Chapter 4
Four
Angela had been extremely annoyed by what Michael had said; the gall of him.
Who did he think he was? Although they had gotten to know each other a little better, it still didn’t give him the right.
He almost seemed jealous; possessive even.
The feelings in her were mixed. Although she had been quite angry, the passion in him as he spoke to her made him seem even more desirable than he had ever been to her.
She hated feeling this attraction and passion between them.
She didn’t need this right now; her life was going just fine as planned.
The more she thought about their conversation, the more she did seriously consider what he had said.
She decided that indeed, she was going to get her independence back.
She went to the college to inquire further about the nursing program; the registration dates, fees and prerequisites.
She had the prerequisites and the funds in her personal account.
She would never dare ask Robert for the funds - he would be upset enough.
She would wait until she was officially registered to tell him.
She took Madison to the Petting Zoo. Madison loved to pet the goats, ponies and lamas, and check out the rabbits and chickens.
Every week, Angela would steal her away from her grandmother and take her somewhere fun.
Both Madison and her grandmother appreciated the gesture.
And of course, Angela loved every minute of it.
She met with an event decorator who specialized in weddings.
They discussed flower arrangements, candlebrellas, table centerpieces and room decorations.
The wedding was to take place in a church and the reception was to follow in a near-by hall.
Of course, Robert was not consulted; he had made it clear he didn’t care about such things.
Angela suggested and arbor covered in ivy; she had been inspired by Michael’s garden.
She thought it would be quite romantic. This would add significant cost to the budget; she would have to check with Robert.
As she ate her buttered toast and drank her coffee, she couldn’t stop thinking about the flowers.
Could Robert be doing it again? He had promised her he would never touch another woman again.
He had reassured her it had been a one time thing; it had no meaning at all.
After a short trial separation, he had proven his love by asking her to marry him.
A year later, she thought she was finally done with her doubts; that she had buried them deep in a drawer and locked them up for good.
“I guess I was wrong. I’ll probably never trust him again.” She sighed and closed her eyes. “I’m not even sure I can trust myself.”
On Saturday, Krysta and Madison waited for her by the fountain at the mall. Madison was dressed in a pretty plaid spring dress, her curly locks tied into the sweetest tiniest pigtails. She gave Angela her usual wide grin and ran over to her to give her a hug.
“Wow... that was the best hug ever.” Angela kneeled down to kiss her on the cheek.
They made their way to the photo studio where Madison was getting her spring pictures taken. Krysta had insisted Angela be in a shot with her; she was after all, her favorite auntie, Godmother, babysitter and best friend. Angela had gladly obliged.
They had booked the first appointment to avoid a long wait. The photographer; a young cheerful woman, ushered them into the studio. Her face lit up as soon as she saw Madison, dressed in her best; she knew she had something good to work with.
“You are adorable, pumpkin. We’re going to take some great pictures.”
“Yeah!” Madison was excited. The photographer took her hand.
“Here you can play with these props for a second, while I set up the background.”
Angela and Krysta took their seats on the stools at the side of the room.
“So Angela, there’s this art show opening I’m going to in two weeks. A guy I know.”
“Boyfriend?”
“Well, sort of. How did you know?” she asked, not waiting for the answer. “He’s a little abstract but he’s good. I’m wearing my little red dress with the empire waist. You know the one?”
“Um....yeah...”
“Everyone wears black to these things but you know me – I like to stand out. And I’ve got these amazing new shoes. I got them 20% off last week.” She shot a smile at Madison.
“His name is Adam, and we’ve just started seeing each other. I met him through my ex.
“Which one?” Angela asked.
The photographer ushered Madison over to sit in front of the background with a flower basket and arranged her dress.
“You look fantastic Maddie,” Krysta told her.
“Jake. You remember him,” Krysta asked.
“Barely. Is he going to be there?”
“I think so. You think it will be awkward?”
“Oh... I don’t know. You’re asking the wrong person. Ask me about changing bandages and I can help you out.”
“Oh... Angela. You’re funny.”
“You’re the one who has all the fun.” Angela was envious.
“Well, it’s not that much fun having a one night stand, and ending up pregnant and alone, I’ll tell you that.”
Madison was playing it up for the camera; clearly in her element.
“Well, look what you have; the most adorable little girl I’ve ever seen,” Angela pointed out, smiling at Madison. “Heck, I should have a one night stand and get me one of my own,” she joked.
“Um...one night stand? Wouldn’t Robert do the trick?”
“No.” Angela looked at her horrified. “Robert doesn’t want any kids. I honestly think he hates kids.”
“C’mon. Who hates kids?”
“Robert,” she told her, serious.
“Yeah, come to think of it, he never gives Madison the time of day.”
They sat in silence for a few seconds.
“So... who would you have a one-night stand with?”
The photographer was just wrapping up with Madison. “We’re going to do the group shots now. We’ll need the stools.”
They brought the stools over and Krysta took her seat first, holding Madison on her lap.
“No one,” Angela told her blushing.
“Don’t tell me you don’t fancy anyone other than Robert.”
“Ok ladies, I don’t want chatter, I want smiles.”
Click. Click. Click.
Angela wanted so badly to tell her about Michael but knowing Krysta; she would jump to conclusions. Michael was just an acquaintance after all, and Krysta would surely make a big drama out of it. But it would be fun...oh, would it be fun to tell her all about him...oh... what the heck.
Click. Click. The photographer came over to adjust Madison’s dress.
“Well, there’s this one guy...”
“Oh... do tell.” Krysta’s ears perked up.
“That’s a great smile, pumpkin.” Click. Click. Click. The photographer was in the zone.
“Is he hot?”
“Um... he’s all right I guess.” Angela didn’t want too seem too excited about him.
“Ladies...smiles! Just one or two more shots.”
Click. Click.
Then came Angela’s turn; her turn to take pictures with her favorite little girl.
“You’re going to tell me more about this guy. I’m not letting you off the hook,” Krysta told her as Angela settled on the stool with Madison.
Like an excited girl in junior high, Angela told her best friend all about Michael.
She described him in the utmost detail, down to the last freckle.
She did admit to a little crush but she took care to emphasize the fact that she was a grown responsible woman, and would certainly not let anything get out of hand.
She told her all about their time together, the flat tire, the ladder, the art tour, the little debacle in the office.
“Oh girl, you’ve been holding out on me.” Krysta couldn’t believe it.
“Why didn’t you tell me about this guy before?”
“Well, he’s just some guy.”
Just some guy.
The week had been successful. She had succeeded in not thinking about Michael too much, keeping herself extremely busy. She half hoped she wouldn’t see him today; if she did, he would challenge her resolve all over again.
Dot informed her that they were now on chapter seven.
She had skipped three chapters and did not bother to fill her in.
Angela was annoyed but told herself she would go back and read the chapters on her own time.
After they finished reading the eighth chapter, Dot asked her how her weekend went.
It was uncharacteristically selfless of her.
“It was great. I took my Goddaughter to the Petting Zoo.”
“That’s great. I remember when Lewis and I used to take the kids.”
“Lewis? Is that Michael’s father?”
“Yes. He passed on a long time ago.”
“I’m sorry.” She wasn’t sure what to say.
“Michael was only ten years old,” she told her.
“I can’t imagine.” Angela sympathized.
“Well... you live through it.”
Angela realized that you really don’t know about people until you get to know them. They may appear harsh when you first meet them but sometimes life has made them that way. They grow a thick skin, stay at a safe distance.
“I think I may have a new man in my life,” Dot told her.
“He’s not a scoundrel?” Angela teased.
“Well, he hasn’t gotten into my skirt yet.” They both laughed.
Dot was quite chatty. She told her all about her new man; a retired school teacher who loved to read as much as she did.
They went for short walks; as much as she could handle.
They enjoyed dinner at restaurants. He bought her flowers and chocolates.
She told her she has yet to formally invite him over.
“Well, what are you waiting for?” Angela asked. “You should invite him over to our next reading session.”
“Oh, he’s not much for romance. He’s more of a mystery man.”
“Ah, men...” Angela said as she thought of Michael and was partially disappointed she hadn’t seen him.
Michael knew that this was going to be an awkward conversation. He had asked his mother to tell Angela to wait for him after they had finished their reading. Dot, of course, nosy and meddling as you can make them, pestered him with questions.
“What business have you got with her?” she asked over coffee.
“No business of yours, that kind of business, Mum,” he joked.
“You’re being coy. Now tell me, do you fancy her?”