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The Scandal Ch. 01

By: thecelt



This is a story about two people, a husband and a wife, that lost their way. It is told from the wife's point of view. It has very little sex, only where it was necessary. I deal mainly with the people involved and the way their lives develop after events spiral out of control. So if you're looking for a sex story, this isn't it. The second part was already published and since then, you wouldn't believe the problems I have had getting this part up. I hope you feel the wait was worth it.

Thanks to angel love for her editing and comments.

Part 1

The sound of the rain as it fell on the surface of the temporary cover I was standing under was like a hiss of anger at the fates for taking away the person that I had loved for so long. I was there alone, the others giving me this moment to say a private goodbye. The two workmen were standing just out of sight, giving me the illusion of privacy. The coffin had been lowered into the gaping hole and the cover kept the rain away until it could be filled, closing off forever the world above. I let the tears flow now that I was alone. I cried for the loss of that person who understood me, who had maintained me and had given me back my life. I would miss the friendship, the companionship and the love given without reservation for so long. I let the tears fall as I remembered our life together and the wonderful gifts that it brought into my life.

*

The beginning of the end of my other life began as I watched Albert walk out of the room and down the hall to our bedroom. I waited until he had closed the door and then I let go. I began to cry, holding my head in my hands and giving vent to all of my grief. I cried until I was gasping for breath and then I lay down on the couch with my legs drawn up to my chest and cried some more. I couldn't keep it back any longer. It had been coming for a long time and now I was lost to it.

I cried for many reasons, the least of which was my guilt and sense of betrayal of my husband and our marriage, but also for the loss of our life together and the loss of my husband to his depression and his deceit.

In order to understand what happened to bring me to this place, I went back to the beginning. 

My husband's name is Albert Bennington. Most people recognize him from the scandal several years ago when the company he worked for was implicated in a national security issue. It was in all the papers and even on national TV. I am his wife, Angelina or Angie as my friends call me. We've been married for just over 33 years now. I'm 53 and Al is 55. We have one daughter, Jennifer who is now 30 but we haven't seen or talked with her for over 10 years. She was adopted and was trouble from the time she was old enough to find ways to sneak out of the house. To make a long story short, she left home at 18, already pregnant and we had no contact with her after she left.

Al worked for a company that sold machine parts to companies off shore. It involved government contracts and there was always some kind of scam going between the people his company sold to and who ultimately got the parts. I never understood much about it and Al tried to keep me out of it for the most part. He had been with them for 14 years and had moved up rapidly until he was President and CFO. That was when the scandal broke and Al was implicated in a money laundering deal with an Iranian company. 

The Justice Department filed suit and Al and several other men were indicted. The trial was nasty and blame was scattered far and wide. That trial lasted for over two years and during that time, Al tried to hide most of our assets in offshore accounts. The FBI was able to find and freeze many of those assets and money became a problem for us. We sold our home and cars and moved into a smaller place. Against Al's wishes, I finally decided to get a job. I needed the job for my own sanity and we needed it to bring in a little extra money. I found a job in a bank here in town, beginning as a teller and finally working my way up to agent, dealing with corporate accounts.

The trial caused Al to sink into a deep depression. He lost his job of course and he was not able to find another while he was under indictment. He spent most of our money on lawyers and our funds went from modest to nonexistent in less than two and a half years. At the end of the first trial, Al had lost almost all of our money and assets and his health had started to decline. By the time all of the appeals were finished, we were down to only my income and we were living in a small single level, two bedroom house outside the city limits. It was the best we could do.

During all of this, I stayed with Al and never even thought about a divorce. I was his wife and I had promised for better or worse and richer or poorer. That time was the worst and we became poor. But I stayed. 

Unfortunately, our marriage began to suffer almost from the first when the indictments were handed down. Al and I had a good solid marriage and had few problems during our 30 plus years. Our sex life was not exciting but it was solid and we both enjoyed our times together. I had two different moods for making love; the first was what I called my pleasure mode and the other was my pain mode. Not really, but that's what Al and I called them. My pleasure mode was the one where I loved to make Al happy by giving him oral and then letting him lay back while I mounted him and made love to him. My pleasure was in making him happy. Often, I had no climax during these times but I didn't care. It made me happy. The pain mode was more typical for couples and Al took the lead. We enjoyed both equally.

We had settled into a routine where we had sex on those evenings we had been out to a party and almost always at least once during the weekend. Al loved to get up Saturday morning, go into the kitchen and bring back some chilled fruit. We would sit in bed and eat the fruit and then we would make love. We often did it more than once and sometimes as many as three times. Of course, at our age, that meant we stayed in bed most of the morning and part of the early afternoon. But it was our time and we both loved it. 

As things went downhill during the trial, so did our love life. After the first trial, we had stopped making love and we only had sex once or twice a month. That was usually only if Al had a bad day and needed comforting. This led to pleasure sex. I didn't mind those times and actually looked forward to them since it was all I had to give Al. But after the trial and finally the appeals, sex stopped completely and Al never came to me for comfort again.

It was after the appeals and well into the third year after Al lost his job that his deep depression worsened even more. It came slowly and I never noticed it since I was gone most of the day at work. Al stayed home and did almost nothing but I didn't complain. I was hoping he would come out of it since he escaped jail time. I tried to get him into calling some of his contacts but if he did, he never mentioned it to me. It finally got so bad that I made him go to see a shrink. She listened to him and finally prescribed some anti depressants. I made sure he took them but I saw little difference. He was seeing her twice a week but we couldn't afford the money so he stopped going shortly after. 

I was working at a bank in town that was fairly large. This bank had been expanding by buying some smaller banks and S & Ls. They were a good place to work since I was able to move up in the bank fairly fast. I had become an accounts manager by that time and I had four other people working for me. They were all young and very good. I enjoyed my job and looked forward to going to work. I was sure part of that was getting away from Al. Not that he cared: Al never even commented on my job and never asked about it.

I reported to a gentleman about my age that was very good looking and very nice to work for. His name was Haywood Meisner and we all called him Woody. He took the time to train me when I started and he was the one that had recommended me to management when it came time to pick a department head. He was divorced and lived alone in a very well to do neighborhood. At one time, Al and I would have been his neighbors. He had also been a good friend and a confidant during Al's trial and the time afterward. He was supportive and could always be counted on to lend me a sympathetic ear. I suspected he might have wished for more from me than friendship but he never pressed and I was dedicated to my husband and my marriage. 

Al had been out of work for just over three years and in his depression for almost 15 months. He told me that he continued to take the pills the shrink prescribed and they at least kept him moving around most of the time. It was during one of our frequent fights one evening when Al surprised me by saying that he had talked with a friend of his who might have a job for him. I forgot what we were arguing about since I was excited and happy for him and tried to get him to talk about it to me but he just shrugged and said it was too early. He said he had a meeting with the guy in a day or so and then we could talk.

We went to bed that night and I thought that maybe Al would want to make love, but when I tried to initiate it, he just turned away and turned out the light. I was frustrated, angry and becoming bitter at his attitude. He seemed to have no interest in me, our marriage or sex any more. I cried but he seemed not to notice. I fell asleep frustrated and alone with my husband of 33 years lying beside me.

The following morning, I was up and getting ready for work while Al still slept. That wasn't unusual since he rarely got up much before noon. I did shake him awake to ask about his planned meeting that day and he just mumbled that it was later. He rolled over and put the pillow over his head so I left him alone. I finished dressing and went off to work. I usually ate a small breakfast at a diner near the bank since Al never bothered with breakfast.

As I was finishing my coffee, Woody came in and saw me sitting there. He walked over and surprised me by asking if he could join me. Surprise because I had never seen Woody here before and because he had never asked me for even coffee before. I told him to join me by all means and he slid in across the table from me.

"I saw you sitting here and thought that we could spend some free time before work. We rarely see each other any other time than at work. I hope you don't mind?"

"Of course not Woody. You are most welcome. I could use some friendly company right now anyway."

"Trouble in paradise? I hope everything is OK with Albert?" 

"Albert is the problem. Living with him is far from a paradise. I had hoped that things might be looking up for him last night, but I don't think he was being honest when he said he had a lead for a job. I think he was just trying to get me to back off."

Woody and I talked for the next 15 minutes until it was time to go in to work. As we got up to leave, he reached over and took my hand.

"I would like to continue with our discussion, that is if you would. Would you care to have dinner with me tonight?"

I was taken by surprise and didn't know what to say. I looked into his eyes but saw only friendship and concern there. For some reason, that gave me the confidence to say yes. We agreed to meet after work and walk to a restaurant about a block away. This way, we would not have to worry about our cars. I went to work feeling slightly giddy. I reminded myself that this was my boss and he was just being a good friend. 

I didn't see Woody much during the rest of the day and I had lunch with one of the agents who worked for me. We went to the same diner that I used for breakfast and she and I talked a little about nothing until I told her of my dinner plans with Woody. She immediately perked up and began to question me about it.

"All right, give! What's up with you girl? Woody is a real cute guy and I'd give my right arm for a date with him. Is it serious? Talk to me!"

"Its just dinner and it is only a continuation of a discussion we started at breakfast this morning. He's just being friendly, that's all. I'm married and he knows that."

"So you had breakfast with him too? Way to go. I know he has the hots for you anyway. You have to know how he looks at you when you aren't looking. I wish he looked at me that way."

I admit I was taken by surprise. I had not thought of Woody that way and I certainly didn't notice him looking at me in any special way. However, the thought of it now made me just a little excited. I think it was because I had never considered Woody as anything other than an employer before. I didn't quite know why I thought of this, but I did.

"Stop talking that way. He's my boss and that's all. I'm going to dinner only because he asked me just to allow us to continue talking about things. We'll have dinner and then I'll go home to Al. That's all there is to it."

But I wasn't so sure. We finished lunch and went back to the bank but now I was conscious of Woody and did notice him looking my way several times. I decided that I was being silly and forgot it for the remainder of the day. Since I was a department head, I worked until 4:30 every day and was usually one of the last people out the door. Tonight, since we were going to dinner, I took my time and wasn't finished until just before 5:30. 

At 4:30, my usual quitting time, I called home to tell Al that I was going to be late. The phone rang without him picking up and I left a message on the machine. I assumed he would finally get to look at it and thought no more about it. At 5:30 when I finished, I freshened up in the lounge and went looking for Woody. I found him in his office.

"Are you about through? I can leave anytime you're ready." 

"Give me 10 minutes and we can go. Why don't you come in and sit down till I'm through." He waved me in and I sat down on his couch. He did have a nice office.

I watched him as he made some calls and finished some work on his computer. I was surprised to find myself looking at him as a man rather than as my boss. I was pleasantly surprised though, and wondered idly what he would be like outside of work. I was daydreaming when he brought me back to reality.

"Hello there? Anybody home? You were a thousand miles away. What were you thinking about?"

I certainly couldn't tell him that so I responded with an inane comment about work. I stood up and followed him out the door. I calmed myself down as he turned to lock the door. We left and walked down to the restaurant together. I was beginning to relax and enjoy his company as we were seated.

The dinner went well and I completely forgot my troubles as we talked about his life. He told me of his marriage and his ex wife as well as his children. It seems that he parted company with his ex on fairly good terms and his children were fully grown so no issues existed there. They all got together at holidays and they enjoyed their time together. He was particularly proud of his two grandchildren. I asked him why he got divorced and he simply said that they grew apart. I told him I was sorry but he said that they really knew some time earlier that they would finally part. He had no regrets.

He asked me about Al and I told him of my concerns. I talked to him as I had talked to no one else and told him my frustrations and concerns. I told him that I worried that Al was not going to come out of his depression and that I didn't know what was going to happen to us as a couple. I told him those things and more. I talked about our lack of a love life and how it used to be. Somehow, I wasn't embarrassed talking to him like that. I really spilled my heart to him and he listened attentively and with compassion. I felt lighter somehow as if I had just shed a great load. 

We talked over dinner and then finally ran out of major issues over dessert. We shared a piece of cake and had coffee. I admit I was in a kind of glow by then. It was at that point that my life took a turn.

"Angie, this may not be the time or place but I have to tell you how much I admire you for what you have been through. I know the price you have paid but I also know that it has made you stronger."

"Thank you Woody. It has been a blessing to have you listen to me and let me share my burden with you. I really appreciate it."

"You're most welcome, but I did it for my own reasons. I find you to be a very attractive woman and I've watched you for some time. I'm very attracted to you."

I was shocked at his words but also flattered. I didn't quite know what to say so I just smiled at him and said nothing.

"I hope I'm not out of line. I don't want to give you the wrong idea but I would very much like to continue to see you outside of work. I would like to take you out socially if you would consider it. I know you don't get out and neither do I and we could really share some fun things like dancing or theater or other things that you might like."

Now I was really confused. On one hand, I knew that as a married woman, I should not accept his offer. But, with Al as he was, I had no other outlet and Woody was a very nice man and I thought safe as well.

"I would like that Woody. But since I am married, I would have to be sure it's OK with Al. He doesn't go out at all but I don't know how he would feel about me going out. I wouldn't do it without his knowledge."

"Of course. Please don't do anything that you are uncomfortable about. Just let me know when you're sure. OK?"

With that, we talked for a few more minutes and then Woody walked me back to my car. As I opened the door, he leaned over and kissed me on the mouth. I returned his kiss before it occurred to me what I was doing. I suddenly jerked back as Woody apologized.

"I'm sorry. That was a surprise to me as well. I hope I didn't offend you."

"No, no, it was just a surprise that's all. Well, goodnight."

With that I shut the door, started the car and drove home in complete confusion. I remembered the kiss with pleasure and some degree of tingling and tried to calm myself down. By the time I reached home, I had regained my composure and walked into the house calmly. 

I looked for Al and found him upstairs in bed. It was only 8:15 and he was already in bed. I walked in to check on him and he was sound asleep. I changed my clothes and went back down stairs to check on things. I noticed my phone message had not been read and Al had eaten a bag of chips for supper. I sat down at the table and looked at the message light and the empty chips bag and started to cry. 

I finally went to bed and wondered to myself what I was going to do. As I listened to Al breathe next to me, I finally decided that I wanted to be with Woody. I wanted some fun and excitement in my life and Al had decided some time ago to withdraw from me. I had no plans to do anything other than enjoy the things that Woody had mentioned. I wanted to go dancing and to the movies and maybe to a theater production. I wanted to spend an evening with friends playing cards or barbecuing outside. I wanted some fun. I finally fell asleep knowing that I was going to accept Woody's invitation and that I was not going to tell Al.

The days passed quickly after that. Woody and I met after work two or three times a week and we went to different places and did different things. Woody was a perfect gentleman and we had fun. I was delighted. My days at work went by so quickly and the evenings at home were too long. I talked to Al less and less and he went deeper into his depression, but I didn't care. Things at home didn't change but I did. I started to eat less and I began to exercise more. I was more inclined to dress nicely and I bought some new clothes that emphasized my figure. I even bought some new perfume and I began to wear more feminine undergarments. While I had never been heavy, I had begun to lose some muscle tone and I was dressing down, but that all changed. I started to receive some compliments at work and my coworkers noticed the change. I attributed it to a change in lifestyle and diet and exercise. Most of them thought different but said nothing. 


The Scandal Ch. 01



Things went on this way for several months as I stopped worrying about Al and paid a lot more attention to myself. Still, all was innocent until one fateful night. Woody and I had just attended a Friday night concert in the open and the evening was perfect. As we strolled toward the parking lot and Woody's car, he grabbed my hand and held it. I started to resist and then let him hold my hand as I squeezed back. He looked at me and smiled.

"Did you enjoy the concert? I loved the music and being there with you."

"It was wonderful. I can still hear the music in my mind. I will be humming for days."

He laughed and then suddenly stopped. He turned my face to him and he kissed me solidly and passionately right there in the parking lot. I let him and after a brief pause, returned his passion. I put my arms around his head and pulled his mouth to mine. As we continued to embrace, he dropped his hand down my back and pulled me tightly to his body. I felt his arousal and enjoyed the feeling. It had been so long. I ground myself against him and I could feel his moans against my mouth. We stayed that way for a few more moments and then broke apart breathlessly.

"Will you come to my place tonight? I want you so badly. Please come home with me."

I didn't have to think any more. I knew what he wanted and I wanted it too. I wanted him to take me and make love to me and to make me feel like a woman again. 

"Yes, I'll come with you. I want you to take me to your bed and I want to make love to you."

He let me go and we hurried to his car. As I got in, I began to have second thoughts but only for a second. I wanted this and I needed this. Al had left me essentially alone for far too long. I wanted him but he didn't want me. Woody did and I wanted him too. I let my self relax back against the seat and when Woody reached over to my hand, I took his and held it against my breast. He looked at me with lust in his eyes and it made me warm inside. I felt again that tingling between my legs and I almost cried at the joy I felt. 

Woody parked the car and took me inside his small home. He let me look around as he put the garage door down and put the keys away. He moved around checking the little things to be sure everything was ok and then took me by the hand and led me down a small hallway to the master bedroom. It was small but neat and the bathroom was just big enough for a tub with an attached shower. I didn't care what it was. I just looked at the bed and went over to it and sat down on the edge. I watched Woody as he stood there looking at me. I smiled at him and slowly unbuttoned my blouse. I opened it and slid it off my shoulders. I reached around behind my back to unhook my bra. As it loosened, I shrugged my shoulders free of the straps and let the bra fall forward to my lap. I leaned back against the bed to display my breasts to Woody proudly. I had always had nice tits. They were 36D and still proud. As he gazed at me, I stood up to unzip my skirt. I let it fall to the floor, and stepped out of it and my shoes, leaving only my white satin panties. I had worn these especially for tonight, hoping that his would happen, but I ran out of courage at that point and sat back down looking at Woody.

Woody watched me as I did my impromptu strip for him and finally realized that he was still fully dressed. He shed his clothes in slightly faster time and with less finesse than I had but the result was the same. He stood there for a second in his boxer shorts and then went back into the bathroom. I heard the water run and then he came back out and turned out the light, leaving us with only a small nightlight on the dresser beside the bed. It was bright enough to see each other.

As Woody came toward me, I reached out and took him by the hand, pulling him to me. He started to sit beside me but I stopped him. I was in my pleasure mode and I wanted to please him. I reached out my hand and pulled his boxer shorts down to his ankles. I looked up to see his cock standing straight out in front of me. That's what I wanted. I took his cock in my hand and began to stroke it up and down until I could feel it growing larger and harder. At that point, I leaned forward and took him in my mouth. He let out a loud groan as I moved my tongue around the head of his cock and used my other hand to caress his balls. I began to move my head up and down the shaft as I sucked on him, wanting only to make him happy. I had missed this so much since Al had always wanted me to do this for him. I had learned to do it well and I began to enjoy it too so I certainly knew how to make Al, I mean Woody, happy.

As I began to increase my pace with Woody's cock in my mouth, he began to become excited and I knew he was close when he put his hand behind my head and began to move his hips forcing his cock in and out of my mouth. At this point, I just allowed him to set the pace while I closed my lips around his cock and kept a slight suction. My tongue was constantly moving around the head and under the shaft, increasing the pleasure for Woody. As he began to move faster and faster, I reached around behind his hips and helped him fuck my mouth. I was enjoying this as much as he was, but he couldn't tell. It was only a matter of moments before I felt him spray his semen on the back of my throat. I let it come and waited until he was finished before swallowing. I continued to suck making sure he was clean before letting him out. Al always loved me doing this and he would often stroke my hair as I finished. I waited for this touch but it didn't come. Then I remembered that Al wasn't here.

I noticed as Woody moved away that he was still hard. I was very surprised as Al and I usually had to entertain each other in different ways while he recovered for our next round of pleasure. I mentioned this to Woody who just smiled and whispered "little blue pill." I assumed he meant Viagra, which accounted for the water I heard just before Woody came back from the bathroom. Whatever, it was with enthusiasm that I pushed him back onto the bed and moved over him preparing to mount him. 

This was the second part of my pleasure mode. Al just loved to watch my face as I mounted him and rode his wonderful cock until he was humping back so hard he almost bounced me off. I always laughed in glee as he came to a climax. I lovingly referred to him as my big bull. I mounted Woody but he tried to roll me over with him on top. I told him that I didn't want that and he finally lay back. I could tell he was disappointed but this was my pleasure mode and I wanted the pleasure to be for him, not for me. 

I knelt over him and took him in my hand as I prepared to slide down onto him. I rubbed his head between my eager lips and inserted it enough to push down and allow it to enter me. Once I felt the head penetrate far enough, I put my hands on his chest and slid down until he was fully inside me. I held still long enough to feel him filling me up inside and to give him time to regain some control. I then began to bounce up and down, allowing his cock to slide all the way inside. I felt his balls slap against my cheeks when I came down. I took his hands and placed them on my breasts, hoping he would play with my nipples as I fucked him. This was part of the pleasure that Al and I shared. He would watch my face while fondling my nipples as I bounced up and down on his hard cock. It was wonderful with Al, but somehow not the same with Woody. He seemed to enjoy it and he was into it, but something was missing. 

I rode him until I felt him tense up. I slowed down until he relaxed and then I began again. Woody seemed to be frustrated but I didn't want it to end just yet. I again brought him to the brink and again started to slow down, but this time Woody grabbed my hips and began to thrust up into me. I couldn't prevent him and I felt him begin to spray his sperm into me. I finally relaxed and let him cum. I was disappointed but I didn't tell him. He seemed to be fine and he was panting and smiling. He looked up at me and said something about feeling the best he had for a long time.

I still hadn't climaxed but then I didn't expect to. In pleasure mode, I rarely had a climax and that was how I preferred it. Woody wasn't content with that and wanted to bring me to a climax by mounting me missionary style and fucking me hard and fast. I submitted and he did his best but I finally faked it just to get him to stop. He seemed content then and we just lay together for a while. I finally looked at the clock and told him I had to leave. It was after 2 in the morning. I showered and dressed and finally left.

It was after 3:30 in the morning when I let myself into the house. It was dark and quiet and I assumed Al was in bed as usual. I looked around the kitchen and noticed that it was clean and tidy. As I sat down in the chair to think again about my night with Woody, I forgot my house, my kitchen and Al as I relived the passion and the physical abandon that I had experienced with another man other than my husband that night. While it was strange and not what I was expecting, it was still wonderful. I lost myself in memory for a while until I finally noticed the plain white note sitting between the salt and pepper shakers on the table. I just stared at it for a moment until it finally registered on my passion blinded mind. I reached for it and unfolded it to read a note from Al saying that he had left dinner in the oven for me. It should still be warm it said and that there was fresh fruit in the fridge for dessert. 

I read the note with confusion. I looked again around the kitchen, noticing the oven light on indicating that the oven was set on warm. I opened the refrigerator to see a bowl of freshly cut fruit, now a little dark with oxidation. I felt a little thrill of anxiety as I looked again at the kitchen. When had I first noticed that the house was neat and clean when I came home? This wasn't the first time. I dropped into the chair and tried to get my mind to concentrate. Now that I thought about it, I had not noticed a mess in the kitchen or bedroom for several weeks now. I just didn't focus on the change before this.

As I began to think more clearly, I remembered that I had not had to go grocery shopping for some time and that Al had been eating solid meals and that there was usually something waiting for me when I came home late. When I cooked for us, Al usually ate later so I didn't really notice what or how much he was eating. I had been so caught up in the excitement of being with Woody that when I came home late, I didn't see the changes before this. Al had not said much to me but then I wasn't usually home with him anymore. He had never asked me what I was doing and I had decided some time ago that I wouldn't tell him. 

When had it changed? What happened? I had no idea but I began to feel a tightness in my stomach that had nothing to do with a lack of food. I had just assumed Al wasn't paying attention to my comings and goings and I had assumed he had no idea of my evenings and sometimes weekends with Woody. We had not talked much at all lately but now that I thought about it, maybe that was because I was rarely home anymore before Al went to bed. Tonight was a perfect example. Here it was after 3 AM and I hadn't even called, telling him I was going to be out so late. As a matter of fact, I hadn't told Al anything about what I was doing for some months. How had it all happened? Suddenly, I didn't know anymore. 

I went into our bedroom with some trepidation but Al was sound asleep. He would not be aware of me coming to bed so late. He had been sleeping so deeply that he never noticed me. But tonight as I slipped into bed beside him, he rolled over and said something about having a good night and then rolled back over. I was rigid, waiting for I knew not what, but Al quickly fell back into his typical deep sleep. I just stared at the ceiling, waiting for sleep that never came. I gave up as dawn began to lighten the windows. 

I rose early and proceeded to fix coffee for myself. After the night just past, I needed the caffeine badly. I had no idea of what to expect when Al woke. He was obviously quite different now than he had been and I had no idea of how long he had been that way. I had clearly been neglecting my husband and had been for some time. How much had he noticed and when did he begin to see what I was doing? I wondered what I could say to him about my activities lately and especially last night.

It was just after 8:00 when Al walked into the kitchen. He looked at me and then asked for coffee. I rose and poured him a cup and brought it to him as he sat down. I went back to my chair and just watched him for a few minutes. I was amazed at the difference in his countenance. It was remarkable. He had shaved, his eyes were bright and alert and his posture was so much like the old Al. When had this happened?

"What time did you come in last night? I tried to wait up for you but I didn't know where you had gone or who you were with so I just left your dinner in the oven. Did you find my note?"

Again, the difference was amazing. This was the old Al! This wasn't the man I had been living with for the past two to three years. What and when did this happen?

"Yes, I did. Thanks for that. I went to the concert on the green with some of the girls last night. We went back to one of their houses and I lost track of time. I'm sorry I didn't leave a number for you but I didn't think you would notice."

"You're probably right, I wouldn't have earlier. But things have changed some and I understand that you have had to do for yourself for some time now. I have no right to ask about your comings and goings. I'm sorry." 

His attitude of contrition was almost enough to make me begin to cry. After what I had done last night, he didn't feel he had the right to ask me about it. I had to get out of here now before I lost my control. I rose and took my cup to the sink before responding.

"No, I should have let you know my plans. I'm sorry and it won't happen again. I'm going to get dressed."

I went out of the kitchen before I lost it. I went into the bathroom, shut the door and sat down on the floor, shivering. I knew what was happening. The sudden onset of overwhelming guilt for cheating on my husband. Not just last night: that was the final step, the first steps taken weeks ago with the first date with Woody without telling Al. I remained there in the bathroom on the floor for at least an hour, trying to reconcile my feelings of guilt, desperation, deceit and despair. I had to decide what to do and I had to do it soon.

It was about two hours later when I came out to talk to Al. He was sitting in the kitchen reading the paper and I noticed that the dishes had been done. He looked up with a smile as I came in. I looked into the face that I had lived with for so many years but this time saw the man that I married rather than the man that he had been for the past three years. My heart leaped at what I saw. I had loved this man for the better part of my adult life. I still did! That made what I was about to do so much harder.

"Al, I have to talk to you. If you will, I would just like to tell you what I have to say without interruption. Is that OK? Please?"

He put the paper down and looked at me with his complete attention. He just smiled encouragingly at me and told me to go ahead. I sat down at the table across from him. I began with a heavy heart but with conviction that this had to be done.

"I want to tell you that I am thrilled by who you are now. It is clear that you've made some remarkable strides and that you're better than you have been for years. I don't know what happened and I'm sorry that I've been so wrapped up in my own world that I didn't even notice. That is unforgivable of me and I'm so sorry."

Al tried to interrupt me but I asked him not to. I took his hand in mine and raised it to my lips before continuing.

"I tried for so long to support you after the trials and appeals but you began to withdraw into your own world and I felt you slipping away from me. I didn't know what to do but I had my work and my friends and I just turned to them for support. That was my first mistake. I turned away from you."

"It was about two months ago that I began to spend time with Woody, my boss at work. He is divorced and alone and I was also alone for the most part and we began to do things together. We went to plays and movies and sometimes dancing and things like that. It was always just as friends and he was always a perfect gentleman. That is not the problem. The problem was that I didn't tell you and I began to try to hide it from you."

I watched Al as I told him my story. He didn't seem to be concerned yet and I saw understanding and sadness there but no doubts. I wasn't sure how he was going to react to the next part, but I had to go forward.

"Last night, we went to a concert. I know I lied to you about going with the girls, but I didn't. I went with Woody. The concert was wonderful, the night was so perfect, and we were so happy afterwards that when he asked me to go home with him, I agreed."

I glanced up to his face to see the beginning of understanding where this was going. I proceeded before I lost my nerve.

"I spent the night with him and he made love to me. I let him and I encouraged him and I did things with him that I had only done with you before then. I'm so sorry that I did it and I'm sorry that I had to tell you. I was unfaithful and I betrayed our marriage. I'm so sorry."

Now that it was out, I felt relief. I didn't know what was going to happen, but I had to tell him. He was my husband and I knew that I still loved him as much now as I did before he became sick. I was frightened of what would happen but I had to let him know the truth. 

Albert said nothing after I finished. He looked at me with sadness and I saw tears begin to form in his eyes, but still he said nothing. He looked as if he wanted to say something but he couldn't seem to get the words out. He finally pushed himself up from the table and walked out of the kitchen, down the hall and into our bedroom.

* * * * *

That brings us back to the present. That's how I came to be in this place. I had done the unthinkable: I had cheated on the husband who had deserted me and left me behind in favor of his depression and I did it willingly. I had enjoyed myself last night and I remember wanting only to make Woody happy. I wanted to please him just as I had always pleased my husband before.

But today, the man I cheated on wasn't there any more. The man I had to face was my husband of 33 years and not the disinterested, depressed shell of a man that he had been just a few weeks ago. He had been back for some time, but I just didn't notice. I had been taking care of me instead. Now I had to tell him that I had betrayed our marriage and turned my back on the man I married because he was sick and I couldn't honor my pledge of 'in sickness and in health'.

I went out the door and into my car and I drove back to Woody's home. He opened the door as I started up the walk and came out to meet me. When he saw the look on my face, he gathered me into his arms without a word and held me as I cried into his chest. He held me there in the middle of his yard and let me cry. I sobbed so hard I was shaking but he didn't say a word. He just waited until I was calm enough to tell him what happened. He didn't flinch when I told him that I had confessed to Al about last night. He simply let me talk.

He asked me what I was going to do. I told him honestly that it was up to my husband. I told him that I loved Al as much as I had ever loved him and that I was frightened to death that I was going to lose him. I told him that I didn't know what I would do if Al left me. He listened and then he said something that I had not expected.




The Scandal Ch. 01



"You know that I love you, don't you? I have loved you since I first saw you. If he leaves you, I would be there for you and I would love to have you as my wife." 

I didn't know what to say, but I had to be honest with him. I didn't love him that way and I could never consider marrying anyone other than Al. If Al left me, I would be alone because I would never remarry. I could never love another man like I loved Al. I told him this and I could see the sadness and disappointment on his face but he accepted what I told him. He even said that he would still marry me if I would have him and maybe I could grow to love him. I smiled sadly but told him that it would never work for me. 

I went home to face Al but found him to be strangely calm. He was sitting in the family room watching TV and didn't look up as I entered. I went in and sat down in my chair and watched him for a few moments. I finally got up the nerve to talk to him.

"Don't you have anything to say to me? Aren't you angry with me for what I did? I won't blame you if you want to yell at me and tell me how stupid I am for what I did. I just need to know what you're feeling right now."

"I don't know what I'm feeling. I am angry, yes, but I also know the incredible pressure I've put you under these past three years. If you felt the need to go find someone else, I can understand. I hate it, but I do understand."

"But I had no excuse to do what I did. I made a promise to you 33 years ago and I should have had the courage to either keep it or tell you I wanted out. I did neither. I am ashamed of what I did and I don't expect you to forgive me. I can't forgive myself."

"You shouldn't feel that way. I pushed you into doing this thing. I know that and I accept the blame for it. You are a beautiful woman and I am not surprised that you found someone else."

"You don't understand. I didn't find someone else. I found you again and you are all I ever wanted. I love you more than my own life. Woody was someone who reminded me of the woman I used to be and the woman that you married. I can't tell you why I let it go to the extent it did. I didn't want that and I never even thought about it for months while he and I were doing things."

"You don't have to do this. I told you I understand. You and I haven't been intimate for years. I don't blame you for looking elsewhere. I don't."

"Please don't excuse me for what I did. I was wrong and you should be angry that I betrayed you. You never left me even when things fell apart. You were sick and needed me and I wasn't there. You know that's true so don't make excuses for me. I can't and I won't! I was wrong and I will never forgive myself."

Al and I talked for the next few hours. I was becoming frustrated that he wouldn't get angry and treat me the way I felt I should be treated. He should be angry, even furious but he remained calm and tried to accept all of the blame for my deceit. I wouldn't let him. But as the hours went by, I began to wonder if I had finally killed all of the love he used to have for me and that was why he couldn't get angry. He didn't care! The more we talked, the more I came to believe that. I finally got up and went into the bedroom to cry to myself. I knew I had lost everything.

For days, we talked to each other but came to no agreements and no understanding. Al continued to be calm and not push blame on me and I continued to expect him to lash out at me in anger and disappointment, but it didn't happen. We lived together but not with each other. I became despondent and my work began to suffer. Woody made excuses for me and finally suggested that I take some time off. I agreed and went home to try to salvage what I could from my broken marriage.

Al told me one day soon after that he had to go out of town for several days for a meeting with a prospective employer. I wanted to go with him but he declined, saying that he was going to be moving around some and that he would have no time to spend with me. I finally agreed to stay home while he went. 

I knew something was wrong by the end of the next day when I hadn't heard from him. He hadn't called and when I called his cell phone, it went straight to voice mail. I continued to try to contact him but with no success. It was three days later when the doorbell rang. I answered to find a strange man standing there with a briefcase in one hand and an envelope in the other. I asked him his business.

"Are you Mrs. Angelina Bennington? Wife of Albert Bennington?"

"Yes, I am. Who are you and what do you want?"

"My name is Henry Green and I am an attorney representing Mr. Bennington. May I come in for a few minutes? I have something here for you from your husband. It is important that I explain some things to you."

I let him in with some confusion and some foreboding. He went directly into the kitchen and put his briefcase and the envelope on the table in front of him. He was looking at me, waiting for me to join him. I slowly went in and sat down, expecting I knew not what.

"Where is my husband Mr. Green? Where is he and why are you here?"

"First, Mr. Bennington has left the country but has hired me to take care of some very important details. He wanted you to have this first."

Left the country? What did he mean? I was trying to process what he had told me when he handed me the envelope. I opened it to find a divorce agreement inside already signed by Al with his signature notarized. I couldn't read it with my eyes full of tears but the man took it from me and began to read the conditions.

"Item 1: I relinquish all rights to the property listed below and transfer those rights to my wife, Angelina Bennington.

Item 2: I agree to the sum of $1500 a week to be deposited in the bank of Angelina's designation: this money to be used at her discretion.

Item 3: I agree to pay the balance on the mortgage of $32,500 now existing on the property listed below in full by the last day of the current month.

Item 4: I relinquish all claims on any of the properties or possessions remaining at the property listed below. All properties are given without condition to Angelina Bennington.

These are the only conditions of the divorce agreement requested by Mr. Bennington. The property referred to is this property and all it's possessions. Are these conditions satisfactory?"

I just nodded my head yes in shock. Where had Al gotten the money to pay off the mortgage and to give me a weekly amount like that? I was confused as well as devastated.

"Mr. Bennington made an agreement with the Federal Government to provide information on certain transactions in exchange for releasing some of his offshore accounts. I can tell you that those accounts I am familiar with do not amount to much more than he has offered to you. They are sufficient to guarantee the promised amounts but not much more."

He then opened his briefcase and handed me several photographs of Woody and I while in his apartment the night I betrayed our marriage. I looked at them in shock. How had these been taken and who took them? They were so close that the photographer had to be standing right next to us, but I knew that wasn't true. I was clearly shown in lewd positions in many of them.

I looked up in humiliation at the man watching me. He said nothing and his expression was bland.

"Mr. Bennington asked me to give these to you and to tell you that the negatives have been destroyed. You have all existing copies. In case you are wondering, a camera in the picture frame Mr. Meisner keeps on his dresser took the pictures. It was installed as part of the observation of you and Mr. Bennington. Since you choose to tell him of this indiscretion, Mr. Bennington had no reason to keep them."

"Finally, Mr. Bennington asked me to give you this CD. It is sealed and I do not know what is on it. It is for your eyes only." 

"If you need to contact me for anything or if you need anything that isn't provided, please call me at this number."

With that, he handed me a card, closed his briefcase and told me that he could show himself out. He left me there with my life in a mess and my marriage gone. I sat there in my kitchen staring at the photos scattered across my kitchen table showing me as the slut I became for that night as well as the divorce papers resulting from my behavior. I couldn't understand what had become of my life. I knew what I had done but I never in my wildest dreams could have considered the consequences that I had reaped.

I couldn't face whatever was on the CD then. I had to do something or go crazy. I ran out to my car and just drove around for hours. I had no destination, no real friends other than Woody and no one I could confide in. I was so alone and I just now realized it. It was several hours later that I drove back home, not knowing what I was going to do. I pulled into our driveway but couldn't seem to find the energy to get out of the car. I sat there for the longest time but finally knew I couldn't postpone it any longer. I went in to listen to the CD and to Al's final words.

I fixed myself a cup of strong coffee and got my CD player and put it on the kitchen table, the table where Al and I had discussed so many things. The table that held the little note telling me that Al had returned to me. He had fixed me dinner. I noticed too late.





The Scandal Ch. 01



"But you know that isn't possible Mrs. Bennington. I have been instructed by Mr. Bennington not to communicate anything from you to him. He told me that you knew that from the CD that I gave you."

"I know what was in the CD Mr. Green but I don't care. You must know that I will not sit idly by and watch my marriage destroyed. I will find him, and if you won't help me, I will find someone who will."

"That's your privilege Mrs. Bennington but I can't help you. I'm very sorry. There is nothing I can do for you."

So far, the meeting had gone pretty much as I expected. I was going to try something else and see if it got me anywhere.

"In that case, I will use the money that Al is giving me and I will hire an attorney to file suit against you as agent for my husband and I will contest the divorce."

I saw that I had Mr. Green's attention now. I watched as he considered what I had threatened to do. He seemed to reach some decision.

"All I can do is let Mr. Bennington know your position. I don't honestly know when I can do that since I don't know where to reach him. He contacts me, not the other way around. If that's not satisfactory, you will have to proceed as you see fit."

I had expected that since it was exactly as Al said in his CD.

"I will wait until you can reach him. When you do reach him, I want you to get this envelope to him. In the meantime, I will accept the conditions, but I will only do this until I hear from you. Do we understand each other?"

Mr. Green rose and took my hand. He assured me that he would let my husband know my position at the first opportunity. He really didn't know when that would be and I believed him. I knew Al well enough to know that he wasn't bluffing.

I went home to my lonely house and proceeded to make some phone calls. I needed to find a job and I needed to do it very soon. Money wasn't necessarily an issue but health insurance benefits were. I contacted three people I knew from the other institutions around town and got two interviews for the next several days. I updated my resume' and prepared to enter the job market again.

Over the next three months, I found and started a new job at a very large loan company as an entry level agent. I didn't mind this as it gave me a lot of free time without any responsibilities, and with the money Al provided I didn't need a lot. I worked with seven other men and women and we got along fine. I made friends with a couple of the women and became very close to Mary, one of the older women and a divorcee just like me. We began to share our life stories as women do and Mary was very sympathetic to my plight. Her situation was much more mundane. She and her husband just grew to dislike each other and since they had no children they agreed to separate. She kept their home in the divorce and she had some money of her own so she was also working only for the benefits. She was happy being single. I offered to introduce her to Woody, but she wasn't ready yet. It was probably for the best, as I hadn't spoken to him since that day when my world ended.

During this time, Clive had continued to work for me but had dropped his intensive search in favor of a very wide spread, but affordable, net as he called it. He had feelers out on all of Al's credit cards, his SS number and several other items of identification that I had given him and he said that sooner or later, if he were in the country, he would get a hit. This didn't cost me much and it kept the search going. 

On the second matter, he was more confident. He had inquiries out that he expected to hear from within the next few months. Again, this was within my budget so I was content with that. It was also just about this time that Mr. Green called to say that he had forwarded my envelope to Al but that Al had given no response. He assured me that Al had taken delivery so I thanked him and continued waiting.

Two years went by without much happening. I rose within the institution that I worked for and soon was making enough money to begin to consider using more of my income to intensify my search. I considered hiring another PI, but when I spoke to my guy, he said if money were the issue he would have told me. So, I waited. 

Mary and I were very good friends by now and we were often together when not at work. She asked one day if I would consider moving in with her since she still had the house she lived in before the divorce. It was a four-bedroom two story house in a very nice neighborhood. She said she wanted to keep the house but it was so big and lonely with only her. She said I would have my own bedroom with my own bath. I said I'd consider it if she would allow me to pay rent. I thought about it and decided to take her up on her offer. I could then sell my little house and never have to look at it again. I continued to live there after Al left, but the memories that crept up on me at odd times were extremely painful. If it were gone, maybe the memories would go with it. 

So it was that I sold the place and I was living with Mary when Clive called to tell me he had some information on my secondary target. He said he had a complete dossier that I could look at before deciding what I wanted him to do next. I drove to his office the following day to get the dossier and to talk briefly with him. He said that he was beginning to get little pieces of information back that he thought indicated Al might be resurfacing. It was Clive's opinion that Al had a source of funds that he wanted to keep secret from the Feds. He thought Al might be buying time. I left his office feeling optimistic for the first time in almost three years. 

That evening I told Mary what I had and she left me alone to read the dossier. It was a complete report on my daughter Jennifer who was now almost 30 years old. I hadn't seen or talked with her since she was 18, when she ran away. According to the report, she was living in a small trailer in a town about 3 hours away. She worked on an assembly line in a small industrial plant and lived with a daughter 10 years old. The report indicated her husband was deceased and she had no steady men friends. She had no record according to the police and she had never been in any trouble while she lived there. The report said that she had moved into the trailer 5 years ago and had worked in the plant for the same length of time. Prior to that, she lived in another state but the records indicated no problems there either. 

I reread the report several times to be sure but it seemed that Jennifer had settled down and was raising my granddaughter by herself. She seemed to be stable and not in any trouble. I found an address and a phone number as well as the daughter's name: Angelina. When I saw that, my heart leaped. I guess she had thought of us when the baby was born. Al and I never knew we had a granddaughter.

I talked with Mary that evening and she encouraged me to contact Jennifer and try to get to know my granddaughter. I wanted to but I was afraid. I remembered what she was like and I knew that it would break my heart if I saw her and found her to be the same disturbed child that ran away 12 years ago. But, since I was alone now, I had to take the chance. Mary volunteered to go with me and we made plans to drive there Saturday morning. According to the report, she worked day shift Monday to Friday and she was off on the weekends. 

The trip went smoothly in spite of my nervousness and we stopped at a gas station just three blocks from her trailer. I went to the pay phone and called her while Mary held my hand. The phone rang twice and a young girl answered.

"Hello? This is Angie."

I was so nervous that I tried several times to say something, but finally got my voice back.

"Hello Angie. Is your mother there?"

"Yes she is. May I ask who's calling?"

"Just tell her it is someone from her past. She probably doesn't remember me."

I heard her yell for her mother while she held her hand over the phone. I waited while my anxiety grew.

"This is Jennie, who's this?"

"Jennifer, it's your mother. I'm here in Temple and I was wondering if I could stop and see you."

There was silence at the other end and my heart rose in my mouth. Maybe she wouldn't want to see me and this trip was for nothing. I thought my heart would break if that were the case. As the seconds drew on, I was sure she wouldn't see me.

"I'm sorry, I was just shocked. Of course, I would love to see you and have you meet Angie. How far away are you? How soon can you get here? Oh, mom, I so want to see you."

My heart leaped into my throat and my stomach flipped over. It was going to be all right.

"I am only a couple of blocks away. I can be there in just a few minutes. Oh, by the way, I have a lady friend with me if that's OK?"

"Bring her of course. It's no problem. Hurry, please."

We drove to her place and it was as wonderful as I had hoped. Jennie was a completely different person, beautiful and intelligent and a wonderful mother to Angie. She had grown into a woman with a sad face and eyes far older than her 30 years. She had long black hair and dark brown eyes, just like her birth father. Angie was almost more than I can describe. She was tall for her age, beautiful like her mother but with green eyes and a full mop of red hair that she must have gotten from her father's side. She was very smart and she was delighted with her newfound grandma. She had always wanted one and now she had her very own. We spent the day with them and they accepted Mary and I without reservation. I was so happy that I found them.

We left that night to return home with promises to see each other again the next weekend, but it was Mary that suggested later that week that we invite Jennie and Angelina to move in with us. I hadn't even thought to suggest it but Mary raised the idea on her own. I asked her what Jennifer would do about her job and Mary insisted that we could find her a job locally without any trouble. We could even bring her into the office where she and I worked since we had several openings. I loved the idea and phoned Jennie the next morning. 

Jennie listened to my suggestion but wouldn't commit to anything without talking with Angelina first. She also wondered what to do about a job but I told her that I thought I knew someone who would be willing to give her a start in a good job. She could get out of the factory and she could save some money at first by living with us. The schools were better here for Angie and that was what finally made the difference. 

Without going into much detail, Jennifer and Angelina moved in with Mary and I two months later. Jennifer sold her trailer and most of her belongings and Mary and I rented a truck and went to bring my daughter and granddaughter home. We moved them in to the two extra bedrooms and it worked out wonderfully. Mary and Jennie got along quite well and Mary just adored Angie. It seemed the feeling was mutual. 

I made a call to Woody, the first time I had talked with him in almost three years. He was delighted to hear from me and I agreed to meet with him for lunch. We caught up on our past and I asked him how he was doing. He was not dating and seemed to be resigned to being a bachelor. I just smiled and told him not to despair. A good looking man like him was bound to fall sooner or later. He said nothing, but I caught his look. I quickly told him about Jennie and asked if he could find her a place. He immediately said he could and I asked if he would take an interest and train her as he had trained me. Again, he agreed and I set up a meeting between them for later in the week. We talked a while longer and I left, feeling good about things.

Woody and Jennifer did meet and she started working for him right away. After the first two weeks, Jennie was delighted with her new job and a phone call from Woody assured me that she was doing well. Now that she had a good job with a future, she could begin to pay her own way. Mary good-naturedly refused any thought of rent but she finally gave in when Jennifer threatened to move out. Life was good for all of us. 

It was on one of our shopping trips that Jennie finally asked me about Woody and our relationship. We had taken a break in one of the food courts. She said that he spoke of me often and always with a little sadness. She said it was clear that he was in love with me. I considered it and then finally told her the whole story of Al, Woody and I. I let it all pour out and I felt so much better afterwards. I had still not given up on Al but I was not letting my guilt and sadness control my life any more. After all, my infidelity had brought my daughter and granddaughter back to me. So much good from something so bad.

Jennifer was very quiet as I told her the story. She watched me as I told her of our problems and how Al had spiraled down into despair and how I had stayed with him for all that time but also how I had failed him when he needed me most. I told her of my night with Woody but made it clear to her that Woody was not to blame. He remained a good friend and he had never pressured me or made any overtures once I told him how I felt. She listened to all of it, and when I was finished, she rose and came to sit beside me with her arm around my shoulder. I couldn't help it and cried on her shoulder. I seemed to cry a lot when I remembered my life before.

That day brought Jennie and I closer than we had ever been and we finally became what we never were: mother and daughter. I thanked God for allowing me to find her and Angie again. I never knew what I was missing until I found them again. 

Time passed and Jennifer received several promotions to senior account manager. She was now making good money and she was paying her own way with Mary and I. I had decided some time ago to contact Mr. Green again and arrange for him to open a trust fund in Angelina's name. It was funded by the weekly alimony from Al. I had all of it put into that account and I transferred the money I got from the house into it as well. By the time she was ready, she would have the money for college. She would have all I could give her. We never got to give it to Jennifer so it was long overdue. Jennifer had tears in her eyes as I told her of the trust fund.

It had now been just over four years since Al walked out on me. I had made a good life for myself and my daughter and granddaughter. We were all still living with Mary since she had a fit every time we talked of moving into our own place. We stayed with her out of loyalty and gratitude. In turn she gave us unconditional love and friendship. It was a match made in heaven. It probably saved my life and I know it made a better life for Angie and Jen. So it was until one dark, rainy Monday that I will never forget.

"Angie, can you find Jennie so we can all talk?" 

Mary had just come back into the kitchen after finishing some work she had to do in the den while Angie and I had finished the dishes from dinner. Jennie was doing some laundry and pressing some clothes for Angie for school.

"Sure. Angie, go find your mother. I think she's in the laundry room." 

Angie left while I turned to Mary. 

"What's going on? I know that tone of voice. You have some news to tell us and I don't think it's good news."

"No, it's not but I would rather have all of you around me when I tell you. Is that OK?"

"Whatever you do is OK with me. You know that. I love you and I will always love you regardless."

I waited as the two girls came in and took seats around our kitchen table, where we had eaten so many wonderful meals together as friends and family. We all watched as Mary gathered herself to tell us what she had to say.

"I just got the news from my Doctor this morning about a problem I have been having. I never said much because I didn't want to worry any of you but I knew it might be serious so I saw him a week ago. He called this morning. I have cancer of the pancreas. It is already far advanced and he thinks I may only have about 6 months to live."

That was the news. That was the way our wonderful little world was about to end. Jennifer and I looked at each other and we both had tears in our eyes. Angie just jumped up and ran out of the room to cope with her grief as little girls do. She would come back when she had learned how to deal with it. Jennie and I weren't so lucky. We knew the real world and it had come to find us. Our world would be Mary and making her as comfortable and happy as we could. There was no discussion: we knew and we told Mary as much. She tried to protest, but not very hard.

We three talked well into the night, dealing with all of the ramifications of care, medicines, diets and final arrangements. It was not pleasant, but it had to be done and we were going to do it. Mary was the strongest of us three, maybe because she had time to come to terms with it. We had to catch up. Angie went to bed without coming back in but she would be OK. 

As time passed, Mary grew more and more incapacitated. Jennifer and I hired a full time nurse to come in during the day when we were at work and Angie was in school. Mary was not able to do much for herself now and she needed someone there all the time. The morphine she was on incapacitated her sometimes to the point where she depended entirely on Jennie and I. We took turns in the evenings and on weekends caring for her. Things progressed until one day Mary asked me to sit with her. She had some things to say. 

"I want you to know that I have loved you being here with me. I was happier than I had ever expected to be once Paul and I divorced. You were a godsend to me. And when we found Jennifer and Angelina, I was even happier. To have your daughter and your granddaughter come back to you made me so happy I thanked God every night. Since I had no children of my own, Angie was even more precious."

I said nothing but I held her hand and smiled as she spoke. I felt the same way and I had told her so many times that it didn't need to be said again.

"I have left everything to you in my will. Since Paul is dead, I have no one else and you have become the most important person in my life so it's all yours. You can continue to make this place your home and Jennifer and Angie can stay with you for as long as they want to. I know you don't need anything from me but I want you to have it."

I was so choked with emotion that I couldn't speak but Mary could see it in my eyes. She just squeezed my hand and lay back, exhausted, to close her eyes. I remained with her, holding her hand and wiping her face with a wet cloth to ease her discomfort.

It was just a week later that Mary died. She went in her sleep, peacefully I hoped. I found her the next morning and Jennifer and I held each other as we dealt with our grief. I called work to take the time I needed to make the final arrangements. According to Mary's wishes, she wanted to be buried in the cemetery where her mother and father were buried. I contacted a funeral home and they took care of the details. We planned the service for that Friday and I was pleased with the turnout during the viewing and later for the service and funeral. Mary had many friends, most of whom I knew but some that I had never met. All were sad to lose her as a friend. 

Angie took it harder than I had expected. I think it had to do with the love that Mary extended for a little girl that had never known her grandmother or her father. He had died in the service without ever seeing her. She took her in and Angie spent a great deal of time with Mary while she was sick. She hardly left her side in the evenings and she never stayed at play long without coming in to see her 'greatgram'. That's what she called her: her great grandmother. 

As the guests left, some running to avoid the rain that continued to fall, I remained behind with Angie and Jennifer. We were all reluctant to leave, believing that it wasn't final as long as we could still reach out and touch her coffin. Finally, Jennifer took Angie by the hand and walked to the coffin for the final goodbye. Angie put a small rose on the coffin and blew a kiss. 




The Scandal Ch. 01



Jennie smiled at her, turned to me and said; "We'll see you when you're ready. They walked away toward the waiting limousine. I remained behind.

As I stood there silently watching the gleaming bronze casket that she had requested, the attendants looked to me for permission to lower her into the waiting grave. I nodded and watched as she disappeared into the cold unforgiving ground. They removed the straps and the winch and wheeled it back away from the site. They then nodded and moved away giving me this final time.

Thus it was that I stood here now, with the rain falling and my best friend finally gone. I wiped my tears and tried to pull myself back to a gray damp world without Mary. I waved at the attendants and shouted a thank you as I walked toward my family.



The Scandal Ch. 02



Thus it was that I stood here now, with the rain falling and my best friend finally gone. I wiped my tears and tried to pull myself back to a gray damp world without Mary. I waved at the attendants and shouted a thank you as I walked toward my family.

As always, life goes on. Mary had left everything to me as she said and the will was probated without contest. I was able to take care of all of her obligations and Jennifer, Angie and I continued to live and work in the place we had come to call home. Things continued this way until about 6 months later when Jennie asked me if we could go for a drive together just to talk. I agreed, wondering what she had to tell me.

Since Jennie had come back into my life, she had impressed me as a solid, dependable woman who worked hard to make a life for her daughter. She often spoke of the past where she had made such a mess of our lives before she finally left. She told me some of the story, the wild parties, living on the street, the drugs and the sex. She told me almost as if it had happened to someone else, but she never made any excuses and she apologized to me for the things she did to Al and I. Stealing money, clothes and lying to us about many things. We knew but were unable to do anything to help her. She left and we knew we had lost her. 

But she was no longer that person. She learned and she survived and she met and married a wonderful man who she loved enough to want to change her life. She got her GED, she got a job and together they began a life. She was 3 months pregnant when he was called up for active duty from the Reserves. He went willingly since he felt it was his duty and she watched him go with pride. Her pride turned to grief 4 months later when she got word that he was killed in action. She went into labor and Angelina was born 6 weeks premature. She was weak and struggled at first but she continued to grow into a strong young girl. 

We drove together out into the country and to a park that we sometimes went to for picnics. It was a beautiful day and we strolled together through the wooded paths until we came to a bench next to a small stream. Jennie moved to the bench and motioned for me to follow her. I sat next to her and reached for her hand. Whatever she wanted to tell me, I signaled that I was ready.

"Mom, I want to ask you something and I want you to answer me honestly. OK?"

"Of course, you can ask or tell me anything. I want only the best for you and Angie and I will do whatever I can to help you. Tell me."

"I think I am in love with Woody. Before you say anything, he and I have not had sex or anything like that but we have had some casual dates for lunch or dinner and he has asked me out officially for a date. I want to know what you think about it. Do you have feelings for him and do you want him for yourself? If you do, I will back away with no hard feelings. I do like him and I would like to consider a life with him, but it is up to you."

I admit I was taken by surprise. I knew Woody had taken Jennifer under his wing and trained her and made things easier for her while she was learning. I knew the man he was and I knew that whatever was going on, there was nothing untoward or clandestine about it. Woody would see what I saw in Jennie and he was the type of man that could offer her a life that she could count on. At first I was undecided. He was more than 20 years older than her. I knew he could certainly perform in the bedroom and I knew he still had a zest for life that was more appropriate to a younger man but I could find no real reason to so no.

"I think Woody is a wonderful man and I have no feelings other than loving friendship for him. If you think he might be the man for you, I say go for it. You know what I think of him and I know he would make a fine husband and stepfather for Angie. Does Angie know about him?"

"Angie loves him. We have been together several times in a casual way but she really thinks he is something else. That's one of the things that attracted me to him in the first place. That and what you told me about him before. I want to tell him yes and see where it goes. I'm glad you approve. It has been worrying me for some time and I was afraid you would still have feelings for him."

"Go for it daughter and be happy. You deserve it."

And she did. She and Woody became a couple and it was fun to see her so happy. Angie loved it as well and began to refer to Woody as her almost daddy. She had never had a father figure and Mary and I were the only adults she had experience with so the addition of Woody to her world was a great plus. Especially since he was the man he was. They dated for almost a year before he finally asked her to marry him. He came to me first and asked for my blessing and I broke down and cried. He held me and let me go until finally I was able to wipe my eyes and give my blessings. He asked her that same day and she said yes.

I began to make plans for the wedding and we set the date for the middle of June. It was to be a small wedding since Jennifer and Woody wanted it that way. Both made a list of people they wanted to invite and it was finally set at 30 people. We were swamped in details and, with both of our jobs it was a real marvel that we were able to make it happen. There was only one issue that we had a problem with: who was going to give Jennifer away. As the mother of the bride, I was not the one to do that. Mary would have been the ideal person but she was gone. Jennifer and I talked about it for weeks but couldn't come up with one person we both agreed on. That gave me an idea.

It had been just about 5 years since I had seen or heard from Al. I knew only that he had received my letter about 4 years ago but he chose not to respond. I knew Mr. Green was still in contact with him but we had not spoken since I had him set up the trust fund for Angie. I decided to give him a call in the morning. 

I also called Clive, my PI and told him what I was trying to do. I wanted to contact Al to see if I could get him to come to the wedding. I wasn't sure if Al even knew about Jennifer, Mary and Angie but I wanted to try anyway. I asked if he had any contacts from his sources or any idea of where Al may be. He listened for a while and then asked me to do something strange. He said that if I could do that, there was a very good chance that he could finally locate my husband. My ex-husband that is. I had finally signed the divorce papers so long ago when Henry said that he had given my letter to Al but that Al had declined to answer me. I knew then that it was too late. I listened to Clive and finally agreed to do as he asked.

The next morning I drove down to Henry Green's office and asked for some time to talk with him. His secretary told me she could fit me in sometime after lunch so I spent several pleasant hours just shopping for items for the wedding and I had a pleasant lunch in a small bistro that Woody and I had visited several times. It brought back some bittersweet memories. Over tea, I called Jennifer to see if she had thought any more about the choice for a photographer and some other details until it was time for me to see Mr. Green.

The office looked just the same as it had 5 years ago when I first talked with Mr. Green. We were now on a first name basis so we chatted for a while until I finally came to the point for this visit.

"Henry, as you know, my daughter Jennifer is getting married in three weeks. We are almost ready for the wedding and things are going well. By the way, you are invited if you would like to come. Anyway, the only problem we have is who will give the bride away. The only two people we would consider are either dead or part of the wedding. That leaves us with no one to ask. So, I want you to ask Al to give Jennifer away on her wedding day."

Henry looked as though I had hit him with a ball bat. The shock was almost funny. He tried several times to say something but finally just leaned back and looked at me.

"Say something Henry. You look silly sitting there with that stupid look on your face. It is just a question and it's no big deal except to his daughter and granddaughter. He may still hate me and I don't blame him, but he shouldn't take it out on his daughter. Just ask him. That's all you have to do."

With that, I got up relieving Henry of the need to say or do anything. I reached over to shake his hand and turned to leave.

"By the way, I'll see that you get an invitation. I hope to see you there. Goodbye Henry."

I left the office quickly and walked to my car. Once inside with the door closed, I called Clive and told him that I had just spoken with Henry and told him of my request. He listened and then told me to just hold on. He would call me as soon as he had something. He seemed excited and that in turn made me think that something might finally come of this. While I had no hopes about Al and I, I did want my granddaughter to know him and I really wanted him to give my daughter away. She had come so far and it would be a tragedy for Al not to see her today. I prayed that Clive could somehow come through.

I returned home, and for the next several days Angie and I worked on the details while Jennifer and Woody made their own plans for the honeymoon and a new home for the three of them after the wedding. Angie had mixed feelings about moving into a new place away from me but I assured her that I would always be close by and she could come stay with me anytime she wanted. That seemed to reassure her and she began to anticipate her new life. We were all decidedly happy but I still waited to see if anything was going to come from my search.

It was just a week from the day I called Clive that he called me back. He was quite excited and he wanted me to come down to his office as soon as possible. I asked what he had but he wouldn't say over the phone. I agreed to come in that very day. I called Henry Green first and asked him if he had heard from Al but he said that he hadn't. I thanked him and hung up, confused.

When I got to Clive's office, his secretary ushered me in with a huge smile. I had become rather a fixture in their office over the past few years. I also paid Clive a lot of money over the years that may have had something to do with their pleasure in seeing me. 

"Come in, come in. I have great news for you. This you will really like. I'm sure, very sure!"

Clive was beside himself and the grin on his face was something to see. He waited until I sat down and then ran behind his desk to grab a sheet of paper. He flourished it in front of me and laid it down on the edge of the desk with the neatly typewritten name and address facing me. I looked at it in confusion. I didn't know the name of the person or the address. I looked up at him for an explanation.

"That's Al! That's the name he is going by and he lives just 15 minutes away from you. He has been living there for the past 3 months. He was in South America until just 3 months ago and he entered the US with false papers and a false passport. It was good enough to get him in without alerting the Feds. That's what he was doing. I told you he had money somewhere and that he would come back when he was sure things had died down."

"How did you track him down with a false name?" I was curious.

"When you contacted Henry Green, he sent a message by courier. I knew from someone who works in his office that was how he was in contact with Al. They said he was back in the US but only Henry knew how to contact him. No phone and no mail, just by courier. I waited and followed the courier and he dropped the note off at a Mailbox Etc. I planted myself outside and had to wait for over 10 hours but it paid off. I saw your husband himself pick up the note. I recognized him from the photos you gave me. I followed him back to his place and got the address as well as his license plate number. I'm able to access DMV records and found his name that way. Once I had his name, his address and his photo, I got a phone number as well. It's all there."

Clive was grinning like an idiot but I didn't care. With tears in my eyes, I went to him and hugged him. Still grinning, he hugged me back. His secretary was watching and she also had tears. We all just stood there grinning at each other. 

As I left, I hadn't decided what to do but I wanted to talk it over with Jennifer and Woody first. Maybe Angie as well. I wasn't sure yet. I was just too overwhelmed to think clearly. Maybe tomorrow.

At breakfast, Jennifer and Angie both asked me why I was so cheerful. I guess I couldn't come down from my high having found Al. I decided to tell them the truth and see what they thought I should do. I did and they both were shocked almost speechless. Finally Jennifer spoke.

"Mom, you have to go see him. I would love to have him give me away but you need to see him alone first. Just you and him. Do this for you first. OK?" She smiled at me warmly and I realized again just how fortunate I was to have found her again.

"Grandma, you have to go see him. And you have to tell him to come back. I want so very much to meet him and have a grandpa of my very own. Please tell him that. Please?"

"OK for both of you I'll go see him tomorrow. I'll tell him what he is missing and that there are two beautiful ladies here just dying to meet him. If he is a man, that should do it, don't you think?"

We all laughed and cried together as women do and we loved every minute of it. But inside, I was so nervous at seeing him again that my stomach was rolling and burning. I needed to get my mind off of him and try to put it out of my mind for a while. I would think about what I was going to say later, when I was alone. I was terrified but excited at the same time. I had done without him for so long that I felt I could stand his refusal to come to the wedding but I didn't think I could take his rejection of me again. If he refused to see or talk to me, I didn't know what I would do. 

Somehow the day passed and I went to bed that night so keyed up that I doubted that I would sleep at all. I took a long hot bath and just soaked until I started to prune. I got out and toweled myself dry and then, wrapped in a soft terrycloth robe, I lay down on my bed and tried to read for a while, but no such luck. I read the same page 6 times before I finally gave up and turned out the light. I thought back over my life with Al and remembered the good times and the bad times. We had been through a lot together but we always seemed to make it go forward. We worked as a team and we made a life together. Why had I destroyed it? Why had I finally given in to the temptation to sleep with Woody? 

I went back to that time and even though Al had sunk into a deep depression and had essentially withdrawn from the world, I still stayed by him until that one night. I remembered that night so well; it was a beautiful night, warm and delightful and we had just watched a play that was romantic. I was filled with love that night and I had to give it to someone. The man I wanted to give it to was not available to me anymore so I turned to the one that was. I just wanted to give that pleasure that made me feel like a woman. That was all it was. It wasn't love, it wasn't making love, it was giving pleasure. 

I wondered if I could ever make Al understand what I did that night? I had tried to put it into words in the letter I sent him but it had apparently not made any difference to him. I thought about it some more but knew that I knew of no other way to say it. I loved Al with all my heart and soul but when I really needed him, he wasn't there. He could say the same about me; when he looked for me, I wasn't there for him. How could that be a basis for reconciliation? It wasn't. With that thought, I finally fell into an exhausted asleep. 

The next morning was almost impossible. I was so keyed up that I kept doing the same things over and over before realizing what I was doing. Since I had taken the day off, I had no schedule and I kept rationalizing what I was doing without making any sense. I finally went upstairs to get dressed and ready to go. I couldn't postpone this any longer. I dressed in my best dress; a soft full print that left my well tanned arms and shoulders bare and made me look my best. I liked the hint of cleavage and the open back. I put on a strand of pearls and some pearl studs and stepped back to view myself. I hated my hair. I spent the next 20 minutes playing with it until I finally let it fall free around my shoulders. The blonde highlights gave my dark brown hair some style and I finally accepted it. Ready on not, here I go.

A half hour later, I pulled up in front of a small garden style home with a postage stamp lawn and a short drive leading to a single garage. It was a very modest place, one that would never have suited the old Al. I sat there looking at the place, trying to get up the courage to go up to the entrance. I finally steeled myself and made the walk. I paused and talked to myself one more time before finally knocking three times on the door.

I was ready to rap again when the door opened and there he stood. It was really he. I had doubted it right up until this moment but it was really he. A little grayer, a lot thinner but it was really he. It had been five years, 3 months and 21 days since he had driven away to an interview. It had been that long since I had last spoken to him or touched him or heard his voice. But it was really him standing there looking at me.

"Hello Al. How have you been?" Stupid and inane but it was the first thing that came to my mind. So much for preparation.

"Hello Angie. You look absolutely wonderful. You grow more beautiful as the years go by. May I ask how you found me?"

"It doesn't matter. I did and that's all that counts. I was looking for you to ask you a question. May I ask you a question?"

"Of course. But I think I might know what you want to ask me." He stopped and moved back from the door. 

"Please, come in first. This place isn't much but it is home for me now. Can I get you something? Coffee, a soft drink?'

I stepped past him into the small foyer. I looked around and was surprised by the Spartan appearance. If this was home, he didn't want much.

"No thank you. Your place is, well, interesting I guess is the word. But thanks anyway."

"You're just being kind. But about your question, is it about the wedding?"

"Yes it is. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you know about it. It has been in all the papers and Henry probably told you as well."

"You would be surprised at what I know about you. Just because I left you doesn't mean I never cared about you. I followed all of your successes and failures and losses over the years. I knew about Mary and I was happy for you then. I was happy that you found someone to share your life with. I was surprised, but happy."

"Oh, so you think Mary was my lover? How very funny. No, Mary and I were only friends. We shared our life with each other but not our love life. We were both heterosexual. We both had bad experiences with men so we were content to live without them." 

"Pardon me. I guess I didn't know as much as I thought. Well how about Jennifer and Angelina? How did that happen?"

"I hired a PI to search for both of you. Since I had lost you, I wanted to try to put our family back together and she was a part of it. He found her first. I called and Mary and I visited her and we found her to be a wonderful person with a wonderful child. Mary and I asked her to come live with us and she did. It was an amazing time for all of us. I had not been as happy for a long time as I was then. At least, happier than I had been since you left me."

"I can't believe that my leaving made you unhappy. I knew I had to give you your freedom. I was glad that you found someone else to make you happy. I had let you down for so long and the things I did were despicable. I was ashamed and disgusted with myself and I wasn't fit to be with anyone. That's why I let you go. When you found that other man, I wished only happiness for you. I walked away, thinking that it was the best gift I could give you. It was a gift of love, believe it or not."




The Scandal Ch. 02



"I believe you believed it, but it wasn't true. I never loved any man like I loved you. I didn't love Woody, the man I was with that night. I had been so long without you that I found myself wanting to give you pleasure like I always did but you weren't there. I thought about you but I turned to another. That was weakness on my part, not a loss of love or a desire for someone else. It was because I wanted you." 

"My biggest sin was that I didn't even see the changes in you that began weeks before that night. I was so wrapped up in my own search for happiness that I missed the return of the man I loved. He had been there but I was so selfish I didn't see him. When I did, it was too late. I tried to tell you, but you wouldn't listen. You had already made up your mind that I wanted someone else. You didn't let me tell you how I felt. You didn't believe me when I wrote to you to tell you as best I could how I felt. Nothing got through to you so I knew then that I had lost you. I knew that I had driven you away so that you no longer cared enough to hear me."

"You didn't drive me away and I never blamed you for your betrayal. I knew what I had done to you and to our marriage. I could have ended that horrible time any time I wanted to. The government prosecutors gave me the option to tell them what they wanted to know but I chose to remain silent protecting others at the expense of our marriage. I let it go on and on and I lost all of our money and our home and all because of a misguided sense of loyalty. But I was so wrong, so stupid. I drove you away, not the other way around. You were loyal to me to a fault. Most women would have left long before you finally gave in. I don't believe you intended to betray our marriage. You tried to find some happiness in a dark place that I put us in. You tried to get through to me and I turned inward, depending on myself and disregarding you. Never did I stop loving you. I just hated myself more."

Al spoke these words in a strong, calm voice. He had obviously thought a lot about this and I felt a small kernel of hope grow inside. I wanted to go further but I thought that Jennifer's marriage should come first. I asked him the question then that I had come to ask.

"For the time being, let's put you and I aside and let me ask you the question I came to ask. Will you give Jennifer away at her marriage to Haywood Meisner? She and your granddaughter would love to have you there and Jennifer especially wants you to give her hand to the man she loves."

Al looked at me in surprise while he digested what I had just said. He knew what I wanted from him but I didn't know whether he knew the man's name she was marrying. I waited while he struggled with this information.

"The same Woody that you were with?"

"Yes, the same one. He was a wonderful man, kind and considerate and devastated when he believed that he cost me my marriage. I had to work to assure him that he wasn't at fault, but before you ask, he and I never were together again after that one time. That was my choice but he accepted it. It was only after he met Jennifer and asked me for her hand in marriage that he and I ever met again. By that time, he was so in love with her and she with him that he had eyes only for her."

"I'm amazed. I never noticed his name I guess. But isn't he a little old for her? I think there must be several years difference in their ages."

"Age doesn't seem to matter to either of them. And Angie adores him. They make a wonderful family and I am delighted for all of them. But, you haven't answered my question: will you give her away?"

"Yes, of course I would be honored to give her away. I have my reservations about the man she's marrying but if she wants me to, I will. I want to meet her and my granddaughter as soon as possible. Now that you have given me this news, I can't wait."

Then he stopped and looked deep into my eyes. He reached out and put both hands on my bare shoulders and held me at arm's length. I shivered with his touch and wanted so much to take his hands in mine and pull him to me, but I resisted.

"You have to know how I feel about this. I will have a difficult time with Jennie's choice of a husband. He has not proven himself to me as an honorable man. He betrayed me when he was with you. He knew you were married but he chose to ignore that. I just wonder what he will do once he's married to our Jennie. What if he finds someone else that he's interested in or who is vulnerable? What then?"

I was shocked at Al's words. This was not the way I thought of Woody. Woody was an honorable man and I was the one that led him astray. It was my fault, not his. I told this to Al but he just shook his head sadly as he heard me.

"In any affair, two people are involved. He asked you out on several occasions and he was willing to spend time with you even though you were married. He knew on those times he was with you that you were not home with your husband. Regardless of the conditions of our marriage, he should have respected it. I believe you told me that he asked you to come home with him that night. Isn't that true?"

"Yes it's true but I agreed. I'm the one that was married and I should have said no. It was my fault, don't you see that?"

"No, I don't. Why would he ask a married woman to come home with him for the purpose of having sex? Explain to me why it was OK for him to ask, but not OK for you to accept?"

I was becoming confused and I didn't know how to explain to Al that Woody was a decent man and that I was the one at fault. I tried again but he simply refused to hear me. He continued to insist that Woody was also at fault. I tried again to convince him but then he asked me another question.

"Didn't he say he loved you? I believe you told me that. If he loved you, why did he so easily transfer that love to Jennie? I have to believe that he may have other motives. It may be only in my mind, but I will always have reservations about him and I may never come to love him as a son."

"But what about Jennie? She loves him so much. I believe he loves her as well. What will you say to her?"

"I will say nothing to Jennie. It is her life and I have no right to question her choice. From what you have told me, she appears to be a strong woman who knows what she wants and she was married before so she has some idea of what to expect." 

"Thank you for that. She would be devastated if you told her of your concerns. I believe you are wrong about Woody but it is your choice. I'm grateful that you will still be there for Jennie and Angie and not try to discourage her or give her doubts."

"Now, I would like to come and meet Jennie and Angie and get to know them before the wedding. Would that be all right with you and them?"

"Of course. I spent all of this time and money trying to find you and now you want to know if it's OK to come to my home? Please, can you come now? They will be so excited to see you and you will give Angie what she has always wanted: a grandpa."

"I would like that very much, but I would rather wait until tomorrow. I would like to be prepared for the occasion. I would like to pick up a gift for Angie and something for Jennifer as well. I can also dress a little nicer. You took me by surprise I'm afraid."

I considered what he had said and before I could stop myself, I blurted out, "But will you actually come? The last time we parted you were going on a job interview. That was over 5 years ago. Is this going to be the same? What would I tell Angie if you were to do that again?"

He smiled at me and took my face in his hand.

"That was a mistake. I owed you more than that and I will never do anything like that again. I will be there. How about 10:00? Tomorrow is a Saturday so no school or work?"

I agreed and we talked a little more but I was so excited to have Angie meet Al that I forgot about his reservations and his concern about Woody. I wanted only to get my family back together and to come together for the wedding. Happy times deserved it. I fidgeted for a while until I finally had to leave. I reminded him of tomorrow and he walked me to the door.

"I'm glad you found me Angie. I have missed you more than I realized. I can't wait until tomorrow."

"Goodbye Al. I can't wait either. Please don't disappoint me again." 

With that I ran to the car and drove home to break the news to the girls. I was almost unaware of the trip home. 

That evening when I told Angie and Jennie of the news, they were both ecstatic. Jennie had memories to let her know what to expect, but Angie had nothing. It seems Jennie had no pictures of Al or I and had never talked much about us to Angie. She wanted to contact us but she always felt too ashamed, so she chose to go on her own. So all Angie knew was that she was going to meet her grandpa for the first time. 

The next day was Saturday and we all were up very early. Jennie and I worked around the house to make it spotless as a way to cover our tension. I knew Jennie was the purpose of this first visit and I vowed to make sure that I didn't intrude on that. This was for her first of all and I wanted it for her just as badly as she did. Angie on the other hand was very calm and collected. I think she had told herself that she was a grown up and had to act that way. It was funny in a way: sweet and sad at the same time. That would only last until Al actually showed up. The only difficult moment was when Jennie asked if we should have Woody come over, I covered by saying that I thought this first time should be for her and Angie. She agreed without comment.

It was just after 9:30 that the phone rang. It was Al, asking if it was OK if he came now. I told him yes and he said to give him 20 minutes. I hung up, alerting Jennie and Angie and we all sat down to wait. I was waiting for the husband that I drove away almost 5 years ago with my betrayal. Jennie was waiting for the father that she hadn't seen in over 20 years. Angie was waiting for the grandpa she had never met. Three women waiting for three different men. 

When he rang the bell, Angie ran to answer it. Jennie and I sat there frozen in place as we listened to the sounds of the first meeting of granddaughter and grandfather. It was very quiet and I finally couldn't stand it anymore. I walked into the hallway to see Al standing there holding Angie and both of them crying. I just watched and finally motioned Jennie to come see. We watched with tears in her eyes as well. It was a sight that I would never forget.

Al finally put Angie down and she stepped back to look up at him. She finally reached out and took his hand and pulled him down the hall toward us. We were still standing there as he saw Jennie and I. He smiled and let Angie continue to pull him down the hall. She finally turned to see us standing there and ran to her mother. 

"Look mom, it's grandpa. Look at him. Isn't he great? Go ahead, you can give him a kiss too." 

She now pulled Jennie toward him and he held out both arms to take her into his embrace. She flowed into him and they fit together as though no time had passed. It was too much for me and I turned to walk back into the kitchen to sit. I had more now than I had ever hoped to have. My daughter and granddaughter reunited with their father and grandfather. Al was back in my life, but I just didn't know what that life was yet. Only time would tell.

Al and the girls spent time together, talking and laughing and generally getting to know each other. Woody finally came over later that evening and Al was very cordial to him. They shook hands and exchanged pleasantries, but it was clear that Al was cool and continued to have his doubts. It was so obvious to me but not to Jennie. It was Woody that finally cornered me in the kitchen to ask if there was a problem. I explained Al's reservations and told him exactly how Al felt. I had begun to see Al's point and I did make it clear to Woody that Al had a valid concern. Woody was devastated but I told him to let it go until he had time to think about it and find an answer that would satisfy Al, and I have to admit, me as well.

I don't know exactly what Woody finally told Al, but I noticed that Al was at least trying to make an effort with him. Woody didn't talk to me about what he said to Al, but it wasn't important as long as Al was convinced. 

The wedding was held in a large church that Mary and I attended and where I knew the minister very well. He was delighted to perform the ceremony and he remembered Mary fondly. She had been married in the same church long before the current minister came along, but he knew both her and her husband for several years before the divorce. He met Al at the rehearsal and Jennie and Angie both attended there. We were all set for the wedding and the reception would be held in a large hall near by. We had kept the guest list small as Jennie preferred so we were able to accommodate everyone very easily.

The wedding was wonderful and Al and I were both quite excited to see our only daughter finally find happiness. She had come a long way from the troubled youth that gave us so much sadness and grief. She was dressed in a formal white gown and Angie was a flower girl. Most of the ushers were friends of Woody and I knew some of them from work. The bridesmaids were friends of Jennie also from work. I was so proud of her and Angie that my heart was about to burst. I watched as Woody and the best man walked to the front of the church and I waited for the familiar music to begin.

We all turned to watch as Jennie walked up the aisle, escorted by her father. I had eyes only for Al as he walked proudly with her up to the front where he gave her hand to Woody, standing there smiling. I heard the question and my heart leaped when I heard Al say, "Her mother and I do." Her mother and I. Such wonderful words. 

Al moved to sit by me and held my hand as the ceremony proceeded. We both watched proudly as the minister pronounced them husband and wife. We stood as they walked together down the aisle and out of the church. They were married and they were a new family. I was strangely sad. I had just regained my daughter and granddaughter and now they would be leaving to live with their new husband and father. I would miss them very much. Even though Woody had purchased a new home for them just 10 minutes away, it wouldn't be the same. They would have a new life somewhere else that I wouldn't be a part of and that was hard. But, I wanted them to be happy and they were.

The reception was fun and loud and fortunately short. Woody and Jennie were going to Florida on their honeymoon and they insisted on taking Angie with them. I offered to keep her with me but they both declined. Woody wanted her with them and Jennie agreed. They were leaving directly from the reception and their bags were already packed and in the car. Woody planned to drive the car to the airport and leave it for their return. We had nothing to do except wave goodbye as they pulled away from the reception hall amid the rice and well wishes.

As their car disappeared, Al looked at me with a huge smile.

"That went very well. They really looked happy together and Angie was delighted to be a flower girl and she couldn't wait to see Disney world. I have to admit that I still don't trust Woody. He seems to be a decent man and a gentleman and I hope he can make a good husband and father. I just hope he doesn't make the same mistake again."

"I agree, but I still think Woody was a wonderful choice and I am so glad you accepted him. I'm glad that I called him to give Jennie a job. He agreed to watch over her and train her just as he did me. He was so sweet when he came to me to ask for her hand. I wish you could have been there. You could see just how much he loved her and Angie. I'm so glad they found each other. I know you will not be sorry."

"So, would you like for me to drive you home? I know you came with one of the other girls and I have my car."

"That would be great. I really need to get home and get out of these clothes. My feet are killing me with these heels. I want jeans and flats! Take me home, James!"

We drove to my home in silence, each reliving the ceremony and each thinking our own thoughts. It was not an uncomfortable silence and it went by very quickly. As Al pulled into my drive, I asked him if he would come in for a cup of coffee. He paused, but agreed. We walked in to a quiet, lonely house. I missed them already.

"Sit down and take a load off. I'll put the water on and then I am going to change. Can you watch the kettle, while I do?"

"No problem. I just want to sit here myself and just settle back down to earth."

I went upstairs and changed into a pair of jeans that fit me like a glove and a light pink top that fit me a little snug. I had lost most of my fat by working out and I had maintained my figure by aerobics and diet. I looked pretty good for a woman in her middle 50's with a nice butt and firm breasts. I looked at myself in the mirror and was pleased with the result. I was on a mission to win back my man and this was a good first start. I slipped on a pair of soft flats and went back down to Al.

Al was just pouring the coffee as I walked into the kitchen. He finished pouring and looked up.

"Wow! You look wonderful! I can't remember when you looked better than you do now. It has to have been years ago. You are still one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen."

"Please, sir. Flattery will get you everywhere. But I appreciate it since I have been working very hard to look this good."

Al and I talked for a good hour about nothing in particular and everything in general. We talked about Jennie and Angie and their new life and we talked about the reception and the people there that neither of us knew and we marveled at the difference in the old Jennie and the new one. We knew that we had given her a solid foundation and we hoped that it had served her well when it was time to change. She made the transition successfully and we knew we had played our part. It was a good feeling.

Since we were relaxed and talking and the feeling was calm and loving, I decided to take my chance.

"Where do we go from here, Al? I told you how I felt years ago when I wrote you that letter trying to explain my actions. I don't know if you ever read it since you never responded but everything I said in that letter is still true. I never stopped loving you and I never wanted any other man but you. That night with Woody I kept thinking of you and how you loved what I did for you and how you responded. I kept missing the things you did and I knew that what I was doing was not right, but I still thought of you all the time. Afterwards, I knew it was wrong because he wasn't you. It just wasn't the same. I even remember thinking that only you could understand what I mean."

"Since you left, there has been no one else and I have never even dated. I told Woody the same night I told you about him that there would never be anything between he and I and that it was my fault that I allowed it to happen. He was devastated that he had hurt you by his actions. I told him it was my fault but he wouldn't accept that. He was so decent that he was hurting for you and I as much as we were."

I stopped to watch his face. I couldn't tell his reactions and he wasn't saying anything, so I continued.

"I quit my job at the bank for obvious reasons when you left and I found another job where I work now. That's where I met Mary and she and I became best friends. She was divorced as was I and we finally decided to move in together. I kept having nightmares in our old house so when she offered, I accepted. I wanted new memories, not the old sad ones."

"I wrote you that letter and I contacted Henry Green shortly after you left me. I don't know whether he told you, but I threatened him with a lawsuit. I also hired Clive Owens and asked him to find both you and Jennifer. I had a lot of information and he tried real hard for a while but you were gone to ground as he put it. He put out a net that would stay in place waiting for you to resurface. But in the meantime he found Jennie and you know the rest of that story. I didn't tell you but all of the alimony that you were paying me went into a trust fund for Angie. I also put the proceeds from the sale of our old house into that trust. I thought you would approve."




The Scandal Ch. 02



"So, I need to know where we go from here. I still love you and I want you to come home to me. I am so very sorry for hurting you as I did and I hope you can forgive me. I don't know what else to say except that I have lived every day since you left as someone I hope you could be proud of and learn to trust."

There. I had finally said what I had wanted to say from the day he left me. I told him all of it and I laid my soul out in front of him. I gave him my hopes and I put my future in his hands. I watched his face and waited for him to say something.

"Angie, you know I never stopped loving you and I'm glad that you still love me. But things are different now than they were. I don't quite know how to explain except to just say it."

"First, I have a daughter named Consuela. She is just 7 years old and she is back in Brazil. I have been living there under the name of Angelina, Alberto Angelina. Ironic isn't it that I took your name as my new last name? I married her mother, Bettina, a year after I left you. I didn't love her but she was good to me and she needed a husband to care for her and her daughter so we came to an understanding. I married her and adopted Consuela. She is now truly my daughter."

I was shocked and saddened. I had lost him without even being aware of it. I looked away as tears began to form. I couldn't speak and he finally continued.

"Bettina and I lived together in Sao Paula, a city in the coastal region of Brazil and I worked as a mechanical engineer, a gringo engineer they called me. I could barely understand Portuguese but my Spanish was always pretty good so I had little trouble fitting in. It was a good life for a while until Bettina fell ill. She caught a fever that was fairly common there but she had little resistance to it and she quickly became sick and finally died. That was less than a year ago and one of the reasons I came back to the states. I wanted to talk with the Federal prosecutors again to allow me to come back home permanently, and I wanted to bring Consuela here to the states."

I had become calmer when he told me that Bettina had died. I admit I was glad that she died: sad but true. I couldn't help myself for feeling a little thrill of happiness when I heard that he was no longer married to someone else. What did that make me? I didn't know and I really didn't care.

"The Feds finally OK'd the deal and I moved back here first to begin the process of bringing her back. It is difficult since she is a citizen of Brazil, but my daughter legally. I never gave up my US citizenship."

He looked at me for a second before he finally sighed and continued.

"You probably don't care much about this since you don't know Connie and she is nothing to you but she is important to me. I want to give her the same life that we had."

"You're wrong! I do care! I am glad that you want to make a new home for her here in the states. I agree with you. I can't say that I am sorry that your wife there died. I would be lying if I said that. I'm glad in a way that she's dead. I know that makes me a terrible person but I don't care. I'm glad you don't have another wife."

Al just looked at me and dammed if he didn't smile! He actually looked up at the ceiling and let out a little laugh. It made me smile as well. I was really a terrible person.

"I understand exactly what you mean. And I told you; our marriage was one of convenience. We liked each other but we didn't love each other. I was sad when she died but more for Connie's sake than anything."

"There is one other thing you need to know before we go any further. I convinced the Feds to release some funds to make sure that I could honor the agreements I made to you when I left. Mr. Green only knew about the funds that I told him about. There was more that he didn't know about and I never touched them until now. I wanted to clear that with the Feds as well so that I could come home and make a good home for Connie. I hope you understand that I didn't tell you about the money for your own protection."

"I never cared about your money. That was your failing, not mine. I was happy with what we had, always. I loved our little house as much as the bigger one so long as you were there. Don't you know that?"

"I finally realized it after I had time to think about everything. I did read your letter and I understood how you felt and I realized then that I had thrown everything I cared about away. Because of the trouble I was in, I believed it was too late to come back and that it would be better if you had moved on. When I got your letter, it truly was too late for me."

Al sat there with a sad look on his face. I couldn't determine what he was thinking but I was pleased with the way the conversation had gone up to this point. He was free, he wanted to move back to the US, his daughter wasn't a problem for me and he had some money of his own so he wouldn't feel beholding to me. I just wasn't sure what he was thinking.

"Al, look at me. Why don't you continue to work to bring Connie back home to the states? In the meantime, you could move in here with me since I have all of this room. I think that would be good to help convince immigration and the state department that you have everything it takes to make a good home for her. Don't you agree?"

He seemed to be considering what I had said but then he paused.

"I don't know that moving in here would be a good idea. We aren't married any longer and I don't know how it would look. And, I don't want to give the wrong impression to anyone, including you."

I didn't like what he had just said. I wasn't sure what he meant by that statement so I decided to ask.

"What do you mean by that? What wrong impression? I love you and you love me. What more is there?"

"We parted under circumstances that were not happy. I think you may have forgotten that. I don't know how I feel about that just yet. I would have to think about things first."

"Think about what things? You know that I was wrong and I admitted it. I apologized and I promised that it would never happen again. I also know that you know that I never stopped loving you. It was never about that. You know that!"

"I believe you but I have to think about some things. For instance, I would have to see Woody all the time knowing what you and he did together. I don't know how I feel about that just yet."

That hurt. I had never thought about that, not once. As far as I was concerned, Woody was Jennie's husband and only that. I never once thought about that night again after Al left. I told him that. I begged him to believe me.

"I do believe you but that doesn't change what you did and what I think about when I see him. You have had time, but I haven't. And I still have to be convinced that he doesn't have an agenda. He was in love with you and love just doesn't go away. He says he loves Jennie but how much of that is just a way of being around you?"

"Al, you can't believe that. Woody is not that kind of person. I know he loves Jennie and Angie and he never once tried anything with me once I told him we were through. He wouldn't do that. I believe that with every fiber of my being."

"So I am just supposed to forget that you spent the night with another man in his bed while we were married?"

"It was a mistake! I swear to you that it meant nothing and that all I wanted to do was to make you happy, but you weren't there for me! I have had to live with that for the last five years and I had regretted it every day of that time. I never spoke to Woody again and he and I never talked to each other after that. Not until I asked him to help Jennie. You told me you understood. You said that you understood why I did it."

"I did understand and I did take the blame for forcing you to do it, but that doesn't mean it didn't hurt. It hurt like hell and it still does, every time I see him. Yet, isn't it strange that he was so happy to help you after you shut him out for all that time? Isn't it strange that the first person you thought of to help you was him?"

"I was thinking only of Jennie and the best way to find her a good job so that she could care for herself and Angie. I knew that he could help her and I knew that he felt he owed me something. I admit only to that. Only that I could take advantage of him and, for my child, I would deal with the devil."

"That could well be true. I do believe that you have no feelings for Woody any more but I don't believe that is true of him and because of that, I don't trust him completely. You will just have to accept that."

"What did he say to you before the wedding that allowed you to go through with it? Can you tell me?"

"He didn't actually tell me anything. He just said that he loved our daughter and that he was going to make a good life for her and Angie. He said that he understood my distrust of him but that all he could do was to show me by his actions. I accepted him at his word but I will never trust him."

"So I ruined our marriage and I ruined any chance that you and our daughter's husband can ever be friends. How am I supposed to live with that?"

"The same way I learned to live with the thought of you and our daughter's husband in bed together."

I was devastated. I had such high hopes for us before this but I had no idea of the depth of the hurt I had caused my husband with my actions so long ago. I had accepted my responsibility and I knew the damage I had done, but I never considered the depth of the betrayal before this. How had I not seen this coming?

"I think that I had better leave. We both have some thinking to do. I'll call you in a day or so. Good night."

With that, Al left me and I was completely alone for the first time in almost four years. Since Mary entered my life and later, Jennie and Angie, I always had a home full of love and hope, almost everything I had ever wanted. Only my husband was missing and I had never forgotten him. I waited, confident that he would eventually come home. I had built a life on that dream. Now, that dream was in danger of becoming a nightmare. 

I thought continuously about Al and the things he said to me. I couldn't stop thinking that he was wrong, but I also knew that he had the right to feel the way he did about my actions. He was also within his rights to think about Woody what he did. I didn't believe it but Al did and that is what counted. I would have to come up with something to change has mind. 

I heard from Jennie and Angie the next day from Florida. They were happy and having a good time. Jennie seemed very happy and I could tell from her voice that Angie was beside herself. I talked with them for a while and finally hung up, felling good about their new life. I had begun to think of something that I hoped would help the situation with Al but I wasn't ready yet to bring it up. I would see how things went first.

Al called that same afternoon after I had talked with Jennie. He asked if I had heard from them and I filled him in. He was especially interested in Angie's reaction and he seemed pleased with her description of Disney World. We made plans for dinner that evening and I wanted only to have time with Al. I vowed that we would keep the conversation light and I would not bring up our future again until I was ready.

I dressed in my best skirt and blouse combination; one that I knew would draw some praise. It was rather tight and short but still appropriate for a woman of my age. I wore my heels and I knew my legs were still one of my best features. I completed my outfit with a single strand of pearls with pearl earrings. My hair was down, since I knew Al always preferred it that way. I was as ready as I would ever be. 

He picked me up with appropriate comments and we went to dinner at a nice restaurant where my outfit was right in style. He had dressed in a casual suit and tie. He looked lean and fit and the time he spent in Brazil was apparently well spent. The dinner went fine and we talked again just as before about everything and nothing. We talked a little about the newlyweds and their plans and where they were going to live. We skipped over the hard parts by mutual agreement. The evening went very nicely.

We drove this time to Al's small home and he took me in for a drink. He had a bottle of wine chilling and he had some little cakes so he had obviously planned for this. I certainly didn't mind and I kind of hoped that the rest of the evening might go in a deliciously naughty direction. It was Al's call though and I would just go with it.

As we sat there with our first glass of wine, Al looked at me with a serious expression on his face. He had something to tell me and I wasn't sure what it was. I waited with an encouraging expression. I hoped to encourage him as much as I could.

"I made plans to return to Brazil next week to get Connie. I talked with the state department and the Brazilian department of emigration and things are all in place. I intend to bring Connie back with me in just two weeks. This will be my last trip to Brazil and I can close that part of my life. Connie will begin a new life here with me."

"That's wonderful news. I know you must be so happy to finally be able to bring her home. Do you have any other plans yet?"

"No, just to get her here. That's been foremost in my mind for some time now."

"Good. Than you have to go for it. What can I do to help you? Do you want me to get the place ready for a young girl? I can buy what you need and have it set up so that when she gets here, she will have a place of her own to go to. All you have to do is tell me as much as you can about her."

"That would be great if you wouldn't mind. I would really like to make her arrival here as pleasant as possible. Having a woman here would also be great for her. A little girl needs someone to talk to. You would be great at that."

"Consider it done. You can forget it and leave it to me. Now, is there anything else on your mind? I don't have to be home any time soon since I am now responsible only to myself. And anyway, I'm not looking forward to being by myself in that big lonely house."

"Well, you could stay here if you would like. I have the spare room anyway so it would save you a trip tonight."

"That's not what I was thinking of. I would still be lonely in the spare room all by myself. You have to come up with a better idea."

"Well, I don't know. I haven't been with a beautiful woman for over a year and I don't know if I remember what to do. Do you think you could help me there?"

I gave him my most sexy smile and said, "I'm sure I could."

But then I suddenly became more serious. 

"Do you remember our pleasure/pain routine Al? Do you ever think about us that way? I know that I have never forgotten us and I have missed us so much. I miss you so much every time I think about what we had together. Can you remember that without the pain that I caused you?"

"I have never forgotten it. I have never forgotten you. And yes, I can remember it without pain. As long as it's just you and I, I can remember the good. That's what makes this so hard. It's no longer just you and I."

"But it is tonight: just you and I and our memories of the good parts of our life together. The good parts of our marriage, before the pain and the deceit. We can remember the good for now. We owe ourselves that much."

I rose and went to him and put my arms around him. I cradled his face against my breast and I stroked his hair while I kissed his forehead. I held him until I felt him begin to respond and then I pulled back, letting him take control. He hesitated only for an instant and then he moved. He grabbed my hand and moved toward the small bedroom at the back of the house. I followed willingly, with a thrill of hope that we could rekindle the passion that we once shared. Before I threw it all away.

In the bedroom, I saw a double bed with a dresser and a bedside table but nothing more. It was a man's bedroom. He directed me to stand in front of the bed while he took me into his arms. When he pulled me against his body I could feel the welcome hardness against my stomach. I smiled to feel him again after an absence of so many years. I held myself tightly against him, both arms around his neck, not becoming too aggressive. This was still his show and I would let him take the lead. He was becoming surer of himself now and he put his hand under my chin to raise my face to his, and he kissed me so sweetly I almost cried. I returned his kiss until I felt his tongue begin to stroke my lips. Surprised, I opened to him and took his tongue into my waiting mouth. I thrilled to feel his tongue invade me and I wanted more. 

I let one hand drop to his butt and I pulled myself tighter against him. I moved my other arm from around his neck and dropped it down between our bodies to feel his erection. It had been so long but my hand remembered it well. It fit comfortably around its width and I began to slowly stroke him, trying not to be too aggressive but responding to my growing passion. He only groaned in pleasure so I continued. I was about to use my other hand to begin to unzip him when he pushed me away. 

I was worried that he had changed his mind, but he quickly showed me that was not the case as he reached for the buttons of my blouse. I relaxed as he proceeded to unbutton the buttons one by one. I moved my hands to allow him to slide the blouse off and held my arms out as he reached behind me to unsnap my bra. I looked directly into his eyes as he did and I saw what I had so much wanted to see for so long: passion and lust. This is what I had hoped for. 

I moved closer to him as he found the zipper to my skirt and quickly sent that to the floor to join the blouse and bra. I was down to the lacy panties I had put on earlier in the hopes that they would see this moment. As he backed away to admire the view, I reached for him to return the favor but he gripped my hand and pushed it away. He then quickly removed his shirt and pants, sliding them down quickly without fanfare. He kicked the discarded clothing away as he put his hands on my shoulders, pushing me down onto the edge of the bed. I went where he wanted me to go without resistance. 

"What do you want Angie, pleasure or pain? I want to do this right after so many years of trying to drive you away. I don't want to get this wrong."

I looked at this man that I had loved almost all my life. He was asking me what to do to make me happy. This was all I wanted. I didn't care what he did to me so long as he was there with me. I had to make him see that.

"I don't care what you do to me Al. You have made all my dreams come true simply by coming back to me. I want you to take me and make me your wife again. I don't want pleasure or pain: I only want you. This is your decision and I will do whatever you want me to do. If you want me to give you pleasure, I will. If you want to take the lead and have me that way, I want that too. But, this is your decision and I want you to tell me exactly what you want me to be or to do. I am yours, now and forever." 

He moved to me and pushed me back onto the bed. He moved over me and I spread my legs open for him. He took his hard cock in one hand and moved it against my open lips, feeling the wetness that was already starting. He put the head against the lips and pushed slowly into me. After so long, I had begun to use a dildo to relive some of the pressure that built in me and so I was more ready than he would have expected. When he felt me relax and open to him, he looked up with a smile and pushed swiftly all the way in. I let out a squeal of pleasure and he laughed with glee. 

He pulled back out and then plunged in on one long smooth stroke. I grunted with lust and moved my knees up almost to my shoulders to allow him deeper penetration. I had not forgotten how to make love to my husband and he would soon see that. As he felt me move into our favorite position, he began to thrust into me with a swiftly increasing pace. He was now fucking me, not making love and I welcomed this with wonder. This was my man and he was taking me, as he should. I gave myself to him completely and wanted only to feel him climax against me as he once again claimed that which was his.




The Scandal Ch. 02



In only a few minutes, Al began to move frantically as he felt his climax building. He panted into my ear that he couldn't stop it and I responded by tightening my arms around him and pushing my knees against his side to let him know that I was ready. He suddenly stopped, buried inside me as far as he could go and tensed. I waited, ready for that sign that he had released his passion and felt it splash against the walls of my vagina. It was the most wonderful feeling in the world: the sign that your man had given you his wonderful gift. I just held him as he finished inside me and collapsed onto me beneath him. I felt the glow of love as I held him this way. I would be content to lie here this way forever.

As Al recovered, he pulled out and rolled over onto his back. His breathing slowly returned to normal and he finally turned onto his side to look at me lying next to him.

"I'm sorry that I couldn't wait for you but it has been so long. What can I do for you?"

"Just hold me and let me know that you are here for me. You know that it was never about sex for me: it was the love that I felt every time we were together just like this."

"I remember. I missed this so much. I used to think about you at night but I had to stop or go crazy. Bettina and I were never close so I missed you even more. Thank you for this."

I snuggled up closer to him and just held on to him. I was content. I had my love back in my arms and I would do whatever was necessary to keep him. I decided then and there to talk to him before this night was over.

"I'm going to get a shower. Would you like to join me? I can wash your back and maybe some other parts if you would like."

"I think I had better try to recover first. This has been a first for me after so long. Is that OK with you?"

"It is perfectly OK. I told you, I am yours to do with, as you will. If you want to rest, that's just fine with me."

I rose and went into the little bathroom to take a quick shower and make myself presentable. I had something to say and I wanted to be fresh and ready when he was. I dressed afterwards and went into the kitchen to fix us some juice and toast. Al always liked juice and toast after lovemaking. He said it raised his sugar level back to where it should be. 

Al came into the kitchen and sat down at the table. He watched as I moved around the kitchen with some satisfaction. I was content now and I placed the toast and glass of juice in front of him with a flourish. 

"You remembered. And I'm glad now since at my age, I need the sugar." He smiled as he drank the juice. 

"You didn't seem old to me just now. You were all I could ever want or need. I don't really think you need all that much mister."

We sat in companionable silence for a while as I watched him. I reveled in the site of him and I was happy and content: more so than I had been in many years. The addition of Mary and Jennie and even Angie to my life was fulfilling and made me very happy. But there was always a hole in my soul that wasn't filled by them and it never let me be fully content. Now, that hole was filled and I knew that I had all that I ever wanted. Now it was time.

"Al, there is something that I have been thinking. I want to tell you what I think we should do. Let me tell you what I plan to do while you are in Brazil getting Connie ready to return."

He looked at me with some curiosity and waited to hear me out.

"I want to put the house up for sale and put the furniture in storage. I will resign my job effective next week and tie up all of the loose ends so that I can be ready."

"Ready for what? Why would you want to sell your beautiful home and quit your job?" 

"I have been thinking of what you said the other day. One of your biggest problems is seeing Woody every time we visited with Jennie and Angie. I can't break them up or cut them out of my life forever, but we can move far enough away that we don't have to see them very often. And then, I could just go to visit them alone from time to time or Jennie and Angie can come there to see us. That way, we never have to see Woody together and you don't have to think about him since he will be out of sight."

I watched his face as I spoke. I had thought about this and I felt this to be the best way to deal with his reaction to Woody. If Woody wasn't around much, that would be best. I was willing to turn away from having Jennie and Angie in my life all the time if Al was with me. Al was my life. I had been without Jennie and Angie for many years and I had found them. But, I lost Al for 5 years and I wasn't going to go through that again. I made my choice.

Al just sat there looking at me with a strange look on his face. I wasn't sure what he was thinking but I had to convince him of my willingness to do anything for him.

"Al, I don't care about not having them near by if I have you. I thought about this and I made my choice. My choice is you. Don't you understand? This way, you never have to see him again and if you don't see him, we can be together. Tonight was the proof. They were not here and you and I were together. We made love and it was wonderful. Please, can't you see that this is the only way?"

Al listened and then he began to laugh. It was a happy, contented laugh and my heart rose with it. He understood and he was happy with my plan. I began to laugh as well, letting all my joy out to join with the man I loved beyond life itself.

After he finally calmed down, he stood up and walked over to me. He took my face in his hands and raised me up to face him.

"I love you more than ever. I have been a fool and you have just shown me the truth of that. I don't care about Woody and what you and he did. I know now that you were willing to give up every thing for me and that's all I need to know. We don't have to move away and we don't have to deny our daughter's husband. He's not a threat to me and I don't care about him except that he treats our daughter and granddaughter right. So, you and I will move into that big wonderful house of yours and we will make a life for our new daughter and she can visit with her step sister any time she wants."

I shouted for joy and jumped up into his arms. I had it all now. A husband that I loved with all my heart; a daughter that I had lost for so long and found again; and a granddaughter that I never knew I had. Now, I had a new stepdaughter that I would welcome into my perfect world and give her all the love that I had in my heart. 

Later as I sat at the little kitchen table where I had found my husband again, I thought back to that earlier kitchen table where my world began to fall apart. I had made just one mistake: I turned away from my husband to someone else and it almost destroyed me. I survived and learned a lesson that I would make sure I passed on to the other three women in my life. I would make sure that they knew not to make the same mistake I had.