Flickering Fixtures

There was flickering everywhere, inside and outside. The lighting just as annoying as the indecisive light bulbs that line the ceiling. Sitting in the dark theater, Meredith thought about the possibility that her husband might show himself. The very thought of him strolling down this scene was about as appetizing as the butter in her popcorn, which according to Meredith, wasn’t appetizing at all.

She had her drink in one hand and her partner in crime’s hand in the other. She looked at him in lust and disgust, but he understood better than her how she liked her popcorn. He gave her a sense of discernment and allowed her to acknowledge her own existence, rather than longing to abandon it.

He looked to her sage green eyes and asked, “Why have you asked me here tonight?” Nothing sparked her mind as she tried to compose a lie. 

“I couldn’t take much more of his bitter judgment.” She took a sip from her straw. “It hurts how long he has held this grudge.” 

He took a moment to contemplate her position in the argument and gave her an unapproving look. “Meredith, you must understand that your husband has been betrayed and that isn’t something he can forget, he needs time.” He looked to their locked hands on the arm rest. “I know I would after losing something so beautiful as yourself.”

She squinted her eyes at the man and wondered if she would be so gullible as to believe his games. Then again, what fun is love without a few tricks? She wrapped her fingers around his black tie and pulled his face to hers. “It’s a good thing you found me when you did George.”

He moved his lips so they were level with hers, “And why is that sugar?”

The lights flickered on and off. “Because otherwise you would be in the blackness by yourself.” She pulled him the rest of the way in and shared with him a delicate, yet desperate, kiss.

After a few seconds, he broke the kiss, “I need you to do something for me.”

“What is it?” He sat up in his chair and leaned back against the headrest. “I have a cousin in Colorado who just lost in court.” She nodded, “What for?” He smiled and gave a small laugh, “Murder.”

Her eyes widened slightly as she motioned for him to continue. “Anyways, he found out he’s a dead man and wants to see me before he’s moved out of the country next month.” 

He said it so calmly, it was like he had heard this kind of thing everyday. “I need you to go to Colorado with me Meredith.” She didn’t expect any of what he was saying. She looked to the struggling light fixtures on the walls and wondered what to say. “I thought you might have some free time on your hands next week, so I’ve already bought two tickets.” She turned her head to face his bitter sweet eyes, “All you have to do is say yes Sugar.”

What was he doing? Trying to make her run away with him? Or was he really just lonely and desperate for some company along his trip? Thinking about this made her sick. She felt safe with him, yet she could never trust him. How could she trust him when their relationship was based on a lie?

“Why do you need me?” He looked away from her as if he didn’t know the answer to that question either. She almost tasted a hint of regret. How could she have cheated on her husband? Was George really worth her disloyalty?

“If you haven’t got a reason to bring me on this trip of yours, then I don't see a reason either.” She looked at him a few seconds longer, giving him an opportunity to retaliate. She started to stand up, but he grabbed her arm.

“Please Meredith, I know you don’t want to go back home to his bitching and I have got a reason, I’m just afraid to tell you.” She sat back down and took a moment to process what he said. “Tell me your reason George or I’m afraid that I-”

At that moment he pulled her into a kiss. He held onto her arm tightly and didn’t let her move. She tried to break the kiss, but after sometime, she realized his strength and didn’t try to fight it. Their lips separated hesitantly and slowly, “I think I love you Meredith.” She stared into his eyes and let out a delicate gasp. “What?”

“You’re right, I don't need you on that trip, but I want you there.” She put her hand on his chest and pushed herself back. “I don’t know if I can meet your expectations George.” The lights flickered to an eggshell color, rather than their usual linen. “I am caught between you and my husband.”

“But you know who you want more, don't you?”

“I know who I trust more.” Her eyes fell to his wrinkled tie, she wondered how her evening could have escalated this quickly. He lifted her chin with his finger, “Meredith.” She looked into his eyes, assuring him she was listening. “I can make you a promise and trust me, I’ll keep it. I would never lie to you or give away your secrets. Why else would you have asked me here tonight? I will keep you safe in the dark and hold your hand in the rough.”

He grabbed her hand once again. “I just need you to give me a chance.”

Her sunken face lifted into a soft smile. “I am just so used to my husband. I feel so terrible about leaving him alone while I’m out doing wrong.” She focused on George’s thumb running laps about the surface of her hand.

“I know Sugar, but please give me a chance. I can take your mind off of things for a while.” She knew what he meant, but didn’t want to make another mistake. She needed time to go over her choices.

“Okay George, I need to get myself together, but do tell me when you’re leaving.” He nodded and pulled out a small book from the inside of his jacket. “In two days. I have planned to leave at about five in the morning on Monday.” 

She felt better knowing that if she did decide to join him, she could leave the house before her husband woke for work. “Alright, I have to go now, I’m sorry for wasting your time tonight, but I would rather be at home than out in this weather.”

“Alright Sugar, I hope the next two days find you well and I hope we will be together Monday morning.” She ran her hand down his arm until finally reaching his hand. She squeezed it one last time and hurried out of the theater… 

The light never returned to that theater and all of the people that were there, sadly, wasted two hours of their time.