[Author's Notes: Still working on The Bonding Ritual. You'll recognize some of the same characters here, although certain aspects have changed. I decided on a slightly different perspective focusing on 2 characters instead of just one. I hope you enjoy!]
Chapter 1
Stacy stared out the kitchen window upon the main road that wound through the small suburban neighborhood she lived in, her ghostly reflection staring lifelessly back at her. Dreary dark clouds rolled across the morning sky reflecting her mood. There was a buzzing sound behind her, which Stacy paid no attention, her thoughts drifting to the past, as they often did these days.
A tap on her shoulder startled her, bringing her back to the present.
"Honey?" Mark, her husband, called to her. For a moment, she continued to stare out the window, watching one of the neighbors jogging down the street. She quickly composed herself before turning around to face Mark with a painted smile, a hint of concern on his face.
"Oh, hey dear, I didn't hear you!" Stacy recovered.
Mark reached passed her, turning the faucet off, the teapot that Stacy had started to fill in the sink overflowing, "Everything okay?"
"Of course, why wouldn't it be?" Stacy quickly busied herself, tipping some of the water out as if she intended to overfill the pot before placing it on the stove, twisting the knob to start boiling the water.
Mark looked as though he wanted to say something before changing his mind and turning around to grab something from the back of one of the bar stools lining the kitchen island. "I was asking about which tie do you think I should wear for my first day."
Mark first grabbed the blue tie, holding it up to his neck. Next, he showed a dark green one that matched the sports coat he was wearing.
"The other one," Stacy said with a smile, she always liked the way the blue one matched his eyes. It was one of the first things she noticed about Mark when she first saw him in college. That thought threatening to bring back Stacy's somber mood.
"Thanks! I'd be lost without you," Mark quickly wrapped the blue tie around his neck and tying it in place hastily, leaving it slightly skewed.
Stacy moved in front of him, looking up into he eyes as she straightened his tie. "You're going to do great, dear."
"I'm so nervous!" Mark tapped his foot, a mixture of anxiety and excitement.
"They're going to love you, what's not to love?" Stacy smiled, cupping his cheek affectionately.
Mark let out a long sigh, "Okay, I better get going. I don't want to be late!" Mark kissed Stacy, his welcoming lips meshing with hers as they shared a moment before he turned to grab his keys. "I'll see you tonight! Love you!"
"Love you too!" Stacy called back as Mark disappeared into the garage, the sound of the garage door rumbling open followed by the car engine starting and then disappearing. She watched his car drive off into the distance from the kitchen window, quickly falling back into her earlier thoughts.
Stacy had a loving husband, lived in a beautiful house in a safe neighborhood, and with Mark's new job, they could afford to enjoy the finer things in life. She had everything she had always wanted, so why did she feel like something was missing?
Stacy's thoughts drifted back to when she first saw Mark. She was a cheerleader and he was quarterback of the college football team. At the time, Mark was dating April, the head cheerleader. Mark probably didn't even know her name at the time. Why would he? April was the perfect female specimen: perfectly symmetrical face, green eyes that seemed to sparkle, long flowing dark hair that looked like it came straight from a shampoo commercial, perky breasts and firm ass. Every man wanted to be with her and every woman wanted to be her.
However, at an important game in Mark's senior year, he tore his ACL during a bad tackle by the opposing team. He spent months in rehabilitation and even attempted surgery, but his time playing football was over and so was his relationship with April. Mark had a hard time trying to find his place in life. Football had been everything to him, but after taking a year off, he came back and completed his biochemistry degree with high honors.
It was during that last year that Stacy and Mark became an item, and their relationship exploded. Shortly after graduation, Mark was given a paid internship at a pharmaceutical company in a neighboring state.
Stacy remembered the day well. Mark told her about the internship, and the first thing that came to Stacy's mind was that Mark was breaking up with her. She almost broke down in tears, but when she turned around, Mark was on one knee proposing to her, asking her to marry him. It was a simple wedding since they didn't have a great deal of money, but it was perfect. Just them and a few close friends in an intimate ceremony followed by a night that none of them can quite remember thanks to how much they drank.
Shortly after, they moved and Mark began working hard to build up his career. The internship lasted five years. That was when he received an offer from a new biotech company called Aurelius Dynamics that brought them back to their home state. They moved into a small suburban neighborhood just outside of the city. Mark's new salary was incredible given his experience.
However, moving back caused a rush of emotions for Stacy. Insecurities that she had buried during their five years living away had came rushing back. She couldn't help but feel like maybe she was just some rebound Mark settled for after April dumped him.
Despite long hours at the office, Mark still maintained his chiseled good looks. Whenever they went out together, Stacy noticed how beautiful women would boldly flirt with him in front of her. Mark was always the gentleman though, instantly shutting them down. That didn't stop her from wondering if he secretly resented the fact that he married her so quickly.
