Page 2 of Ever After

I really hope I don’t run into the woman my husband just cheated on me with.

I could just yank her around by her hair this time.

My anger is so deep and intense that I’d probably do more.

Twelve Hours Before

Usually when Istep foot into an airport, my troubles leave me and the hustle of the place brings euphoria back into my life. My body and mind are more at ease knowing I’m leaving my troubles and responsibilities for the next week. This time feels different. As we both walk quietly side by side, that euphoria never comes and my troubles are still shadowing me. This time, as I propel one foot in front of the other, every muscle in my body contracts as my pulse quickens. I wipe the tiny beads of sweat forming along my brow as my stomach knots.

It’s been hard getting along with my husband. We are at the point in our marriage where every little thing sparks an argument and blows up into something bigger than it should be.The seven-year itch.Our therapist suggested we take a trip to remind us of what we love about each other and try to bring our marriage back to life. Aiden and I agreed on Hawaii. I thought it would be a nice romantic place, and neither of us has been there. We both have been so busy with our lives that we forget about our marriage. There really isn’t anyone to blame. It takes two to make a marriage work. But lately, I feel like I’m the glue that’s keeping our marriage together. It’s been exhausting…but I love my husband. So, I’m trying.

“Are we taking Delta?” he asks.

“Yes,” I reply, heading toward the baggage check-in.

Once I get to the front desk and give the lady the confirmation number, I feel like we’re finally making headway.

“Aiden and Lilah White,” she confirms, then checks our bags in and hands us our tickets. I look over and see the security line is dreadfully long. I seriously hate this part. So does everyone else, I’m sure. I’m willing to bet no one of sound mind is excited about the long lines of the airport.

“I told you we should have applied to go through TSA. You never want to spend money,” Aiden says with a sarcastic tone. I try my best to ignore his comment. Usually I would say something back but I don’t have the energy. The internal stress and heartache are causing my head to throb. I don’t want to make it worse.

Once we’re finally in our seats on the plane, Aiden immediately pulls out his phone. I sometimes feel like I’m in a relationship with his phoneandhim. Our therapist gave us this long list of questions she suggested we ask each other to get to know one another again. We got married so young. She says it’s common for couples who marry young to grow apart from one another but we can still make the marriage work despite us changing. We have to get to know each other again. Obviously, the questions are not happening right now. He’s already in a salty mood so I pull out my book and read instead of angering him further.

I’m awoken by the rough plane landing just over four hours later. We make it through the airport in record time and pick up our vehicle—a lifted Jeep that Aiden and I have talked about purchasing for years … we just have yet to pull the trigger. This will be a good test ride for us. For our marriage and the potential Jeep purchase.

Conversation between the two of us feels forced—and that’s if there’s any at all. I’m thankful when I see the bright neon sign with palm trees telling us we’ve made it to the Waikiki Hilton. Scanning my eyes over our surroundings, I realize it’s right on the beach, and I’m amazed at the rows and rows of balconies overlooking the glistening blue ocean.

“Are you hungry? We should go get dinner, I’m starving.”

“Sure,” Aiden agrees nonchalantly. “Where do you want to go?”

I pull out my phone to find a place to eat. Trying to find one we both agree on as we walk to our room. Aiden opens the door for me, waiting for me to go in first. At least he still has some manners toward me. We lay our suitcases down and both head to the bed to check out how comfortable it is.

I hand Aiden my phone. “Does the place look good to you?” I focus my attention on him, mesmerized by how attracted I still am to him after all these years. His beautiful blue eyes and soft light brown skin pair well together. I’ve always loved his milk chocolate brown hair. I tried to dye my hair like that before. It didn’t turn out too well. My hair is way too dark and set in its color.

“Yeah, that place looks good.”

“I’m going to shower really quick,” I say as he hands me my phone back. Walking to the bathroom, I turn on some country music to ease my mind. A lot of my family members dislike country. They say it’s way too sad. I don’t know why, but it makes me feel better. Even the sad songs.

I don’t worry about putting foundation on because it will melt away with all the humidity hanging in the air. I put on some mascara, eyeliner, and a bit of highlighter. Running the brush through my hair, I debate if I should put it up in a bun or not, because I already know it’ll become frizzy. I throw some mouse in my hair and call it good, hoping Aiden thinks I look nice.

As I walk out of the bathroom, I see Aiden has changed into a tank top and shorts. He knows I like it when he wears tank tops that show off his biceps and tattoos. I’m a sucker for muscular arms and ink.

We arrive at the sushi restaurant we agreed on and order our drinks.

I ask Aiden, “Do you want to go through the questions the therapist gave us?” He shrugs his shoulders and I take the lead, pulling my phone out to start with the first question.

“What’s something you used to believe in relationships but no longer do?” I ask.

“I used to believe that if you got married once, it would be your happily ever after.” My heart beats faster, like it’s going to jump out of my chest with how hard the palpitations are. I want to yell and scream at him. I try to stay calm. How could he say that?

“Are you referring to us?” I ask calmly.

“You can think of it however you’d like to.”

“What do you mean? You are obviously talking about us. It’s not like you’ve been married before.”

“Like I said, think what you want. The therapist told us to be honest. If you can’t handle my answer, then we shouldn’t go through these.”

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