A New Beginning

Thanksgiving Gala

We moved into our home six months ago. The house is over two thousand square feet with four bedrooms, three baths, and an office just off of the kitchen. This house was designed by Jason and was waiting for us after graduation. It was a nice house with a beautiful garden in the back. I have never been much of a gardener, but Jason recommended it as a way to pass time.

The James Family Welcomes you to their

Annual Holiday Kick-off Gala

on 11/28 at 6:00 pm

When we received the invitation in the mail, I thought I would be excited to attend a gala again. I used to enjoy going with my family. I also thought it would be a great way to spend some time with his parents and maybe get to know his sister. Those thoughts were squashed instantly.

The day of the gala, Jason’s sister Carla and her best friend Bethany came by to drop off a dress that they felt would make me look “presentable” if I was going to represent the James family. Opening the garment bag, I found a hideous hot pink dress that looked like it was five sizes too big. Fortunately, I had already ordered from a boutique I adored in Los Angeles. It arrived two days ago with matching shoes.

The night of the big gala, Jason had no choice but to invite me. People knew that we were married and would expect me to be there. So, here I was staring at myself in the mirror. It has been a long time since I have gotten this dressed up. My family attended a lot of community events back home, so I was used to these types of parties.

It has been six months since the last time that I spoke to my parents. Jason claimed that he didn’t appreciate how they treated him and that he didn’t feel being around them was conducive to a healthy marriage. My brother was off serving our country but he is getting out soon. I miss him. Dudley was my best friend growing up. He was two years older than me.

It was moments like these that I wish my parents were here. Even before I moved here, I had only spoken to them a few times. That should have been another red flag. Jason isolating me from my family was his

As soon as we walked in, the cameras went off taking pictures of us as we made our way through the crowd. We only made it through the first row of photographers before I was shoved aside and Bethany had taken my place. That was the last time I was anywhere near Jason. For the next few hours, he was greeted by guests with Bethany hanging off his arm.

At first, it bothered me, but then, after a while, I met some of the attendees that were about my age who hated the James family and we got along famously. The one that seemed to hate Jason the most was Candi.

Her family were attorneys as well and usually ended up on opposing sides in the courtroom. Her own cousin was the lead district attorney and Jason’s family hated that. Jason's oldest brother, Chad, was jealous because he coveted that position. It burned him that their rivals had been appointed first.

Candi and her friends welcomed me into their group. Most of them were home visiting during the holiday week. We discussed majors and plans for the future. When the topic of school came up, I realized that I missed it. Jason had me on such a tight schedule that I never considered going back to school.

Letting someone take care of me and being stuck in a house all day was never part of my plans.

After about an hour of being there, we all started to dance and have a good time. One guy, Tim, and I danced most of the songs together. Sometimes we all danced together as a group. It felt good to be so carefree again.

As he spun me around, I noticed Jason and Bethany dancing on the other side of the dance floor. The fact that it didn’t bother me, should have been another red flag.

We danced and had a good time for about two hours when dinner was served.

During the meal, I was back with Jason and his family. It was as if I had developed some type of disease the way they were treating me. I was sitting at their table but it was Bethany and Carla that Jason sat between. No one even noticed that I was there.

“If you don’t want me to sit here, I would be more than willing to sit with Candi.”

“No, you are going to sit here and allow my family to vent about how you dare to make friends with our enemies. The only reason why they are here is for appearance, nothing more, nothing less.”

Sighing, I sat against the back of the chair trying to get comfortable. There was no way I was going to engage in a conversation with these people. More importantly, other than making snide remarks about my upbringing, they ignored me.

After dinner, there was a small auction for a local charity where the James family was on board. The merchandise that was up for auction was nothing to write home about. It was the usual boat trip to a foreign country, and random gifts people had donated.

The auction lasted for about an hour and once it was concluded everyone started their journeys home. After gathering my belongings, I walked over to say good-bys to Candi and Tim.

“Would you like to stay at my house tonight?” Candi asked me.

, for about a second, looking around, I didn’t see Jason anywhere.

“Are you sure? I don’t know where Jason took off to and would hate to impose on you.”

“You are not imposing at all. I have known that family for years, and they don’t seem to think much of you.”

“They don’t. They think I tricked Jason into marrying me for money. As if I need their money, my parents were not only successful in their respective fields but so were my grandparents. Jason didn't know that he had a trust fund. My parents made sure that no matter what, he would never get a dime of it."

After all our goodbyes, Candi and I headed for the exit. Jason, his family, and the Thompson family all arrived at the exit to say their goodbyes to everyone.

Walking past Jason, he grabbed me and pulled me to the side.

“Where do you think you are going?”

“To stay the night with my new friend. I am tired and would like to leave. I will be home tomorrow sometime in the late afternoon.”

“No. You are going to go sit outside and wait for me. If you get too cold, then you should think about the consequences before deciding to dance with another man.”

I was appalled. He spent the night ignoring me, and I am the one that shamed him.

“Mom, Dad, I hate to do this, but Harlow is not feeling well, so I am going to go ahead and take her home. I will be at the house tomorrow for dinner. Bethany, will you be joining us?”

“Of course. You know I would never turn down an opportunity to spend time with you.” Bethany smirked as she looked at me. She knew I would never be invited into their family and she loved to rub it into my face. Jason relished the fact that his family hated me.

As soon as we got him is when the interrogation began.

“Who was that guy were dancing with?”

“Slap” Before I could answer him, he slapped me again, causing me to fall to the ground.

“How dare you embarrass me in front of my family and friends!” He screamed, followed by a foot in my ribs.

I just laid there crying out in pain with each kick to my stomach and each punch to my face. When did I lose control of my life?

“Those people are not friends with my family, the only reason they are invited is that their families have ties we need. Nothing more, nothing less.”

Without saying another word, Jason stormed out of the house. I just lay there in pain and disbelief that he would treat me like that.

After about 30 minutes, I pulled myself off the floor and walked to the bathroom. Staring at my reflection, I decided that this marriage wasn’t going to work. Hell, I didn’t even love Jason and most days I barely liked him.

Knowing what I needed to do next, I started to formulate a plan.

Looking around the house, I grabbed a bag and started to pack my clothes. Knowing Jason, he went to the bar to let out some steam and wouldn’t be home for another few hours, if at all. Come to think of it, he had been spending more nights away from home. Which can only mean one thing. He was having an affair. It was all adding up now. The late nights, the company parties which I wasn’t invited to, and the late-night phone calls.

Grabbing what I could stuff in my bag, I grabbed my keys and headed for my car. Not thinking, I jumped in and headed for the highway. I made it three towns away before I was pulled over.

“Ma’am, do you know why I pulled you over?”

“No, sir. I wasn’t speeding.”

“This car was reported stolen about an hour ago.”

“Are you sure? I can show you the registration where it has my name listed as the owner of the vehicle.”

“Unfortunately, Mr. James reported the car missing, so I am going to have to tow it and take you to jail. He claims that the two of you had a falling out and you stole the car. When he reported the car stolen, he provided a copy of the title and your name is not on it.”

When the officer got a good look at my face, he knew something was. Instead of handcuffing me, he radioed for a medic. Some one was finally going to see why I left him.