Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 73425 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 367(@200wpm)___ 294(@250wpm)___ 245(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73425 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 367(@200wpm)___ 294(@250wpm)___ 245(@300wpm)
Plus, I’ve overheard them talking about our issues. Without a congregation, they’re in danger of losing their church. They can hold on to it for a small amount of time, but without a steady flow of donations on Sunday, we’re not going to make rent on our small space.
And it’s all because of me.
Before I came along, they had a thriving congregation and happy lives. Honestly, my two husbands were rockstars who could do no wrong. People swooned when they spoke, and avidly watched recordings of their sermons. In fact, I think a local community newsletter reached out to profile the Village Church because it was so popular.
But now, everything’s gone kaput and we’re looking at the church’s demise. Fuck. That’s why I’m sitting in Jordan’s bedroom now, staring at my locked suitcase while pondering my future. Jordan and Jason had me officially move in after that fateful Sunday because there was no sense in hiding anymore, and at least that part of our lives has been wonderful. My husbands cater to my every need, and each night, we repair to one of their rooms for fireworks. I may even be pregnant now, given how many times we’ve come together in utter ecstasy.
But that doesn’t excuse the shadow I’ve cast over their professional lives, which is why my suitcases are packed now. My husbands are out running errands, and I stare at my bags with tears in my eyes.
This has been such a hard choice for me to make. I love them both so much, but that’s exactly why I need to leave. Without me, they’ll be able to get their lives back on track that much faster, without any distractions. They’ll be able to wave our marriage off as a symbolic union, and say it’s been dissolved. After all, without a wife, there’s nothing really. And this is what I want for them. By leaving, I’m showing them that I love them, and that I want what’s best for them.
Tears fall into my lap. I really don’t want to do this, but what other choice is there? It’s best to salvage what we can, while there still is a church. It’s never too soon to rebuild.
I pick up my suitcase, knowing I need to walk out of this apartment now before I lose my nerve. Jason and Jordan are due back any moment, and it’ll be easier for everyone if I’m gone before then.
I leave my key on the small table by the door. It’s on top of a note I’ve written explaining my decision, and why I had to make it. I’m sure they’ll understand because Jordan and Jason, like me, value their work. The world shouldn’t be deprived of my husbands’ gifts, and by leaving, I’m giving the people my heart and my soul.
Without any hesitation, I close the door behind me, before bumping down the stairs to the building entrance. Then I step outside, and take a deep breath, blinking in the sunlight. I tell myself that this is all for the best. But if it is, then why do I feel absolutely destroyed?
The Greyhound whizzes along, miles of highway blurring into a vast nothingness. I stare outside. We’re going by endless golden fields, but with tears in my eyes, I see nothing.
We’re about to pull into Louisville. After all, I couldn’t go back to the New School. I’d gone to class a few times, and then stopped after I felt like everyone was looking at me. News of my infamy must have spread fast, and I was ashamed. I didn’t drop out or do anything official. I just stopped going altogether.
But now, Louisville greets me. I haven’t been home in so long, and, boy, have I missed it. As I get off the bus, I breathe deep of sweet Kentucky air. The space seems wide open and welcoming, so unlike the cramped city streets of New York.
My phone has been off this whole time, for good reason too because I’ve been avoiding any calls from Jason or Jordan. If I hear my husbands’ voices, something inside me will break, and I can’t chance that. I can only pray for the Lord’s guidance as I walk through this treacherous valley alone.
I squint, looking around in the bright sunlight.
“Mira, honey!” I hear the sweetest voice calling my name and turn to see my Aunt Angie standing there with her arms wide. “Come here and give your favorite aunt a big ‘ole hug.”
I rush to her, enveloping myself in her warmth. Angie’s plump with rosy cheeks and curly bright red hair. She smells like gingerbread, which brings tears to my eyes.
“Oh, Aunt Angie, I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too, teddy bear. I was so surprised you came to see little ‘ole me. I thought you’d be having so much fun up in the big city that you’d forgotten about us country folk.”