Aileen
We finished dinner, eating and chatting about Marshall’s college days and his family and Becky.
I also talked about Skylar and Rosalia who recently became my friends. I had a lot of fun that evening and we didn’t realize how time flew by.
Before I realized, it was 9:30 p. m.
We were in the kitchen. I was roasting the marshmallow while Marshall was on the couch drinking a can of beer in hand.
After roasting it, I placed it between two crackers and went out of the kitchen carrying it in hand.
“Hey, check this out,” I said, sitting down next to him.
He turned to me, putting down the can. “What?”
“Eat this,” I held the crackers close to his mouth.
He glanced down at it and looked a bit uncomfortable.
“What? You don’t like it?”
“Uh, actually I’m full already. But, there’s always room for dessert,” he smiled, taking a bite of it.
His face lit up the very minute. “This is the bomb. How did you think of this combination?”
“Mom and I used to eat this sometimes on special occasions. As we didn’t have that much money, this was a luxury for us. This holds fond memories of us together,” I replied.
“I see, do you have some more of it? I’ll make it at home and eat it often from now on. It’s good.”
“Um, yeah. There are crackers and marshmallows on the kitchen counter. You can make them anytime.”
“Thanks.”
He ate the cracker then we both washed the dishes together.
“This is kind of fun, you know?” He said, glancing at me.
“Washing dishes is fun to you? I’ve never heard that from anyone.”
“Maybe because I don’t do it often,” he chuckled. “But, washing dishes with someone else isn’t that bad either. Don’t you think so?”
“Right…..”
“I mean, two hands are better than one, saving time and effort.”
“Hm, that’s true.”
Why, did I suddenly think he meant something else when he said that? I must be overthinking everything.
After wiping off my hands, I reached out to grab my phone which was on the living room table.
Mom’s message popped up as soon as I turned on the phone.
“Are you having fun there? When will you come back home?”
It was almost 10 p. m. back then. I’ve been out for so many hours. Dave must be worried.
“I’ll be back very soon. Tell DaveTell Dad I’ll be back very soon. Did you two have dinner already?”
“Yes, I had meatballs and pasta for dinner. Dave is not back home yet. Must be busy.”
He’s not back yet? I see. That’s why he didn’t send any texts or calls to check up on me.
Should I ask him when he’ll be back? Or does that seem too unnecessary? But, it’s nothing suspicious as I think it is.
What should I do?
“Aileen, who are you texting?” Marshall asked, peering over my shoulder.
“Oh, uh, it’s”
“The Luna. What is she saying?”
“Asking me when I’ll be back home.”
He checked the time and replied, “Well, yeah. It’s quite late for a college student to be out here. She’ll be worried of course. Tell her you’ll get home in 30 minutes. I’ll make the car fly and you’ll be back in a jiffy.”
“Thanks, I’ll tell her that.”
“Fix your clothes and hair. I’ll get changed into some comfy clothes before driving you back. These work clothes are starting to kill me now,” he grunted.
“Sure, no hurries. Take your time.”
He smiled and left upstairs right away.
I checked my phone and the last message from mom was: “I was waiting for you to come back home. I’m a bit sleepy. When will you be back?”
“In 30 minutes. You can sleep if you want to. No need to wait for me.”
“Nah, I’ll wait for you. I haven’t seen you the whole day. Come back soon.”
“I will, bye.”
All of a sudden my chest felt heavy thinking, that she was looking forward to seeing me cause she hadn’t seen me the whole day. And here I am, cheating on her with her own husband under the same roof. Does this even look ethical?
Am I actually committing a big sin I’m not supposed to?
Betraying my own Mother feels a lot worse than I’ve imagined. When the truth will come out in broad daylight, how will I face her? Or rather, how will we face her?
I stood still, lost in my own thoughts that I didn’t realize Marshall was already downstairs.
“Sorry to make you wait, are you ready?” his voice drove into my attention.
He got changed into some sweatpants and normal tee’s. and still managed to look good.
“Oh, uh, give me a minute. I’ll be ready.”
“Well, I’ll get the car out then. You come out and lock the main door. The key is in the keyhole. Bring it with you on your way.”
“Okay.”
He nodded and left yelling, “Don’t be late.”
I fixed my hair and took a minute to look around the house.
Today was my first day here, I hope I get to see Becky the next time I come here. I bet she’s as amazing as Marshall.
I need to tell him to cook for us back then as well and wear that cute apron.
I locked the door and found his car waiting at the front.
I got into the car and gave the keys to him. “Here you go.”
“Oh, thanks. Put on the seatbelt.”
During the drive back home, I recalled how much fun we had during shopping and cooking.
And while thinking about it, I fell asleep without realizing it.
When I opened my eyes again, I noticed the car had stopped moving. I looked beside me to see, Marshall sitting who was taking off his seatbelt.
“Where are we?” I mumbled, rubbing my eyes.
“Oh, you finally woke up? I thought you were going to sleep in my car all night. Just kidding,” he laughed. “We are at your house already.”
“We are? Oh, I’ve been sleeping since the beginning then?”
“I guess? I didn’t notice it till we were halfway there. You must be tired. Sorry for keeping you up for so long because of me.”
“No, no, it’s okay. You must be tired as well but still had to come to drive me back home. Sorry about it.”
“Why the heck are we both apologizing to each other?” He chuckled. “Anyway, off you go. Your mom is waiting. Let’s call it a night.”
I nodded at him while taking off my seatbelt. “Do you wanna come inside and see Mom?”
“Uh, no. I’ll be bothering her at this time. Not today, some other time.”
“And, before I go, I wanted to say something to you,” I said, facing him.
“To me? Go on.”
“Marshall, I really had so much fun with you today. Thanks for welcoming me to your house. I enjoyed the whole experience.” I said, smiling.
He smiled and patted my head. “Me too. I was able to enjoy cooking and eating my favorite food with you today all thanks to your help. I did make you work a ton. Thank you, Aileen.”
“Thanks for having me over too. I must’ve been a lousy guest?”
“Not at all,” he insisted. “If possible, can we do it again someday? Do you want to eat out next time? I know a good place with street vendors. They have the best food in Seattle.”
I nodded. “Definitely. I’ll let you know when I’ll be free. Then we can meet up.”
“Yeah, just ping me. I’ll drive there in no time.”
“It’s so easy to summon you,” I laughed. “Anyway, see you for tonight then.”
“Yeah, see you.”
I got out of the car and closed the door behind me. And waved at him from the window.
“Bye..”
He waved back smiling, “Bye.”
When I turned away to leave I heard the sound of a car pulling up behind me.
I turned around immediately and saw Dave’s car entering through the main gate.
Marshall’s car stood in place seeing Dave’s car coming.
Is this…. a good time for his arrival?
His car arrived and stood in front of Marshall’s car. The door opened and Dave came out.
He looked at the car in front of him, then spotted me.
He stared at me a bit puzzled, before walking over to my side. I could smell a little bit of wine on him. Yup, he’s been drinking, alright?
“You? Why are you standing here at this time? And,” he paused for a second, observing my clothes. “You are wearing outside clothes. Where were you out this late? And why didn’t I hear about it? Are you keeping things secret from me now?”
Why’s he bombing me with questions one after another? Does he doubt me or something?
I never knew he was so much insecure about me hanging out outside.
“Why aren’t you answering me?” He asked. “I asked you something, didn’t I?”
“Uh, I….” I didn’t expect that Mom didn’t inform him that I wasn’t home yet. But, how would I know he would come back at this time?
“I was”
“Why are you hesitating so much? Is it something that you can’t tell me?” he asked, grabbing me by the hand. “Where on earth did you go to that you can’t tell me about it? To the club? Bar? Or hanging out with your male friends or any boyfriend?”
“What?” Why would he assume that of all things out there? And right in front of Marshall as well. I know he can hear him yelling from a distance.
But, why isn’t he coming out of his car yet even though he can see Dave is out of control?
“Aileen, staying silent won’t solve anything!” Dave flinched. “Answer me! Where were you at?”
“I think I can answer that better than anyone,” Marshall’s voice drew our attention.