Craigslist Lover Read online

  “I remember when my daughter was this small.” She touched his foot. “How old is he?”

  “He’s six weeks,” McKenzie stared at her dirty hands.

  “Oh, I’m sorry.” She pulled back her gloved hands. “Are you sure everything’s okay?” the blond woman asked, standing up.

  McKenzie stood as well, grabbing the car seat. “Everything’s fine.”

  “I heard screams…”

  “Margaret,” her husband yelled. “I need your help.” At that moment, the taxi pulled up.

  “Have a nice day.” McKenzie sauntered down to the taxi, and could hear the lady’s husband telling her to mind her own business. Didn’t you see her face? the woman answered back. McKenzie placed her baby in the cab first and then she moved in. If Wayne found out the neighbors had heard them last night, he would blame her like he always did. He used to strike her where no one could see the bruises but lately he didn’t care where his blows landed.

  McKenzie and Caleb went to the furniture store and purchased two chairs that were close to the ones Wayne had shattered. The cab driver was nice enough to help her with the chairs.

  She prepared dinner early; that way she could take Caleb to the park for a stroll before Wayne got home. That was something she hid from her husband. He didn’t like her out of the house without his consent. McKenzie chuckled. He had broken her little by little, but she was still strong. Her parents would be ashamed of her if they knew how she was living. All the money they’d spent on her to go to college, and here she was, being dominated by a worthless man. A man she was scared of. McKenzie knew he would hurt her, and maybe even their son. She couldn’t take that chance, not now. She jogged, pushing the stroller from the house to a nearby park, and sat on the bench looking at the lake. This was her time. Out here staring at nature, McKenzie was the most tranquil. She glanced at her wristwatch and rapidly made it home before Wayne, and served his food.

  She took a long bubble bath as Caleb took a nap, and thought about the email. Why shouldn’t she take the chance and have a distant friend? Someone that didn’t know anything about her, someone she could share things with. McKenzie grabbed her cell phone, and looked up the app the person said they had. She set up a Kik account, placing the notification on silent. Right before she went to sleep, she emailed him back.

  Me too.

  McKenzie nursed her baby boy, and then rocked him back to sleep as she sang “A Mother’s Prayer” by K. Michelle. Caleb touched her lips and then her nose, gazing at her through bright brown eyes. He loved her unconditionally. He was the reason she was still of sound mind.

  “I love you… I promise no one will hurt you.” She combed her fingers through his curls. “I will give my life for you. If your father ever causes you any pain…” her mind drifted away. “I will kill him.”

  Chapter Two

  Wayne called and told her that he would be a few hours late from work, and that she didn’t have to cook dinner if she didn’t want to; however, she did. He would come home asking for something to eat, regardless. McKenzie gave Caleb a bath as she sang “Just The Two of Us” by Will Smith. Caleb favored her, even his big eyes. He had his father’s light brown eyes, and his olive complexion and soft black curls. She kissed his chunky cheeks, making him smile. “I love you, my lil’ man.” McKenzie dressed him in his PJs and swayed him to sleep in the rocking chair. Her baby boy was the cutest baby she’d ever seen.

  She grabbed her phone, and swiped it to life.

  Hey. Hope you had a nice day.

  The person had written a few minutes ago. McKenzie contemplated if she should continue this insane curiosity she had for this stranger.

  Hi my day went well. How about yours?

  It was a good day. Tell me a little bit about yourself.

  She placed Caleb in his crib, and sat back down with her legs under her butt.

  Do you do this often?

  Do what?

  Classifieds. How many other women do you chat with?

  Lol… that’s not telling me about yourself. But to answer your question, no. This is my first time placing a personal ad anywhere.

  Why didn’t you use a dating site, like e-harmony or Christian Mingle? Why Craigslist?

  Why not? It’s free.

  But people are crazy.

  Are you crazy?

  NO!

  She should’ve expected that response.

  Then why were you on Craigslist searching the personal ads?

  That was a great question, one she’d asked herself all day long.

  I wasn’t… I was looking for something else and curiosity got the best of me. I didn’t know Craigslist had personal classifieds.

  And I’m just an opened minded person, who wanted to expand his horizons. Meet new people, and well my love life sucks at the moment.

  Did you get any other responses?

  I’ve had a few replies, however all they wanted was sex, and I’m not looking for that. I met a lady at a coffee shop, again all she wanted was to bang my brains out.

  And… lol.

  McKenzie giggled to herself. She didn’t have a right to be nosey, but he didn’t seem to mind. She couldn’t help feeling giddy as she chatted with the stranger.

  Nothing. If she fucked me without even knowing my damn name, then how many times has she done something like that? I’m a little cray- cray but I’m not so far gone lol. I’m not desperate in that department. I’m just looking for someone to chat with, you know. Someone to make my day better. Why did you reply to my ad?

  I’m not sure why I emailed you. I was supposed to be searching for a piece of furniture, and something about your ad just called to me. I’m kinda looking for just a chat buddy too.

  You’ve found one. I like you, you haven’t asked for sex or all those other shit other girls seem to want, including cash. You seem very genuine.

  :-) I’m just a lonely person, seeking a friend.

  She sounded so pathetic.

  Now will you tell me something about yourself?”

  I’m a simple girl, who loves simple things in life.”

  Like what?”

  Nature.”

  McKenzie and Caleb strolled through the park every day, looking at the different-colored leaves on the trees, the animals, and the lake. It amazed her how wonderful God was. No matter what she went through in life, her faith never crumbled. She cried, and prayed that one day, this life she was living would be no more.

  I like nature too. I went camping the other night.

  I’ve never been camping.

  You should, if you don’t mind getting dirty and doing some work.

  I don’t mind.

  What else?

  There’s nothing much to tell.

  McKenzie didn’t have much to say about herself.

  That’s it? Lol. Are you married, do you have kids?

  She thought about it, and decided why not tell him the truth? She was never going to meet this whack job. He might be thinking the same thing about her. Maybe it was a woman, but it didn’t matter: she had someone to chat with.

  Yes to both.

  Oh…

  I don’t want you to think that I’m a bad person. My husband doesn’t talk as much lately.

  Sweetie, I won’t judge you. All we’re doing is chatting. I don’t condone cheating.

  What about you? Are you married/kids?

  No to both. Never been married or have kids. I do love babies. I have a niece and nephew. I like having a normal conversation, getting to know someone new. It’s refreshing, it’s better than the ones I’ve encountered. I just deleted my ad. I think this is a start of a great online friendship. What do you think?

  McKenzie’s lips curled up into a smile. She was enjoying getting to know him, too. She wasn’t hurting anyone.

  I would like that. If you don’t mind me asking what do you look like?

  Since we’re keeping this platonic, that shouldn’t matter. Let’s do this, we both can envision who we think we look like to
each other. I don’t care about your age or race, as long as I know you’re a woman. Are you a woman?

  Did that mean he was ugly? That shouldn’t matter. Like he said, this was just the start of an online friendship.

  Yes, I’m all woman.

  Lol…good to know. I have enough male friends.

  McKenzie heard her husband’s car pulling into the garage. With both thumbs, she began typing at top speed.

  I have to go.

  By the way, my friends call me Tee.

  Kenzie.

  Technically, she wasn’t lying.

  Chat with you tomorrow.

  McKenzie rapidly closed out the app on her phone and rushed to the kitchen to make sure his food was on the table before he entered the house. She dished up his plate, and placed it at the head of the table. Two of the four chairs were slightly different. She’d tried her best.

  “What did you cook tonight?” Wayne said, placing his briefcase on the side table near the stairs—no “Hello” or “How are you doing?” No “How was the baby today?” Nothing.

  “Chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and broccoli.” She served him a glass of lemonade.

  Wayne looked at the chairs and frowned. “They don’t match.”

  “Those are the closest I could get.” McKenzie’s heart raced. She expected him to throw a fit over the damn furniture. Caleb began crying. She looked up at the clock mounted on the wall. It was time for his feeding. McKenzie washed her hands.

  “Shut him up!” He slammed his fist on the table, startling her. “All I want is some peace and fucking quiet when I get home.” He picked up his fork and began eating.

  McKenzie knew she should be silent, but she never could help herself. Her mouth got her in trouble every time. “He’s a baby, your baby, and babies cry.”

  He stopped eating and glared at her through light brown eyes that mirrored their son’s. “Don’t fuck with me tonight.”

  She took the hint and went to the nursery. “Hey, peanut.” McKenzie picked up her precious baby boy. “I know you’re hungry.” She slipped off her shirt and started nursing, combing her fingers through his big, black curls. “You are such a good baby. I love you, Caleb…” McKenzie sat in the rocking chair in his nursery all night, like she’d done every night since he was born. Her lips curled thinking of Tee, wondering how he looked, and then she pouted. What if it was a woman? What if she was being catfished? She shook her head. So, she made him up. In her imagination he was dark, tall, a little rough around the edges, because of his cussing when they’d chatted. Her very own Blair Underwood. She chuckled. From now on when she chatted with Tee, she would imagine Blair Underwood.

  Chapter Three

  They’d been chatting every day since she’d answered his email three weeks ago. Their conversation got more personal, though they were both careful not to give up their identities. He was always quick to make her smile. He’d become like her morning cup of coffee, her addiction. She felt guilty, as if she was doing something wrong, but she couldn’t help answering each message. Tee gave her a reason to look forward to getting up in the mornings.

  Good morning beautiful.

  McKenzie smiled as she opened the app.

  Good morning to you too. How do you know I’m beautiful?

  I can feel it. Hope you had a good evening.

  He made her feel all giddy inside.

  I slept well.

  Does your baby sleep all night?

  No, he wakes up around three. I’m used to it by now.

  Does it get easier?

  Yes, he is my Angel. He saved me.

  McKenzie remembered the day the doctor had placed her sweet baby in her arms. She couldn’t explain the overwhelming emotion she’d felt when Caleb was given to her. All her pain was gone, until she’d come back home.

  :-) I’m getting ready for work.

  What do you do?

  I work at a water plant. You?

  Right now I’m a million-dollar mom lol, but I do have an education. I have a Master’s in Finance. I’m taking a break to raise my son at least until he’s two.

  Another white lie. Wayne had said he wasn’t paying daycare when she could stay home and raise their son.

  My mother stayed home with me and my brother/cousins.

  Have you thought about going to college?

  Been there, done that. I have a degree, but it’s worth shit. I couldn’t find a job in the field I majored in.

  What’s your degree in?

  Environmental Science.

  McKenzie was impressed.

  Wow. Well isn’t the water plant considered part of that?

  Kenzie, I fix busted pipes.

  You’re still helping conserve water :)

  I guess… Can we chat when I go on my lunch break?

  I would like that.

  Kenzie was eating lunch, watching TV in the family room. Her phone vibrated.

  Are you busy?

  No, just watching a talk show.

  Please don’t tell me it’s about a paternity test.

  Lol, no that comes on next.

  McKenzie picked up the remote and turned down the volume.

  What do you like to do? Do you have hobbies?

  I love to read romance novels, and I love to cook. You?

  I like anything to do with sports. I’ve been coaching baseball at a local elementary school close to my home.

  Favorite team

  She was enjoying getting to know Tee. It made her day go by faster. He made her laugh with his jokes.

  Did you really have to ask? The Cowboys.

  I should’ve known.

  McKenzie finished her food, stood, and walked in to the kitchen. She looked out the window, and saw her neighbors chatting in front of her house. Nosey heifers.

  What do you do at the water plant?

  I fix equipment on the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and Systems. I help keep your water clean.

  Interesting.

  I miss going to work and mingling with other adults other than my husband.

  Get a part-time.

  We agreed that I would stay home until my son is two-years old.

  They hadn’t agreed; he’d made the decision. She knew that Wayne would change his mind about daycare when Caleb turned two.

  You mean your husband?

  Yes.

  What about a stay at home job?

  I’m fine.

  You’re the one that said that you missed working.

  I do, but I don’t mind sacrificing my needs for my son.

  I’ll understand one day how it feels to place someone else’s life before mine. I imagine it’s stressful to be responsible for another little human being.

  It is, God will see me through. He has so far, even when I thought I was lost.

  I like you a lot… :-) You’re officially my chat boo… lol.

  Chat boo? McKenzie chuckled.

  Let’s see what we haven’t discussed yet. Oh how did you meet your husband?”

  She really didn’t want to chat about Wayne. This was her me-time.

  I was doing a paper for one of my classes, and he was an intern at the accounting firm I choose. He showed me around, and the rest is history. He was a charmer, and I fell for his disguise.

  McKenzie’s fingers worked faster than her brain. She hadn’t meant to write the truth.

  Disguise?

  You know people change after they get married.

  No, I don’t know. I’ve never been married, but I don’t think I would change much. What you see now, is what you’ll get later ;). Have you changed?

  Yes, I have. I’ve lost myself somewhere down the line.

  Then find yourself. Kenzie, you need to put your needs first sometimes. Tell your husband what you want in life, that you’re not happy being a stay at home wife and mother. There’s nothing wrong with voicing how you feel.

  McKenzie could tell he was frustrated by the way he wrote. She already knew his moods, by his words. His kind, fu
nny, encouraging, and friendly words made her feel weird inside. It was an emotion she couldn’t explain. Was she falling in love with words or the person behind the words? “No…” she said to herself. “There’s no way. It’s only been three weeks.”

  Did you leave without saying bye?

  No silly. I was thinking of what you wrote. Thank you for always finding a way to make me feel better.

  Anytime, beautiful… Your husband is a very lucky man, but you need to stand up for yourself darling…

  Nice of you to say.

  I mean it. So, you never talk about your parents. Are they still living?

  My parents retired, and moved to Guam.

  Guam? Damn that’s far.

  My mother retired from the Navy, and she liked being stationed in Guam. She loved it so such, she convinced my father to retire there. Cost of living is cheap over there; they even have a housekeeper. Can you imagine having a maid?

  Damn your parents have it like that?

  No… It’s very affordable.

  Have you been there?

  Yes, once. It’s different.

  Siblings?

  I have a brother, he followed my mother’s footstep and joined the military. He also retired a few years ago. He lives in another state.

  Shawn called every now and then to check up on her and Caleb, but over the years their relationship had grown distant. Her nephews, Shawn Jr. and Ezekiel, were growing up so fast. The last time she’d seen the boys, Ezekiel was a newborn, and now Junior was five and his brother was two years old. Her brother’s wife, Angela, was a lovely lady. Shawn and Angela had almost lost each other once, but they’d made it through their trials and were stronger than ever. Shawn did good. He was finally happy.