The Wife

I didn't know this is what my life would become two years ago. Everything was passing so quickly in his car. It felt numb and blurry, the rushing scenery of greens, blues, and whites made no sense to me yet again. This is the third house we’ve moved to since we met because whatever he says goes. I sink into the seat and lay the left side of my head on the warm black tinted glass. I flick the button to open the window to get fresh air but no such luck. “Of course it doesnt open Kelly, you are so stupid,” I whsiper to myself. He leans over me and his deep voice shakes me back to my reality. “Why so glum, princess?” I sit slouched and give him the side eye hoping he'll take the hint. I don’t want to talk to him. He smiles and his fingers trace the outside of my thigh trying to get me to look at him. I can see his simple crooked smile turn into an aggressive frown. His brushy brows furrow, and he begins to rub his forehead with his large right hand. “Eventually you have to tell me what is wrong, Lizzy. I would hate for this to ruin our house warming party.” My eyes narrow. “Ah, at least I know you are listening. Now tell me, what is wrong?” I turn my head slightly so I can look into his flaring blue eyes. When he was angry they looked like a wildfire that was not to be controlled, like the smoke that is given off by fire. I could see in his eyes I better just tell the truth. He always knew when I was lying in these last two years, even in the beginning. I stated sharply, “Mr. Mullinax I hate when we move. I finally get used to being somewhere. I get used to the house, the sky, the windows, the rooms, and where I feel safe.” His eyes flared, and the fire in his eyes had turned destructive. He took his hand from my thigh, wrapped his fingers under my chin, and turned my face directly towards his. “You’re my property remember? I am nice to you my dear. I have given you luxury, money, and quite a bit of freedom. Why must you take that tone with me?” I try to pull my face away feeling my green eyes well with tears. He uses his thumb to wipe them away. He frowned and said, “You are still so young at twenty-six years old. You don’t understand what is actually going on in this world. Maybe I have babied you too much. I am sorry but my business takes me everywhere that I am needed. All I need for you to do is be my wife. Have I ever put you into danger? Have I ever let anything bad happen to you?” I shook my head no. He released me from his grip and I cried slightly in the corner of the seat. He’d never look at it from my point of view. Why would he? He took everything I wanted for my life; my education, my family, my friends, my career, and my freedom. All the luxury and money in this world would never get them back. Everytime I hear him remind me of the position I am in I grieve. I grieve for my life that is being lost. I can taste the salt from my tears on my lush pink lips. I wipe my tears away and lean into him. I hate him but I need him now. He is the only connection I have now, or at least the only one I can trust. I feel disgusted that I trust him. He’s right though, he never let anything bad or terrible happen to me. He’d never understand me, but I really didn’t either half the time so at least we’re on the same page. I lean against him, and in doing so I can feel his ego radiating from him. He knows he won. I let out a sigh and put his arm around me so I can play with his fingers. He gently kisses the back of my head. “See I’m not so bad.” He whispers softly into my ear. I ignore him and rub his hand. “Sir, we will be arriving in fifteen mintues to the new house.” Elliot, the driver, states firmly. I look out the window and start to make out more shapes. There were tall buildings now, and people walking about in the streets. I felt gleeful and giggly. Finally we are close to an actual city again. It will never be as good as the first home we were in together. That was a beautifully laid out penthouse in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I sunk into Mr. Mullinax further and closed my eyes.