Tainted Love

“Honey, I just wanted to let you know that I'm working late, again. I love you. I’ll see you tonight.” I ended the voice-mail and sighed. I couldn’t help but wonder if my job would ruin my relationship with Tom. No, these intrusive thoughts had to end.

“Girl your man is proud of you! Why wouldn’t he be Judith? You two are making moves towards your future.” Sarah always knew what to say to bring me back to reality. Even though we have only been friends for the past two months; Sarah and I are inseparably close.

“May I come in?” Robert, my boss asks as he steps into my office. Sarah and I quietly exchange glances. Hopefully I haven’t missed another deadline. I haven’t been late recently. What could he possibly want?

After standing there wearing an expression fit for a funeral; Robert tells me that Monday he has a meeting scheduled, and it’s mandatory that I attend. Just me, he didn’t include Sarah. I suppose that’s fair because she technically only does the tasks I delegate. I agree, and he promptly exits.

“Why did he appear so sad, and uhm ….concerned Judith?” I turn to Sarah and reassuringly tell her that since my accident , everyone in the office looked out for me. Hell, I was even given an assistant.

I know that it had to have been divine intervention that placed Sarah in my office as my assistant after my medical leave. My assistant definitely went above and beyond her job title. I seemed to be the only one who took time to recognize her for her hard work and dedication. The car accident had kept me out for six months. So much happened within those months. Too many changes to count.

One thing that is unchanging is my love for my honey. Tom is the kind of man that I have always dreamt of. I can vaguely remember the days when all I had the courage to do was steal glances at him. What a beautiful specimen. Everything about him was perfect. Well, almost everything.

Tom was a successful businessman. He traveled often to expand his clientele. There were times that Tom would be gone for months at a time. This was the only downside to our relationship. I know that the only thing he loves more than me is his business.

Fortunately, Tom purchased a home three houses down from me shortly after my accident. Sarah thinks Tom is considering moving in with me , and this is a step in that direction. Men can be so difficult! So hell-bent on maintaining their independence. Whatever the case, Tom was worth the wait.

“Are you still going to surprise your boo tonight after work?” Sarah asked, it was after all her suggestion. “Yes, I think he will absolutely love the ring! I know it’s unorthodox, but I know he will say yes when I propose.” I look at Sarah with searching eyes as I finish my statement. I hope and pray that he will see me taking the initiative as an indication of how serious I am about our relationship. Deep down, I feel like Tom thinks that I am not as invested in the relationship as he is.

“You should leave work now; it’s Friday, you have to sit through a stupid meeting on Monday. Enjoy your weekend J! Go see your man!” My phone rings as Sarah ends her suggestion. “Why is Southside Pharmacy calling me?” I mumble as I hit the decline button. I make a mental note to call them back Monday morning. Nothing left to do but grab my things and go.

As I unlock my car, I glance around. Sarah is already gone, as usual. Sis wastes no time. I take a deep breath and mentally prepare for the 15 minute drive to Tom’s. I rehearse exactly what I plan to say. Forever. That’s my end game. Forever. Tom and I. My heart flutters with anticipation.

As I approach Tom’s house, I notice a Red Nissan Altima. “Hhmmm. I wonder who this could be?” I wonder aloud. It doesn’t matter. I have to profess my love while I have the courage. Sarah would know exactly what to say. I pause in front of the door to gather myself.

I ring the doorbell and smile. “Yes, may I help you?” Tom asks before displaying his perfect smile. The dimples always get me. Shit Judith, stay focused. “Surprised I’m off early babe?” I twirl my hair around my finger in an awkward attempt to flirt. Flirting never was my thing.

“Ma’am is there something I can do for you…. Help you with?” Tom could have been an actor. Role play is sexy, so I go with it. “Yes. I have something to show you. May I come in?” My man is so full of surprises. The way he hesitates before he steps aside deserves an award. I walk over to the couch and remove my jacket. Tonight is going to be good.

“Tom, who was at the door?” A woman I have never laid eyes on boldly questions the love of my life. Her green eyes hold the same look of surprise that I feel in my chest. “Go call 911, I think this woman is unwell.” “Tom, baby, it’s me, Judith. Not only are you cheating, but denying you even know me?” Before he can respond, I attack the homewrecker as she reaches for the phone. The rest is a blur, and now here I am in shackles and cuffs, standing before a judge. Guilty of loving too deeply and trusting too much.

“Your honor, my client suffered extensive brain damage as a result of a car accident that occurred a year ago. She suffers from hallucinations, severe anxiety, and extreme delusions. At the time of the incident, she had been off of her medication for over three months.” My attorney, Michael Stein keeps insisting that I need hospitalization. I know that all I need is Tom.