Left (Left 1)

“Because her husband swung by for a visit. I should’ve been prepared for that.”

I step off the porch, close the screen door behind me, and scan her face for signs of

damage. “Are you okay? Wait. Stupid question. Did he hurt you?”

“You know what hurt me? The fact that you hid this."

“I didn’t hide it. It was a letter. She didn’t show up or call. She wrote three paragraphs of half-ass reasons why she left me and so kindly updated me on her new husband with a request to be in the kids’ life again. I didn’t think it barred mentioning.

We’d just gotten together and were trying to figure our new situation out. She’s such a flake. I never expected her to follow up.” I cup her face. “Are you sure he didn't hurt you?”

“No, I slapped him, though.”

I narrow my eyes. “That doesn’t sound like you. What happened?”

“He told me I was a shit girlfriend in so many words and proceeded to explain that our best bet would be to settle out of court for custody because the system tends to favor mothers and they have a full household.”

“I’ll kill that son of a bitch.” I imagine the life leaving his body after I snap his neck and let him fall to the ground, lifeless and unable to cause any more pain to my family.

She presses her hands against my chest. “No, that would give them fuel. Let’s hope he doesn’t press charges on me.”

She’s right. I grit my teeth to keep the fowl images in my head from spilling out of my mouth.

“You should’ve told me.”

“I didn’t think—

“It doesn’t matter what you thought. It’s my choice and my right to know.”

“I was trying to protect you. Why dredge up old memories and hurt you more?”

“Because you don’t get to take away my choice.”

“I love you. I will always try to protect you and keep you safe. If you want to be upset about that, be my guest. But I wouldn’t change a thing.”

“I can’t be here with you right now. Start getting things together on your end. Call your lawyer and catch him up.” She moves to leave. I grab her wrist.

“Where are you going?”

“Home. I need a minute to myself.”

“Why?”

“It’s a lot to process.”

Her reaction bothers me. She’s shutting down and freezing me out. “You think it’s safe to go back alone.”

“I wish he would come back.” Her eyes light with fire, and I release her. She’s jumpy and paranoid. If I hold on too tightly, I’ll lose her for good.

“Anything you need I’m here.”

“I know that.” She cups my face. “I’ll call you tomorrow?”

“As soon as you wake up.”

“Yes, sir.” She salutes me, and I swat her ass, grateful for the moment of normalcy in the chaos that’s broken out. I walk her to her car and see her safely pull out of the driveway before reality pimp slaps me. Thoughts of lawyer and court crash invade my brain. I never wanted my children to go through this. I don’t know if Anthony was correct or not, but losing full custody is not an option. I return to the house where my children are dressing for bed and close the door behind me. I’ll do whatever it takes to stop this. Tonight after I set them down, I’ll make a call to my lawyer John, and get him to recommend the best family lawyer money can buy.

**