Happy Ever After

Walking up the stairs, Spence was so unwilling that each step took him a long while. He dragged his feel slowly as if he had a sprained ankle. He avoided taking the elevator to get to his little apartment quicker. He lagged while cleaning his office desk. Every thing he did, he tried in slow motion just to go home a little later.

He knew, at his house, something was going on. Something he had nothing to do with, and something he wanted zero part of it. Just a little later when the last unknown man rolled off his bed and took a stroll out of his apartment entrance, then he had the courage to walk in.

He would walk it to face his wife - Nicky, someone he met at a dance hall and wedded a year ago.

Many times he thought about breaking in as her wife's old customers were visiting, held a base bat in hands, and beat up each one of them. Not only because he was cowardous, but he was keeping a silly promise to his wife. That vow was made when he asked her to leave the business.

Was it easy to imagine a dance hall with young beautiful women paid to accompany rich men? That was where Nicky worked, and built a little reputation and fan club. Being taken out for escort or love-making was somewhat comment due to her young look, dance skills, and sweetness. That caught Spence's eye when a rich, retired friend and his wife brought him to that place. The two met, danced, and had sex. That was it. That laid the way for Spence's continuous revisits.

Couple years passed, Nicky grew tired of the business and wanted out. That was Spence's chance to kept her on his side. Offering honest love and care that Nicky rarely receive, she moved in with Spence and started a new life but only partially.

Spence was an office worker, not a boss who brought in green and gold for Nicky. Previous, wasteful lifestyle caught up to them, and started to cause problems in their relationship. Even though Nicky offered her sweetness and care to Spence night in and night out, Nicky confessed to Spence that love was not enough. She asked for a separation, but Spence refused to let go, so he decided to make the most regretful decision in his life.

Starting work in the early afternoon, Spence possessed a routine life. He worked late to avoid any confrontation or harsh feeling. Enjoyed Nicky's love and kindness. Made love. Slept. Woke up before noon. Meanwhile, Nicky started her appointment time soon after Spence left the house, and always made sure that Spence didn't come home to see any trance of other men. She made sure that her husband was the last and the most honorable customer of the day.

The truce continued after the surprised wedding. No one truly blessed this marriage, especially ones who had thorough understanding of their relationship.

Believe it or not, the balance had been kept on the thin wire. Many times Spence came home in despair and was on the verge to burn the house down. Nicky could, and always would, calm the poor soul down. The dangeous path they took just continue on and on until someday. That day the story changed. Spence didn't drag his feet up the stairs, didn't avoid to take the elevator, and didn't lag on desk cleaning. He looked less dispppointed than usual. Much to Nicky's surprise, he wasn't all into it when she offered her usual caring.

Then she knew the time of her stay was almost up.

Weeks after he added 'ramming the newly hired office clerk' into his daily routine, he found his house empty as he arrived home. It was empty of that smiley face. It was empty of that caring soul. All there left was a slip of note stating the farewell and best wishes. Spence was stunned to the sudden change. There was a hole in his heart as if it was eaten up when he read Nicky's note. But wasn't sad or afraid. All he felt was guilt and a ounce of happiness.

After a short battle, the resistence of guilt was overwhelmed by the happiness. It didnt take long, because he was finally free.

So was Nicky. The short living guilt of leaving the man who she respected the most disappeared very quick. She'd never lack any company or support at least for awhile. And she never had to feel bonded to a man who can only give her 50% happiness. She was finally free and had control of her life.

The two lived happy ever after.