Free Vows of Deception: Something old, new, borrowed, and BLUE... by K. Harris Page B

come around on your own. I know something is going on so you might as well spill it. That façade you are putting on isn’t fooling me sweetheart. So sorry to disappoint you. I would rather you tell me it’s none of my business than to sit here as fake as the shell of a person you are right now.”
    “It’s nothing I can’t handle myself.”
    “Bullshit. Let’s take a walk outside.”
    “I’m not really up for it to be honest.”
    “You would deny a suffocating man some fresh air.”
    “You are so dramatic.” Danni laughed genuinely for the first time in a while.
    “My dear, whatever do you mean?”
    “You are too much for me right now.” Danni continued to giggle as they made their way outdoors. Having a seat at the picnic tables before either said anything else.
    “I know you said it’s nothing but... I’m worried about you.”
    “I’m fine.”
    “Please stop insulting my intelligence.” Beejay said sternly. “I have to tell you something.”
    “What is it?”
    “I saw Lamont recently.”
    “Oh really?”
    “Yes.”
    “Where?”
    “A friend and I were out to dinner at an exclusive restaurant downtown. I thought maybe you would have been there somewhere but to my dismay you weren’t.”
    “Did you speak?”
    “No.” Beejay didn’t elaborate any further and it was killing Danni to ask the dreaded question. “Go ahead and ask what you really want to know. My volunteer days are so over.” He sighed dramatically.
    “Was he alone?” There she asked even if she did already know the answer.
    “No.” Beejay answered after a brief bout of silence. “I am your friend Danni, never forget that. I get that you aren’t ready but know that I am here when you are.”
    “Thank you Beejay.”
    “If you want me to handle that punk for you. I can call somebody for that.” He joked causing Danni to laugh again. One thing she could count as a blessing out of this ordeal was that she could openly be friends with Beejay now.
    “Do you happen to know a good lawyer?” Danni asked once she sobered up.
    “What’s my name?”
    “Mr. Know it all who knows all.”
    “Exactly and have I got the perfect person for you. When she gets done, you will have effectively raped his wallet, pockets, and any hidden accounts he may have.”
    “I just want out. I don’t care about any materialistic things.”
    “I know you don’t sweetie but miracles still happen every day.”
    “What does that mean exactly?”
    “I’m not quite sure.”
    “I can’t with you today.” Danni laughed and he joined in. He just wanted to make her soul a little lighter with laughter and it was working.
    ****
    The time had come for her to address her parents and quit hiding from the inevitable. Once she pulled into their drive-way she sat for a minute to collect herself. There was no need to get in a hurry to explain her situation and try to put on a brave front. Pretending to be alright with everything that was going on was taking its toll on Danni. Upon looking in the mirror, she noticed the dark circles under her eyes. Her skin looked scaly and chapped. Overall her appearance was very poor. No doubt that it was written all over her face that she was a tad bit distraught, disturbed, and discombobulated. Not to mention she had most definitely lost some weight being that her appetite has been missing in action.
    “Hi Mom.” Danni greeted like a long lost child returning home.
    “Danni, how are you?” Her mother pulled her into a big hug while rubbing a soothing hand up and down her back.
    “I’ve been better.”
    “I’m sure you have. Come on in.”
    “Where’s dad?”
    “On the patio.”
    “You already told him right?”
    “Yes.”
    “Good.”
    “I thought you didn’t want me to tell him.” She said with an eyebrow raised in questioning.
    “I don’t think I would have been able to get the words out. I am having a hard enough time convincing myself that this is all real.”
    “It would be even more real if you let