by Cheryl Loux

Created on: December 13, 2007

Somnolence

Ethan's heart beat so hard and fast that it made his fingertips tingle. He closed his eyes and inhaled, trying to calm himself. No, she didn't just say that. How could she say that? Mouth cotton dry, Ethan's attempts to swallow and comprehend the words from Angela's mouth were feeble at best. He sat up in the bed. The feeling of warm romance he wanted to share with her dissipated.

"I'm sorry," Angela said with a sighed.

"How long has this been going on?" Ethan managed. He looked at her, trying to make eye contact.

"Does it matter?" Angela asked, avoiding his gaze.

"Yes, it matters to me, Angela. If I cheated on you" his voice trailed off, caught in the cotton.

"I've ended it. So, let's just get past this."

Ethan didn't know if he could. He had to get out of their bed, their now tainted bed. He was so faithful to his lovely wife. Ethan didn't know any other way to be. He allowed Angela's outspoken desire for privacy. He accepted her strange sense of independence with no questions asked. Ethan allowed Angela to be who she needed to be and would do anything for her. That's just who Ethan was. He ignored his friends' advice. Ethan loved Angela so much that it made his eyes water when he thought of her. Ethan thought this love was enough for Angela.

"I'll be back," he said. He subconsciously grabbed his cell phone as he always did-just in case she needed him, he would be available.

The morning clouds hung low and were dark with moisture. Ethan hardly noticed the impending storm or the brisk, wet air even though he only wore shorts and a tee shirt for his morning run. The headache that threatened to pound in time with his heart subsided. The run would be refreshing and would help him think, sort things out. Angela, his lovely wife had betrayed him.

Ethan remembered the first time he saw Angela. Her laughter was what caught his attention. It tingled like little bells and was lively, from the heart. She was beautiful too. Her wavy, reddish brown hair cascaded in little ripples just past her shoulders. Her cinnamon brown skin complemented the light brown eyes that danced with specks of gold and held his gaze adoringly. Ethan could stare into those eyes forever.

Angela was flirtatious. Her voice, as rich as fine Godiva chocolate and sultry as a moist summer day, dripped with a sexiness Ethan found difficult to resist. He had fallen for her within moments after seeing her.

"You come here often?" Ethan stammered. The line was corny, but he was lost in those eyes and

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>