The Curio Shop

“You get plenty of child support. Just make do! God—what’re you trying to do? Bankrupt me? If you just planned ahead, you’d have the money now. So don’t come begging to me.”      

The monsoon storm raging against the window was also raging inside Sharon. She felt as furious as the dust storm flattening the trees. She couldn’t believe what Richard was saying. How could he? He knew the kids needed school supplies and new clothes. What a selfish pig. It was just like him to only think of himself. How dare he say that the child support was enough? He was their father—how dare he not give a little extra when they needed it?

From experience Sharon knew that any angry response would start the same old fight. Squelching the red cloud threatening to envelop her, her hands clenched into fists. Taking a deep breath, she relaxed her hands and counted to ten before answering.

“Richard, if you had money for your trip to New Zealand, surely you have money for your kids! I’m sure you spared no expense for your girlfriend.” Sarcasm was dripping off Sharon’s words.

“That’s none of your damn business!! In case you’ve forgotten, we’re divorced. You don’t have any say in my life. At least Mona knows to treat a man.”

“You scumbag. All I want is a little extra for the kids. You don’t have to throw your affair in my face. You didn’t even have the decency to wait until we were divorced to take up with that gold-digger.”

Richard scowled at her, turned on his heel, and slammed out the door. Watching through the window, Sharon gloated as the dust storm whipped against him, slapping his face. Oh, how she wished she could have slapped him too. She shouldn’t have been surprised. She shouldn’t have expected better from him. The best thing that ever happened to her was divorcing that bastard. She just wished that she didn’t feel so lonely and empty.

* * * * *

Across town, the monsoon storm had passed, leaving broken tree limbs and destruction in its wake. Glancing out her bedroom window at the debris scattered across the front yard, Ceci struggled to hold back her tears. She tried to steady her voice as she gripped the phone. She wouldn’t let Chad know how deeply he had hurt her.

“Ceci, I just can’t go to your parents’ anniversary party. That’s the night of the fraternity rush. I never miss it. I was president of the fraternity for god’s sake. You should know better than to ask me to.”

“But, can’t you come afterwards?”

“Baby, you know I’d like to, but we’re discussing the new pledges afterwards. I can’t miss that. Those guys are going to be my frat brothers. I don’t want any losers pledging. You understand, don’t you?”

Ceci’s body started to tremble as she listened to his excuses. She really wanted him there. But, maybe she was asking too much. Maybe she was being selfish. She didn’t want him to be angry with her, so she gave in. “You’re right, Chad, you need to be there. I’m sorry for not realizing how important that is to you.”

“That’s my girl. I knew you’d understand. Afterwards, why don’t you come over for a little make-up time? Other girls are coming.”

“Ok, if it’s not too late, I’ll try.”

In a fog, Ceci slowly lowered the phone. Staring at it, she couldn’t believe what just happened. Was she really being selfish asking Chad to come to the anniversary party? No, Chad would come if he could. He loved her. She just wouldn’t think about it right now. But, how was she going to tell her parents that her boyfriend wouldn’t be there?