Cancer the Real Part 2

Cancer - A Greenville Story Part 2

Wife's friends become a cancer in a marriage

The Greenville Series are all stand alone with some character interaction between stories.

Sorry for the delay. It sat in Que for a week than was sent back.

The biggest complaint I get with my stories is lack of editing. As a new Writer its hard to find an editor. People sign up for the editing program then realize how hard it is. And I understand how hard it is to do.

I reread and try to edit my stories 4 times. I let it sit a day between readings to catch what I may have missed beforehand. Plus I write quickly and am very impatient. I have a limited amount of time on this earth. So I'm putting these stories out with all the mistakes I may overlook. I hope you enjoy them anyway.

Chapter 8

Maggie got home at 8pm. She had the nerve to try to hug and kiss me. I almost threw up. She repulsed me. I turned my head and pushed her away. I didn't say anything thing to her. Even though I hadn't met with Frank his brief message told me everything I needed to know. For some reason my response caught her off guard.

I told her I was coming down with something and would sleep in the guest room. The thought of laying next to her was sickening. I didn't ask about her weekend, I would know enough tomorrow. We both went to bed at the same time. This weekend was the first time we slept apart since Jason was born 23 years ago. I don't know if she remembered that. Our 30

th

Anniversary would be coming up. I guess we had a good run.

I got up early so I wouldn't run into Maggie. I had breakfast at the Route 74 Diner. I was amazed I was hungry. I had what they call the garbage plate, Sausage, Bacon. Hash Browns, Eggs and Cheese all piled up on a plate. My doctor would be either sickened or happy to see me eating it. I'm proud that I got half way through it. I didn't rush. It was only 730. I wasn't in a hurry to get to the office. We didn't have the Monday meeting with the staff until 9 anyway. I scrolled through my phone for a half hour, left a hefty tip and left. I got to the office at 830. That gave me enough time to prepare for the meeting.

I texted Frank and asked when he wanted to get together. He responded

1 at Route 74 Diner in Huntersville.

Damn, it was going to be one of those days.

The Monday meeting is where we go over what cases are being worked and their status. 5 divorces, Lancaster Chemical was being sued by an employee. We were handling two mergers, Martin Plumbing was buying a supplier in Maplewood and Allied Carolina Rubbish is buying another trash company in Georgia. That's 8 since they started. Some minor cases but nothing I had to be involved in on active bases. I usually came in at the end for glad handing,

I told my secretary, Lilly that I would be out for lunch and went to meet Frank. The ride was 30 minutes since it was on the other side of town. There were two Route 74 Diners. Owned by the same people on each side of town. Route 74 is a Blue Route that runs almost through the state.

I got there at 1:15 and Frank as usual was already there. I don't know if he was ever late once in his life. We shook hands as I sat and ordered drinks. He got he usual Arnold Palmer. I got a sweet tea. We had become good friends over the years. I trust him as much I trust anyone. I wanted to jump right in but he said lets order first. He ordered a Reuben with fries and I got a BLT extra bacon and onions rings.

He had picked a table in the middle of the restaurant. Knowing Frank it was on purpose. So I wouldn't make a scene. I noticed there was a manila envelope on the sit next to him.

"Okay Frank the anticipation is killing me what do you have?"

Wiping his mouth he sighed, "From the beginning. I got to the Bellemore Inn where they were staying. There's only 6 rooms plus dining room and spa area. It's a converted colonial house with some modern additions. It's located on the beach. Part of it is fenced off for privacy. I got all the room numbers. I put camera's in her room and on a whim in the other rooms also. They checked in at 11am."

"Now, I don't recommend you watch the video. You can read the transcripts. I want you to think if you want to try to save the marriage. When her and I hate to tell you, lover, who is a Jared Jackson 23 years old, He works at a consulting firm with the guy Helen is shacked up with. Within the first 30 minutes they proceeded to have sexual relations. Throughout the weekend it was either sightseeing or having sex. They had sex on a beach Saturday afternoon. From conversation I taped this wasn't the first time. I believe its been 4 or 5 months. She mentioned cutting you off since last month."

Fucking Bitch! God Damn Slut! "I'll be right back" And got up and walked out the restaurant. I'm usually a cool and calm person. But this, this was to fucking personal. That Bitch fucking someone else after all this time. Shit, our whole marriage is in doubt. Are the kids mine? Is this the first time? I'm going to destroy that bitch.

People are looking at me walk back and forth talking to myself. I know I look crazy. If I wasn't dressed in a nice suit they probably would have called the police by now. I took a breath and went back inside.

"I'm glad you're back, I was worry and getting ready to go out and get you."

"I'm not good but I will be okay. Do you have anymore?"

"Yeah, I was going to get to that before you ran out. The camera in Helen's room. Besides the sex there was some interesting conversation. Helen's lover, a Derrick Sutton was the one who introduced Maggie to Jared. Derrick was saying how Jared is ready to break it off with Maggie. She's becoming irritating with complaining about you all the time. Jared is saying its not worth the hassle. Helen asked if he had another friend he could hook her up with? She's loosened up now. Not like when she first got with Jared. They shouldn't have to use Ecstasy this time around. Those were Helen's words."

"So you're saying they drugged her the first time?"

"It appears so, She was devastated the first time she and Jared had sex. The second time also. Between the drugs and her 'friends' he used air quotes', pushing her to continue, well here we are. Its up to you decide who is really at fault."

"The first time being drugged I could get over. Hell even the second time. But to continue and even cut me off so she could have sex with some asshole I will not tolerate or forgive. I can't see any ending except divorce. I need to get some things together. She's already threatened to take half of everything. I can't let that happen. I know I can't use the pictures or video in court, but they will give me some leverage."

"Tom, I'm your friend. I know you're usually a level headed guy and while this is a different situation please don't lose your humanity over this. Go away for a couple of days so you're not around her. Take a trip to the mountains. Give yourself a chance to think. Decide what you want to do. You have a lot invested in this marriage."

"I appreciate everything you have done for me Frank. You are a good friend who I knew I could depend on. I think I will take your advice. I haven't been to the mountains since the kids were young. For your help I'll even pay for lunch."

"Your generosity shows no bounds" he laughed and slapped my back as we left the restaurant.

I didn't even want to go home. I called Lilly to let her know I would be out of the office for 2 or 3 days. If they really needed me she can call. Important VIP things only please. Trevor my senior partner could handle anything. I didn't even call Maggie. I just got in my car and drove. I stopped at Walmart on the way to pick up some clothes and supplies.

I drove 3 hours into western Carolina to a small railroad town called Bryson City. The town had maybe 30,000 with one motel but its all I needed. A nice mom and pop diner called, Bryson City Diner, who would have thought, and close enough to some places to go sight seeing. I promised myself I wouldn't drink my problems away. I needed a clear head. Okay maybe I'll have a beer if I can find a liquor store.

I stopped to get something to eat. Nothing like a real hand formed hamburger patty dripping with grease, fresh tomatoes, pickles and extra bacon. They even had hand cut fries like at the beach. Except not over priced. I sat at the counter and had some nice banter with a couple, Harry and Anna, who lived in Bryson City all their lives. We talked about everything from the Panthers sucking to App State sucking this year, Charlotte setting new records in sucking and East Carolina not sucking as much. Anna knows her Carolina football. They told me where the liquor store was and I was on my way.

Having gotten my Red Oak Amber Ale I sat down with my notebook and wrote down my plans and what needed to do to end this mirage of a marriage. By notebook I meant paper and pen. It helps writing things out instead of typing it. At least for me.

Chapter 9

It had been all day and Maggie hadn't heard from Tom. She called the office and Lilly told her he had left for 2 or 3 days' How could he leave without telling her where he was going. He's so uncaring.

She tried calling his phone without success. "Damn him, how can he just run off like this? He can be so frustrating."I said to an empty house.

Why would he leave without telling me where he was going? He was short and never talked to me when I came home yesterday from my weekend with the girls. I keep saying the girls, it was with Jared and the girls but mostly with Jared. He couldn't know what happened. We were 3 hours away. He was 3 hours away and didn't know which hotel we were in. He's been clueless this whole time. Why now all of a sudden? Maybe he's cheating? That no good bastard, if he's fucking around on me I'll ruin him. How dare he!

Yes, the contradiction was lost on Maggie. So she fumed. She didn't want to call Jared. She shouldn't call Helen, She was starting to believe she was one of the reasons she was in this mess.

Reality hit her hard. She had no one to call coming to the conclusion that she had turned away from her old friends when she starting hanging around with Helen, Patrice, Joan and Dawn.

Not wanting to be alone I called my oldest daughter Cindy to see if she wanted to have lunch. "Hey baby girl. What are you doing today? Want to spend some time with your mother?"

"Wow mom, I haven't heard from you in months. What's the special occasion?'

"Can't a mother want to have lunch with her favorite daughter? We need to catch up."

"Sure mom, I can meet you for lunch. The kids get out of school at 3. What time and where?"

"One o'clock at Bardea? How does that sound."

"Expensive, its sounds expensive mom. How about we meet at Wildwich Burgers? That way I won't have to get all dressed up."

"Well, Okay Wildwich at noon. I'll see you there"'

Chapter 10

Sure I haven't talked my mother in a while though I have talked to dad recently. I knew things were bad. I could tell by the way dad was talking he was headed to divorce. He had explained how she had been treating him and went away for the weekend. With dad leaving on short notice I think something happened and he found out.

He asked me not to say anything to mom. He tries to keep the lawyer face but I know my dad. I could see the hurt in his face and hear it in his voice.

Mom has changed in the last half year. Ever since she started hanging out with those women. Dad calls them the Shrew Crew. Its funny because it fits. I run into her old friends and they ask what happened to my mother. I don't know what to tell them.

The fact that she immediately wanted to go to Bardea was telling. It was a fancy restaurant. She's forgotten her roots. She has, well my father has money, so I guess she feels entitles. She's living the high life without realizing the cost. My father worked hard and made a lot of sacrifices. And even though he was working hard he was always there for us. Never missing a game, play or recital. He might have been late a time or two but he was there in the end.

I pull up in my Toyota Forerunner and see moms Mercedes. She's waiting inside dressed like she's meeting the Queen of England. We give each other a hug, order and sit down to wait for our food. Wildwich makes some of the best craft style burgers. And those hand cut fries are to die for.

"So mother, what brings about this unexpected invitation for lunch?"

She exhales, "Cindy can't a mother want to spend time with her daughter. As you said its been some time since we've been together."

"Well mom since you started hanging out with your new friends it seems you haven't had time for anyone, Dad included. So really, whats going on mom?"

Luckily for her our food came. I got a bacon cheeseburger with mushrooms and extra bacon. Mom got a salad. Who does that at the best burger place in the city? I wasn't going to let her skate on answering my questions.

"Mom, I noticed you never answered my question. What's going on with you and dad. We have talked several times the last couple of months. I also know he left the house. He wouldn't do that if it wasn't serious."

"Oh he is overacting. I went for a spa trip with the girls and he got his panties in a bunch. He wouldn't even talk to me when I got home. I know things have been rough lately but I was going to try to reconnect with him. How can I do that if he won't talk to me and isn't home. He ran away like a little boy."

"Do you hear yourself. You demeaned him twice right now. Is this the way you've been talking to him? If it is I can see why he's so frustrated. When did you start looking down on him like that? Could it be because of your new friends."

"Things change Cindy. Its the way life is. Maybe your father and I just grew apart. Life gets stale after 30 years. I needed more in my life. I spent most of life raising you kids and taking care of your father. I loved doing it, don't get me wrong. I wouldn't change it for the world. But now its time for me to live my life. I want to have fun and experience new adventures. Is that to much to ask."

I heard her talking, this person in my mothers body but this isn't the same woman that raised me. "So now your entitled to throw away 30 years so you can 'have new adventures' I used air quotes, 'Would these adventures include sleeping with other men? Is that what this is all about? Have you talked to Dad about how you feel. Maybe he was ready to look for new adventures? Have you given that any thought. Perhaps this is all an excuse to slut around mother."

"I'm not a slut thank you very much. I need more out of my life. When I got back from the spa weekend I had decided to try to reconnect with Tom. He did not even talk to me and then left for a couple of days. I don't even know where he.....is.......I wanted......."

She stopped talking and got a far away look. Her eyes became glassy. It was like she forgot what she was going to say. Than all of a sudden her eyes rolled into her head and she fainted. She hit her head on the floor and her nose was bleeding. I rushed to her calling for help. Other people had seen what happened and came to assist. Someone said they had called 911.

Paramedics and the fire department both responded very quickly even thought it seems like forever. As they were treating her she came to but seemed confused. Once they had her stabilized with a neck brace she was transported to Greenville Memorial.

I called my husband Matt to let him know what happened and that he would have to get the kids after school. He gave my mom his prayers and rang off. I called my father next. He answered promptly. "Daddy, Mommy passed out and they took her to the hospital. I'm following the ambulance now. You need to come home Daddy"

"Slow down baby, What happened before she passed out? Was she with you when it happened"? He knew it was serious when she said Mommy and Daddy instead of Mom and Dad.

"We were having lunch. She called me earlier and invited me out. We were talking. I asked her why she was doing the things she had been doing lately. She started to talk and it seemed like she got confused than passed out. She hit her head and her nose started bleeding. You need to come and be with her."

"Cindy, I'm in the mountains in Bryson City. It will take me at least 3 or 4 hours. I'm leaving now. Can you stay with her until I get there. She should have her insurance information in her purse."

"Okay Dad, I have her purse. Be careful driving. I'll keep you up to date. I love you."

"I love you too baby."

Chapter 11

I pulled into the Emergency Room as I was ending the call with my father. The Ambulance had already gotten there and taken inside. I went to the nurses desk after clearing security. The nurse looked at her computer. She directed me through the door and to her room. I couldn't get in as they were working on her. The room was full of activity. I guess they were her vitals.

The doctor came out and seeing me asked if I was related to the patient. I told him I was her daughter and my father was on his way but 3 hours away. He said "She passed out again when they bought her in, we're going to run some test soon to find out why this is happening. Has she ever fainted before or recently?"

"Not that I know of Doctor."

"Shes stable now but they have to do a CAT Scan on her head since she hit it when she passed out the first time. Shes going to monitored closely until we can find out why all this happened."

"Thank you Doctor, Can I go in and see her."

"Sure, shes out right now. She'll probably wake sometime soon." He hurried off to his next emergency.

I went in and my mother was so pale. In the short time since she passed out it looked like had sunken in on herself. I was scared for her. For the first time in a long time I prayed. I called Chris, Andrea and Jason. Jason was still overseas in Scotland on work assignment. I caught him as he was coming out of work. Told him I would keep him up to date and if he needed to come home. Andrea would be here when she got a babysitter. I left a voice mail for Chris.

When I was done making calls I noticed my mom was awake. I told her not to try to talk and explained what happened. She got upset and was getting agitated and I tried to reassure her she would be okay. She calmed down when I told her Dad was coming back but it would be a while.

An escort came to take her to get the CAT Scan done. Once she left I could finally break down. I didn't want her to see how worried I was. I called Matt to let him know what was going on. I didn't have much to tell him. I spoke to the kids briefly. Now all I could do was wait.

Chris called me back before mom came back from Radiology. I explained to him what I could. Not having any information was frustrating.

He asked, "Why isn't Dad there with her. That's not like him."

"He was in the mountains. He took a short break. He'll be here in a couple of hours. He left as soon as I called him. This happened when me and mom were having lunch. Shes getting a CAT Scan because she hit her head when she fell."

"Okay Cindy, I'll get there as soon as I can. If anything changes call me."

30 minutes later they wheeled her back in. We sat in silence until Andrea came in. I went over what little I knew with her. She hugged mom the best she could. She got mom caught up with what her grandchildren were doing. Andrea had 2 kids, Kendall Jr 8 and Nichelle 6. Her husband is in the army stationed at Fort Liberty. We sat talking between Andrea and me. I hadn't talked to her in a while. It had been a while since we three had been together.

2 hours later a different doctor came in. He asked her name and birth date. Once he was assured she was who she was supposed to be he started to explain. "Mrs. Pohl, The CAT scan showed a mass on your brain. Have you been experiencing headaches lately?"