Craigslist Lover Page 4

  “What are you talking about?” She pushed him away. “I was being nice!” McKenzie raised her voice. “Wasn’t that why you took me there, to make you look like the great husband you aren’t?” She went to walk away, and he slammed her against the wall, making a loud thump sound that echoed throughout the house. McKenzie hit the back of her head on the wall.

  “You’re not taking that fucking job,” He pointed his finger at her. “Do I make myself clear?”

  McKenzie was about to make things worse. “You’re a fucking bully. You thrive having control over me, don’t you?” She grabbed his finger and twisted it, making him flinch in pain, and then he grabbed her by the neck with the other hand.

  “Why won’t you just do as I say without talking back?” he yelled, inches away from her face.

  “Wayne!” his mother hollered, making him rapidly release McKenzie.

  “This isn’t what it looks like, Mother.” He cleared his throat.

  “We raised you better than this.” Her voice cracked. “Your father would turn in his grave if he saw what I just did. You don’t have the right to put your hands on your wife, the mother of your son.” Mrs. Carmela’s voice wavered. “McKenzie…” She stared at her through shiny eyes. “He may be my son, but I’m a woman first. Don’t you ever let him touch you like that again. If he does, call the police.”

  “Mom, I wasn’t hurting her. We were having a conversation, and—”

  “And what? Your hands just happened to slip around her neck? I’m not a fool.” Mrs. Carmela’s nostrils flared. “I’m spending the night. Is that okay?”

  “Of course,” he replied.

  “I’m not asking you. I’m asking my daughter-in-law.”

  “Yes.” McKenzie gave her one of her famous, fake smiles. “Caleb and I would love that.”

  “Let me get my overnight bag from the car.” She glared at Wayne and headed outside.

  “If you tell my mother anything that goes on in this house, I promise you’ll regret it.” He went up the stairs. “She will always be on my side.”

  McKenzie massaged the back of her head. He was probably right about Mrs. Carmela defending her children.

  “Are you okay, sweetie?” Mrs. Carmela asked, as she re-entered the home.

  She managed to smile again. “Yes, I’m just tired. You can sleep in either the guest bedroom upstairs, or next to the nursery, down here.”

  “Go sleep. I’ll stay in the bedroom downstairs. I’ll be closer to my grandson.” She eyed her closely. “He’s been sleeping for a while.”

  “That’s not necessary. Thank you for babysitting.” She walked toward the hallway.

  “You’re not going to your bedroom?” Mrs. Carmela pointed upstairs.

  “That’s where I’m heading.” She opened the door to her son’s room and took a deep breath. She didn’t have any strength left to fight Wayne off, physically or mentally. McKenzie slipped off her heels, and sat in the rocking chair as tears rolled down her cheeks. Maybe she should end it all. Mrs. Carmela would take care of Caleb.

  And then a Bible verse came to her, and she wiped her tears, reciting the verse. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” She breathed. “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” She took a deep breath. “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.”

  “You will never forsake me…” she said out loud, and then her lips curled up. She began singing, God Grace by Trin-I-Tee 5:7.

  McKenzie dug in her purse, searching for her cell phone. She needed to know, she hoped he was still awake.

  Do you believe in God?

  Five minutes later, he responded.

  What’s wrong?

  Nothing’s wrong.

  Why are you lying? You just don’t ask a question like that in the middle of the night. What’s going on?

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t know it was this late.”

  McKenzie looked at the time on her cell. It was after eleven.

  Kenzie… I’m here whenever you need me. Come on, share…

  Do you believe in God? I just need to know.

  Why?

  Because if you didn’t, that might be a problem. I can’t speak to an atheist.

  We will never meet lol.

  Not funny.

  McKenzie twisted her lips, then replied.

  You’re right, but I’m sharing my life with you. You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to because I already know you do.

  What makes you think that?

  She knew he was playing around now. Because of your sweet spirit.

  I do believe in God. I’m still alive and out of jail because of him. I don’t live a straight and narrow life, but I know who to thank for the good and the bad times. He placed you in my path even though it’s through gadgets. You make my days better, Kenzie.

  You make mine sane… Can you pray with me?

  Yes…

  McKenzie closed her eyes and prayed for her sanity and the well-being of her little boy.

  After about five minutes, Tee checked in.

  Amen. Whatever you’re going through will pass.

  Thanks for joining me.

  Anytime.

  Good night.

  Night!

  ***

  The next morning, McKenzie was awakened by the aroma of coffee. Her head ached as she sat up on the blanket. She slept on the cold wooden floor. She stood, kissed Caleb and went down the hall to the bathroom and did her morning ritual. McKenzie slipped off the dress, and stared at herself in the mirror. Tears ran down her cheeks. She covered her hair with a shower cap, and jumped under the spray, letting the cold and then warm water run down her body.

  No more tears McKenzie, she thought to herself.

  She finished showering, and rapidly got dressed.

  “Good morning, McKenzie.” Her mother-in-law greeted her with a smile and a cup of coffee. “Café cubano.”

  “Good morning.” She took the cup from her, and sipped, savoring the addicting liquid. “Mmm.” Coffee was her alarm clock in the mornings. She couldn’t function without a cup.

  “Have a seat.” Mrs. Carmela sat down.

  McKenzie joined her. “Was Caleb good last night?”

  “Yes, he’s a sweet baby.” Mrs. Carmela placed her cup down and stared at her. “Has my son ever hit you?” She didn’t hesitate, or sugarcoat her question.

  McKenzie wanted to answer, but Wayne’s voice echoed in her mind. My mother will always be on my side. I will hunt you down. You will never see Caleb again. With what money? You are nothing without me. No one else will never love or want you. Look at you…

  “My husband never laid a hand on me, or our kids, just in case you’re wondering.” Mrs. Carmela added.

  McKenzie didn’t say anything. She just stared at Mrs. Carmela over the rim of the cup.

  “You know why?”

  “Why?” she whispered.

  “Because I would’ve cut off each one of the fingers he used to hit me with,” Mrs. Carmela professed. “Do I need to cut my son’s fingers off?”

  “No, Mother,” Wayne said, entering the kitchen. “I had a little too much to drink, and she said something smart to me. It won’t happen again.” He glanced over at the stove and then at McKenzie. “You didn’t cook breakfast?”

  “No.” His mother smirked. “I told her you would cook for us today. Your wife needs a break. I wish I lived closer.”

  McKenzie watched his nostrils flare as he opened the cabinet doors one by one, getting annoyed when he couldn’t find anything he was looking for. “Where’s the frying pan?” he asked, pissed, slamming the doors.

  “I’ll cook.” His mother stood.

  McKenzie was fascinated to watch her mother-in-law cook. Mrs. Carmela made a traditional Cuban breakfast. It was delicious. But more than that, it was nice having someone else take care of her, for once.

  Wayne rose. “I’m going to the gym.” He kissed his mother on the cheek, and walked over to McKenzie, making her cringe. He gave her a peck on her lips, and the instant he left the kitchen, she wiped her lips with the back of her hand, forgetting that Mrs. Carmela was there.

  “Here.” She gave McKenzie a green book. “Cuban recipes.”

  “Thank you.” She opened it and began reading.

  “I have to get on the road,” she said, getting up. “McKenzie, I’m so sorry for my son’s behavior last night.” Mrs. Carmela hugged her tight. “You didn’t answer my question earlier, so I assume it was the first time, but if it happens again,” she pointed at the door, “that’s your way out.” She kissed McKenzie on her forehead. “That saying about what happens in this house, stays in this house, doesn’t apply.” Mrs. Carmela said her goodbyes and left McKenzie thinking.

  It wasn’t as easy as everyone on the outside thought.

  Later on that afternoon, while Wayne was taking a nap, McKenzie sneaked outside to the back yard with her cell, and sat on the wooden porch swing.

  Hey handsome… lol.

  Hey beautiful.

  Did you do anything exciting today?

  I went to the amusement park with my brother and his kids. I’m exhausted. You?

  I stayed home like I always do.

  You need to get out more.

  McKenzie wished she could’ve gone to an amusement park without Wayne following her like a damn vicious dog.

  Did you have fun?

  Yes… I just realized I’m getting older lol. Have you been to the Aquatic amusement park?

  Yes.

  It’s been years since she could remember having fun, she thought.

  I’ve also visited the ones
in Florida, California and New York. I used to travel a lot before I got married.

  I bet you’ve been to way better places than I have. I’m just a poor ass small-town Texas guy.

  Why would you say something like that?

  Don’t get me wrong. I’m proud of where I come from.

  :-(

  I came from nothing, everything I have, I have because I busted my ass to get. I’m saying that with a smile on my face. Trailer park kid here. Imao, I’m straight out of a trailer park.

  McKenzie stared at her cell phone. Tee couldn’t be… Nah, he wasn’t white. Was he?

  My family was different than everyone in the trailer park. We stood out. They eventually got used to us.

  There—yes. He was black. His family was the only black family in the neighborhood, she thought.

  I didn’t come from nothing, but I busted my ass in so many ways.

  I feel you…

  And Tee, I don’t care where you come from. It’s about where you’re headed.

  I know you don’t care where I came from, however coming from that is what made me who I am ;)

  Thanks for sharing… It doesn’t change our friendship.

  Hope not.

  It doesn’t. How old are your nephew and niece?

  My niece is ten and my bad ass nephew is four. He said he wants to be a rapper when he grows up lol. He needs to rethink that.

  Lol, he can be anything he wants to be.

  Really, a rapper? What did you want to be when you were younger?

  “I wanted to be an astronaut.”

  McKenzie remembered going to Space Camp as a child.

  An astronaut… I wanted to be a magician.

  A magician?

  Yes, I figured magicians can make people disappear and reappear, and I wanted to bring my Aunt back from the dead.

  McKenzie stared at the screen. She didn’t know what to say next.

  I’m so sorry to hear about your aunt :’(

  It was years ago. I’m okay now, that’s why my cousins moved in with my family.

  Your brothers?

  :-) Yes! Do you know that today is our two months chatterverssary? lol.

  That’s not even a word.

  We’ve been chatting for two months today.

  It’s been that long?

  Yes and I’m hoping for many more…

  ***

  The next day, McKenzie still wasn’t feeling well. Her head ached from the impact from the other night. She finished cleaning up around the house, and put Caleb down for a nap. Her little boy was getting so big. She smiled, staring at him as he slept in his bouncer. He loved the vibrations and the soft lullabies. McKenzie opened her laptop and grinned when she read Tee’s message.

  Hey beautiful. How’s your day so far?

  I have a headache. McKenzie rubbed the back of her head.

  Other than that, I’m okay.

  Just okay. Are you sure there isn’t something else? I’m here for you.

  I’m just feeling a little down.

  McKenzie couldn’t believe what her life had become. Sneaking away chatting with a complete stranger and loving every minute of it. Some days her guilt ate at her and other days she could care less. Was chatting with Tee considered cheating? She shook her head, no. I’m never going to see him.

  Do you dance?

  Where did that question come from?

  Tee would ask her random questions for no reason.

  I went out dancing last night and I thought about you. I wondered if you like to dance?

  She felt a little jealous. McKenzie couldn’t recall the last time she went out and had fun. Did Toby meet someone? She didn’t have the right to ask him.

  I used to love to dance.

  Used to. When's the last time you danced?

  McKenzie thought for a few seconds, and started typing.

  At my wedding. Five years ago.

  Really!

  Yes.

  She must sound pathetic, but it was the truth. McKenzie hadn’t danced in years.

  Get up right now and dance like you've never danced before.

  She stared at her laptop dumbfounded. Tee wanted her to do what?

  Are you kidding?

  No... Amuse me. Don't say you did if you haven't.

  McKenzie placed the laptop on the coffee table and stood. Caleb was staring at her, “You'll be my dance partner.” She picked up her little boy and just started twirling around the house to the sound of the beat in her head. Caleb giggled every time she bent her knees and went down and up again, she pivoted on one foot. McKenzie chuckled as she danced forgetting all her pain and everything around her. She was having so much fun she didn't notice Wayne watching her until she turned around and there he was standing with his hands crossed over his chest.

  Wayne placed his hands together and started clapping. “This is what you do when I'm not here?” He said with a smile on his face.

  McKenzie didn't answer, her heart started racing faster than it was when she was dancing, and then she rapidly glanced over at her laptop. Thank goodness the screen was dark; the laptop was in sleep mode. She placed Caleb in his bouncer, and gently closed her laptop when he turned toward the kitchen. Wayne only came home when he thought she was up to something. How did he know she would be dancing? She glanced at the gadget. No, it couldn't be him chatting with her. “What are you doing home?” McKenzie cleared her throat.

  “I wanted to see my wife dancing,” he winked. McKenzie was having a hard time breathing was it him? He would eventually make her pay for talking to someone else. “McKenzie you okay?” He asked concerned, coming closer to her.

  She lifted her hand. “I'm... okay...” She said between short breath. McKenzie was having a panic attack. She tried to settle down, placing her hand on her chest willing herself to calm the hell down. Tee wasn't Wayne, he couldn't be. “I'm fine. Are you here for lunch?”

  “Yes,” he sat at the dining table. “Frederick needed me to drop off some documents at his wife's business. It's on this side of town.” Wayne eyebrows met, “I don't need to explain what I'm doing here.” There was the man she'd gotten used to. “What are you making me?”

  McKenzie walked into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. She wanted him gone as soon as possible he was interrupting her me time. “I have leftovers.”

  “You know I don't eat leftovers,” Wayne said. “Make something fast. I have to get to the office.”

  She sighed, can't be fast enough. McKenzie whipped up a sandwich with chips and a drink. She rapidly placed the plate in front of him and went about her business until he left. She watched him back out the driveway and drive off. McKenzie rushed over to her laptop, and opened it bringing it to life. She had three messages from Tee. There was no way it could be Wayne because he was here when the messages were sent.

  I hope your smiling. Was the first message.

  Kenzie, you left without saying goodbye. Was the dance that good lol? Chat with you later.

  She typed.

  Yes, it was that good. My son and I danced.

  I hope that made you feel better.

  It did. McKenzie was enjoying herself until she turned around and Wayne was there just staring at her. Tee wasn’t Wayne, she took a deep breath.

  Chat with you later beautiful. I have to get back to work :)

  Chapter Six

  McKenzie was feeling a bit depressed. She’d received her normal happy-birthday text from her cousin Shanell. As children, McKenzie and Shanell shared every summer vacation together, until her mother received orders overseas. They’d slowly lost touch during the years. The calls were lessened and so were their visits . Wayne didn’t allow her to have visitors without his consent first. Shanell had showed up at their house years ago and Wayne informed her that McKenzie wasn’t available to entertain anyone at the moment. Shanell had assumed those were McKenzie’s words, and stopped all communication with her. She couldn’t blame her cousin. She’d had flown from Florida to Texas to surprise her, and she was the one who’d been surprised by the closing of the door. However, one thing never changed: no matter how disappointed she was in McKenzie, she would text her at midnight every year saying happy birthday. McKenzie did the same.