Story #79 - The Married Life

The Married Life

A thinning of the steamy sheen on the glass door of the shower made his presence obvious.

“Don't think I can't see you there, Danny,” she said with a smile, “you're my husband – look all you want.”

The door didn't open but she drew a large circle with her palm, giving him a better view of her soapy body. She took her time, making sure to get every inch before rinsing the conditioner out of her hair and quickly shaving. He'd told her he even liked to see that, but she didn't believe it – still, he'd always been a watcher.

“I'm getting out now; don't get hit.” She opened the door slowly; he wasn't as quick as he used to be, and she didn't want to hurt him if the heavy tempered glass struck him. He watched quietly as she toweled off and then took up a spot next to her as she sat down to do her makeup. She'd had a second seat specially ordered for him, placed next to hers in the bathroom so that he could always be with her. Of course, he gave her privacy when it was required, but if it was possible for him to do so, he wanted to be by her side.

She smiled as she opened her foundation; it hadn't always been like this – closeness was something they'd had to work hard for over the years. He'd been so young when they got married, so concerned about appearances – getting a home, a car, a life they could show off to their friends – that he hadn't been able to spend much time with her. They'd fought about it, of course; Danny angry that she was taking for granted all the things he'd done for her while she cried out that the only thing she wanted was him.

Typical, ordinary married-people stuff, but the kind of stuff that threatened to tear them apart if they weren't careful.

Turning to face him, she raised an eyebrow. “What do you think, honey? Does it look even?” He didn't reply; but she could tell he was happy. Somehow, just being around her made him happy now. Maybe it was age; she'd heard that guys tended to settle down at a certain point, to suddenly find times with their wives more enjoyable and something to be desired instead of avoided.

She was sure the accident had played a part in it, but they'd agreed that wasn't something that needed to be discussed. Getting a second chance was rare enough for couples that only had emotional issues; they'd almost lost each other forever, and she wasn't going to jinx what they had by blathering on about what they'd almost given up.

A few more minutes of concentration on herself, and then she winked with one painted eye. He loved it when she was silly, when she showed off her softer side for him, something she was happy to do now. Their first meeting had been nothing but abrasive comments and scorching looks; a sure sign they were “in to” each other that everyone else could see but they ignored.

“I hate him,” She had raged to the friend who had set her up with him, “he's insufferable.”

She must have seemed the same way – a corporate lawyer on track for partner in less than a year, with no love life to speak of and having a good laugh and lay about once a year. He'd broken her out of her shell, given her a better sense of who she was, and then turned into a raging moron once they were married. Typical, she supposed.

Standing, she sauntered to the bedroom, making sure to give him an ample view of everything that was his. The settlement money had been more than enough for her to take an extended leave, one she'd been considering for a long time anyway, so she could afford to take her time every day getting ready, making sure that the moments they spent together they both enjoyed to the fullest.

“What do you think today, Danny? The red?” She didn’t really need to ask - he loved red, and she had a closet of blouses, dresses and shoes in a wide variety of shades to match his taste. Her first piece of red lingerie had resulted in a very happy husband and a broken end table, and she'd done her best to make sure she was well-supplied after that.

Stepping into the closet, she pulled a light dress over her head and smoothed it across her form in front of the mirror. There was no question she had a few more bumps and bulges than she used to, but she'd been diligent recently in following a new workout regimen, and it seemed to be paying off. She spun quickly for his amusement, and then led him out into the hallway and down to the kitchen.

Pouring a bowl of cereal, she set it on the table and pulled a chair out for him, then went back to the counter to put a slice of bread in the toaster. The doorbell rang just as it was finishing and she ran quickly to the front entry to let Marta in.

Rushing back to the kitchen without bothering to say hello she popped her toast, finding it blackened around the edges; good enough.

“Hello Mary,” Marta called from the hallway.

“Hello dear!” She responded brightly.

She liberally applied peanut butter and jam, then poured herself a glass of milk. Turning, she found Marta standing next to the table.

“I've brought your vitamins, Mary. I know you were running low.”

“Thanks!” Marta was such a nice lady, always thinking of her. Taking two purple pills from Marta's hand, she swallowed them with a gulp of milk.

A moment of disorientation came as she sat down at the table, followed by one of unreasoning panic. What the hell had Marta given her? That bitch!

She turned, face contorted, and found Marta huddled in the far corner of the kitchen. The feeling of panic subsided, a calm lassitude taking its place, and she relaxed.

“Big day, Marta,” she said brightly, “Danny's already gone and won't be home until late - I've got a special surprise in mind for him tonight.”

“Of course, Mary,” Marta said quietly, “now finish your breakfast.”

- D