Page 46 of The Chosen Two

Therestoftheweekend passes uneventfully, except for positive events, that is. We actually go to the zoo as a family; we haven’t done that in years! And, even better, we all had a lot of fun.

George texted me only once, letting me know that he hadn’t found anything regarding a creature named Lu, and he’s found too many entries for beings whose names start with Mel, but he’s looking into it. And even if I can’t text him about non-work-related stuff, I’m still grateful to have his help.

Monday morning, everyone wakes up easily, and the morning routine goes off without a hitch. On his way out the door, Jake leans in to kiss me and whispers, “I’ll be back after I drop them off so we can talk more.”

This sounds wonderful, except I’m supposed to train after they leave. “Um, okay. But I have an appointment this morning, so we can’t talk too long.”

Confusion crosses his face briefly, but he nods and smiles and heads out the door. And I send a text to George before pouring my second cup of coffee for the day.

Something came up. I’ll be a little late.

George still hasn’t replied by the time Jake walks back into the kitchen, carrying something. Something white. Something I soon recognize as my prized gi.

“Hey Miranda, what is this? I saw it in the mudroom.”

“Oh! That! Remember the talk I’ve been trying to have about that new opportunity I was offered? Well, this has to do with that…” I trail off, unsure how to connect my next thought to what I’ve already said.

But then I don’t need to figure it out, because he’s chuckling to himself.

“You were given the opportunity…to learn karate? I think that’s great. Really. But why wouldn’t you just tell me about it? Looks like I’m not the only one who has been harboring secrets in this relationship. And this…logo? Is this the logo of your new school? A geisha? That’s fascinating. Geishas weren’t really known for their martial arts skills, Miranda. So what exactly do you do at this dojo where they’ve offered you such a wonderful opportunity?”

His words sock me in the stomach knocking the wind out of me, but I clench my fists, refusing to hit him again, because I know that he’s at least partially right. I stand in neutral, letting his tirade slam into me, a tidal wave of truth and anger, and then I just let it all flow back away from me.

“You’re right.” I speak quietly, too quietly for his liking.

He bends toward me like a plant reaching for sunlight, or perhaps more like a flame licking toward the most combustible material in a room. “What did you say?” He waits until I repeat myself, whether for his edification or just to make me squirm, I’m not sure.

“I said, You. Are. Right. I shouldn’t have kept this from you. But it’s nothing close to what you did. This is nothing sexual. This is who I am. And how dare you insinuate I am exchanging sexual favors for this opportunity.”

He straightens his posture, then looks for a moment like he’s going to speak, but shakes his head instead. His mouth opens and closes a few times, a fish taking in gulps of air he doesn’t realize are actually killing him. Then, finally, he finds his words. “I don’t have time for this. I need to get to work. I’m just glad I know whom I’m married to: a hypocrite who keeps secrets while demanding complete honesty and perfection from those around her.” He opens his hand and lets the gi drop unceremoniously to the floor.

My entire body trembles and I gasp involuntarily. I want to rush to pick the gi up but my feet don’t move when I ask them to. I would say I am frozen to the spot but what I feel is white hot anger, so maybe melted to the spot is better.

He turns and grabs his briefcase from where it’s leaning against the doorjamb. Then over his should he announces, “My boss is sending me back to Vegas Thursday. He won’t let up until I get that group to sign with us.”

“Okay.” I can barely get the sounds out between my gritted teeth, much less make them audible. My hands won’t unclench.

He exits through the mudroom where I had clearly not concealed my gi well enough Friday night. I wait until I hear the door slam to bring my now empty mug back to the coffee pot for a third cup. I down it like it’s a shot of vodka, grab my keys and gi, and leave.

I need to go hit something. Luckily for me, that something is George, the person who brought me into this upside-down world.

***

My head is still throbbing and my mind racing when I get to George’s place. So, when I see him standing in the open door, arms crossed, and looking annoyed, I push past him into the house and head straight through the dining room. He follows behind me, trying to engage me.

“You’re late.”

“Whatever.” I say it to myself but loud enough that he can hear me.

He pushes himself in front of my path, trying to start a conversation. His brow furrows when he looks in my eyes, which are red from the good cry I had in the ride over. “Did something else happen with the shadows? With Jake?”

My eyes flash for a second. My voice goes completely flat. “Nope.” If I show any emotion, I won’t be able to stop. I look away from his eyes.

He pulls his shoulders back and lifts up his chin as he erects his wall of professionalism. “Then it’s important for you to be on time. Everything else can wait.”

“It’s also important for you to not be a cold-hearted asshole.” I pause to rip my sneakers off and drop them by the door before I bow and enter the dojo.

“You can’t let your emotions control you like this. They’ll get you killed.” He follows me onto the mats.

---