as I try to continue. “Tabitha, calm down and tell me what the hell you are talking about?”

“The pictures of me in your condo is what I’m talking about. Oh, and why would they mail them to my parents’ house of all places? What is going on, Carter?”

“I’m not sure what’s going on anymore, Tabby. I can promise you that I’m getting to the bottom of it all, though. It will all be over soon. Can you tell me about the pictures?”

“Not quick enough, and no, you should remember, you were there, with me pressed up against the window. Look, I’m tired and I have to go,” I say as I hang up. I shouldn’t have called him, I haven’t the slightest idea what is going on, and I’m not sure I even care.
Hell, who am I trying to fool? I do care.

Now I’ll be up all night going over everything that’s happened in the past and what I dream of for the future.

Dragging my luggage into my room, I hoist it onto my bed and head over to close the blinds. The pictures have caused a little paranoia now—it’s best to be safe and keep things closed up.

I flip on the iPod dock and search for a song to help me unwind as I unpack my items. I hit the link for “Cool Kids” by Echosmith; it fits perfectly for this evening.

Sighing as I hang up my items, I let the words sink in and realize it really does fit. I reach back into my bag and grab the framed picture of me and baby Graham. I stare at it and allow it to warm my heart. Looking around, I find the perfect spot for it and place it on top of the dresser. This way I can see it every day when I wake.

Tomorrow, I plan to call my doctor here in town and find out the next step in my plan. I’m still keeping it all a secret until I’m ready. No way are they going to talk me out of it.

Happy that I’ve unpacked and everything is in its place, I head out to the living room to do some work. The emails and reports have been piling up for the last few days, and it’s causing my OCD to go into hyper drive.

Laptop, drink, and my briefcase situated, I get comfortable as I wait for everything to load.

When the background to the laptop shows, I smile as I look at the picture I have plastered across it: Seth, Cory, and me at The Hill. It was taken a few months ago, after he did the toast. It was before things got complicated.

I dial Cory and wait. “Hi.”

“Everything okay, Firecracker?”

“It is. I just wanted to thank you for picking me up today and all.”

“Anytime, and you know that.”

“I do and … I was wondering if you’d like to maybe go out this week and have a few drinks at The Hill. You can ask Meredith to come if you’d like?”

“I think we need a night out and it will just be the two of us.”

“Oh okay … What about Seth and the guys?”

“Sounds great. We haven’t all been together for a long time. Text with what night works and I think I know the time.”

“Are you going to sushi this week?” I ask.

“I’m going to try, and I’m sure I’ll see you then. Are you sure you’re okay? I can come over if you need me to.”

“No, I’m good, just trying to figure a few things out, that’s all.”

“You know I’m always here for you, and things don’t have to be the way they are.”

“I know. I just don’t know how to let it go and move past it all, Cory.”

“You will figure it out soon enough, Firecracker.”

“I hope so,” I whisper into the phone.

“How about I bring pizza over? I’m just here alone tonight.”

“No, Cory. I have some work to do, and I promise I’m okay.”

“Okay, but you know where I am if you change your mind.”

“I do, and thank you.”

“Anytime, talk later.”

“Later,” I respond and toss the phone onto the cushion next to me as I let out a rush of air.

I know that in so many ways I’m the luckiest person on the planet, but that doesn’t mean I can’t dream of more.

Opening up my emails, I notice a few from Carter and decide to skip over them and answer the most important ones first.

I wasn’t due back in town until this weekend so I’ll have time to catch up on the office work before I’m getting those frequent flyer miles again. Ugh … just thinking about having to get on another commercial flight causes my shoulders to slump. I admit I’m a little spoiled when it comes to flying on Logan’s jet. It’s so sweet to use when I go to see them, but I refuse to allow him to let us use it for our business.

It could be considered a perk, but then I like to stay grounded. You never know what the future holds, plus the people watching in the airports is priceless.

Emails are done and I’m wide awake. Drumming my fingers against the keyboard, I decide to Google Carter Northwood, Seattle, Washington and hit enter.

Why I’ve never done this before is beyond me. I search everything, but not him. I move to images first before I choose an article to read. Carter and Bethany are plastered all over together, dressed to the nines. I must love to punish myself, because with each scroll down my heart breaks even more.

If I had done this months ago, I could’ve saved myself some heartache. I searched Logan for Angela like there was no tomorrow, but no, I put myself out on a limb, which broke.

I stop on one picture that stands out—he’s in his gray suit from what I think was the night I stayed with him. Bethany has her arm interlocked into his, a smile plastered on her face as she stares at someone to her right. Carter has an expression that I’ve never seen. He looks tired and, I don’t know, different. I choose to open this picture and look for a date. It’s the same night I thought it was.

When I examine the picture and article written next to it, I discover that the man Bethany is looking at is Carter’s father. Now I find this odd—you have this handsome man on your arm, but you can’t even see him.

Curiosity always kills the cat; I’m just thankful I am not a cat. I right-click and save it to my desktop, and then click back to start my search for more, of what I have no idea.

Adjusting my eyes, I notice that I’ve been on this quest for hours. The clock reads three in the morning. Six will come soon enough.

I close everything and haul myself to bed. At least I’ve figured out how to rest my mind, well maybe some. I’m more confused than ever now that I’ve studied all these pictures and a few articles.

As I snuggle down into my comforter, I question everything. No, actually I’m full of questions, and I don’t think I’ll ever get the answers. It’s the last thing I think before I close my eyes.

Carter

The locksmith is changing my locks as I pace the wood floor in my condo. Bethany is gone and I’m even more confused than I was before. Tabitha is receiving pictures of an intimate moment we shared, and from whom, is beyond me.

I need to update Jack on the latest. “Jack, how are things?” I begin causally and wait for his response.

“Slow but safe. How about things with you? Any word on the fire and such?”

“No, and I have some new evidence if you’re ready for this one.”

“I’m listening.”

“First, I have the contents of the box, and let’s say Bethany was never pregnant, and if she was, it wasn’t mine as I was told. Second, Tabitha received a box that contained a few pictures from an intimate moment shared between the two of us. They had to have taken them with a tele zoom lens from the description I got.”

“Shit, Carter, are you for real about Bethany?”

“I am, and we will get to the bottom of this, but we need to figure out what to do about Tabitha. Do you think it’s time?”

“Unfortunately I do, but you know the backlash is going to hit you hard.”

“I know … You decide when and where, just let me know so I’m prepared.”

“Will do, and hey, let me know what else you find out or what you need from this end.”

“Will do and all I need is for you to keep doing what you and Mark are currently doing.”

“You got it. I’ll keep you posted.”

“Thanks,” I say as I hang up and walk to my office.

The leather briefcase is like a ticking time bomb. It’s killing me to see the rest of the contents, but am I actually ready? I don’t know if I will ever recover from the fact that she was never pregnant with my child. All these years I’d dreamed about what our child would be like, what our lives would be like, if things would have turned out differently.

I used to think life became what it is from that one phone call. Now I know it doesn’t matter; it would have still ended the same.

How does one person become so evil?

How is it that I used to not only trust her, but love her? Guess it says a lot about my character.

Knowing sleep will not come, I respond to a few emails from the insurance company and head out to the on-site gym.

It’s the only way I know how to release this anger, working out to just sleep is an end to all means, now.

I walk over and crank up the docking station: “Burn It To The Ground” by Nickelback screams out and causes me to laugh out loud at how appropriate this song is for tonight.

Jumping up and down on the balls of my feet, I shake out my hands to get the blood flowing. The black punching bag hangs in front of me and I toss out a few jabs here and there. Convinced I’m warmed up enough, I let the music take over and seep into my system.

With each beat, I throw a punch at the bag; it’s a steady right, left, right for the first few chords of the song. Getting into the rhythm of the beat, I swing a punch and alternate to a kick, then back to the punch.

Every throw and kick releases the years of pain I’ve felt for my unborn child, the suffering I’ve put myself through as I went through the emotions of a fake marriage.

The song comes to an end and I hit the repeat button, as I need to keep this tempo awhile.

Time passes, but I’m not sure how much. I crash to the mat and look up at the clock on the wall. I’ve been going at it for the last hour and a half. I rest my backside on my heels as I bend forward to catch my breath. My lungs burn as if I lit them on fire. It’s a welcomed pain, and I reach up to wipe the sweat from my forehead.

Finally, I feel as if exhaustion will take over and I push myself up from the floor. A quick toss of the gloves towards the wall, a click to switch off the sound system, and I head up to shower and let sleep take over.