CHAPTER 2

MITCHELL

“I don’t care what you think you saw, but we were not doing anything wrong.”

“Oh sure, just because I’m a senior you want to make me think I’m crazy? I know damn well what I saw, my son in law’s arms wrapped around a blonde bimbo’s waist!”



Brechelle stopped playing and ran to see what all the yelling was about. Mommy and Daddy have been arguing a lot lately and Grandma also. She just wanted everyone to get along.

Duane noticed his daughter’s arrival and he didn’t want to argue in front of the child. Teresa didn’t seem to mind, she wanted the kids to hear what kind of man their father was.

“Brechelle, can you please let us grownups talk in private?” Duane said.

“Oh now you notice your daughter. Where were you last night when you missed her dance recital? Doing paperwork with Heidi huh?”

“Enough Teresa. Sweetie, go play with your brother Daddy will play with you guys later on alright?” said Duane

He turned his attention back to his evil mother in law. When he married Olivia he found out he married Teresa as well. She has been living with them ever since. On more than one occasion Duane had brought up the idea of putting Teresa in a nursing home and naturally Olivia had rejected it. The last time he brought it up, Olivia made him spend the night on the sofa while Teresa laughed at him.

After that incident, he thought he could not hate Teresa any more than he already did, but now he was proven wrong. Last night he was caught up at the office and missed the recital, his company Danbury Insurance Co. had just signed on a very big client, Alan Barnett, and he and Heidi were working late filing all the papers. Since it was just them in the office, he snuck Heidi a few kisses and hugs little did he know Teresa was outside spying on him. He wasn’t in love with her daughter anymore, but he’d be damned if he let Olivia believe that was the truth. Without Olivia there would be no Farrah, and no Farrah means her dad would drop out as his client and he couldn’t have that. He faced Teresa once more.



“This is between me and you, act like an adult and leave the kids out of it please. I’ve had enough of you Teresa, and I swear if you think you can ruin my marriage, I will have you shipped out of here on the express bus back to the ghetto where you came from!” Duane said bitterly.

“Dog breath, if I toss a stick will you go away? You will be exposed, and I will not sit here and watch my daughter get her heart broken. What kind of man are you?” Teresa said in disgust.

“I am a man whose business you need to stay out of and who you should be afraid of.”

“You’re a man? Ha! Don’t make me laugh. . . I’ll make sure Olivia divorces you and makes sure you never ever see your children again! Just watch Olivia listens to me. Mark my words.” Teresa said as she walked into the house.



As much as Duane disliked his mother in law, he disliked the possibility of a divorce even more. Sure he had grown apart from Olivia, but he didn’t want to hurt her and lose his children. Olivia was a Mommy’s Girl; would she believe her mom or his lie more?

Teresa headed up into the house to find her daughter. She had a bad feeling inside the day Duane hired Heidi Krowsinski, and she knew about their affair since if first began about a year ago. Even with all the hints Teresa was throwing Olivia she still didn’t seem to get it. She finally caught her in the kitchen.

“Dear, we need to talk.” Teresa said. Her daughter looked so innocent and naïve it really hurt her to break her the news but it had to be done.

“Sure Mom. What is it you want to talk about?” Olivia asked.



“Well . . .” Began Teresa. “Honey, I don’t think you know your husband as much as you think you do. Do you know where he was last night?” she asked.

“Mom, where are you going with this? Why are you always attacking Duane? Yes I know he missed Brechelle’s recital but trust me, I’ve already talked to him and he apologized. I’ve got everything under control.” Olivia replied slightly annoyed.

Her mom never liked Duane from the beginning and was always trying to argue with him over everything. Duane did his share of stirring drama in the house, but if they were supposed to be a happy family, they had all better get along.

Teresa laughed out loud. Her daughter couldn’t be serious.

“Oh yeah, he was in his office. But with who, doing what? I saw him! Yes I did, he was all wrapped around that bimbo, smooching and all over her! He needs to fire her . . . better yet, you need to divorce him once and for all.” Teresa said.



“Mom don’t be ridiculous. Are you feeling alright? Where is all this coming from?” Olivia asked

“Of course I'm fine, but did you not hear a thing I said? Olivia Janae Parker I am your mother I brought you into this world and you will listen to me! Duane is no good!” shouted Teresa so loud she was almost screaming. How could her daughter be so . . . so . . . so stupid?

Duane had peeped his head around the corner and was listening in on the conversation. To his relief his wife wasn’t buying her mom’s story. One of his favorite qualities in Olivia was she was always loyal and easy to manipulate.

“Mother. . . I’m not a Parker anymore. I’m a Mitchell and I will stand by my children and my husband.”

“Fine.” Teresa said as she walked off and headed towards the pool.

Duane entered the room fully and walked towards his wife. He wanted to make sure everything was alright.

“Babe, I heard it all. And I just wanted to tell you that, I love you, and your mom is just trying to tear us apart with her lies.”

“I know Duane I do trust you but . . . do you promise there is nothing going on between Heidi and you?” Olivia asked



“Olivia,” Duane began as he took his wife’s hands in his, “I love you more than anything. Heidi is only my assistant and you never have to worry about me being unfaithful to you. You are my diamond. I would never hurt you.”

“Okay Duane. I trust you honey.” Olivia smiled back at him.



“I love you Olivia.” he said as held her.

“I love you too Duane.”

----------

Duane changed into his swim trunks thinking a good swim would calm his nerves, too bad when he stepped outside he saw Teresa already in the pool. Slightly annoyed and definitely frustrated, Duane headed towards the twins who were playing near the side of the house. He did promise he would play with them.

As he walked by he told Teresa he hoped she would drown. He kept walking as she began cursing him out. He wasn’t going to let her ruin his day. He continued towards the children.




Broderick and Brechelle were excited their Dad was joining their play, he was very busy at work and they don’t get to see them all the time so they cherished every moment when they did.



The young twins looked up to their Dad. They thought he was their hero. Dad was there to read them stories and encourage them. Duane was a good father, regardless of his romantic life.

But just then out of the blue, Duane felt the left side of his face sting with a throbbing pain. He had just been slapped.



“Ahhh!” Yelled Duane, “Have you lost your mind?”

“You aint so big and bad now huh?” Teresa snapped. “There is more of where that came from. You may fool Olivia but not me! Not today!”

"Mommy!" the twins cried out in unison.



The twins were devastated. Why did Grandma hit their Dad? Why when they were having so much fun? What did Daddy do wrong? The kids wept and ran inside to find their mother while Duane and Teresa were arguing outside. The twins finally reached their mother, between tears and hiccups they explained to Olivia what happened.



Faster than the speed of light Olivia was outside, in front of her mother. She could not believe how her mom was behaving.

“Mom! You physically assault Duane in front of my children? What the hell is wrong with you? Why are you doing this?” Olivia asked angrily.

“Your need to divorce that man and listen to your mother before you end up hurt!”

“Maybe it’s best if you leave Mom. You can move back into our old house. We’ll even help you pack. I just . . . I just don’t think we can all live like this without killing each other.” Olivia said.

“Bye Bye Teresa!” Duane laughed, “Hallelujah! It’s about time!”



“How dare you! You’re putting your mother out on the street? How can you choose this deadbeat over me? You are blind child. Totally blind and foolish.” Teresa said angrily. She couldn’t believe this was actually happening.



“Enough Mom, enough!” Olivia yelled.

“No Olivia you have to believe me. I know what I-“ Teresa started

“No mom. This so called deadbeat has been feeding you, clothing you, and being a wonderful father to our children and the perfect husband to me. Don’t you care about my feelings and my happiness? You’ve been so busy trying to tear us apart you don’t care whose feelings get hurt in the process huh? You have my children crying. They are afraid of you! You have traumatized them for life! You know what? Just go! Please Go and we will send your things to you later. Just please Mom, go!” Olivia cried out. She turned away from her mother and Duane.


“Alright then. I’ll leave if that’s what you really want.” Said Teresa as she changed clothes and walked away.



Duane was happy but he contained his excitement. Gone! She was finally gone and out of his way. If only this had happened earlier. His thoughts were interrupted by Broderick he looked confused and his face was still wet with tears.



“Dad where is Grandma going? Will she come back? We were supposed to play checkers together. . .” Broderick said sadly

“Grandma had to move out, but don’t worry you and your sister can still see her on the weekends. And don’t cry son, Daddy will play checkers with you instead. C’mon lets go inside.” Said Duane.

“I think I’ll play outside some more first Dad.” Broderick said as he walked past his dad.

Olivia was just about to walk into her house when she spotted her best friend Farrah coming on the sidewalk.



“Hey girl! I’m sorry for just dropping by hope you don’t mind!” said Farrah

“No of course not girl. I’m glad you are here, I’ve had a long ass day.” Olivia told her friend.

“Oh, what’s going on?” Farrah asked

“No no no. That is a long story trust me it will take forever to hear it all.” Laughed Olivia.

“Well, “ Farrah began, “I was actually on my way to Dale’s house. Would you like to come with? We are just going to hang out and stuff.”



“What about Jolene, Farrah?” asked Olivia.

“Exactly what about Jolene? I’m going over to see Dale, he is my boyfriend after all her living there shouldn’t stop me.” Stated Farrah

“But maybe the fact that he’s only separated with her should? I mean, Farrah . . . he’s not even divorced yet. What’s he waiting for?” Olivia asked with concern.

“We love each other. Don’t worry about it. Now are we going or what girl?” Farrah asked her friend impatiently.



Olivia looked at her friend skeptically, “Okay let’s go. But I’m warning you Farrah, I’ve had my fair share of drama today. If it gets cray cray over there I will leave you. Alright?”

“Yeah yeah yeah. C’mon let’s go!” Farrah laughed

------------


CLARKSON


“Girl, look Jolene is here. She’s over there fixing flowers.” Olivia stopped and pointed out as they girls approached Dale’s house.

“Screw her. Let’s keep walking Olivia.” Farrah said as she urged her friend.



Olivia could already feel the drama arising. As they got closer and their heels clicked on the pavement, Jolene raised her head and saw them. Almost instantly she dropped her watering can and ran towards them.

Oh no. Here we go. Thought Olivia. She honestly had no idea how or why Farrah decided on dating Dale. Him, Jolene and their kid moved to the Country Club from Shady Oaks the rundown, hillbilly neighborhood in Southwest Crestview. Somehow Dale won the lotto and moved the gang up here. He may have changed social class now, but he’s just a redneck in designer clothes in Olivia's mind. Farrah had called her one day with the exciting news of meeting this amazing guy at Dairy Queen. She even brought up the fact that he was separated and she didn't even care! Separated or not, they still lived together as if they were married which Olivia thought was stupid.

Jolene was now directly in front of Farrah. She was pissed. Why did she have to be here? Dale had to be inviting her over just to rub it in her face.



“Really Farrah? You’ve got some nerve coming here. You and Dale can go to a motel instead! This is my house alright Missy?” Jolene shouted.

“Um I’m pretty sure this is Dale’s house and he invited me so I have every right to be here okay? He is with me now Jolene.” Farrah said emphasizing the vowels in Jolene’s name. “In case you forgot, I’m not here to see you. I’m here to see my boyfriend.”

“Boyfriend? Yeah but legally Dale is still my husband Sug!” Jolene yelled.

Farrah had just about enough of all of this. She didn’t have time for drama with this crazy girl.



“Sug,” Farrah began, “You wanna talk about legal and illegal? Let’s talk about your brown roots and blond hair that’s a felony right there. Don’t you think it’s time for a touch up Honey? See my hair? All natural. Yeah that’s right. Now look at your Walmart outfit and look at me. If you don’t understand why Dale isn’t with you then you must be dumber than I thought you were.” Farrah said challenging Jolene.

“Farrah I’m gonna leave you all here with the drama, I’m gonna find something to do.” Olivia cut in, as she walked off at the same time Dale walked towards the girls.



“Hey hey hey! Jolene don’t you have something to do? You better leave Farrah alone.” Dale said.

“No! Why did you bring her up in here! I don’t want Savannah-Jean near this home wrecker.” Jolene spat.

“Home wrecker? Oh that’s classic.” Farrah said.

“Enough!” Dale yelled and the girls stopped arguing. “Jolene you leave us the hell alone and mind your own damn business. Farrah is my lady now and you’re just gonna have to get used to it. Now go!”

Jolene left into the house but not without giving Dale and Farrah and evil glare.

Dale returned his attention to Farrah. He held out his arms and she fell into them. He loved Farrah. She was his everything. He was holding the divorce back until he could explain to Savannah Jean exactly what was going on, but he couldn’t live like this. It was time to finalize things. After all he couldn’t marry Farrah until he ended things with Jolene for good.

“Don’t mind her Baby doll, I’m glad you came. I missed you sooo much.” Said Dale.

“I missed you too sweetheart. I love being with you. . . it’s so hard when we’re apart. Dale, I love you but I’m a jealous girl, I want you all to myself. I don’t want her living here anymore. I can’t keep getting verbally attacked every single time I visit you, and you know how my parents feel about you so you can’t visit me and . . . and I’m just tired-“ Farrah started



Dale cut her off with a passionate kiss. Farrah felt all of her thoughts and worries vanish instantly. Dale made her feel alive. She loved him more than anything in the world. And as crazy as it seems to everyone on the outside, no one truly understood the power of their love for each other. When they were apart they felt miserable and sad, but together they were a powerful, inseparable force of pure love and intense passion. The kiss only confirmed Farrah’s thinking, she would wait for Dale no matter how long it would take, after all, he was absolutely the love of her life.


--------------------