Chapter 1
It was supposed to be a beautiful, Saturday nighttime excursion to the couples’ favorite restaurant, ‘Luck of the Draw’. However, things went for a rough turn and ended any pleasantries the two wanted to share on this stormy, dark night. “That’s not the point, Marie,” said a tired Derek. “Listen, I cannot help when my superior decides to call me at random. This job is important and I simply cannot ignore their calls.” “Really Derek? Not even for your wife?” Asked Marie, clearly annoyed at Derek’s ignorance to her plight. “We have been married for three years now. I cook for you, clean the house we have together, hell, I’m even working out to stay in shape for you, plus, I have already made the ultimate sacrifice to myself for you, Derek.” He already knew exactly what she was referring to. Seven years prior, Derek and Marie first met during a charity event at the University of Nebraska. The two were introduced through their mutual friend, Mase, and had been inseparable from that point forward. The duo had several common personality traits and habits, and it seemed to be as if fate brought them together. However, there was but a simple blemish on their almost spotty bond: He did not desire to be a father, as she desired, so joyously, to be a mother. “Yea, I remember Marie. You bring it up ad nauseam. Listen, this promotion is a pretty big one. I can afford any luxury you want and anything you need, I can provide..” “I need you to provide me with love and time, Derek.” Said Marie, abruptly cutting off Derek’s plea. “I don’t give a damn about the money, I’ve made that clear to you from the jump! I never cared about the damn money, Derek. Even before you took this job almost two years into our relationship, I was there by your side. When you struggled to get on your feet, I remained. Not because I needed money from you, but because I need the man I fell in love with. Christ, I don’t even know what you do with the agency! All you told me was that you worked for a secret organization. When you told me the things you did were classified, I left it at that, but Derek, this has been difficult. Not being able to see you has taken its toll. And now, you’re saying we have to move across the U.S. to Virginia? I don’t know shit about Virginia!” Exclaimed Marie. “Why are you being so ungrateful? This job pays the bills and every trinket and outfit you could ever have! Is that not what you wanted? A chance to be the stay-at-home wife you dreamt of?” “Derek, you know damn well I never asked for this. You are lying to yourself, I never wanted to be a wife, for starters. You wanted me to quit my job because it hurt your man pride to have your woman working a job. I was hell bent on keeping that internship at Hud Tech. And it was you who proposed to me. I never wanted this!” Exclaimed Marie, putting extra emphasis on every pronoun to make her point. “Jesus, Marie, everyday, it’s the same shit! What’s the point of being a traditional man if his woman isn’t trying to keep the traditional values? Do you not understand what comes with th..” “DO NOT TALK TO ME LIKE A FUCKING CHILD, DEREK!” Said Marie, cutting him off once more, but this time, with a more louder tone. “This was not my damn life, and I never asked to be your damn wife, and quite frankly, I..” but before she could finish, the tires found purchase on a deer caucus that neither Marie nor Derek had noticed. Combined with the wet roads, the car spun out of control and hydroplaned off of the bridge and into the woods nearby.
