Tension filled the spaces between them in an ugly, quiet, patient way. Sonya actually envied couples who had fiery relationships in which they routinely butted heads like spring rams. At least their feelings and emotions were released and not forever caged within. No, their situation was much more like a dark, malevolent spider crouching in its web. Forever waiting and forever patient. A stagnant hurt that never seemed to heal or be resolved.
They were on their way to see a movie, something they hadn't done in years. It should have been a novelty and more than a little exciting. When they had first met, it was something they did regularly and really enjoyed. A hint of a smile reached Sonya's lips as she reminisced, the pair of them sitting in the back row like naughty teenagers, a mountain of popcorn and a bucket of cola between them. And after they were satiated, it was always wandering hands, quick kisses and muffled cries. At least one of them always enjoyed an orgasm, to emerge from the dark all rosy cheeked and bleary eyed.
That seemed like a lifetime ago to Sonya as her mouth returned to its grim line. As she reached for their ticket vouchers in the glove box, she let out a small grunt of pain as her finger caught on the jagged piece of metal that had been plaguing her for nearly a year. She sucked the crimson drop from her finger as she peered at her husband from the corner of her eye. Her heart felt dead in her chest at the lack of his response, but it had felt that way for a long time now.
Benign
. She nearly giggled out loud at her cruelty.
Yes. Benign is the perfect word for you, David. You are positively benign.
Sonya was glad they were nearing the cinema. The ridiculously short skirt she had donned and the equally ridiculous high heels she wore were already becoming uncomfortable. She accidentally scoffed out loud at her vain attempt to rekindle some sort of fire between her and David. "What?"
"It's nothing. I'm just not sure I should have worn this."
"You look real pretty, darling," but the words did nothing to soothe Sonya. All she could think about was the fact that he didn't even glance her way as he complimented her.
There was a fire that was starting to kindle. It astonished Sonya as she recognized it as anger. She had given up and almost died within their relationship so it was quite startling to feel her frustration and fury building up and causing such a physical response. It felt molten hot as it coursed through her veins and her chest felt like it was restricting and suffocating her fast beating heart. She was usually torn when it came to her feelings regarding David... he was so well meaning and naΓ―ve that when he committed acts that, unbeknownst to him, hurt her feelings, she always ended up feeling like she was the bitch.
In some ways, it was her fault. When they had first met they had fallen utterly in love and couldn't keep their hands off each other. Their sexual styles had perfectly matched one another's, so vital and raw. Just to feel his tongue against hers or his hand on her thigh had once elicited an automatic response from her body, her panties immediately damp. But times had changed, or rather she had changed... and David hadn't. Instead of excitement at his intensity, she now felt constantly rushed and pressured in the bedroom. No wonder she had trouble cumming with him... she was suffering major performance anxiety. And it isn't like she hadn't told him. Sonya couldn't remember exactly how many times she had said "Slow down David. The secret is to make me want more, not less." Her anger was mounting and making her temples thud with a dull ache.
No, it is your fault David
.
And fix that damn piece of metal that I am always cutting myself on
. As she looked out the window, she saw the cinema complex and was glad. Sitting next to David in the car felt constricting and she had the overwhelming impulse to physically move and breathe in fresh air.
Her restrictively tight, short skirt was preventing a graceful exit from the car and even that intensified her anger at David who was distractedly looking at the elevator whilst waiting for her.
No David, I don't need your help
. He finally glanced back as she was attempting to pull down her skirt and rearrange herself.
"Are you ready yet? The movie I want to see is about to start."
"Yes, let's go," Sonya said resignedly and he started making his way without stopping to accompany her.
Why do I bother?
She felt awfully bitter and they shared the elevator in their familiar, dead silence.