CHAPTER ONE

"Mark, this is disgusting!"

Giselle looked around the apartment with a look of disgrace. Piles of trash filled the bins. Dirty laundry covered the floor. Several half-eaten pizza boxes sat on the coffee table. "Why is this place such a mess? I was only gone for a couple of days?"

Marcus rolled his eyes. He glanced up from his video game as the flat screen blared the latest first person shooter game. "Dunno. Just kinda happened."

Giselle threw an old shirt at him that smacked him in the eyes. "Please, clean this up. I don't want to come home to these kinds of messes anymore. Especially not right after work trips."

Work trips.
Marcus sat up with a heave and looked up at Giselle with a lazy glance. "I'm so sure your trip to Colorado was such a drag. All I wanted to do was relax while you were gone. Weren't you basically on some kind of vacation?"

"No. It was meeting after meeting about different ways to evaluate patients on a more naturalistic approach, versus prescribing them constant prescriptions and medications."

"In a five star hotel. With hot tubs." Marcus retorted.

He stood up with a stretch. Giselle was a licensed psychologist through a very high-end institute on the upper east side of Weston. Her work provided all forms of various bonuses and awards for their employment. To him, this trip was no different. With Giselle away, whats the harm in a little relaxation.

Giselle ran her hands through her brown hair. Her eyes darted around at the mess that covered their home. "This place is disgusting. Help me clean it up."

Marcus kicked over the lid to a pizza box and found a slice of cheese and olive that stretched over the carpet. "It's not that bad."

Giselle glared at him as she ran to the kitchen and put her bags on the counter. "When did you become such a slob? I'm sore and tired from the bus ride back here. I'm going to take a shower. If you're as nice of a fiancé as I remember, then you'll have this all clean before I return." She sniffed her blazer and shook her head with a sour expression.

She turned on the balls of her feet before disappearing down the hallway. The click of the bathroom door ended the conversation.

"Fiance." Marcus told himself, as he began to clean up the room. "There's that word again. What does it mean to be married if not a slave?" The idea of listening to Giselle boss him around for the rest of his life almost made him nauseous. Resentful.

His mind wandered while he cleaned the house. It was a modest two story white picket fence and back yard bundle they had bought together two years ago. With his job in insurance going well and Giselles degree earning fat stacks, they were very comfortable. Relaxed. Even talked about life with children and a dog. A fucking golden retriever.

He rubbed his eyes. They were sore from excessive gaming. How long was he playing for? 10. 12 hours? Too long.

The sounds of the water running in the bathroom echoed around the home. Marcus tidied the place up and adjusted several photos and books on the shelves and bookcases. He tossed the boxes in the trash. Vacuumed the floors. Just as he was finishing up, Giselle stepped out of the bathroom. Her hair was up in a bun with a towel wrapped around her body. She looked at the room and smiled. "Much better."

"Mhm." Marcus said. "Did you have a nice trip?"

"Like I said before. Boring."

"Oh."

The two stood in silence as Giselle went to the bedroom to change. "Don't you have work today?" She asked.

"What time is it?" Marcus grunted, as he turned and looked for a clock or phone screen. He pulled back a curtain and was greeted by the bright rays of the sun. They burned his eyes and he stepped back with a hiss.

"Almost that time." Giselle told him. "My bus ride was an overnighter. I'm exhausted. You need to get to work."

"What a nag." Marcus said under his breath. "I don't tell you how to do your job."

He was greeted by a shoe thrown directly into his face.

"Okay. You win."


The office was buzzing with energy as Marcus typed away at his corner desk. His screen was filled with client tracking numbers and I voices for recent sales he had made. His company specialized in home and auto insurance. He made salary but if they were doing well, they were offered commission. Unfortunately, he hadn't made that bonus in months. Work had been a slippery slope that felt more like a chore than anything.

His cubicle was littered with post it notes and taped pieces of paper with special insurance offers and prices. His feet were propped up on a paper shredder as he held his keyboard on his lap. His eyes glared at the computer screen with a dull hatred. "Fuck this job."

"Off day?" A friendly voice asked, as a mop of red hair popped up from the other wide of the cubicle. It was his co workweek and childhood friend, Roman Yangles. His white dress shirt was tucked tightly into his pants and his pants were pressed.

He was a normally clean and friendly person who always seemed to know when Marcus was pissed.

"Something like that."

"You and the old lady get into another fight?" Roman asked. His large blue eyes regarded Marcus with a curious light.

"Piss off." He threw a tape dispenser that Roman dodged with ease. It flew overhead and a crashing sound resounded from several cubicles over.

"Who threw that?" A voice yelled. "My coffee was finally cooling down!"

"A little early to mess with Saul." Roman told him. "What's going on? I thought we were best buds."

"Giselle got home from her trip." Marcus confessed, as he sat up in his chair and rubbed his eyes. "The second she came through the door, she started bossing me around. It was nice not having her for three days."

"We're talking about the same girl you took to the High School prom?" Roman asked. "The same girl you stared at all through freshman Chemistry?"

Marcus didn't respond.

Roman ducked down and returned through the doorway of the cubicle. In his hand he held an egg sandwich from the gas station. The plastic wrapped food was held in front of him like an offering as he flipped over Marcus' trash can.

Msecus accepted the offering and snacked on it. Roman tipped over the contents of the trash can.

Balled up papers spilled everywhere and Roman took a seat on top of the basket.

Marcus grunted. "Man, I had candy wrappers in there."

"What's been going on with you two lately?" Roman asked. Ever since the proposal, you've been different."

Marcus sighed as he looked back to his computer screen. "I don't remember giving you my health insurance. You can't be my therapist."

Roman scrunched his eyebrows together. "I'm just trying to do my best friend solid. Giselle is an awesome girl. She always has been. For some reason, I don't think you see that anymore."

"Maybe not." He muttered, as he continued working on his excel spreadsheet. "I don't know. Marriage just keeps getting scarier. I can't imagine being stuck with her nagging the rest of my life."

Roman looked at his friend with silent sympathy. The lanky, bushy haired 24 year old had been Marcus' best friend for over ten years. He was always going to be there for him no matter what. There were some problems that he couldn't solve, though.

He clapped his friend on the shoulder and returned to his cubicle. Marcus let out a low sigh before settling back into his chair. "And don't forget to clean up this trash!"


Giselle sat and waited patiently for her friends to arrive at the restaurant.

After sleeping for a few hours, she hightailed to the gym for a 2 hour workout followed by palates. She had a 20 minute phone conference on the drive over, and learned she was getting a raise at work.

Everything was almost perfect. Everything except for her salad fork. She quickly re aligned it with her soup spoon. Perfect.

The restaurant was very elegant. White clothed tables filled thebdining room. Murals of parks and paintings filled the walls and chandeliers hung on golden chains from the high ceilings. It was a great Italian restaurant on the upper end of Weston. It was also her and Marcus' first date. Nearly 9 years ago.

"Hey, Giselle!"

She looked up from her dinnerware to her friends, Douglas and Halle. The two of them joined her at the table. Douglas immediately started munching on bread. Halle gave Giselle a hug. "It's good to see you. How was your trip?"

"Not very exciting." She answered. "Hotel was nice, though."

"Meet any new people?" Douglas asked, as he looked up from the bread bowl. Cheeks stuffed. "Anyone exciting?"

"No?" Giselle cooked her head, confused. "Just the usual coworkers. Why?"

Halle shot Douglas a dirty look. A quick movement came about from under the table. Douglas flinched.

"Tell us about your trip." Halle insisted.

A waiter came by to bring them drinks and take orders. When he left, Giselle told them all about the office's latest studies and research being developed into naturalistic remedies. She talked to them about the amazing hotel food and scenery, and even a funny incident where her boss knocked over the podium during a seminar and hurt his foot.

She laughed hard at it. It was a strange relief. As if she hadn't smiled all day.

Douglas and Halle were great listeners, too. She had been friends with them since college. Douglas was a sheriff's deputy in a town over, while Halle lived in Weston with her husband. She was a teacher at Weston High. They were both amazing people and some of her most trusted friends.

"What about you two?" She asked. "Doug, you still working out at that gym across town? I just finished a set there."

Douglas flexed his large biceps in response. "Every morning. 5AM is the time for champions."

"That's incredible." Halle chimed in. "My husband is more of a runner. He can go miles without stopping." Halle turned to Giselle. "What about you, Elle? Does Marcus like exercising?"

"Only in video games." She said, followed by a sigh. "He used to be a cross country champion. He's a little pudgier now, but he's still great. Really great."

Crickets could've filled the silence. Her friends have her puzzled looks. It was obvious she was convincing anyone. Not even herself.

"Something happen?" Douglas asked, Just as the waiter returned with their meals. Pasta dishes all around.

"No…" She told them. "Nothing out of the ordinary at least."

She explained the latest argument, followed by the rude texts she had received during her time st the gym. As well as a voice-mail Marcus left on her phone saying he wasn't going to be home for dinner. Something about going to Roman's after work for video games.

Was her fork moving on its own? She better fix it again.

Douglas and Halle returned knowing looks.

"What is it?" Giselle asked.

"Elle, you know we love you, right?" Halle game her a small smile.

"Yes?"

"Well, have you ever really thought about your current relationship? Are you sure that Mark is the guy for you?"

"Of course he is?" Giselle told them. Her voice came out as a squeak. "We've been together forever. I don't know anyone else aside from him."

"That's our point, Ellle." Halle told her. "The fighting has gotten worse. He's ignoring you more. This isn't a good foundation for a marriage."

Giselle knew it.

Years of psychology. The rude comments Mark made under his breath. The most simplistic tacks causing uproars. Her friends were right. "This isn't the first time you two have mentioned this."

"It won't be the last, either." Douglas reminded her.

Giselle focused on her food as she picked up her salad fork. She twirled a piece of lettuce around before dropping it onto the floor. Her eyes watered. "My fork!"

The room grew quiet. All of the customers and staff gave her a confused look. Giselle laughed nervously and slowly placed the fork back onto the table. "Really, I'm fine." She whispered.

Douglas and Halle gave each other looks of obvious disbelief.

"Look, I love and appreciate you both." Giselle told them, as she took their hands. "There are just some things I need to figure out for myself."


"I think you need to figure it out by yourself." Roman told him.

The two stood outside Roman's garage as they looked up at a swarming beehive. It buzzed and vibrated, dangling from a small branch near the roof.

Roman and Marcus watched it carefully. Marcus sipped from a beer while a lit cigarette sat in his other hand. "You need any help getting it down?"

Roman shook his head. "No, I can hire somebody. Also, when did you start smoking again?"

"Are you my mom?" Marcus took another puff. "You going to get on my case for drinking, too?"

"Well, I thought you quit both years ago." Roman told him. "I thought Giselle asked you to."

"What she doesn't know won't hurt her." He gulped down the last of the beer and smashed the can under his foot.

Roman watched him with a small frown. "That stuff isn't good for you, Mark."

Marcus ignored him. Instead, he picked up the flattened can and pitched it at the hive. The metal ricochet off the hive and the branch shook. Bees angrily flew around the branch in a frenzy.

"Don't piss them off." Roman warned. "I can't have them stinging my dogs."

Two golden retrievers watched from the windows of Roman's house.

"I just want to scare them a little." Marcus told him. "Get me another can."

Roman rolled his eyes. "You drank them all."

"Oh, right."

"Do you need a ride home?" Roman asked.

"A ride?" Marcus asked, as he looked at his watch. "It's only 7 o clock."

"Yes, and I have a roast in the oven." Roman told him. "I have a date with Cindy tonight, remember? That girl from shipping. The cute blonde."

Marcus grunted. "Dude, don't let yourself get tied up with some chick? It's not a fun time."

"Don't lecture me when you're drunk." Roman told him, as he took one of his friend's arms over his shoulder. "Come on. I'll have Giselle pick you up."

"Boo." Marcus told him, before passing out in the grass.



The ride was deathly quiet.
At least, at first.

"Drinking?" Giselle asked, as she glanced over to a barely conscious Marcus laying against the glass in the passenger seat. "Smoking, too. Jesus Christ. What else are you hiding from me?

"Broke my diet." He admitted to her. "Had three candy bars today."

"Of course you did." She pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration. She wore a black robe over her pajamas and her makeup had been stripped away. Her brown hair was tied up above her head, aside a few strands that had fallen before her brow.

"You look pretty." He told her.

"Thanks." Her voice was flat. "That's the first polite thing you've told me all day."

Marcus shifted his weight as he watched the city unfold through the glass. The night lights were peaceful as cars and pedestrians whipped by. His head hurt. His breath stank. He was definitely drunk.

"I know we've had our issues lately, Marcus, but you're starting to cross some lines. Look at yourself. What in the hell happened to you?"

"It's called…being an adult." He hiccuped. Nearly gagged. Choked it down. Finished his sentence. "I'm not as happy as I used to be."

"I've noticed. But I'm not a victim for your unhappiness to affect. I deserve to be happy too, Marcus."

That was two Marcus'. Giselle was seriously mad. He turned his head to look at her and noticed that she was crying. Her face was flushed and tears ran down her cheeks. As the lights flashed by her window, each block illuminated her blank and cold expression. He immediately began to sober up.

"Im…I'm sorry, Elle." He told her. His oxygen starved brain tried to find the words. Tried to sound them out correctly. "I guess, I need to try harder."

"That's an understatement." Again with the flat tone. No budge. It pissed him off.

"Maybe if you didn't nag me so much all the time, I wouldn't be so angry."

Shit. That was a mistake.

Giselle's head snapped at him. The cold turned to heat. She was mad. "Maybe I wouldn't be up your ass all the time if you didn't make me feel like I was babysitting instead of engaged. Have you seen yourself? When was the last time you did your gym exercises, by the way? When was your last paycheck bonus at work? You've dropped the ball on everything. Not just me!"

Marcus' drunk mind grew bitter. Upset. A storm brewed within seconds and lightning flashed in his brain as he snapped back, "You need to learn that you aren't my mom. I'm not your slave. If I don't want to work out or bust my ass at a dead end job, I'm not going to!"

Giselle glared at him with her jaw locked. "I had an idea to help you. It's in a box on the backseat. Put the damn thing on!"

Confused, Marcus turned around to find a small jewelry box rolling around the back. He grabbed it and opened it up. Inside lay a small silver pendant. In the center was a blue leaf.

"The hell is this?"

"Part of our new program at the psych center." Giselle told him, as tears ran down her face. "We all got free samples to try. It's infused with tropical herbs and plants. Supposed to make your brain memory focused. Our new study revolves around memory clouds that can help people move through trauma. You would've known any of that if you let me talk about my damn trip."

Marcus glared at the pendant. It smelled funny. Made his drunk head feel dizzy. Or was that the beer? He didn't know anymore.

Stuffing it into his pocket, he threw the box aside. "I don't need some stupid jewelry. Why don't you use it?"

"I didn't feel like I needed it." Giselle told him. Her driving became more erratic. Her stops were jerking. Her turns were harder. Cars honked at them as they flew down the street. "Unlike you, I face my issues head on. I work out. Meditate. Eat well. Take care of my friends. You don't do anything. You're always just shit to me and I've had it!"

The car started to speed up. Marcus noticed that they sped through a red light. "Giselle, calm down!"

"Calm down!" She screamed. "I do everything for you, and the second I share my feelings, that's what you tell me? We're through, Marcus! This relationship is over!"

There was a moment between them that they looked at each other with scared looks. As if what Giselle said scared her. Her expression was blank. The world was silent as they stared into each other's eyes.

That's when the blaring lights of a semitruck filled the cabin of the vehicle. A horn blared and they were hit from the driver's side.

Marcus watched the vehicle roll. He watched Giselle try to cover his face with her hands before her seat belt broke and she hit her head off the driver side door. Her body went limp.

His scream was silent as he reached for her. Her body still and bloodied.