The things he had seen at the strip mall could not be undone. Noel had recognized his female neighbor, and he couldn't forget what he had just witnessed. And now, he had to tell her husband the absolute truth. Noel couldn't evade a smart decision, even if he had a little trouble at the beginning of it.
The eighteen-year-old man made sure that he brought his smartphone with him. It would be an important item to show Marcus, the husband who had been shielded by his wife's whereabouts for very particular reasons. Noel left his current residence and only spent several seconds to reach the two-story house next door. It was now the first weekend of November. Higher temperatures had returned after a brief absence in October. Even when clouds formed as a small endless battalion in the sky, it began to feel like summer rather than autumn in the city of Escondido. Everyone in Southern California would feel relieved when the rainstorms would arrive in the future.
Noel didn't feel the same way as he rang the doorbell. He stood on the front porch with the intention of staying as calm as he could. He brushed his fingers across his short brown hair as he waited for Marcus to respond. When the front door opened, Noel almost stuttered as he said hello.
Marcus was a tall and handsome Vietnamese man. He had light brown skin and long black hair that reached his chest. He wore a pair of black denim jeans and a black t-shirt. He also had an interesting feature at the top: a look of intimidation when things got out of hand. Noel could remember the loud arguments that Marcus and Pauline, his wife, would have in the occasional evenings. Noel managed to hear some of the malevolent vocabulary right outside his window. At the age of thirty-seven, Marcus would most likely be the type to show off his aggressive side without any fear. At this time, however the older man was quiet and unruffled, which made Noel relax just a little more.
The young man didn't waste any time. "I, uh, have to show you something."
Marcus spoke with a smooth baritone voice. "Is it serious?"
"Yes, it is. I saw something today...and I think it's time you see it, too."
Marcus stayed composed like a true gentleman, which still gave Noel a reason to be slightly uneasy.
The older man stepped back and opened the door wide. "Come inside."
Noel breathed slowly through his nostrils as he stepped into the house. It appeared to be a normal abode, with regular furniture and straightforward appliances, nothing too fancy for a childless couple. Marcus led the young man into the living room.
Noel ignored the couch and remained standing. He brought out his smartphone, but he didn't give it to Marcus just yet. He feared the unpredictable nature in Marcus's words and actions. The neighbor could lose his temper in just a few seconds if he had seen the photos saved on the phone. Nevertheless, he had to know the truth. He had to know what Pauline had been doing outside of this house.
Noel uttered, "These pictures were taken about an hour ago."
He searched through the pictures by swiping his finger to the left. He found the right ones in an instant. He handed the phone to Marcus, who stayed silent and patient. Noel almost hesitated while the other man looked down at the photos provided for him by his neighbor.
The pictures of his wife kissing another man would have caused a vocal outrage. Instead, Marcus slowly narrowed his eyes and didn't move a muscle. The absolute silence made Noel take one step back. Marcus's hand that held the smartphone began to quiver. It looked as if he was about to break the phone with his grip.
Noel had to take a deep breath. He didn't want to see what would happen next. Marcus seemed to be on the verge of losing his temper in the worst possible way.
Noel just had to ask, "Can I have my phone back?"
But he immediately regretted the question. Marcus closed his eyes. He became a man with a broken heart. His wife's betrayal resulted in a deeper turmoil that plagued his ways. He would no longer view the world as a haven for a man like him. Despite the wrath brewing within, he still didn't say anything.
Noel wanted to speak, but he felt afraid of saying the wrong words. Instead, Marcus reached out with his hand that held the phone, likely signifying that he was ready to give it back.
Noel was about to take it back from it, but he didn't expect a sudden movement. Marcus grabbed the younger man's arm. Noel, shocked by the sudden decision, almost gasped as he looked directly into Marcus's eyes. The husband breathed through his nostrils.
Noel asked, "What are you doing?"
Marcus's stern expression didn't change. "Don't try to leave. I'm in the mood for something."
With eyes wide open, Noel felt too afraid to even attempt to escape from Marcus's grasp. "What are you going to do to me?"
Marcus looked down at the lower half of Noel's body. "You can relax. I'm not going to hurt you."
That still didn't give Noel any comfort. "You're still scaring me."
Marcus didn't stop squeezing Noel's arm. "Come with me upstairs. I need you the most."
Fearing a backlash, Noel did what he was told. Marcus kept a firm grip on Noel's arm as he led the visitor upstairs. The descent was casual, but Noel couldn't handle the suspense. Goosebumps began to grow on his skin. His breathing became a heavier routine. With a man like Marcus dragging him into the unknown, the feeling of fright had been the perfect response ever since he handed him back the phone.
Marcus led him into the master bedroom. It looked to be an ordinary room with furniture that could have been at least ten years old. Marcus finally let go of Noel's arm and closed the door behind them.
"You're really looking good right now."
Marcus must have been honest. Noel was indeed a cute and innocent young man. But Marcus's current dialogue didn't ease any sort of trouble.
The older man stood still behind the closed door. "I think it'll fit."
Noel was too afraid to ask. "What...what do you mean?"
Marcus narrowed his eyes. "Open the closet door for me."
His fierce tone of voice made Noel feel like a victim of unseen circumstances. He obeyed the simple command. As soon as he slid the closet door open, he looked inside to see various apparel from both genders neatly separated and organized.
He timidly asked Marcus, "What do I do now?"
Marcus replied, "Take that purple dress."