56 comments/ 99080 views/ 11 favorites Consequences - Janet By: thecelt She loved her life and family but she wondered. Just a glimpse of the life others led was all she wanted. How much could that hurt? But as it turns out, the price for that glimpse was more than she expected. Edited by LadyCibelle as always. Consequences-Janet The End of Hope Janet Temple swore under her breath as she pulled into the closest parking space she could find. It was at least a hundred feet from her door and while normally that wouldn't be too bad, today she had two bags of snacks for her daughter Alison's sleepover. Well, it couldn't be helped so she parked the car, climbed out and moved around to the back to unlatch the hatchback. It creaked as she lifted it, the two cylinders that were supposed to make it easy both corroded and useless. She pulled out the two plastic bags and set them down on the ground while she used her weight to pull the hatchback closed. She made sure the stubborn catch was engaged and then carried the two bags into the stairwell to make the climb to her third floor apartment. Once she had unlocked the door and let herself in, she set the bags down and fell heavily into one of the three chairs that surrounded the small table she found and refinished to use as a combined dining/kitchen table. She slumped back in the chair and waited until she caught her breath. She was tired, of course, since she had just finished a full shift at 'The Bistro', the small café where she worked as often and as many hours as she could. Ally stayed with her mother during the day and that saved a lot of money that she desperately needed to keep them housed and fed. But this was Friday and since she worked late, Ally was going to stay overnight with Charlie, her father. He picked her up after he was done work and would bring her home tomorrow for her sleepover Saturday night. Maybe he would stay and talk to her when he did. She looked forward to those times. She had hope then. Since the divorce, Charlie did what he could to pay her child support but she knew that what he gave her was almost as much as he made working at the Midas garage. He was living on the rest and she knew he was struggling. Even with his brother's help, Charlie was just making do. He and Jeff lived together in the small trailer where they were born. Their father had died soon after Charlie moved out and the two of them were now pooling their recourses. She felt the tears begin to well up and stood up, cursing herself for thinking of him. Foolish hope! Just let it go! Just do what has to be done to make sure Ally's sleepover went as well as possible. She angrily wiped her eyes and got up to get things put away. As she made sure the spare room floor where the girls would spread their sleeping bags was clear of boxes and bags and other stuff she stored there, she thought back to the divorce. It was her fault, all of it. She was the one that screwed everything up and made Charlie have to divorce her. He was not very smart and he didn't make a lot of money but Janet loved him. She had as long as she could remember. Charlie lived with his dad and older brother, just the three of them after his mother died. Charlie's father was a drunk and not worth much but Charlie and his brother took care of him. Janet also came from a single parent home, her mother taking care of her. They grew up together and they graduated high school together and they dated through it all. When they were both eighteen, Charlie proposed and in spite of the warning from her mother that Charlie would never amount to anything, she accepted and they were married by the pastor of their local church. Charlie took what little money he had saved and bought a tiny two bedroom trailer and they moved in. Janet was handy with things so she began to find and restore old pieces of furniture to use and slowly they furnished it. Charlie was proud of the job Janet did and he never failed to praise her. They were as happy as if they were rich: and if happiness was a measure of wealth, they were as rich as anyone could be. The only thing that would make them happier was if they had a baby and so when Janet told Charlie that she was pregnant, he was sure he could never want for anything again. Alison was born in their second year of marriage. She was perfect in every way and they both loved her with all their hearts. She grew like a weed, happy and healthy and life was perfect. She learned fast and was a joy to Charlie. He had never considered himself smart but as he watched his daughter, he took pride in her ability and said a prayer of thanks each night that she had the brains he lacked. Ally thought her parents were the end all and be all of everything that was good. She was happy, Charlie was happy and Janet was happy. But as with all things, change was guaranteed. And change did come. When Allie started first grade, Janet told Charlie that she needed to go to work. They needed the money and they could certainly use it to move to a bigger trailer or even a three bedroom apartment. Janet wanted to work during the day while Allie was in school and be home for her in the afternoon. Her mother volunteered to help and watch Allie when Janet had to work over. While it hurt Charlie's pride to see his wife have to work, he agreed that it would be nice to have the extra money. He agreed and Janet started at a café in town called The Bistro, although her hours were later than she wished. She worked as a waitress and made good money with her tips. She was a very pretty girl and she had a sweet personality so she was always getting extra money from the businessmen. The only real problem was that Janet started work before Charlie got home and it was late when she finished. Janet was tired when she got home so their sex life suffered. The weekends were the only time they could be together and they both wanted that time to be with Ally. Together Charlie and Janet started saving money from every payday, doing without as much as possible, and they were excited to watch the savings grow. Charlie talked to a friend of his who worked at the bank and he suggested a savings account that invested in the market. He urged them to invest twenty five percent in a high risk fund that would pay them well if things went alright. If things got too bad, they could back out and he would watch it for them. They agreed and their savings grew faster than they had planned. Things were good even with their forced separation. Janet had been working almost two years when he started to come in to the Bistro for dinner. His name was Simon Butler and he always sat at table 7 which was in Janet's section. She noticed him at first because he always tipped well. She began to talk to him when he came in and she soon knew a lot about him. He was a businessman, working in the financial district. He was almost thirty, divorced, well dressed and seemed to be well built. His shoulders were broad, he was handsome with deep blue eyes and coal black hair. His voice was pleasant and he had a good sense of humor. He always flirted with her and soon she was returning his banter with a smile and some racy comment. He seemed to enjoy it. As Janet came to know him, he also began to ask about her. Slowly she told him about her life with Charlie and Allie. She told him how hard it was for them and how much they wanted to make their way out of the simple life they shared. Money was the issue she explained and she told him where Charlie worked. She probably told him too much and she knew it but he was so easy to talk to. As she came to know him and look forward to his visits, she found herself sad on those days he failed to come in. And for some reason, she never told Charlie about him. She didn't understand her reluctance to mention Simon to Charlie but she forgot it as time passed. Over the next month, Simon became a regular and Janet looked forward to seeing him each day. They laughed and talked and shared personal information and stories about their respective jobs. Janet found Simon to be a good listener and she often asked his advice about things that she and Charlie were concerned about. He gave her the benefit of his knowledge of business and all his advice was sound. As a matter of fact, Simon became so much a part of her life that Janet found herself thinking of him outside the café. She sometimes imagined living with him in a grand home with lots of lawn and flowers and other luxuries she could only dream about. She knew his lifestyle would be grand and she wished that she could experience it, if only for a time. She had a dream about him one night that was so intense, she blushed when she saw him the next day. She had several more that were just as pleasant. She tried to put him out of her mind but sometimes that wasn't possible. It was almost November and Charlie's birthday. Janet knew what she wanted to buy him and she had been saving some of her tips to buy him a CD player. He loved music and he listened to it at work. He collected music at home from his computer and made some discs he liked to listen to but at work, there was no way to play them. She knew he would love one of his own and Janet wanted to do this for him. Janet knew little about them but planned on going shopping in a week or so, just in time for his birthday. She mentioned this to Simon one day while he was in and he said he thought it would be a nice present. She asked him for some advice and he said he would think about it and let her know. They talked as usual; she brought him his dinner and stopped as often as she could while he was there. As usual, he left her a sizable tip. Janet thought no more about the CD player until two days later when Simon handed her a package when he came in to dinner. Janet was surprised but he told her to open it after she was done with her shift; he would talk to her about it tomorrow. She took the package back and placed it in her locker to keep it safe. She finished her shift and changed out of her uniform before leaving. When she put her uniform in the locker, she saw the package, pulled it out and decided to open it. Inside was a box containing a CD player. The label said it was a Sony, and from what little she knew, it had to be very expensive. She set the box down, stood still and just stared at it. What did this mean? Why had Simon given her this? It was meant for Charlie but Simon had never met Charlie and anyway, this was to be her gift to Charlie. She couldn't afford this! She put the box in her locker, set the combination and went home. The CD player bothered her that evening and she tried to put it out of her mind. She would return it to Simon the following day and that would take care of it. It was too expensive and she couldn't afford it. Simon had no business buying it for her since he knew what she could afford. As she thought more about it, she felt herself beginning to weaken. It was a grand thing and she would be so proud to give something that nice to her husband. But then reality reared its ugly head: it was stupid and that's all there was to it. She went in to kiss Ally goodnight, took her shower and crawled into bed with Charlie. He was half asleep so she spooned against him with one arm on his hip and her head on his shoulder. She signed in contentment as she fell asleep. The following day was Friday and she normally worked a few extra hours to get a share of the tips that were typical of that crowd. She was well into her shift when Simon came in and she had little time to talk to him as busy as she was. She did take his order, scold him for the player, telling him she wanted him to take it back, but rushed off without hearing his reply. She was so busy, she never noticed him leave. That bothered her but it made no difference. She would get it back to him soon. She forgot in the heat of the evening crowd and worked straight through until almost nine. She clocked out and changed into her jeans and exited by the back door as always. As the door closed behind her, she saw Simon standing there waiting for her. She blinked, nodded and walked toward him. She could now make arrangements for him to pick up the CD player. As a matter of fact, she could go back inside and collect it now. She would ask him to wait. "Hi Simon. I'm glad you're here. If you wait a minute, I'll go back inside and get your player. Then you can return it and get your money back." She moved close to him to make her point. Simon reached out and put his hand on her arm. "Janet, please wait. I don't want to take the player back. I bought it for you. I don't want your money and you don't need to worry. It's for you to give to Charlie for his birthday." Simon was smiling, trying to convince her that it was just a gift. "But Simon, it's too much. I can't afford anything like that and Charlie would know that I spent too much. He would make me take it back anyway. So, you see, it won't work." Janet had moved closer to Simon to make her argument. "If that's the problem, I can get a cheaper one. I just want to do this for you Janet. It's not much for me. Why can't I help you with this?" "Because he's my husband and I want to give him this gift with money I made by myself. If you give it to me, that's not the same. And why would you want to give me something like this anyway? We're just friends." "You're more than that to me Janet. You have to know how I feel about you. I come in just to see you and that's why I sit at your table." He was now standing very close to Janet, his hand now rubbing up and down her arm, and she hadn't moved back. Janet didn't know what to say but her heart was pounding and there was a rushing in her ears that made it hard to concentrate. Simon was so close he was all she could see. He filled her world at that moment and when he bent down to press his lips to hers, she didn't, couldn't, move. As his lips touched hers, she sighed, closed her eyes and let the kiss develop. She wasn't aware of putting her arms around his neck and pulling him down to her. She wasn't aware of his arms going around her waist and pulling her body against his. She felt the urgency of his erection through the mist that seemed to be surrounding her and making her mind move so slowly. She pressed against him with a groan of pleasure that told him what he needed to know. She felt lost but safe in his arms. Her lips opened to accept his questing tongue and she molded herself even closer when she felt one hand move between them to grasp her breast. Her own hand moved down as well and rested on the impressive bulge between his legs. She felt him jerk when her hand grasped him through his pants and she smiled through the kiss. His tongue was demanding and hers answered. She lifted one leg and put it around his waist to allow him access to her warm center. When his hand dropped and pressed against her mound, she also groaned in pleasure. They were both lost in lust and would probably have groped each other longer when the door behind them opened and light spilled over them. Janet seemed to come to her senses then and pulled back in guilt. For the first time, she thought of Charlie and what she was doing. She felt the guilt begin to build and her face flushed in shame. Simon had stepped back as well and the two of them stood apart, panting and looking down at nothing. There was a loud bang as a bag of garbage was tossed to their left and then the door closed, bathing them in darkness again. Apparently no one had noticed the two of them clutching each other in lust. Janet looked up then at Simon and his face was still flushed from passion. Her knees almost buckled at that but then she turned and almost ran toward her car parked close by. She was at the car with her hand on the door when she felt Simon grab her shoulder and spin her around to face him. "Janet, please. You can't just leave now. What about what just happened? You had to feel what I felt." He was bending down to look directly into her eyes. His face had determination and his voice was firm and commanding. She felt herself begin to weaken again and tried to find the courage to push him away. She was a married woman, with a husband who she loved and who loved her. This was wrong and had to stop before it went too far. She wanted to tell him that but just as she was about to say the words, he once again pressed his lips to hers and his body against hers. He backed her against the side of her car and the contact between them increased as he pressed harder. Once again she felt herself losing control. But what about Charlie? What about. . . . . . When his tongue slipped between her lips again she sighed and threw control away. The sensations were too strong and his body felt too warm and solid. She had no choice now. Simon moaned into her mouth as he slipped his hand under her blouse and pulled it out of the waistband of her slacks. He moved quickly to cup her breast through her thin bra and she gasped into his mouth with pleasure. He pushed the flimsy bra up over her breasts freeing them both to his greedy hands. When he rolled a nipple between his finger and thumb she felt herself quiver in need. She spread her legs wider when his other hand moved down inside her slacks to cup her mound again. This time she reached for the zipper of his pants and pulled it down frantically. She wanted to feel him, to take him in her hand and know what he felt like. She reached inside his underwear and pulled him out into the open. He shivered with feeling as she moved her hand up and down the long length of him. She wanted more. Simon released her breasts, pulling a moan of displeasure from her, but then roughly pushed her slacks down off her hips. He quickly dropped to his knees to pull them down and off one foot. Immediately, she moved her legs apart in freedom. He rose up, kissed her warm thighs and moved to her wet center. His warm breath brought a surge of lust to her already hot face and then his tongue washed over her causing her knees to buckle. She grabbed his face and pulled him up. This was too intense and she wanted him inside her. She reached down to take him in her hand and as he rose to his full height, she positioned his cock directly between her wet lips and pushed her hips forward to take him inside. She leaned her shoulders as far back against the car as she could and pushed her hips against him, taking the head inside. Simon groaned with delight before pushing his own hips forward, driving his rigid cock completely inside Janet. They both stiffened at the complete penetration before Simon pulled back and began to pump into her with slow strong thrusts. Janet dropped her hands down to his hips and pulled him toward her with each thrust. Their bodies met at each stroke and both felt their climaxes rushing forward. Janet was panting and moaning with each thrust and Simon was grunting with animalistic sounds. This was lust, pure and primitive, satisfying a demand that had been building between the two of them for months. As Simon's own climax approached, his thrusts increased in frequency and power. As his lust crested, he growled out loud and thrust powerfully inside Janet's body and held himself against her as his semen flowed up and out into her waiting warmth. As the first touch of his liquid splashed deep inside her, Janet's climax crashed over her, lifting her up on a crest of passion. She threw back her head, her mouth open in a silent scream as the force of it drove her momentarily insane with pleasure. The two of them were frozen in a tableau of intense pleasure, his semen pumping into her waiting reservoir. As the climax subsided, Simon pumped into her several more times, making sure all of his seed had been deposited before slowly pulling back, releasing Janet from her rigid position between him and the cold steel of the car. As he slipped out of her body, she dropped down from her toes onto her feet again, the strain in her calves and thighs beginning to be felt. At first all she felt was the warm glow of contentment as it flooded her tense muscles; then she began to feel the embarrassment of standing almost naked in front of a man she knew only slightly, but one with whom she had just made love. Almost immediately, she bent down to pull her pants back on and to pull down her bra covering her breasts. Once again dressed, she said nothing as she pulled open the car door, slid inside and then closed the door essentially blocking Simon off. It seemed crazy but at that instant, it was all she could think to do. Consequences - Janet "Janet! Janet. Roll down your window, please. Janet, please, we have to talk." He was holding the door handle, one hand rapping on the window. She pushed the button to lower the window. "I have to go Simon. Please, we'll talk tomorrow. I really have to go; Charlie will be wondering where I am." Janet couldn't look into his eyes. She was embarrassed, crushed with guilt and frightened of what she had just done. The only thing she could think of was to get home where it was safe. "Fine, but we will talk. I don't regret what just happened and I hope you don't either. Go home, but we'll talk again." He backed away, letting her go. She started the car, backed out and pulled onto the highway leading back to her own home. Janet drove home, thinking now only about what she had done and what she had to do. It is typical of those who do wrong that when they finally back away from the deed itself, they begin to think of what they should have done and what they need to do to cover themselves in innocence. Feelings of guilt and remorse are present but suppressed by the need to cover their guilt, and hiding any evidence of their crime was paramount. That was Janet's thought process as she drove home: self preservation. Cold, calculating and devoid of remorse. First she had to get into the house, avoid any contact with Charlie until she could get into the shower and rinse all signs of Simon off her body. She was filled with his semen and it was beginning to leak onto her panties. It would be too obvious to Charlie if he were to see her that way. She had to rinse herself out and change underwear quickly. Next she had to examine her body for any signs. She didn't think there would be anything to hide since their passion was contained to pure sex. Simon had handled her tits roughly but they didn't seem to be sensitive so there was very little likelihood that there were any bruises or redness. As for her vagina, there was no chance that she could let Charlie anywhere near her tonight. She was sore and her outer lips were swollen still. As she pulled into the driveway, she felt she was calm enough to spin the story for Charlie that she had spilled some leftovers on her clothes and she wouldn't want him near until she could wash. She rubbed her hands over her face to make it uniformly pink and used a comb to quickly brush her hair into place. She was ready to face her husband. She walked into the trailer and threw her purse onto the small table next to the door as usual. The entrance opened directly into the front of the trailer with the kitchen and the main part of the trailer to her left, and the open end of the trailer comprising the combined living room/family room to the right. She smiled at Charlie as he sat in one of the two chairs that face the TV. "Hi babe! I have to hit the shower real quick. I got dumped on with a tub of leftovers and I smell pretty bad. Let me wash up and I'll be back quick as I can." She waved and turned to the left to the master bedroom and the small shower inside. She moved down the small hallway and slid the door open to go inside. She looked back once but Charlie was sitting still where he was. She breathed a sigh of relief, stripped her clothes off, grabbed the underwear and stuffed it into the small hamper she kept for dirty things. She made sure her panties were stuffed down out of sight just in case. She went into the small bathroom, looked at herself in the full length mirror attached to the sliding door to check for signs. She breathed a sigh of relief as she saw nothing to worry about. Even her lower lips were no longer swollen and red. She moved quickly into the shower and let the water soothe her jangled nerves. She attended to business and made sure she was clean inside and out. Five more minutes to say a small prayer of thanks then out to dry off and don a clean pair of pajamas. She stuck her head into Allie's room, watched her sleeping face for a few seconds, then went down the hall to face Charlie. She took a deep breath before sitting down in the other chair. "How was Allie tonight? Any problems?" Janet was surprised at the calm way she was able to ask that question. "Nothing out of the ordinary. Seems you're a little late tonight aren't you? Must have been busy. Good for tips, I'll bet." Charlie glanced over at her and then back to the TV. The comment about being late was like a bolt of lightning striking her out of the blue. Up to this point, the guilt she felt about cheating on Charlie had been lurking in the background, overwhelmed by the need to cover her actions. From the time she pulled up her pants and got into the car, she hadn't once allowed herself to think of him. Now, with his simple, innocent question, she was grabbed by the cuff of the neck and thrust directly into her betrayal. As Charlie watched some mindless drivel on TV, Janet's mind tried to block out what she had done without success. Visions of her standing naked, her hips jutting forward in lust swam before her eyes. She felt herself getting sick and she jumped up and ran toward the bathroom, getting only into the entrance before everything came up. She fell to her knees, one hand on the doorjamb holding her up as she lowered her head and spewed her stomach's contents over the bathroom floor. She heaved steadily for the next few minutes until there was nothing left but bile which burned her throat and mouth. She was gasping and shuddering as her muscles clinched and unclenched, the dry spasms subsiding painfully until they were gone. Charlie had become aware of her condition when she began to cough and sputter. He was standing behind her, unsure of what to do. He watched her, his own stomach heaving in sympathy. As she slowed down, he bent down to put one hand on her back and ask, "Is there anything I can do honey. Are you alright? Should I take you into emergency?" Janet was sick, unhappy and frightened, all at the same time. She wanted Charlie's comfort but couldn't accept it now. Not after what she did. Not after betraying everything she had promised him. She had cheated on her husband and that was enough to make her afraid to look into his eyes or talk to him. He would say something kind and she couldn't stand that. She didn't want him to be kind: she didn't deserve that. Not now. "No Charlie, I'll be fine. Just something I ate today at the café. Maybe the fish, it could have been bad. I'll just clean this up and go in to bed. You go back and finish watching your show. I'll be OK." She waved him away, pretending to be embarrassed and Charlie took the hint. Anyway, he would be no help in trying to clean up after her. He was never much help with stuff like that. A typical man. Her man, she thought, which brought on a bout of crying. Angrily she went into the small laundry room and got a bucket which she filled with water. She spent the next few minutes on her knees, tears pouring out of her eyes, cleaning up her mess and after putting everything away, went into the bedroom and lay down. She thought about telling Charlie what she did but she didn't know how to explain to him how it happened. She couldn't even justify to herself what happened: she wasn't able to even do that. She thought back to what happened and in spite of her guilt and remorse, the memory made her body react and she became wet again. She clamped down on the memory, trying to wrench her mind away from it but it was no use. She knew it was wrong, that cheating on Charlie was wrong and bound to cause her great harm if he found out, but it made no difference to her rogue body. As she remembered Simon's hands and mouth, her hand dropped between her legs and she began to pleasure herself. She was rubbing herself when she heard Charlie coming down the hall. In guilt she pulled her hand back and rolled over onto her stomach. She stayed still as Charlie looked in on her before turning and walking back down the hall. As she lay there in bed, she felt the tears squeeze out of her closed eyes; she was confused and frightened. What was happening to her? She loved Charlie and Ally with all her heart but Simon kept interrupting her thoughts. She felt intense guilt about what she did but she also had to admit that she enjoyed it so much. He was wealthy, handsome, distinguished and powerful; all the things that Janet envied. She had always looked on people with money as different, somehow better, more appealing. As she drifted off to sleep, she thought about what it would be like to spend some time with him alone. The weekend came and Janet spent that time with her husband and her daughter. They drove to the park and had a picnic with Allie. She rode on all the contraptions there for the children and Charlie was so patient with her. He helped her onto all the bigger rides and was there to catch her when she swung, tumbled, or slid too far. Janet laid out the spread, filled their plates with food she had prepared and watched the two people she loved most in this world enjoy. She was content; her thoughts completely on Charlie and Allie. No thought of Simon intruded on her contentment that weekend and she had hopes that it had been only a moment of insanity that she could leave behind. Until Monday. On Monday morning, Charlie went off to work, Allie went to school and Janet did the housework. She went about doing her chores in good humor, a wonderful weekend giving her peace. She thought no more about Simon or her transgressions. She lay down for a short nap before changing for work. She always left at two thirty to go to work, her normal hours being three to seven or seven thirty, depending on the volume of business. Allie would go to her mother's place when school was out and stay there till Charlie picked her up on his way home. They would be together then until about eight when Janet got home. Allie would go to bed soon after and that would be their day. It had been her world now for the past several years and she loved it just as it was. At work, things became routine, and Janet quickly lost herself in her job. People came and people went and the world was as it should be. She was doing fine until he came in just about dinner time. He took his usual seat in her section and she almost didn't notice him until she came around the corner and saw him sitting there. He smiled at her and her heart began to pound in her chest. She swallowed, took out her pad and walked over to take his order. She stood beside his chair and waited. "I'm glad to see you Janet. I couldn't wait until dinner time to come in; I almost left work early just to be here to see you." He was looking up at her, his face the one she had seen in her dreams so many times. Now, she didn't know how she felt except that she was happy he was here. Her face was flushed and her heart was pounding so loud she was surprised he couldn't hear it. "I'm glad to see you too. What can I get you?" It was all she could do to get the words out. "Wait a minute. I have something I want to give you." He reached into his jacket inside pocket and pulled out a small rectangular card. He looked once at it and then handed it to her. She took it without asking what it was and slid it into the pocket of her apron. "You can use that anytime you want. When you do, just tell me 'tonight'." He smiled at her, then looked at the menu and ordered something. She wrote it down out of habit and walked away. She handed the order to the cook, then walked quickly to the back room, telling one of the other waitresses she had to use the restroom. Once inside with the door locked, she pulled the card out and examined it. It was a keycard for apartment A-25 at the Bennington Apartments, an upscale apartment complex nearby. He was telling her that all she had to do was say tonight and he would be waiting for her. The thought of that made her angry at first, then pensive, and finally she began to feel excitement. What if she did meet him for sex? After all, the first time in the parking lot was so exciting that she thought about it all the night. She had jumped Charlie that Saturday afternoon when Ally was off playing with her friends and then again that night. Even Sunday night, she had enticed him into making love after getting him in the mood with her mouth. Charlie loved that and she only did it on special occasions. She explained herself to him by saying that she was just in a playful mood after a great weekend. On top of that was a desire to see where Simon lived, how he lived. She had imagined his life in luxury and style and this was a chance to see it for herself, and maybe enjoy it, if only for a short time. Janet left the bathroom and went back to the floor. She passed Simon's table a few times before stopping, pretending to check to see if he needed anything else. She whispered that she needed time to think about this. He nodded, smiled at her encouragingly and told her to take her time. He didn't want to push her into anything but he desperately wanted to see her alone. She walked away, nervously thinking about what he was saying. She felt herself getting moist at the thought but stopped herself with an angry expletive. This had to stop! These thoughts weren't proper and she had to get control of herself. Simon finished and left without receiving any more attention from Janet. She finished out her shift, left for home with mixed feelings. She spent that evening with Charlie and Allie before she went to bed. Afterwards as Charlie watched TV, Janet sat quietly examining her feelings. As she watched him sitting there, her love for him rose and caused her eyes to begin to fill with tears. She loved him so much! He and Allie were her life and she was happy with them both. She wanted nothing more and regardless of the cramped quarters the three of them were forced to endure, these were happy days for her. At that, she decided to give the card back to Simon the next time he came in. She smiled to herself, walked over and sat down on Charlie's lap. He smiled at her, put his arms around her and held her tight. She was happy and content! It was with some guilt that Janet gave Charlie the CD player that Simon gave her. She had struggled with the decision, but finally rationalized it by considering that Charlie would love it; she loved him completely; Simon would not even miss the money it cost; and if there was some guilt associated with the gift, it was a deserved penance as a way to make up for her cheating. Charlie loved it, raved about how much it cost her, pretended to want to refuse it but his joy was too much. He told her how much he loved her and thanked her for the sacrifice he knew she made to give it to him. She made it through the birthday without more than a small niggling by her conscience. After all, some good can come from bad actions. Couldn't it? Her contentment lasted almost a week until the following Thursday. She still had the keycard and hadn't given it back to Simon; she had been wrestling with her emotions ever since the following day when Simon came in for dinner. Janet wanted to give him the card but when she saw him and his smile, she hesitated. He said nothing to make her nervous and just smiled and joked a little with her as a typical customer. She relaxed and the keycard stayed in her locker. Neither of them mentioned it that day or the next, or the day after that. Until Thursday. Janet had been nervous all day and she wasn't sure what the problem was until Simon came in for dinner. He had on a casual shirt that exposed his muscular arms and his broad chest. He had been working at home that day, taking a day off from work. He looked tanned and relaxed and Janet's stomach rolled over at the sight of him. She took his order, exchanged pleasantries with him before bringing his dinner. As she took away the main course dishes, preparing to bring him his dessert, she made her decision, not even taking the time to consider. As she set the dessert in front of him, she leaned down and whispered, "tomorrow." Simon hardly reacted when he simply nodded. The rest of the shift flew by as Janet's heart soared with the thought of spending an hour or more with Simon alone. She knew what she was doing was wrong but she suppressed her guilt with the thought that this was just for her: a few hours living in luxury with a strong, powerful man. Living as wealthy people did, in style and grace. The price for that was letting him have her body. Not love, just sex, admission to his world for just a short time. Charlie couldn't be angry if he knew that she only wanted a small bit of time for herself. Allie wasn't being hurt and neither was Charlie. They didn't need to know about this and she would never tell them. And Charlie would benefit, just as he did the day after the first time with Simon. This was just a tryst, meaning nothing. That night, she made love to Charlie, making sure he was happy and satisfied. She gave him oral again, knowing how much he loved her doing that for him. When he finally mounted her and penetrated her, she wrapped her arms and legs around his body and joined him in making love. They climaxed together and she told him how much she loved him. He seemed startled by her emotional response but reveled in the pleasure of Janet's attentions. As he rolled over and fell asleep, exhausted by their physical exertions, she laid there herself contemplating what she was going to do the next night. Strangely enough, she still felt no guilt, rationalizing her act as just a tryst with no meaning. Her marriage was secure and her love for Charlie was strong. And anyway, he would never know. Fridays were always busy, the evening dinner crowd heavy and late. Normally she quit around seven but on Fridays it was more like nine or nine thirty. She clocked in, went looking for the evening shift manager and when she found him, told him she had to leave no later than eight to make an appointment. When he complained, she told him that there was no way to change it and she had no choice. He grumbled but finally said it would be OK. She promised to work extra hard while she was there to make up for it. As she went about her job, she kept telling herself that she could only give Simon an hour or an hour and a half. That was more than enough time to enjoy what he had to offer and short enough that it wouldn't get too messy. She could shower in the room afterwards and she would put on the cologne she normally used since she had brought it with her. She smiled to herself, thinking how mature she seemed. Planning for her tryst with Simon as if she did this every day. For some reason, that made her uncomfortable: she wasn't supposed to be this blasé about something like infidelity. Suddenly she had second thoughts: could she do this? But she knew that she had made up her mind and it was going to happen. She had to try this. Maybe it would be only this one time. Yes! Just once and then, never again. Charlie was her love and her life. She wouldn't do anything to jeopardize that. Just this one time. When Simon came in, she was as busy as she had been all day but she took a second to tell him she would be there by eight or eight fifteen. He smiled, tried to take her hand but she moved quickly away and immersed herself into her job. She dropped off his check with a smile and a nod then he left. By then, business was solid and she had no time to consider what she was about to do until it was almost eight. Her boss tapped her on the shoulder as she went by to remind her about the time. She wiped her brow and thanked him as she finished the order she had. As she walked back to the locker room to change, she considered changing her mind but continued to get ready. She clocked out, got to her car, turned the key and sat there, her mind vacillating between going to Simon's apartment and going home. Simon won. She pulled into the parking lot and sat there with the engine running, still on the verge of turning around and going home. As she considered, she saw the door to his apartment open and Simon step out. He watched her for a few seconds before motioning with one hand for her to come. She switched off the ignition, pocketed the key and exited the car. She started for his door slowly at first then with more confidence until reaching his open arms, she moved into him without hesitation. His arms enclosed her, his scent filling her nose and his hard chest chasing away the last of her reservations. As she pressed herself against him, she sighed in surrender as he pulled her inside and closed the door. Consequences - Janet Once inside she looked around and saw what she expected: richness and luxury beyond her experience. Simon lived well and his apartment reflected that. She saw a huge leather couch; an oversized recliner, also leather; chrome, glass and black metal end and coffee tables; the hardwood floors that gleamed where they showed around expensive area rugs. On the walls were paintings, some original and some prints: she couldn't tell the difference but they were beautiful. She walked into the room and saw the kitchen. The appliances were stainless steel and all were gleaming and impressive, standing ready for a gourmet cook. Further down the hallway were the bedrooms and she looked in each one. The master bedroom was very large, probably larger than the combined living room, dinette and small kitchen in her trailer. She walked into the master bathroom and saw a huge corner Jacuzzi tub, a separate glass enclosed shower, and a huge vanity that covered one entire wall. Over it was a full sized mirror that reflected the bathroom, making it seem even larger. She walked back out to where Simon stood waiting. "It's exactly what I pictured in my mind. It's beautiful; absolutely beautiful." "I'm glad you like it. It's home to me but it's nice to see it through someone else's eyes." He smiled and asked "Would you like something to drink? An iced tea, a soft drink?" "Yes, thank you. Remember, I have to be home by nine thirty at the latest so we don't have a lot of time." She walked over to the couch and sat down, feeling the buttery soft, supple smoothness of the leather. She settled back in contentment, pushed off her shoes and tucked her legs under her. The feeling was so wonderful, she hugged herself with glee. She turned to see Simon in the kitchen, getting drinks from the refrigerator. She rose, walked in to watch him, marveling at the size of the refrigerator. It was almost as large as her own combined with her stove and counter top. It was huge! She walked over to the oversized recliner and settled down in it. She found a button on one arm and pushed it to feel the entire chair begin to vibrate softly. She moaned in contentment as she felt the wonderful motion soothe her tired muscles. She laughed, but rose from the chair to accept a drink from Simon, who had walked in to watch her. She took the drink, took a few sips and then moved to where he stood, took him by the hand and started back toward the master bedroom. He followed, turning out the entrance light as they moved down the hall. This time they were more patient and took time to carefully undress each other. Standing beside the bed, Janet was thankful she wore a lacy bra and panty this time, enjoying Simon's obvious admiration when he removed her slacks and top. She watched him remove his own shirt and pants and when he was down to his boxers, she reached behind herself to unsnap her bra. She was pleased with his reaction when she allowed it to fall away, revealing her breasts with the nipples already aroused. He immediately reached out to take them in his huge hands and she leaned into him as she tweaked the nipples making them stand out even more. She felt him slide her panties down over her hips and then she was naked. Simon lowered his boxers and she looked down to see his erection pointing up at her. She had a second to notice it was no larger than Charlie's before he gently pushed her down on the bed as he moved against her. She understood immediately what he wanted when he moved close to her, his cock almost hitting her face. She did as he asked, sucking him to full hardness, even though she didn't want to do this for him. She felt him grow and when he was fully hard, she moved back on the bed, her arms reaching out for him. As she scooted up the bed, she opened her legs invitingly. He moved toward her on his knees and made to stop to give her opening his attention but she reached down to pull him up. "No, not this time. Make love to me now Simon. Put it inside me now. I'm on the pill so you don't have to worry. Make love to me." Simon needed no further encouragement. He moved between her open legs, placed his cock against her lips and pushed. He slid in easily due to the wetness of her opening and she lay back, her eyes closed, her mouth open in wonder, her legs going up and around his waist as he pushed all the way inside, pulled back out almost completely before again plunging in all the way. Janet moaned in pleasure and used her legs to encourage him to greater effort. She felt his penetration and his strokes but she felt little else. As Simon began to gain a regular rhythm, she began to move her hips along with him to assist him to reach as deeply as possible. While this was pleasant, Janet was disappointed that it wasn't all she expected. But then she was not doing this because she was unsatisfied with her own sex life. She wanted the time for herself and to enjoy the life that Simon lived. That was the purpose. Sex was the price she had to pay, so it was no surprise that it was not as wonderful as she hoped. As she lay there, pulling Simon against her on each stroke, he began to increase his pace and he was plunging into her as hard as he could. She enjoyed it as he began to grunt in his passion and she waited to feel him come. Suddenly, he groaned, stiffened against her, his cock buried inside her as deep as possible and let go. She felt the warm liquid splash against her walls as she clinched her legs holding him fast. He shuddered as his climax ran its course and then he slowly relaxed, pulling back and finally out of her. She loosened her legs, her feet resting on the bed. Simon held himself off her with his arms until he finally rolled over onto his back. Simon made comments about how wonderful it was, how great she was, and more compliments that were intended to let her know that he had enjoyed it. She made similar comments to him, intended to let him know how wonderful he was as a lover. He meant what he said: she didn't. But this was what she wanted. She had enjoyed his body, his cock, his passion, but she hadn't climaxed. There was none of the excitement that she felt the first time in the parking lot. No return of the lust that she felt then. This was more planned, more scheduled; there was a purpose to her being here, and sex was only a small part of it. For Simon, it was all. As Simon went out to fix coffee, Janet used the shower to rinse her body of his scent and to flush his semen out of her vagina. No trace of him would remain when she went home to her husband and her daughter. She brushed her hair, using a spray she brought with her, used the cologne sparingly and checked her makeup. She looked normal, not like the slut she was. That thought came unbidden to her as she stared at her reflection. Slut! Tramp! Harlot! Stop this! Stop this now! This was what she wanted, wasn't it? Now was not the time to second guess herself! Angrily, she walked down the hall to see where Simon had gone. She found him standing at the stove, waiting for the water to boil for tea. She stopped, looking once more at the luxury surrounding her before saying "Simon, I have to go. Thank you for a wonderful evening, but I do have to go. Charlie will be waiting for me and I don't want him to wonder where I am." Simon turned in surprise and said "Are you sure? Can't you stay a while longer? I really want you to stay." He was sincere and his face was pained. He did want her, she knew that. "No, I have to go. I'll see you at the café. Goodnight Simon. Thank you." Janet walked quickly toward the door but not before Simon got to it first. He opened it and held it for her, but as she started to leave, he took her in his arms and kissed her passionately. Before she could stop herself, she was responding and when he pushed his tongue against her lips, she opened. She felt herself becoming aroused again and suddenly knew she had to stop this. She pulled away, her hands on his chest making it clear to him she was serious. He pulled back but kept his hands on her shoulders. "Are you sure you can't stay just a while longer? We don't have to do anything but talk if you want. I just want you near me." "No Simon. I have to go. My husband will be waiting for me. You know that and you know this can't be a regular thing. I love my husband and my marriage is too important to me. If you can't accept that, we have to stop. Now!" Simon pulled back, nodded once to let her know he accepted her conditions and then held the door wide. She walked through, reaching up to place her hand on his face to let him know she did understand. Her heart was pounding with both passion and uncertainty. What was she doing? What was she risking by this insane behavior? She shook herself once before walking out the door. Janet walked to her car without looking back. She knew he was disappointed as was she, but to stay would only be uncomfortable. She would rather be home now. It was only nine forty five; the entire visit had been just over an hour: just like a prostitute, the thought coming unbidden to her mind. She got in her car, slamming the door in anger for her thoughts. She started the car and drove out, never noticing the man that exited his car, watched her leave before walking toward Simon's apartment. She drove home, thinking to herself that she had done everything she planned to make sure Charlie would suspect nothing. She was less than pleased by her evening but not entirely sure she wouldn't repeat it at least once more. Simon's apartment was wonderful. If she could just spend more time enjoying that without having to repeat the session in the bedroom it would be perfect. She just wanted to know what it was like to sit on soft supple leather, drink from fine crystal, set her glass down on coasters protecting beautiful beveled glass tops, watch TV on fifty inch flat screens. Just to see what it was like. Nothing more. When Janet pulled into the parking lot next to the trailer that was home, she was surprised to see the lights off. She walked up the three steps to the covered porch that Charlie built three years ago to allow them a place to put their barbecue grill, a soft couch with outdoor cushions, several lawn chairs and a table just perfect for the three of them. They had several parties here with friends that were quite popular. She smiled as she straightened one of the lawn chairs. She opened the door and walked in, her purse going to the table as she looked at the empty room. The TV was off, the quiet letting her know that no one was home. She checked her watch to see it was only ten fifteen. Allie should be in bed and Charlie should be here, settled in his chair and watching TV. Why weren't they there? She walked into the kitchen area, looking for a note or a card or something telling her where they were. She found nothing. She walked back to the bedroom, not expecting to find Allie or Charlie and she wasn't disappointed. No one. No note, no Allie, no Charlie. She walked to the phone mounted on the wall by the refrigerator and called her mother. "Mom? Are Alison and Charlie there?" She listened to the answer with a growing suspicion. "No honey, he isn't. Allie is, and she's already in bed. Charlie just this evening asked me to keep her tonight. He has some kind of surprise for you, but I don't know what. He didn't tell me." "He didn't say anything more to you? Nothing about what he has planned? I'm scared mom. I don't know anything about this. How was he when you talked to him?" "He was fine honey. Just anxious to get doing what he wanted to do. He didn't say anything more to me than would I watch Allie for the night. That was over an hour ago." "OK mom. I'll call you once I find out what's going on. 'Night." Janet hung up the phone with a small frisson of fear running up her back. She turned on the lights, wished once more that Charlie would agree to cell phones for the two of them just for times like this. He refused because of the money but she decided they would get them. This was not good: being out of touch and not knowing what was happening. She changed from her clothes into her pajamas, got a glass of milk from the refrigerator and warmed it in the microwave. Taking it, she sat down in the chair she favored and waited for Charlie to come home. She was prepared to wait all night if that's what it took. By three in the morning, without any word from Charlie, she was almost hysterical. Her tired mind had become obsessed with the idea that Charlie knew what she had done. She told herself over and over that was not possible but her mind insisted. Why else would he not come home? Why else had he not called her? Why leave Ally with her mother for the night? None of those made any sense unless Charlie knew! But that was not possible! It couldn't be! Oh, God, what if it was? She rose and paced the room for the tenth time in the last hour. She was going crazy, that had to be it. By five, she was so exhausted that she fell asleep sitting in the middle of the floor, a pillow from the couch her only padding, her head resting on the side of a chair. She didn't sleep long for she woke, screaming from her dreams. She dreamed that Charlie left her without a word and she was alone, her husband and her daughter gone. She was covered with sweat and her heart was racing out of control. She staggered to her feet, weaved her way to the kitchen where she splashed cold water on her face. The shock brought her back to reality, but nothing had changed. She was still alone with no word from Charlie. At seven, she pulled down the phone book, opened it to the Bs and looked up Simon Butler. There was only one listed and she saw the address and knew it to be the correct Simon. She dialed his number and waited. "Hello? This is Simon. Please leave a message and I'll call." An answering machine! She had to get in touch with him now. She decided to leave a message and wait for a few minutes then continue to try until he answered. "Simon, this is Janet. Please call me as soon as possible. My number is 555-9653. Call me right away." She hung up the phone, then sat staring at it waiting for a ring. As she was about to reach for it to call again, it rang. She answered before the first ring had died away. "Hello! Charlie?" She held her breath for his answer but it was Simon. "No Janet; it's Simon. I think I know why you're calling. Charlie stopped to see me last night, right after you left. I think he was waiting. It's not good Janet. He's very angry and he threatened me if I ever talked to you again. He said some things that were hard for me to hear but he was right. He called me a thief: taking something that didn't belong to me. He meant you." "Oh God, Simon. What did you tell him? Did you tell him the truth? Please tell me you didn't tell him what we did. Please Simon. Please?" "I'm sorry Janet. I told him everything, even about the parking lot. I'm sorry, but he had to know I'm in love with you. I love you Janet and I don't care about him. I don't want to lose you. Regardless of what happens, I'll be here for you." She stared at the phone in horror. He told Charlie? He told him he loved her? Oh, my God! What would Charlie think? That she loved Simon? No! No! He had to know the truth, that she loved only him. Never Simon, never any other man! She slammed the phone down, not bothering to answer Simon. There was no need. It was over! Done with! All she could hope was that it wasn't too late. Where was Charlie? She had to see him, to speak with him. She sat down at the small kitchen table and held her head as she cried. That's how Charlie found her when he came home. It was about an hour after she talked with Simon and she had been crying ever since. Charlie walked into the trailer to see her sitting there, her head on her arms, her shoulders moving ever so slightly, her crying almost done. She had no more tears to shed. She was so deep in her thoughts that she hadn't heard him come in. She finally raised her head to see him sitting across from her, watching. She started, tried to find the words to say something, anything. But nothing came to her. She was so tired, so beaten that nothing came to mind that could make it not to have happened. That was the only prayer she had said that meant anything and it was not granted. That was the only thing that could save her marriage and it wasn't to be. She watched him with eyes red from crying, face sticky from hundreds of tears, hair mussed by hands pulling it in grief. She said nothing; just waited for his judgment, hoping for the best but expecting the worst. Charlie was a kind man, easy to like, friend to many, father to Alison, husband to Janet; but that was going to change. One flaw in Charlie's character was his fierce pride; pride that had often led him to make mistakes that cost him dearly. Now that pride had been severely wounded by Janet's behavior and his conversation with Simon Butler. There was no way he could forgive and forget. He made his decision almost before he left Simon's apartment but he spent the night in his car, driving around, trying to find some way he could accept what Janet did and find a way to go on with his marriage. Hour after hour, he argued with himself but always came up with the same answer: he was not able to forgive her. As the sky lightened and daylight arrived he called his friend who was a lawyer. He spent the morning going over with him the conditions for divorce. By the time he returned to the trailer, he was ready. Janet and Charlie talked for the next two hours. Charlie talked about conditions of their divorce; Janet begged and pleaded with Charlie to forgive her. She pleaded her love for him, her love of the home they shared and begged for his understanding and promised that this could never happen again. Charlie listened, told her he believed her but that it was too late. He made sure she knew he had given her as much as humanly possible in the proposed settlement but that it wouldn't be a lot. Janet knew the end had arrived when he told her he would split the investment account and give her half of the value. That fund represented their future and Charlie was going to dissolve it. It was over. She didn't fight the divorce, knowing that Charlie's pride would never let him forgive her or her actions. She had custody of Alison, with Charlie having unrestricted visitation. She agreed to that without hesitation. In her mind, that kept Charlie close, the tie between them never broken. That was a source of hope that things would be better. She made up her mind that she would never stop trying to win Charlie back. She always looked her best when he came to pick her up; she always made it a point to speak to him and ask about him; she made baked goods to give him when she visited to pick up Ally and she always spoke nicely to Jeff, his brother. She never asked for anything more than what was agreed to in the divorce and when expenses were more than she expected, she found a way to absorb the difference. She hoped he would notice and approve. The sleepover she was planning now was one that Allie had asked for and she and Charlie had agreed to. She would host the party, making sure the girls all had places to sleep and that there were snacks and food available. Charlie would keep Allie until it was time so that she could get everything ready and he would provide rides for those girls who needed one. They had discussed it over the phone and she was pleased at the way the conversation had gone. They laughed together about Allie, they discussed her plans and they agreed to some of her requests and agreed to refuse some others. It was a good talk and she felt progress was being made. She felt they had made a connection that held possibilities for more. At least she could hope. The day of the sleepover arrived with Janet as prepared as she could be. She was ready but more excited about seeing Charlie than anything else. She made herself up as nicely as she could and put on the skirt and top that he always loved. It did make her legs look good and it showed off her ample breasts. She hoped he would notice. Consequences - Janet Right on time, she heard Charlie's car pull in and she walked to the door to watch them as they came up the walk. She held the door open as Allie ran inside, her excitement bubbling over. Charlie was more reserved, but smiled as he came up to the door. He smiled and said "You certainly look nice." She was pleased! He had noticed, and that was a good sign. She blushed, nodded at the compliment than asked, "Can you stay for a while? Everything is ready and I have some time. We haven't spent any time together for a while." Janet smiled and hoped. "I'm sure you have everything just right. Allie is lucky to have you for her mom. But, I have plans and I'll be late if I don't leave now. Good luck with the sleepover. If you need anything, just call Jeff." With that, Charlie turned and walked back to his car. Janet watched him go with her hopes dropping. Once again, he just walked away. She sighed and closed the door. Allie was finished checking everything and seemed pleased. She was excited since this was her first sleepover. She grabbed a coke from the refrigerator and sat down at the table. Janet tried to put her disappointment out of her mind as she asked her daughter "What did you do at dad's yesterday?" "Nothing much. He and Joyce took me to the park and I met some kids that I sort of knew from before. We just played on the swings and things. You know." Joyce? Who was Joyce? Janet had never heard of a Joyce before. She had to know. "Oh. Who's Joyce? You never mentioned her before. Is she a friend of yours?" Hoping she was Allie's friend and not Charlie's. Hoping that she wouldn't hear what she feared. "No, she's a friend of daddy's. She's been staying there a lot lately. I think she comes to see dad a lot when I'm not there. Uncle Jeff told me that. He said she's always there and sometimes stays over night. I don't think he likes her much. But she seems OK." "That's nice honey. She sounds real nice. Well, you make sure you have everything you need for tonight. The girls will be here soon." She stood and kissed Allie's forehead and smiled at her daughter, her one tie to a life she had lost forever. Janet walked into the bedroom, closed the door and cried once more. It had been some time since she had cried but this time it would be the last. This time she cried for the loss of hope. Consequences can be a bitch!