A Life More Complete(120)

The movers take away the boxes and with them they take the check for the first three months of rent on the storage unit. Even in anger I can’t seem to break away from him. Still making sure everything is okay. I’m pathetic.

Just as the moving truck is backing out of the driveway, Tyler’s SUV comes barreling down the street. I close the door and wait for him. Childish, I know. I could’ve easily met him in the driveway, but I want him to feel the full weight of my humiliation.

Several minutes pass and I know he is in the driveway pressing his garage door opener. When it doesn’t work instantly I can picture him pressing it again and again until I hear his feet on the steps to the front door. The key slides into the lock, but nothing. He begins to mutter, eventually turning to a low yell.

“Kristin! Open the goddamn door!” I slowly make my way over to the door and for once since hooking back up with Tyler I feel vindicated and relieved that all of this will finally be over. I don’t care about his response. It’s been years, but I can finally say I am, for once, not seeking his approval anymore. I deluded myself into thinking that the love of a good woman would change him. It doesn’t happen. This isn’t a fairy tale.

I open the door and he storms in tossing the envelope on the kitchen table. “What the f*ck!” he shouts. “You changed the goddamn locks? You’re being completely irrational, you know that, right?”

“Enlighten me, Tyler,” I say, my voice and my demeanor completely collected, but it carries a certain rasp that it’s never had before. “What about my reaction to your infidelity is irrational? This is the first time in six months that I’m being rational.”

“What the f*ck do you want from me?” he yells.

“Nothing, Tyler. I want nothing from you. I think everything that’s been done and said is plenty. I want you out of my life. I won’t keep you from the baby, but I want nothing to do with you.”

“I don’t want you or the baby. I thought I made myself perfectly clear on Saturday, but I guess I need to spell it out for you. I made a f*cking mistake, the biggest mistake of my life when I knocked you up and then I followed it up by marrying you.”

For as long as I’ve known Tyler I never expected him to become so vile. I can’t even stand to look at him right now. His expression is so filled with hatred and rage.

In a moment of weakness my stupidity creeps out, “Why her? Why not anyone else? How could a nineteen year old train wreck steal my husband?”

“She didn’t steal me, Krissy. I chose her.” Hearing his words brings back that feeling I had when I hauled into Trini’s face with my fist.

“Oh my God,” I say, my tone full of sarcasm. “That’s so sweet. I’m sure you’re going to tell me you love her.” I roll my eyes and hand him the card of the storage company.

“I do love her,” he says, lowering his voice.





“That’s rich coming from you. We’re done. Get out.” He walks away without saying another word. As the front door closes I collapse in the kitchen chair. I can’t do anything but cry.





---Chapter 40---





I’m pretty sure I spend a good hour crying in my kitchen. I didn’t keep track, but it was far too long. I pull myself together and vow to be done crying over Tyler. I let go because my only release is to let go of something that is more out of control than me. I pick up the phone and call Bob.

“Hey there, baby,” Bob answers. “I’m so sorry this is happening to you. Do you want me to come by?”

“Yes. I really need some support right now, so get here fast.”

“Have I ever let you down?”

“No.”

“I’m like a Toyota. Get it?”

“You’re like a douche bag. Just get over here,” I say laughing.

“See, I can make you laugh even when your life is in the shitter. You need me and I’ll be there, darling. See you soon.”

“Love you.”

“Love you, too, baby girl.”

I can’t help but smile after hanging up with Bob. He really tries his best to make me happy and most of the time he succeeds. I quick call Melinda knowing she will want in on the shit show that has become my life.

“What up, Tyson?” she says answering quickly. “Got a good look at Trini’s face when she stopped by the office earlier. You kick ass. I had no idea you had it in you. I’m so proud of you.”