I got up Sunday morning and knew I had some explaining to do for getting in so late. I went ahead and told Jen that I was going to seek a divorce and I wanted to make it as painless as possible. We shouted a little at each other and she broke down and said she knew things were going downhill but loved being married and loved the security of it, just that she didn't love me anymore like she thinks she should. I told her I felt the same way and I will be nice about everything so not to worry. I know I still must be careful because once she gets with her friends, they will tell her she's entitled to everything and I should pay her alimony forever. That's what I have seen happen to my friends who have gone through similar ordeals.
At one point, she asked if it was another woman and I replied, "No" because the truth of the matter is, Sondra is not the reason I am not happy with my marriage. I need both of them to know that.
I told her I needed to clear my head and was going for another motorcycle ride. I rode into the park and kind of felt depressed that I had just agreed to throw a 5 year marriage into the trash for someone I had only known for a few days. But then I had to think that I have been unhappy in my marriage for a while so it really had nothing to do with Sondra. She was just a good wake up call.
I arrived at Sondra's camper and her brother was sitting outside. I almost rode by but at this point I needed to talk to her and I was not going to allow anything to stop me.
Nate, her brother asked, "You must be Dave?"
I kind of nervously replied, "Yes, and you Nate?"
He said, "Yes, good to meet you. I hear you've been entertaining my sister the last few days."
"Yes, she's a sweet girl, "I replied.
"I think we need to talk, "said Nate.
Oh crap, does talk mean I am going to get my ass beat? Does he know what is really going on? Nate invited me into the camper.
"Sondra, Dave is here, "he yelled to the back.
She came out in a shorts and the t-shirt I had bought her yesterday at the festival.
"Hey, Dave, "she said as she lit up like she hadn't seen me in years.
Nate said, "Oh crap, is this what I think it is? What's going on? You been fucking around on Alex?"
Sondra looked down and said, "Nate, you know I am not happy with it so what am I to do?"
A tear came streaming down her cheek. I wanted to reach over and wipe it away but I didn't want things to be so obvious. I just stood there, looking at Nate, then back at Sondra, then back again.
Finally Nate said to Sondra, "Are you falling for this guy? Wow, you really know how to fuck things up, don't you?"
She started balling then and I went over to comfort her. She said, "I have never fallen so hard in my life. I know this is right, I know it is. Fate brought us together these last few days and I have found something I never thought I would. Do you understand? Please forgive me, Nate, I'm sorry."
Nate realized how bad she was hurting and how embarrassed she was and reached in to grabbed her arm and said, "Sis, I do understand, been there, done that, it's just I wasn't married to the girl that I had to break up with. It's a little more complicated. Dave, are you married, as well?"
I replied with my head down, "Yes, but a divorce is in the works, trust me. I too have fallen hard and Sondra helped me realize how miserable I was with my own wife."
Nate then said, "How can we be sure you are for real?"
I could only reply with, "Well, I guess my word isn't the best since I have broken my marriage vows but I have no intention of staying with my wife and every intention of being with Sondra, for what it's worth."
Nate kind of warned, "Dude, don't be messing with my sister. If you hurt her, you'll be sorry."
Sondra said, "I know what I'm doing and I am not a baby."
I replied with, "I wouldn't hurt her for the world, Nate, honest."