One Day You'll Be Mine(35)

“Calm down, Natalia. Let it out. We’re here for you,” I said. “You’re not alone. Even though this is crazy, and it’s you who’s suffering, you don’t have to do this alone. Look: I’ve got the extra bedroom ready for you. Just let me know when you’re coming so I can pick you up from the airport. Speak to your job; let them know you have an emergent family situation to take care of. You’ve been working there for years without issue. They’re going to understand your need to take leave.”

“She’s right,” I heard Kelli say. “You’ve had an exemplary record, and no problems. If they don’t let you take time away to handle yourself, then they can kick rocks.”

“You’re right.” Natalia sounded much calmer now. “I’ve just got to develop the strength to deal with this. And I can’t get the strength I need mired in the middle of this mess. Thank you for extending your home to me. I just wanted to update you. I just feel dizzy. This has me going crazy.”

“You’re not going crazy!” Kelli and I said, almost in unison. We reminded her that her husband is the one behaving foolishly. She’s merely a victim to his wild, scathing actions.

Once the call ended, I turned back to Skype. Ellis was still logged in, so I updated him on everything Natalia told me, down to the violent eruption that happened at Kelli’s house. I informed him that Kelli would be watching over Natalia while she prepared to speak to her job and come stay with me for a while.

Instead of waiting for him to respond, I minimized the app window, and began reading more of Lauren Lashley’s books. I loved Succulence; it had a wild cliffhanger ending. I wanted something a little different, so I downloaded her other book, Ricochet. It was a short story, about a woman named Carmen, who, incidentally, was married to an Air Force man. Carmen struggled with self-esteem issues, and they weren’t made any better by her husband’s porn addiction. The story was freakin’ compelling, but it ended with a crazy twist. Carmen’s body was found after an apparent suicide.

Thinking of Carmen made me think of Natalia. I hoped she decided to hurry up and get out here instead of staying out there. I know she wanted to be strong and hold her own, but being isolated within your own marriage, thousands of miles from family, especially at a time like this, had to be the opposite of healthy and productive.

***

I heard nothing from Ellis or Natalia the next day. I figured Ellis was a little busier than usual; work had picked up even more since some of his comrades died. I just sent him a good morning message on Skype, and then emailed him that I loved him with a paraphrase of my conversation with Natalia.

By 3 PM, I still heard nothing from Natalia, and became concerned, so I called the base library at Twenty-nine Palms, and asked for her. The librarian said she was out for the day, and asked to take a message. I politely declined and wished her a nice day. I hoped Natalia’s absence was scheduled, but for all I knew, anything could be happening. It was still only 1 PM her time, so I reminded myself to give her a little slack.

Work went by breezily. I kept my mind off the stress of Natalia and Ellis by building up my Pinterest boards. All I could think about was Ellis coming home to me safely, our wedding, and the children I wanted to start bearing. I felt horrible for Natalia, however I knew I was truly blessed to have a man like Ellis. Hopefully, Hollis was going through some kind of phase, albeit a really fucked up one, and this would pass. He’d return to his usual self, make amends with his wife, and they’d go to counseling, and celebrate another 20 years of life together.

Alejandro stopped by my desk on the way out as the day ended. “Hey, Natalia. How’ve you been?” I quickly clicked away from the Pinterest boards I’d been lost in, hoping he didn’t notice.

“I’ve been good,” I smiled. “How about you?”

He nodded, his lip poked out in slight contemplation. “I’ve been good as well. Some of us are going to Happy Hour after work. I wanted to know if you wanted to come.”

I groaned. I really could use a drink, but I had too much on my mind. “I’d love to, but I have plans for tonight. Yoga class.”

“Really? Where at? My sister takes classes.”

“I don’t remember. It’s a new studio I learned about. I’ll tell you tomorrow.” I lied my way out of it because I really planned to do a downward dog straight into my bed. “But next time let me know in advance so I can plan, okay?”

He smiled, his bashful eyes flitting away from my direct eye contact. “Sure.” He lifted his hand as he walked away. “See you tomorrow.”