“I am Max. I’m just concerned about all you’ve gone through-”
“You don’t know what I went through, Nadine! You don’t know what it was like to have a man rip your clothes off and steal your virginity! You don’t know what it’s like to have his big hairy body on yours as he violates you and rips your insides apart and leave you bleeding and hurting.” Max yelled filled with jealousy that her sister could have such a carefree intimate relationship with her husband, while she was constantly falling apart.
“Max, I’m sorry—”
“Don’t be sorry, just listen! I want to live, Nadine. I want to know what it’s like to be loved and made love to and to want a man like I saw you with Eric that day in the hallway. He was slamming you against that wall and you couldn’t have cared less, in fact you were begging for more! I don’t think I’d ever been truly jealous of anyone before until I saw the two of you and I realized that a part of me must be dead, that Rogers had killed whatever libido I should possess because I never imagined wanting a man like that!”
Nadine wiped her eyes and didn’t say anything.
“Matthew wants me, Nadine. Even though I’m a mess, he wants me and I’m not going to let this opportunity pass me by. Not you, nor Eric nor Dr. Nelson are going to keep me from my happiness,” she hissed pointing her finger in Nadine’s face.
“What if you can’t go through with it, Max? You could hardly stand to be in the room with Eric when we first moved in with you.” Nadine pointed out. “You’ve got to think about this!”
Max looked at her. “That’s because he was so hairy. Rogers was hairy. It just freaked me out. Matthew is not hairy like his brother, thank God!”
Nadine stood up. “But what if he does something, something that reminds you of Rogers? What then? What if he tries to perform some sexual act that Rogers did to you, then what?”
Max glared at her sister. Why did Nadine have to bring that up? She had really touched a nerve with that comment! Max walked back over to her invading her personal space.
“Shut up! Shut up! He’s nothing like that animal! You just don’t want me to marry Matthew! You’re just concerned about yourself! Nobody cares about my happiness! Nobody understands what I went through! Nobody! You have your life, you have your husband! You can hardly keep your hands to yourself. I’ve seen the two of you! I want that too. But my wants don’t matter, right?”
Nadine backed up. “That’s not true and you know it! I don’t know what’s bothering you Max, but I refuse to let you put this on me or Eric. You have your own demons to work out. I’m not going to talk to you anymore tonight. You need to rethink this whole thing. I’m going to bed.”
With that she walked past Max and went into her room and shut the door.
Max stared at the closed door a moment and then sat down on the sofa. She didn’t know what had gotten into her. Why had she attacked Nadine like that? She was such a mess! Who in the world would want her? What was Matthew getting himself into asking her to be his wife? What if she couldn’t become the wife he needed? She ran into the bathroom and slammed the door. She looked into the mirror and put her hands over her face and burst into tears.
When Eric came home from class, he found the apartment deadly quiet. It was only nine o’clock and he wondered what was going on.
He looked around the living room and saw some folded laundry on the sofa. The kitchen was clean except for an empty glass on the counter. He picked it up and put it in the sink.
He left the kitchen and headed down the hallway.. He peeked in on the girls who were sleeping and then walked into his bedroom. He sat on the bed and looked at Nadine and could tell immediately that she was upset.
“What’s wrong? Where’s Max?” He noticed that her eyes were red from crying.
“We had a fight.” She sat up. “I think that we should reconsider staying here and just move in with your parents.”
Eric was surprised at this. “What? You said that was the last thing in the world you wanted to do. You said, and I agreed that more than likely my Mom would try to take over care of the babies.”
“Max thinks we’re holding her back from marrying Matthew. She thinks that I’m only concerned about us and that I don’t care about her happiness.” Nadine burst out crying again.
Eric didn’t know what to say and put his arm around her. “Nadine, she’s just upset. Matthew is in the hospital, that man Rogers is dead; so much has happened in such a short time period, maybe she’s just upset and confused. I’m sure she didn’t really mean it.”
“Maybe she was expressing the feelings she had all along. She wants to marry Matthew. She knows we can’t afford this place on our own and she thinks we’re holding her back, keeping her from her happiness. Rather than have her think that, I’d rather move in with your Mom. I want to call Jeremiah tomorrow and ask him to allow us to get out of the lease because Max is thinking about getting married. He’ll work with us, I’m sure.”
Eric looked at her. “Hold on! Before you rush in and change everything, I think the three of us should sit down and discuss this. Matthew is still in the hospital! I doubt if they’re getting married any time soon.”
“There’s no discussing anything with Max right now, Eric. She’s highly agitated and angry.”
Eric stood up and began undressing. “I talked to Matthew earlier. I don’t think he’s ready to run off and elope as soon as he is discharged. We’ll sit down and talk to Max and Matthew. If we have to move in with Ma, fine, but let’s not jump the gun.”
Nadine sighed. “You weren’t here to see how she was, Matthew. She was like a stranger.”
“Look, you’re sisters. You’re gonna fight. I fight with Matthew all the time. It’ll be fine. Just let it go.”
Nadine sighed. “I doubt if it will, but I’m willing to try if she wants to.”
Eric had never seen Nadine so upset. While he did think that she was bossy and overprotective of Max at times, Max had always accepted it before. Max had even told him once that when she couldn’t deal with guys approaching her that her ‘guard dog’ sister would ward them off for her. Nadine had always been her protector and guardian. Maybe it was just time for his wife to give up that role.
He looked at Nadine who was still sniffing over the fight and sighed. Maybe it was best for them to live apart. After all, they had come here to begin with because they needed somewhere to live. Maybe it was just time to go.
Matthew sat up eating his breakfast. The doctor had just left and gave him the great news that he could go home in a couple of days. He had been moved from Intensive Care to a regular room and he was glad that he could now see the light at the end of the tunnel.
He hadn’t called anyone yet. More than likely his Mom would come in and then Max. He just wanted a little time to think about what he was going to do once he was discharged.
He was worried about the Agency. So many things he handled on his own on a day to day basis, and some of the bills were due. He would have to get his father to pick up some things and bring them to the house so that he could work from there.
There was a knock on the door and he looked up. A tall man with long dirty blond hair peered in grinning. His red and gray checked shirt was worn and so was the faded jeans he had on, but they fit his muscled frame well.
“Matt!” he said, coming in. “Thought I’d stop by and see how you’re doing. I went up to the ICU floor and they told me that you had been moved down here.”
“Jake!” Matt said, surprised. Jake Thompson was the last person he expected to see here in the hospital.
“This is a surprise. I know how you hate hospitals.” Matt replied laughing.
“Yep, but I had to come by.” Jake came and stood by his bed. “When are you breaking out of this joint?”
“I just got the word. I’m being released in a few days. “Matthew said, sipping his coffee.
“That’s great. Look everyone over at the hunting lodge is talking about you and what happened. You still going
for the Horry County seat aren’t you?”
Matthew looked at Jake who was grinning from ear to ear. The two of them had attended the same high school and Jake was one of his buddies that had been with him since Middle school. They hunted and fished together. In fact Matthew wondered why he wasn’t out fishing today. Jake was one of those ‘good old boys’ that he talked to his father about and he wondered how he would react when he told him about Max.
“You not out fishing? I’m surprised that you put me before that!” Matthew teased. “Or did you come by here to rub it in?”
Jake laughed. “I went out yesterday. Got me a three pound catfish! I promised Shelly that I’d help her with the outside yard work today. A man has to have a happy home to come to, you know.” He laughed. “Anyway, Shelly needed me today. Since I caught a break in the yard work, I thought I’d run by here real quick.”
Matthew looked at him. “I appreciate that Jake. Yeah, I’m running for that seat. I would appreciate your support because I just don’t know what kind of support I’d get throughout Horry County.”
Jake looked at him shocked. “Are you kidding me? You’re the talk of the county! Everyone’s talking about how you saved that girl from being raped again by that escaped convict! Man, you’re a hero. The talk around the county is about passing stronger legislation on parole for violent offenders. You’d be a great poster boy for that. You got the support!”
Matthew looked at him and pushed the tray back. “I hope you’re right.”
“Well, we ain’t got that much time! We’ve got to get busy. This is a special election since Jones is vacating that seat! We’ve got to hit the ground running with your campaign. November will be here before you realize it.”
“I just hope I have a chance,” Matthew replied.
“With all this free publicity? You’ve got to be kidding! You can do it. I checked the opposition. Not much there. You got Peters from over in Loris and you got Hank Brown from North Myrtle Beach. Neither of them are well known.”
Matthew thought for a moment. Maybe he should just come clean now and see if Jake would be so enthusiastic.
“I’m involved with that girl that was raped, Jake. That’s why I went out there to begin with.”
Jake looked at him surprised. “You’re involved with that black girl, Matthew?”
“Yes.”
Jake grinned nodding his head. “Well, damn! You’re a slick one that’s for sure. You’re sure to get the black vote with that!”
Matthew looked at him surprised. “Will I still have the white community’s support though, that’s the question.”
Jake scratched his head. “It’s not that serious is it?”
“It’s serious,”
Jake looked at him. “I don’t know, Matthew. Me, I couldn’t care less, but there are some who wouldn’t like it.”
“Exactly, which is why I was having second thoughts about that seat.” Matthew replied clicking off the television.
Jake shrugged his shoulders. “Well, I could tell them that you’re with her for publicity purposes. They would buy that! It’s not like you’re marrying her or something.”
Matthew looked at Jake. “I already asked her.”
Jake’s mouth fell open. “You’ve got to be kidding! Marriage? You? I never thought Matthew Ferguson would marry any woman black or white, you being a Don Juan and all. You’re kidding, right?”
Matthew cleared his throat. He knew that this would be a problem.
“I’m not kidding, Jake.”
Jake shook his head. “What about that little blonde you were hanging out with. Now I thought she was hot.”
“Brittany has several men that she gives her attention to. There was never anything serious between us, Jake,” he explained.
Jake stared at him. “You couldn’t find a white girl? Come on now Matt! God I should have known you’d follow in your brother’s footsteps.”
Matthew inhaled sharply. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“When we were in school I noticed how you’d look at them when they passed by in the hall. You always had an eye for those big butts. I noticed it and so did several of the guys we hung out with. Nobody said anything because you never acted on it.”
“I did not stare at black girl’s butts, Jake!” Matthew snapped defensively.
“You did, too.” Jake said grinning. “I figured it was just a little curiosity. Maybe that’s what this is.”
Matthew started feeling irritated. He didn’t remember doing what Jake said. He wasn’t interested in Max just for her body.
“I’m a grown man now, Jake. I know what I want. This is the real thing, not some passing fad.”
“Look, that’s your business, but you know it’ll be all in the papers and on the TV. The Sun News wants to interview you. Did your Mom tell you? I came by the house and told her yesterday. Gary Holmes from the Sun belongs to our hunting Lodge. They only had your work and condo address.”
Matthew looked surprised. “No, she didn’t tell me. Maybe she hadn’t had the opportunity. She’ll probably be by here this morning.”
Jake zipped up his jacket. “Well, I have to run. I’ll go out and drop the word at the lodge that you’re still in it. I still think you can win this thing, even with your black girlfriend on your arm. I’ll tell Gary that you’re going to be at your Moms.”
Matthew didn’t reply. Well, it was out there now. He’d just have to see how progressive the Grand Strand had become. Then again, Myrtle Beach was a big tourist attraction. They made a lot of money off of it. He’d have to see what the Sun News wanted to emphasize and then he’d know what direction to move in. He just hoped that Max would be able to deal with being the center of attention once their relationship went public.
Max came out of her bedroom ready to go to work and found Eric in the kitchen.
“Want some oatmeal?” he asked not looking up.
Max looked at him. He had on his usual gym shorts and sleeveless tee shirt.
“Sure,” she said, looking at her watch. She had time and she hadn’t eaten anything.
He put some in the bowl. Max liked the way Eric fixed oatmeal, the old fashioned way.
He put raisins and brown sugar in it and a pat of real butter on the top. He made himself a bowl too and sat down across from her.
“Nadine up yet?” she asked trying to make conversation
“She’s gone to the Shoppe early this morning. With Easter coming, they are really busy and she’s been making good tips.” Eric said, stirring his bowl.
Max finally looked at him. He had on a thin tank top that left nothing to the imagination. She stared at the hair and felt herself grow warm.
“I guess she told you about our little fight.” She said, trying to control the panic that was building inside of her.
“Yeah, she told me.” Eric got up and got the juice out of the refrigerator. He got two glasses out of the cabinet and put them on the table leaning close to Max as he did so.
Max glanced at his underarm hair and swallowed hard. The hair on his chest was thick and long and protruded over the top of the tank top he wore. There was no hair on his shoulders, but his arms were also hairy. She then noticed Eric watching her intently as she tried to control the episode that was trying to overtake her.
“Do I need to go and put on another shirt?” he asked quietly.
Max looked at her bowl of oatmeal. She brought the spoon to her mouth.
“This is really good.” She was avoiding his question and she knew it. She really needed to get beyond this hair thing and closed her eyes. She realized that she had been holding her breath and let it out slowly. She could do this! Rogers’s image flashed through her mind and she began to shake. She opened her eyes and tried to focus on Eric’s face as he was watching her.
Eric made an attempt to walk by her and she grabbed his arm.
“I will put a shirt on,” he sighed.
“I’m sorry, Eric. It’s not you.” Max said as tears began to
run from her eyes. “Why is this happening? I was getting better until he came back! Now I’m picking fights with everybody and freaking out over things I thought I’d gotten over!”
Eric looked at her and was filled with compassion. “Don’t cry Max. I’m not mad. Nadine told me about the fight. We just want you to be happy. We even talked about moving in with my Mom and calling Jeremiah and canceling the contract on the house.”
Max wiped her eyes. “You can’t do that! We promised Jeremiah that we’d rent for a year. It’s a done deal. Push come to shove, we could all live together.”
Eric shook his head. “After talking to Nadine, I don’t think that would be a great idea Max. You and Matthew need time alone. You don’t need us there with two children. That’s too much for a new marriage.”
Max sat down and continued to eat her oatmeal and avoided looking at him. “I don’t think it would be a problem. I want us all to be together.”
“Why, Max? Maybe you and Nadine need some time apart. She’s been playing that role as your protector long enough. If you marry Matthew, that’ll be his job. They are sure to clash if Nadine doesn’t give up that role.”
Max knew he was right, but she liked Nadine being her protector. Nadine always had her back. She was still learning to trust Matthew.
“We could talk to them both. Maybe it’s just a communication issue. I am sure we could all work it out. Don’t call Jeremiah just yet. I’m not even sure when we’re getting married. Maybe the four of us should just sit down and talk. I’m on my way over to see Matt now.”
He got up and put the bowls and glasses in the sink.
Max walked up to him facing him. Exposure therapy was what she needed at times like this! She quickly pulled Eric into a hug. “Facing this thing is the only way for me to get better, Eric. Seeing you, hair and all helps me.”
“I know, Max. I understand.”
“Thanks Eric.”
“Just think of me as a cuddly gorilla,”
She smacked his arm. “You’re not gorilla. More like a cute little monkey!” she teased.
He did his best monkey imitation and she laughed shaking her head at him.
Broken: The sequel to THE PREACHER'S SON Page 33
