Part 2
 
 
Mary and Chad spoke to one another on the flight in hushed tones.Chad's co 
workers and there wives made small talk on the flight back to St Louis.Mary 
could see the side way glances and hear the whispers as the plane flew 
through the air.Mary held her head high.No one could judge her if she dident 
let them.She looked out the window watching the clouds go by.Chad looked over 
at her with a small smirk.Mary could feel his anger even without him saying a 
word.His blue eyes were like ice staring at her.Mary wanted to run and never 
look back.She comforted herself with thoughts of her children.Chad watched as 
a small smile crept to the corners of her mouth.His blood boiled as he looked 
at her.She is making a fool of me he thought to himself.The plane landed 
taking Mary back to her prison,only this time Mary was warmed by knowing that 
there was a escape.
 
Paul lit the candels at his mother and father's house as his family stood 
around him.They said the prayer and ate a large meal.Paul put his best face 
forward as he tried to enjoy Hanukkah.Eva looked at her son with concern as 
he played with Evan.She knew in her heart that something was bothering him.He 
smiled up at her as she stood in the doorway of the living room."Are you 
alright?"Eva asked."Yes mom I'm fine."Paul said.Eva nodded "If you need to 
talk I'll be in the kitchen."she said as she walked out of the living 
room.Paul closed his eyes as Evan picked up the dreidel.Paul's thoughts 
drifted to Mary.He wanted to wish her there with him.He could almost hear her 
laughter as he thought about what it would be like to share Hunukka with 
her."Daddy!Its your turn."Evan said as he shook Paul's arm.Paul looked at his 
son.He nodded as he picked up the dreidel.She has children too.He realized 
that she had go she had to be with them and make her own freedom.He had just 
helped her find something she had lost.He some how felt that someday they 
would be together. 
Mary and Chad steped off the plane as the sun was going down over St 
Louis.Chad saw his father waiting for them.His father was a tall nice looking 
older gentelmen with the same dispostion as his son.Chad took Mary's arm as 
they walked towards him.Chad leaned over to Mary and whispered"Smile and look 
happy."Mary rolled her eyes as she pasted on her fake smile.Chad's father 
leaned in and lightly kissed Mary's cheek."Hi Jack"Mary said as he pulled 
away."So how was New York?"he asked as he turned to Chad.Chad looked over at 
Mary and squeezed her arm."It was wonderful."Chad said.Mary smiled and nodded 
as they made there way through the airport."How are the children?"Mary asked 
as Chad walked over to claim the bags.Jack nodded and smiled."They miss there 
father!That Tommy is just like his father at that age!"Jack said with 
pride.Mary brought her hand to her throat as she stood there looking at her 
father in law.Chad was never home and when he was he ignored both the 
children.Her in laws made over Chad so much and how wonderful he was it made 
her sick.She looked away from him as she let her anger well up inside of 
her."I hope they were good for you and Kathy."Mary said as she watched Chad 
coming towards them with the luggage."They were great!Kathy and I love 
watching the grandkids!"Jack said.Chad walked over and handed some of the 
bags to his father.They all headed out of the airport to Jack's car.Mary 
noticed the new fallen snow as she walked to the car.She pulled her coat 
closed as she opened the back door of the car and slid inside.She closed her 
eyes and thought about Paul as the car made its way to her home.She smiled as 
she thought of him enjoying Hanukkah with his family.She wondered if she 
would ever see him again as she watched the city fly by her window.Chad and 
Jack talked all the way to the house about sports and Christmas plans.Chad 
looked back at her once as they rode home.He shot her a look of hate that 
made Mary shiver.Mary's mind was screaming as the car pulled into the long 
drive way.She looked at the freshly shoveled walkway and drive way.All the 
homes on the block were the same big but not to big.They all said I've got 
money,but not I'm not rich!The Christmas decrations cluttered the yards as 
she looked around.Mary could see the Christmas lights twinkling in her own 
yard as she steped out of the car.Chad quickly grabed her hand as she made 
her way up the sidewalk to the door of there two story home.Mary shot a cold 
look as he smiled at her.His smiles and grabs were his way of saying don't 
make a scene.Chad opened the door.Mary entered the warm cheerey foyer and 
looked around.Her mother in law came flying from the living room like a bird 
and was hugging Chad like she hadent seen him in years.Mary looked for Tommy 
and Katie as she walked into the living room.This was a game that she played 
with her children every time she was away for a long time."Whare are my 
children?"Mary called as she heard giggles coming from behind the sofa.Mary 
smiled a real smile for the first time sence she had steped off the plane as 
she pretended to look for her children.Mary could hear Chad and his parents 
still in the foyer talking as she walked over to the couch she could see 
Katie's small shoe sticking out from behind the sofa.Mary knelt down and 
grabbed it as the little girl shrieked with delight."Got ya!"Mary yelled as 
she pulled the little girl from behind the sofa.Katie was in her mother's 
arms laughing as Mary showered her tiny face with kisses."Mommy!I missed 
you!"Katie said as she looked into her mother's face.Mary pressed her cheek 
aginst her daughters face laughing."Now whare as my little man went too?"Mary 
said as she stood up holding Katie's hand.Tommy was standing behind the huge 
Christmas tree grining as he watched his mother look for him.Tommy felt that 
he was getting to old for this game but he still loved to play it.Tommy 
adored his mother.He thought she was the most beautiful woman he knew.She did 
everything to make sure he and Katie were happy.He smiled as she spoted his 
sneakers under the tree.She pointed at him as her face lit up."There he 
is!"she shouted as he steped out from behind the tree.Tommy walked into his 
mothers outstreached arms.Mary held the little boy to her and kissed the top 
of his blond head."I missed you mom."he said.Mary smiled "I missed you 
too."she said.Chad and his parents stood in the doorway wacthing Mary and the 
children.Kathy's eyes narrowed as she watched her daughter in law play with 
her grandchildren.She would never understand what Chad saw in her.Kathy 
always thought Mary was to load and brash for her son.Kathy walked past Mary 
towards the kitchen."Children say hi to your father!"Kathy said as she opened 
the door to the kitchen.Both children looked over at there dad standing in 
the doorway."Hi"they both said as they stood there with there arms wrapped 
around there mother."Now kids!You can do better then that!"Jack said as he 
glared at Mary.Mary gave the kids a gental push."Go give daddy a hug."Mary 
said.Tommy and Katie walked over to there father.Chad knelt down and hugged 
Katie.Katie seemed stiff in his arms as she stood there.Chad stood up and 
stuck out his hand to Tommy.Tommy shook his father's hand."Good to see ya 
son."Chad said.Mary watched there exschange.My god are these people for real 
she thought to herself.The children ran back over to her after greeting there 
father.Mary laughed as they began to shout quistions at her about her 
trip.Mary walked with them over to the couch.She sat down with Katie on her 
lap and Tommy snuggled close to her.She answered all the quistions as she sat 
there.Chad and Jack went to the den leaving her alone with her children.Chad 
looked at her as he left the living room.Jack could see the hate in his son's 
eyes as he looked at his wife.
 
Mary sat there and talked to her children for a long time.She heard the 
kitchen door swing open and heard Kathy call them for dinner.Katie hopped 
down from her lap and ran to the dining room.Tommy put his arms around his 
mothers waist and walked with her to the dining room.Mary was so happy to 
have her children close to her.She sat down as Tommy pulled her chair out for 
her."Thank you sir!"Mary said in a fake english accent.Tommy laughed at his 
mother as he sat down in his own seat.Kathy shot Mary and Tommy an icey look 
as she sat down next to Jack.Kathy never spoke to Mary.And Mary never spoke 
to Kathy.It had always been that way.Mary ate her dinner and talked to the 
kids as Chad and his folks chatted to each other.After dinner Mary began to 
clear the plates away.Tommy and Katie had gone upstairs to get ready for 
bed.Mary knew that soon she would be left alone with Chad.Chad glared at her 
as he got up from his seat.Mary felt her own anger well up inside her chest 
as he walked into the living room.Mary carried the plates and glasses into 
the kitchen and sat them in the sink.Kathy had her back turned and was 
cutting up a cake for desset for the men.Mary looked at her back and stuck 
out her tongue.Mary shook her head as she turned away from the woman.Mary 
thought of her own mom and dad as she filled the sink with water.There was 
naver silence in her house.She and her brother always knew what there parents 
were feeling.I love you was spoken all the time in Mary's childhood home.If 
you were angry at someone you said so and worked it out.You laughed when you 
were happy and cried when you were sad.Mary smiled as she thought about 
them.She would see them soon every Christmas eve was spent with them.She and 
her mother were so close she knew she would be able to tell her mother about 
Paul without being judged.Mary's mother and father had wanted her to divorce 
Chad for a long time.Her family found Chad shallow and cold in there warm and 
loving family.Mary and Kathy cleaned the kitchen in silence.Kathy gave Mary 
her hate filled stares as she worked. 
Mary and Chad stood on the porch waving goodbye to Kathy and Jack as they 
drove out of the drive way.Chad droped his arm from Mary's waist the second 
his parents car was out of sight.Mary turned and walked into the warm 
house.She walked up the staircase not looking back or caring if Chad followed 
her.She walked to Tommy's room and peeked inside he was proped up in his bed 
reading a comic book.Mary smiled as he looked up at her.She walked into the 
room and sat down on the edge of his bed,"Its late,lights out."she said as 
she leaned over and kissed him.Tommy nodded as he laid the comic book on the 
bedside table.Mary turned off the lights as she stood up."I love you."Mary 
said as she walked to the door."I love you too."Tommy said as he laid down in 
his bed.Mary walked across the hall to Katies room.The shadows of Katies 
night light were shining through the cracked door.Mary opened and looked at 
the little girl who was a minture version of herself.She walked to the bed 
and brushed her long dark hair away from her forhead.The little girl was fast 
asleep clutching her favorite rag doll.Mary smiled down at her.She wondered 
as she looked at her daughter if Paul was tucking in his son at that same 
moment so far away in New York city.Mary kissed her sleeping and child and 
walked out of the room.She jumped when she felt Chad grab her shoulder."Down 
stairs now!"he groweled.Mary nodded as he let go of her shoulder.She followed 
behind him as she thought of what was about to be said to her.She could feel 
the rage ubside of her welling up.Chad walked into the den at the back of the 
house.Mary walked in behind him.He walked to the bar and poured himself a 
glass of scotch from the small bar in the corner.Mary took a seat in one of 
the overstuffed chairs in front of the fireplace.She looked into the raging 
fire wishing she could make it consume the room.Chad turned to her as he took 
a drink from his glass.The ice clicked loadly as he dreined the drink and 
grabed the scotch bottle and poured another drink into his glass.He walked 
over and sat down in the other chair.He glared at her."How dare you sleep 
with another man!"he spat at her.Mary clenched her teeth as she looked at 
him.She wrapped her arms around herself as she stared at him.She wasent going 
to deny or confirm what she had done.Chad's eyes were like ice as he looked 
at her."You arnt even going to deny it are you?"he said.Mary shook her 
head."Chad I want a divorce."she said as she looked him right in the eye.Chad 
laughed and evil laugh."No way!no one in my family is divorced and I sure as 
hell won't be the first!"he shouted as he stood up towering over her.Mary 
looked up at him."Whatever! then fight me!I'll be moving out right after New 
Years."she said as she got up from the chair."You bitch!I'll take the kids 
away from you!"Chad shouted in a rage as Mary walked to the door."No Chad! 
You will try and take my kids!There is a big diffrence between trying and 
being able to do it!I'm going to bed,good night."Mary said as she held her 
head high and walked from the room.Chad threw the glass he held into the 
fire.Mary heard the glass break as she walked down the hall to the 
staircase.She closed her eyes as she thought of the look on his face when she 
had said the words divorce.She wasent afraid anymore she would leave and take 
her children.She promised herself as she walked past her childrens rooms that 
she would give them a home of love and peace without a man who was cold as 
ice in it. 
Mary went to her room and opened her dresser drawer she reached into the far 
back and pulled out the notebook she had been writing in for the past 
year.She looked at the first page.Maybe it could sell she said to herself.She 
fliped through it and looked at the last page she had written.She knew she 
had the ending to her story in her head,she just needed to get down on 
paper.She held the notebook to her chest as she walked from the room.She 
needed to get it typed up.She walked down the hall to Chad's office.She 
opened the door and walked in.She turned on the lamp over his desk and sat 
down in his large chair.She looked at the beautiful oak desk.There was a 
framed photo of her on the top of the desk.Two photo's of Katie and tommy sat 
next to hers.Mary turned on the computer and began to type out the book that 
she had been working on for so long.Chad came by and poked his head inside 
the door."What the hell are you doing now?"he said.Mary looked up from her 
typing and gave him a smile."I'm writing a book."she said.Chad laughed as he 
looked at her."Oh so you plan on being a writer for a living after you leave 
me."he said as he shook his head."No Chad.I've always been a writer.Just like 
you have always been an ass hole."Mary said as she smiled at him.Chad 
clenched his teeth as he looked at her.She always had such a way about her 
that drove him crazy.He wanted beat the hell out of her.He turned and walked 
away.Chad knew better then to try that Mary was small but she was tough.Mary 
turned back and kept typing.Mary smiled to herself as she thought about the 
look on his face.She had always enjoyed telling him off he always had such a 
shocked look on his face when she would speak her mind.as if how dare a woman 
tell him whare to go.Mary worked till her eyes were drooping.She streached as 
she looked at the neat stack of papers she had sitting in the corner of the 
desk.She shut off the computer and slowly got up.She walked down the hall to 
the bedroom.Chad was snoring as she walked into the room.She walked to the 
adjoining bathroom and stripped off her clothes.She washed her face and 
pulled her nightgown on.She went back down the hall to Chad's office.She laid 
down on the leather sofa pulling the throw blanket over herself.She laid 
there in the dark as tears began to form in her eyes.She let them fall onto 
the couch as she thought about Paul and the wonderful way he made her feel 
about herself.She wondered if he was thinking about her as she drifted off to 
sleep.
 
Paul sat in the guest bedroom of his parents house holding the poam that Mary 
had sliped under his door.He now knew her last name and that she lived in St 
Louis.He wondered if it would be enough to find her.He hadent stoped thinking 
of her sense they had said there goodbyes.He shook his head as he wondered 
what she was doing right at that very moment.Was she playing with her 
children or being belittled by her husbend.He laid back on the bed and closed 
his eyes still holding the paper.There was a light knock at the door."Come 
in"Paul called from the bed.Eva smiled as she stepped inside the room."Do you 
need anything?"she asked as she looked at her son.Paul smiled as he looked at 
his mother."No mom I'm fine."Paul said.Eva walked over to the bed "No your 
not fine.Now tell me whats bothering you."she said as she sat down on the 
edge of the bed.Paul knew he couldent lie to his mother she always knew when 
something was bothering him."Well mom,I've fallen in love,"he said.Eva's eyes 
danced with joy as Paul said the words."That is wonderful news!"Eva said as 
she touched Paul's hand.Paul smiled with sad eyes."She is married mom."he 
said.Eva's face lost its smile as she looked at her son."Paul what in the 
world were you thinking."she said with disapointment in her voice.Eva sat and 
listened as her son told her about Mary and the love he had found with 
her.Eva felt sad for them both as she looked into her son's sad eyes.She 
hoped that maybe someday Paul would find a woman that he could love she knew 
that he was a sweet and kind man who deserved a loving woman in his life.Eva 
kissed her son on the cheek before she left.Paul felt better now that he had 
told someone of his heart break.He closed his eyes hoping to dream of Mary.He 
knew in his dreams she was his and only his 
 
Mary sliped into the bedroom she shared with Chad just before dawn.The bed 
was emptey.She looked around the large bedroom.She shrugged her shoulders as 
she made her way to the bathroom for a shower.Mary made a list in her head of 
things she needed to do before Christmas eve,as she showered and dressed for 
the day.The kids were out of school which meant that she would be able to 
have them help her make all the Christmas cookies and candy.Mary smiled to 
herself as she walked down the steps.She loved to have the kids help her with 
the baking at Christmas time.Mary walked into the kitchen to fiind Chad 
sitting at the kitchen table.Mary nodded at him as she poured herself a cup 
of coffee."Well your up early!"Chad said as he walked over to her.Mary nodded 
as she walked away from him."Mary stop this!"Chad said in a demanding 
voice."Stop what?"Mary asked as she looked at him."You know you arent leaving 
me"he said as he sat back down at the table."Chad I'm not talking about it 
anymore.Just go to work and leave me alone."she said."Mary..."the phone rang 
as Chad said her name.Mary looked at the clock who would be calling at six o 
clock in the morning she wondered as she picked up the phone in the 
kitchen.'Hello'Mary said.There was dead silence on the other end of the 
line.'Hello'Mary said a little loader.Nothing but silence.Mary was about to 
hang up when she heard 'I love you Mary.'she knew it was Paul.Mary's heart 
skiped a beat as she stood there.'Paul'she said softly hoping Chad dident 
hear her.'I know you can't talk,but I just wanted you to know I love you.'he 
said.Mary heard the click before she could say a word.Tears stung her eyes as 
she put the phone down.She turned around to an emptey kitchen Chad had 
already left while she was talking on the phone.She sat down at the table and 
let the tears fall as she thought of the one thing she wanted for Christmas.
 
Paul looked down at the phone.He had called information and gotten her phone 
number.He knew it was a risk but he just had to hear her voice.He picked up 
the phone and dialed the number hoping that Chad dident answer.He waited as 
the phone rang.His heart was pounding in his chest as he heard her voice say 
hello.He wanted to climb through the phone and hold her in his arms.He closed 
his eyes picturing her face in his mind.'I love you Mary'he said softly into 
the receiver.He could see her smile as he spoke the words.She said his name 
softly.His could almost feel her as she spoke his name.'I know you can;t 
talk,but I just wanted you to know I love you.'he said.He hung up right after 
he said the words.He felt better now that he knew whare she was and that she 
was alright.
 
Mary and her children spent the morning in the kitchen making cookies and 
candy.They laughed and talked.Tommy and Katie were so excited about Christmas 
as they helped there mother.Mary watched Katie as she sat on the counter 
puting candy eyes on little ginger bread men cookies."Are these for the 
church?"Katie asked.Mary nodded as she took another batch of suger cookies 
from the oven."Some of them are for church and some are for us."Mary 
said.Tommy smiled as he stuck his finger into some of the iceing and licked 
his finger.Mary shook her finger at him."Tommy!Thats for decorating the 
cookies not eating."she said as she laughed.Mary looked at them both with 
love in her eyes.She wondered if they would be open to the fact that she and 
Chad were getting divorced.She wasent going to say anything to them till 
after New Years.When the cookie making was done Katie and Tommy made there 
way to the den to watch tv.Mary cleaned the kitchen as she thought of 
Paul.She wondered if he would call again.She hoped in away he dident she 
dident want Chad to have anything on her when they went to court.Her lover 
calling could be very damageing to her case.She knew Chad would fight her for 
the children.Mary finished cleaning the kitchen and walked into the den.The 
kids were sitting on the floor watching the Grinch."Hey guys mommy is going 
upstairs to daddy's office.If you need something come and get me."Mary 
said.They both nodded."Can we have a cookie?"Katie asked.Mary nodded "One 
cookie."Mary said as she walked out of the room."Thanks"she heard them both 
call to her.Mary walked into the office and started typing.She typed the rest 
of the day.Only stoping when the kids needed something.She wanted to get 
finished with the book before New Years.She stoped typing as the sun was 
going down.She walked down the stairs.The kids were playing in the living 
room."Mom what are you doing up there?"Tommy asked as she sat down on the 
couch.Mary looked at her children with a smile and said"I'm writing a 
book."Tommy and Katie both looked at her as she told them."Wow,a real 
book!"Tommy said.Mary laughed "Yes a real book."she said."Like Harry 
Potter?"Katie asked with wide eyes.Mary shook her head "No its a book for 
adults honey."she said.Katie's face fell."Maybe next time I'll write a book 
for children."Mary said.Katie smiled at her."Whats it about?"Tommy asked as 
he sat down next to her.Mary sighed."Its about a woman and her life."Mary 
said."What happens to her?"Tommy asked."She falls in love with someone."she 
said.Tommy was happy with the answer and went back to his sister.Mary laid 
her head back and closed her eyes.She heard the door open in the foyer.Chad 
walked in and put down his breif case.The children ignored him as they kept 
playing."Your not ready!"he said as he looked at Mary with disaproval."Ready 
for what?"Mary asked."The Christmas party at Mark and Ginger's house!"he said 
with anger."Oh shit!I forgot."Mary said as she got up from the couch."Watch 
your mouth!"Chad said.Mary rolled her eyes as she headed for the stairs.The 
doorbell rang as her feet hit the third step.Chad ran to the door as he was 
unbuttening his shirt.Chad opened the door and in walked Lee.Mary's 
mother.Mary smiled as her mother walked in the front door."Your baby sitters 
here reporting for duty!"she shouted as she walked in.Katie and Tommy ran to 
the foyer when they heard her voice.Chad rolled his eyes at his mother in 
law."I need to get dressed."he said as he walked up the steps past Mary.Mary 
flew down the steps.She waited till the children had gotten there hugs before 
she threw herself into her mother's arms.Mary let the tears flow down her 
cheeks as she rested her head on her mother's shoulder.Lee pulled her 
daughter back to look at her."Whats the matter,Mary?"Lee asked."Mom I'm so 
happy to see you."Mary said as she looked at her mother."Well you asked me to 
watch the kids before you left remember?"Lee said.Mary closed her eyes and 
nodded."Mary stop crying and tell me whats wrong."Lee said."I'm leaving 
Chad."Mary said in a low voice.Lee whiped the tears from Mary's 
eyes."Good"she said.They both turned when they heard Chad shout down the 
stairs."Mary Dama it!Were going to be late!Move your ass!"Lee looked at her 
daughter."Don't shed tears over that its not worth it!"she said as she 
pointed her thumb towards the stairs.Mary nodded as a smile crossed her 
lips."We can talk tommrow."Lee said as she kissed Mary's cheek.Mary sighed as 
she turned and walked up the steps.
 
Chad came down the stairs dressed in his tuxs with his overcoat draped over 
his arm.He looked up the steps searching for some sign that Mary would be 
coming down.He went to the living room whare Lee had the children gathered 
around her on the sofa.She dident even glance up to look at him as he stood 
there.Like mother like daughter,Chad thought to himself.Lee was just as load 
and brash as Mary.He narrowed his eyes at her."Lee I don't think Mary thought 
to feed the children.Would you mind fixing them something?"Chad said with 
anger towards Mary in his voice.Lee looked up at Chad she always made it a 
point to be very nice to him even thoe she couldent stand him."Why not at 
all!"she said in a bright voice.Chad looked towards the doorway as he nodded 
at his mother in law.He hated leaving the kids with her.If it were up to him 
Katie and Tommy would never see Mary's parents.Lee almost laughed at him as 
he paced back and fourth waiting for Mary.Mary finely came into the living 
room dressed in a black cocktail dress.She looked stunning with her hair 
pulled up in a bun."Mom you look so pretty!"Tommy said as he looked at his 
mother.Mary smiled as she walked over to Chad."Thank you."she said to 
Tommy.Lee smiled."Well Chad wasent she worth the wait!"Lee said turning to 
Chad and smiling.Chad clenched his jars and dident say a word as he grabed 
Mary's arm.Mary smiled at her mother in a knowing way."Good night kids!Be 
good for Grammy!"Mary called as she left the living room.
 
Chad and Mary drove to the party in complete silence.He glanced at her once 
or twice as he made his way down the streets of St Loius.Mary had a slight 
smile on her face.She was feeling much better now that her mother knew some 
of what was going on.Mary hated these Christmas parties that people from 
Chad's work threw.They all were formal affairs whare the women clustered in a 
corner and gosspid while the men sat around geting to drunk to drive 
home.Mary looked at Chad as the street lights sped by the moving car.He 
looked so cold and hatful all the time.She thought about when they had first 
met.He was so much fun then.She always knew he was more researved then her 
but she had no ideia how much so till they were married.Chad spoke once they 
were in the drive way of Ginger and Mark's house."Don't embarrass me."he said 
coldly.Mary reached for the door handel.She glanced at him giveing him a 
sweet smile."Fuck off Chad."she said sweetly as she steped out of the 
car.Chad came around the car and put his arm around her waist.He gritted his 
teeth as he looked at her."Bitch"he said under his breath as he squeezed her 
waist.Mary walked to the door smiling with Chad's arm around her .She held 
her high as she entered the door with her husbend. 
 
Ginger and Mark were standing in the large foyer of there grand house 
greeting there guests as they arrived.Ginger smiled as soon as she saw Mary 
and Chad."Mary dear!"she said as she leaned in and kissed her cheek.Mary 
smiled as she pulled back.Mark greeted Mary with peck on the cheek."Thank you 
for inviting us."Mary said as she watched Chad shake Mark's hand."The bars 
right over there!"Mark said as he pointed into the living room.Chad nodded as 
he escorted Mary to the living room.A maid walked up and offered to take 
there coats.Chad walked behind Mary and began to help her remove the shaw 
that covered her shoulders.Mary smiled slightly as she heard Chad's low 
growel when he saw her bare shoulders.Her tattoo was proudly displayed for 
all of Chad's co workers and there wives to see."Mary"he said in a low angry 
whisper as he came around to face her.Mary tilted her head and smiled."Yes 
Chad I would love a drink.Red wine please dear."she said as she looked at his 
disaproving face."Dama it."he said as he walked to the bar.Mary stood there 
looking around trying not to laugh.She heard Lori's voice call her name as 
she came to stand next to her."Hi Lori."Mary said."Well have you got things 
ready for Christmas?"Lori asked trying to make small talk.Mary nodded "Just 
about."Mary said.Chad appeared carrying a glass of scotch in one hand and a 
glass of wine in the other.He smiled and nodded at Lori as he handed Mary her 
wine."Thank you my love."Mary said as she smiled sweetly at Chad.Chad 
clenched his teeth as he tried to smile at his wife.Mary leaned up and kissed 
him lightly on the cheek.Lori got a full veiw of Mary's tattoo .Mary knew 
that Lori had seen the tattoo as she turned around and took a sip of her 
wine."Mary is that real?"she asked in a shocked voice.Chad was so angry he 
walked away.Mary looked down at her shoulder."Yes it sure is!And you should 
see my navel ring!"she said.Lori's mouth droped open as she looked at 
Mary.Mary smiled as Lori stared at her."Lori you should go tell Ginger about 
this!I know she would want to know."Mary said to Lori in a low whisper.Mary 
giggeled as Lori scurred away.Mary looked across the room at the men 
clustered at the bar.She watched as waiters walked around with large trays of 
food.Mary tapped her feet to the music that was piped in from the stero 
system.She watched all the barbie's standing around the room talking.Ginger 
and Mark had come in from the foyer and were mingling with there guests.Mary 
smiled whenever someone would glance her way.She noticed a few of the wives 
staring at her as she stood there.She smiled at them.She knew they were 
talking about her and she just dident care.Mary turned around when she felt a 
hand on her shoulder."Mary come join the party."Ginger said.Mary smiled at 
her "Now Ginger if I come over there you won;t be able to talk about me and 
my lover in New York or do you all want to get a better look at my 
tattoo?"Mary said in a sweet voice.Ginger's eyes grew wide as she looked at 
Mary."Mary I'am not a gossip!"Ginger said in a shocked voice.Mary laughed 
"Give me a break!Ginger please,"Mary said.Ginger huffed as she said"Well I 
never!"and walked away.Mary covered her mouth with her hand as she 
laughed.Mary waited for Chad to get wind of her little outburst and run over 
in a panic and take her home.She began to count in her head one,two,three, 
four ....Here he comes."Mary what the hell are you doing?"Chad whispered as 
he grabbed her arm."Wow Chad it only took you to four to get here!"Mary said 
as Chad pulled her from the room."Mary whats wrong with you!Did you do drugs 
when you were with that rock and roll guy?"He said when he was away from the 
party.Mary looked at him and started to laugh."Chad you are to funny!"she 
said as she shook her head.Chad's face turned red with anger as he watched 
her laughing at him."Mary stop it right now!"Chad said.Mary looked at 
him."Chad I'm calling a cab,Tell Ginger and Mark I got sick."Mary said as she 
walked over to a table that had a phone on it in the foyer.Chad grabbed the 
phone from her hand."We are going back in there and you are going to stop 
acting like a whore!"he said.Mary nodded "Alright honey!What ever you 
say."Mary said sweetly.Chad grabed her hand a gave her a hateful 
look. 
 
Mary and Chad walked back to the living room just as a waiter was calling 
everyone into the dining room for dinner.Mary smiled as she held onto Chad's 
arm and walked to the dining room with the other couples.Mary could feel the 
eyes staring at her as Chad pulled her chair out for her.Mary sat down with 
her head held high as if she were queen of England.Chad sat down next to 
her.He also saw the stares.Some of the women leaned and whispered to one 
another as they looked at Mary.Mary nodded at some of them with a small 
smirk.No one can judge me but God she said to herself.The food was past 
around and polite dinner conversation was made.Chad gave Mary a few ice cold 
stares when ever one of the men would look at her oddly.Mary would just smile 
sweetly at him.When the meal ended everyone made there way back to the large 
living room.Ginger always made sure to have them all gather around her piano 
and sing Christmas songs at her Christmas parties.Mary rolled her eyes as 
Ginger took her place at the piano.Ginger started off with We Wish you a 
Marry Christmas.Everyone joined in singing off key to her horrible 
playing.Mary walked over to the bar.The bartender asked."What can i get for 
you."Mary sighed as she stood there."A screw driver please!"she said.The 
bartender came back a few minutes later with her drink."Thanks"Mary said as 
she picked up her drink.Mary turned and walked to the patio door that led out 
to the large pool area.Mary opened the door and walked outside into the 
bitter cold.She shivered as she closed the door behind her thankful to be 
away from the noise that Ginger called music.Mary rubbed her shoulders as she 
siped her drink.Mary walked over to the drained pool.She shook her head as 
she thought of what a waste of time her marriage had been..Mary jumped 
spilling her drink when she felt a hand on her shoulder.She turned around 
giving a small scream to see Chad's boss standing there."I'm sorry Mary!I 
dident mean to frighten you."He said."No Bill thats alright."Mary said as she 
shivered from the shock of the cold drink spilling on her dress."What are you 
doing out here?"he asked."I just needed some air."she said as Bill removed 
his tuxs jacket and wrapped it around Mary's shoulders."Air! its freezing out 
here.Come inside."he said.Mary smiled up at him.Mary had always thought alot 
of Bill.He was the same age as her father.He was bald and a little on the 
heavy side.He had kind blue eyes."Thanks Bill"she said as she pulled the 
jacket around herself."Mary don't pay those people any mind."he said kindly 
as he hitched his thumb towards the door.Mary smiled and nodded.Mary could 
feel the tears coming up behind her eyes."Now don't cry your tears will 
freeze!"he said laughing.Mary laughed as she whiped her eyes."My daughter has 
a tattoo."he said proudly.Mary laughed even harder as she looked at him and 
shook her head.Bill took her hand and escorted her back inside to the 
party.He took his jacket from her as he gave her a smile and a wink.Mary 
nodded and smiled as he walked over to his wife.She stood looking around 
feeling like a basterd at a family reunion.Cindy walked over to her and began 
to make small talk.Mary smiled as they spoke about there children and 
Christmas plans.Cindy heard Jason her husbend call to her.She turned her head 
and looked at him."We should have lunch tommrow."Cindy said.Mary was shocked 
for a moment."Why?"Mary asked as she heard Jason call for Cindy again."We 
need to talk."she said as she turned to walk away."Get a sitter and call me 
in the morning."Cindy said as she made her way across the room to her 
husbend.Mary nodded at her still in shock.Soon the party began to end around 
eleven.Mary and Chad said there thank you's and goodnights and headed to the 
car.
 
 
Mary walked ahead of Chad when they arrived at the house.Chad hadent said a 
word sense they had left the party.Mary walked inside the house.Mary's mother 
was in the living room reading when she walked in.Mary heard Chad walking up 
the stairs not even bothering to come into the living room to say hi to 
Lee."Well how was the party?"Lee asked as she closed her book and looked up 
at Mary.Mary took off her wrap and laid it on the couch as she sat down next 
to her mother."It went well."Mary said.Lee laughed when she saw the strapless 
dress."Well I see you gave Chad a heart attack to night."as she looked at the 
tattoo.Mary grined "Yes I did."Mary said.Lee shook her head."Well its like I 
told you when you first got that thing!If I paid money to have it put on I 
would want everyone to see it."Lee said.Mary laughed as she remembered the 
shocked look on her mother's face the first time she had seen the tattoo.Lee 
looked at her daughter as she stoped laughing."Tell me why are you leaving 
Chad?"she said.Mary cleared her throat."Mom I've fallen in love with somone 
else."Mary said.Lee sighed."Who?"she asked."A man I met in New York."Mary 
said."Does he have a name?"Lee asked.Lee was very open minded as she sat 
there looking at her daughter."His name is Paul Stanley."Mary said."He had 
two first names."Lee said.Mary laughed as she looked at her mother."No his 
first name is Paul and his last name is Stanley.He's in a band."Mary 
said."Have I ever heard of this band?"Lee asked.Mary smiled and nodded."Do 
you remember the band KISS?"Mary asked.Lee looked shocked for a moment."You 
mean that band that paints themselves up!"Lee said.Mary laughed and 
nodded."Oh god just please tell me its not the tongue guy!"Lee said as she 
grabbed Mary's hand.Mary laughed "No mom its the star guy."she said.Lee 
rolled her eyes"Thank goodness!Now witch one is he?"she asked.Mary laughed 
"I'll show you a picture on Christmas eve.I'll dig around the attic at the 
house and get my old albums out and show you witch one he is."Mary said.Lee 
hugged her daughter."Mary don't jump into anything right off the bat.Leave 
Chad and get your self together before you run to another man.If you really 
love this other man it will be there while you do something for yourself.Like 
write your book."Lee said.Mary looked at her mother."How did you know I was 
writing a book?"Mary asked.Lee smiled."Because it's all you talked about when 
you were growing up."Lee said.Mary wrapped her arms around her mother."I love 
you mom."Mary said as tears came to her eyes.Lee broke there embrace "And I 
love you!"Lee said as she stood up."Good night."Lee said as she walked to the 
foyer.Mary smiled as she sat there thinking about her mother's wisdom."I'am 
going to be just fine"Mary said as she stood up and made her way to the 
stairs.
 
Mary awoke the next morning at six a.m. She streached and looked around the 
office.She had decided to spend her nights in there.The last thing she wanted 
was to share a room with Chad.She got up and went to the bedroom.Chad was 
still asleep.She went to the bathroom and turned on the shower.She pulled her 
night gown off.She hummed to herself as she steped into the shower.She wanted 
to get a few hours of last minute Christmas shopping in today and she needed 
to call Cindy.She jumped when Chad threw open the shower curtin.She let out a 
small scream.Chad steped inside the shower with her and wraped his arms 
around her kissing her neck as Mary pulled away."Stop!"Mary shouted as she 
turned off the water.She broke away from him and grabed a towel.Chad steped 
out behind her."Come on Mary! I'm horney!"He said as he followed her into the 
bedroom."So use your hand."Mary said as she pulled her robe on.Chad clenched 
his teeth as he walked up behind her and grabed her arm giving it a 
squeeze.Mary tried to pull her arm away."Get away from me now."Mary said in a 
low voice as she glared into his ice cold eyes.Chad droped her arm as he 
looked at his wife.He knew better then to cross her.Chad hated to admit it 
but his little wife brought fear to him when she was angry.He could see the 
cold hate in her eyes as she spoke to him.Mary grabed her clothes and walked 
out of the room leaving Chad standing alone.
 
Mary walked to the office and put her clothes.She was shaking as she thought 
about Chad.Don't show fear she repeated over and over to herself as she put 
her clothes on.Chad had really scared her the last thing she would do is lay 
down for him.She would fight him till she was dead.before she would let him 
touch her.Mary jumped when she heard the phone ring.Mary closed her eyes as 
she picked up the phone.'Hello'she said.Mary knew who it was as she listened 
to the silence.She hoped Chad wasent listening in as she stood there 
waiting.'I love you.'Paul whispered.Mary closed her eyes as she smiled.'I 
love you too'Mary said softly.She heard the soft click as he hung up the 
phone without another word being said.Mary hung up the phone and looked 
towards the door way.Chad was standing there glaring at her."You whore."he 
said in a whisper as he looked at her.Mary held her head high as she walked 
past him.She turned and looked at him as she entered there badroom.Chad was 
shaking with anger as he looked at Mary.
 
Paul hung up the phone and smiled.He had to hear her voice at least one more 
time.He hoped Chad never found out and in way he hoped he did,maybe if he 
knew Mary would say 'Come get me and take me away.'Paul closed his eyes and 
imagined himself flying to St Louis and picking her and her kids up and 
taking them as far away from Chad as he could.He hoped she was doing alright 
as he sat there.Evan ran into the room and sat down next to him."Daddy can we 
go outside an play in the snow?"he asked.Paul smiled and said "Sure"Evan 
jumped up and went to get his coat.In a few days they would be going back to 
L.A. He knew that his time with Evan and his mom and dad was short.He felt 
like every bit of joy and love he had in his life was given to him in just 
small amounts.He wanted something in his life that was his all the time.Not 
just a week or a few days but a lifetime.
 
Mary walked down stairs after doing her make up.She wondered what Chad would 
have to say now that he had heard her talking to Paul.Mary walked into the 
kitchen to find Chad still in his robe."Well I see Mr.Rock an Roll has some 
big ones to call my house."Chad said as he watched Mary pour herself a cup of 
coffee.Mary dident answer him as she sat down at the table across from 
him."I'm going Christmas shopping today.I'll take the kids to your mother's 
for the day."Mary said as she looked at him."You are going to meet your 
lover!Don't lie to me."he shouted.Mary didnet even flinch as he yelled."No 
Chad.I'll be at the mall and going out to lunch.My friend isent here right 
now.And yes he does have big ones.He is so much bigger then you in every 
way!"Mary said calmly and sweetly.Mary knew he knew and be dama if she was 
going to pretend anymore.Chad turned red with anger as he looked at her."I'll 
take the kids! I swear to God I'll take them away from you if you leave 
me."Chad shouted.Mary stood up and walked towards him."Chad you arent taking 
my kids anywhare.I'm there mother.You were nothing but a sperm doner!you 
barly speak to the children.So don't threaten me!"she shouted as she shook 
her finger at him.The phone rang as Chad was about to blast her agian.Chad 
picked up the phone hoping it was Paul.'Hello!'He shouted into the phone.Chad 
was shocked as he heard his former lover's voice ask to speak to Mary. 
 
Chad held his breath as stood there.Mary wondered what was wrong.She knew it 
wasent Paul.Paul would of hung up if Chad had answered the phone.'May I 
please speak to Mary?'the voice asked again.'Chad put your wife on the phone 
now!'the woman's voice demanded.Chad looked at Mary as Mary stared at him."Is 
it for me?"Mary asked as she watched Chad's eyes darting around the 
room."No!"Chad said as he slamed down the phone.Mary said "Who was it?"as 
Chad walked quickly from the room.He yelled from the living room "Wrong 
number!"Mary looked at the phone.She was about to pick it up and call Cindy 
when she heard Tommy come into the kitchen.Mary hung up the phone as she 
turned to look at her son.I'll cook breakfast and then I'll call her.Mary 
thought as she pulled the eggs from the fridge.Tommy smiled at his mother as 
he sat down at the table.
 
Chad ran up the steps two at a time.He ran to his bedroom like a wild man.He 
grabed his cell phone from his jacket and dialed the number quickly'Sam's 
Mandy Cooper speaking may I help you?' the woman's voice said.'Mandy! What 
the hell are you doing?'Chad shouted into the phone.Mandy looked around her 
office as she spoke to her former lover.She could almost picture him sqerming 
as he spoke to her,She smiled slightly as she said.'This is a bussisness line 
sir how may I direct your call.'She could her his hevey breathing on the 
other end of the line.'Stop calling here!I told you its over!'Chad shouted as 
he slamed the phone shut.
 
Mary picked up the phone after she had cooked breakfast for Tommy and 
Katie.She looked at her children as she waited for Cindy to pick up the 
phone.Cindy picked up the phone on the second ring.'Hello'Mary said.'Hi