Oh Mia, Oh My.

The Second Chapter.

Mia’s Point of View.

Ken was cheating on me again, I just knew it. His new assistant Dahlia came to the house one morning to drop off some contracts and I saw him look at her the way that he used to look at me. His smile said it all. He called her Dee when she left, and that eliminated any doubt. Pet names were reserved for those he shared a bed with – that much I had learned. 

We had a good marriage mind you, but a new affair every two or three years seemed to be his modus operandi. I wish he could keep it in his pants. We even tried couple’s therapy years ago, but the term “sex addict” was tossed around loosely, and he’s used it as an excuse ever since.

“I can’t help it,” he’d say. “I’m sick. I’m an addict.”

Bollocks. That’s what I say. 

Carmen thought I married Ken for his money, but that’s not true. I really did love him. He’s quite charming actually, and he always made me feel special. He still does. If it weren’t for his infidelity, he’d be the perfect husband! 

I wanted to leave him, I really did, but his overpaid attorney was very specific in the prenuptial agreement, and the settlement that I would receive was quite minimal. It was nowhere near what I would need. Not with the lifestyle that I was accustomed to. 

I know that sounds ludicrous, and one could even see it as evidence that might support Carmen’s theory, but I gave Ken my best years, my childbearing years, and he owes me for that. Half, at the very least. Why should I settle for less?

Our relationship was no longer built on trust, and with each new betrayal, my self-esteem diminished. I still believed that I was beautiful and worthy, but I hated myself for staying and allowing it to continue.

Then I met Raj, my spiritual healer, and he changed my life. He showed me how to look at the world differently, and he taught me how to love myself… unconditionally. It was this new way of seeing and believing in myself that led me to the trip to the fountain of youth, and I felt blessed.

I knew that driving cross country would be uncomfortable at times – considering we were three women and a lot of luggage in one very compact convertible – so I reserved the best of the best in New Mexico; a two night stay at a plush, private resort.

The ladies were in awe when we arrived. I took a short walk as they settled in, and then practiced my meditation. I needed to clear my head. I had no idea how things would go that evening. I should have told Carmen sooner, but it was never the right time. She can be so judgmental!

Rhythm and blues was playing softly, and I heard the champagne bottle pop. Grace’s sweet country twang reverberated across the lake, and then the two of them giggled. It was the perfect time to confess. I would tell Carmen and Grace the truth… that Raj and I were now lovers, and that he would be meeting us at the fountain.

READ ON

I just wanted to say that I’m not sure what’s more fun, the story or the illustrations. I think it’s a tie! I reused one of my beach girls and let AI do the rest. Then I added the silhouettes (they are very small!).

The story is coming fairly easy to me. What I find difficult are my segment endings. It’s only because I’m sharing the story on the blog though. If I weren’t, I would just keep on writing!

But, I am posting, so I’m trying to watch my word count, and then end each segment with something that resembles a cliffhanger, or some kind of teaser at the very least.

It would be hard to stop in the middle of the action… like “hold that thought! we’ll be back later!” It would feel so incomplete. I’ll have to work on that – maybe I can make it work better.

I was tired of hearing from Carmen, and – as I’ve mentioned before – I have a hard time writing dialogue, so I thought it would be best to let all three of the ladies tell the story – in their own words and from their own perspectives. I’m glad I did that, because it really gives me a glimpse into each character’s mind. Yikes!

Anyway, I think that’s all for now. I hope you enjoyed!!

Peace & Love…

For anyone new to the story, HERE is a link to the beginning.