The EPT Test: Aftermath

"You can't tell me or won't tell me?" he asked.

"Will you promise me we can try and work this out if I tell you? He's married, we were both drunk. I'm sure he regrets it also. I'm not going to ruin his marriage over one mistake. I was just so mad that you didn't come with me to the party. I drank too much and made a big mistake which I'll always regret."

"So, you fuck some guy and get pregnant and you try to blame me. Does your lover know he made a baby with you?"

"He's not my lover and no he doesn't know and never will," I cried.

"You even told me it's your friend who was pregnant. I don't think I can ever get past all the lying. The fact that you lied to me over and over, I know I could never believe or trust you every again."

"Please answer me Gary. If I tell you who it was, can we try and work through this?" I begged.

"No! No fucking way in hell can I stay with you. Shit, I don't know if I love you or I hate you or both, but one thing I do know is that I can never trust you again."

Gary moved into the basement till he found another place to live. It was hard to explain to the kids. I told them that their father and I weren't getting along but that we both loved them and would always be there for them.

I lied to my family telling them that Gary and I had some problems we couldn't get past. It was the truth but I didn't tell them it was solely my fault, that I was a cheating wife. When I asked Gary what I should tell everyone he said he didn't give a shit, but I was the mother of his kids and he didn't want to hurt them anymore than we already had.

Gary did go to a lawyer and started divorce proceedings. He used irreconcilable differences to protect the kids and I hoped to save what little self respect I had left. We lived in a fifty/fifty split state so that would take care of the assets.

We applied for the divorced. Gary let me have the house since I would have the kids most of the time and my parents helped with the down payment. Gary received most of the saving account and got a nice apartment so he could have the kids over. He moved a block away from the house. We each kept our own vehicles.

We are still on somewhat friendly terms. I do my best never to argue with him. We have a decent relationship because of the kids. Our families had a hard time accepting our breakup. My family loves him and still invite him over for family occasions.

My one sister Beth kept bugging me about the divorce. She said she wanted the particulars or she would go ask Gary for the truth.

I told her that I was flirting with a guy and had dinner with him. Gary found out and I ended the relationship. I told her that I never had sex with him but that Gary didn't believe me; I know I lied again but I just couldn't seem to get out from under the mess I had made apart from telling more lies.

I did find out that she asked Gary later but don't know what he said to her. Gary switched to the day shift so he could see the kids more often. I did wonder why he hadn't switched to days years ago but never brought it up.

I never dated after Gary left. I worked, took care of my kids and went to all the school functions. I did go out with the girls at work once a week. I danced with a few guys but never any more than that. I didn't even flirt.

Other than business conversation I didn't even talk to Ed. My life was full but I did have an empty spot. It was Gary missing from my life. I was happy to see him at the school functions, and other family activities. He kept his promise and was there for the kids. I didn't know if he started dating and really didn't want to know. I just hoped some day maybe, just maybe we could be a couple again.

The day after our divorce went through I called Gary. I told him that one of my bosses was beaten unconscious in the company parking lot the night before. According to the police the assailant wore a black hood and beat him with a bat to within an inch of his life.

They had no idea who it was but the police believe it was some kind of revenge beating because the assailant didn't take anything. They had no other clues as to who it might be.

Gary replied, "Shit happens, maybe he did something that warranted a beating. What was his name?"

"Ed Davis, he was a company partner. He has a wife and three kids... Gary, how did you find out?" I asked in a quiet voice, as I realized he must have found out and then deliberately attacked Ed on the day we were divorced. I finally understood then just how much I had hurt my husband for him to do something so out of character.

"I don't know what you're talking about. I have to go; time to take out the garbage," he coldly replied.

"I still love you Gary and I always will; I just want you to know that. I need for you to know that it was the only time in my life that I ever cheated on you and I truly regret it. I hope that someday you will find it in your heart to forgive me." I said sadly as I felt my eyes tearing up and a lump forming in my throat.

He replied saying, "Shannon, I have to go. I'll talk to you later, I can't talk now." His voice sounded sad as I heard the click of his phone hanging up.

Chapter 2

After the incident with Anna and Gary at the clinic Anna said she needed to come clean with Ryan. She really cared for him and wasn't going to lie to him. Needless to say, Anna and I are on speaking terms but we aren't best friends anymore. I never told her who the affair was with and I knew she would never ask Ed.

After Ed was beat up outside the office the police talked to all of us. I told them that Ed was my boss and I didn't know anything about his personal life. I decided to look for a job elsewhere since Anna, Ryan and Ed all still worked at the same firm. I needed to start over.

I found another insurance agency that sent me to school a couple of nights a week so I could also sell insurance out of the office. I would get paid commission besides my salary. They said they would also work around my kids school schedule. It was a win, win for me.

Whenever Gary would come over and gets the kids he would knock on the door. Even though it had been six months it still seemed odd, him not walking in and saying, "Honey, I'm home." I know I really missed that.

After I received my insurance licenses I decided to join a health club and exercise a couple of days a week. My bosses told me I looked very nice which made me feel good. They were both happily married and had families. I met their wives at a company birthday party. Their kids were similar in age to mine and all got along fine. A couple of divorced agents asked me out but I told them I wasn't interested. I did my best not to flirt or give the idea that I was interested. The last thing I needed was an office romance.

My oldest daughter told me that her dad, went out on a couple of dates. I knew it was just a matter of time because he was a wonderful man. She did say he told her because he was just going out to enjoy himself and wanted her to know it wasn't anything serious.

Needless to say I was hurt but he wasn't mine anymore. I would fight for him if I thought it would help but had no idea what to do. When he came over to get the kids he told me I looked good. It made me smile that he noticed. I told him he didn't look bad himself.

I took a chance and asked him if we could go out for dinner sometime. He looked at me and said, "I don't think so Shannon. That ship has sailed."

Needless to say I did my best to hold it together as the kids came in to go with their dad. I felt pretty gloomy and called a couple of new girl friends, Cheri and Barb, that I work with and we went out for dinner. I told them about Gary and they told me I didn't need him, there were lots of fresh fish in the sea.

Of course they didn't know that our divorce was my fault. They said all guys were pigs. They laughed as we ordered dinner. Cheri told me I could probably have any guy I wanted. I asked her how many guys want a thirty-four year old woman with three kids! I think I even laughed.

"Hell Shannon, we're not talking marriage here. It's just that you need some hot sex," she laughed. "Look, we all hurt after a divorce. My asshole of a husband was banging his secretary. After our divorce I said to hell with it and found me some strange of my own. You need to get back in circulation while you still have it."

Barb was dating a guy but said it was just for the sex. She wasn't about to jump into another marriage. She liked having sex, going home and waking up in her own bed by herself.

I laughed but really had no interest in just getting fucked. If it was just an orgasm I wanted I could use a vibrator and not have to kiss it. We ended up going out for a few drinks and even dance with a couple of guys. Cheri was right about some guys, they would fuck anything. I was tired of pushing hands away. Do some guys really believe that a woman wants to get felt up on a dance floor?

Cheri mentioned a party that was two weeks away. She said it was in somewhat of a wild country bar but there would be a lot of men there. Even though I was apprehensive I said yes to going. I would have the kids that weekend and asked Mom to watch them. She was glad to see me get out once in a while.

I thought about Gary and how much he liked country music. I actually thought about calling him and asking him to go but I knew he didn't want anything to do with me.

Cheri, Barb and Audrey came by and picked me up. We all dressed up in cowgirl outfits. I wore a flair jean skirt and a blouse with rhinestones. The last time I wore this was a couple of years ago when Gary and I went to a Halloween party. I remember making love when we got home. He said I really looked sexy.

I wore boots and a hat. Audrey said that I looked sexy as hell. I didn't know if that was a good thing or not. The four of us got a booth and ordered a round of drinks. This western bar looked pretty rough. It probably held a hundred plus people and was filled up. It looked like a pretty rowdy crowd. Cheri said it's not as bad as it seems. They have bouncers that throw out the trash.

We were there for about an hour and I had drunk too much already. I knew I better slow down. I looked over at another booth and saw Gary with another woman. I was surprised and the girls told me, "Fuck him! Just have a good time."

I was asked to dance by a big rugged looking guy. Usually he isn't the type of guy I would dance with but I guess I was pissed at Gary. I got up and danced with this guy. He said his name was Ben. He held me closer and tighter than I wanted. I didn't say anything but looked over at Gary who was looking back at me. He was dancing with his date.

Ben was pawing me and I asked him to stop. "Oh come on, you know you like it. Why else would you come to a bar like this?"

The song ended and they started playing a fast country western song. I was going to go back to my booth but Ben wouldn't let go of my arm. He pulled me into the hallway where the entrance to the restrooms were. He began to paw at my breasts. I told him to stop, I didn't want this.

He put his hand between my thighs under my skirt and squeezed my pussy. I yelled, "Stop! Please stop, I don't want this."

The music was blaring and I didn't know if anyone had heard me. I was so scared, then I looked up and saw Gary hit Ben over the head with a beer bottle. He didn't knock Ben out and a fight pursued. I think Gary was getting the best of Ben since he got in the first hit before Ben could react.

All of a sudden four huge bouncers came over, two grabbed Gary and two helped Ben out the door. Another man followed Ben out. I later found out his name was Rob and he was a friend of Ben's.

I went in the restroom to freshen up. When I came out I saw there was a big commotion at the back entrance. A number of people went outside. They said a man was laying on the ground and two men got in a car and left.

I ran out the back door and saw Gary laying there unconscious. Someone had already called an ambulance. I was crying as they put him in the ambulance. His date came out and looked scared also. I guess she had no idea what to do. I reached in Gary's pocket and took out his car keys.

"Here," I said to the woman. "Drive yourself home. I'm going to the hospital with Gary." I hopped into the ambulance and told them he was my husband. They looked confused but left for the hospital.

Gary was wheeled into the emergency room and I filled out his paper work. I was a nervous wreck but I had to keep it together for Gary's sake. About a half hour later the police arrived to talk to Gary and me. He was still unconscious but the police talked to me.

I told them that they needed to arrest this Ben guy. He and his friend beat Gary to a pulp. That's when they told me that the people they talked too at the bar said Gary started it by hitting Ben over the head with a beer bottle.

Even the bouncers said Gary started it. I tried to explain to the police that Gary was protecting me, that Ben was trying to molest me and Gary came to my rescue.

They said they talked to Ben and Rob and both said I was flirting with them. I was teasing them when Gary came over and hit Ben over the head with a beer bottle. In fact Ben was having six stitches put in his head as we spoke.

I was asked if I had any witnesses to verify my story. I told them Gary saw it and that's why he came to my rescue. About that time Ben came out of the emergency room. He had blood on his shirt and a gauze patch on his head. When he saw me he grinned. He walked over to the police and said he wasn't going to press charges against Gary.

"It must have been a big misunderstanding," Ben said.

The police told me how lucky Gary was. He could have done time for assault. I was so mad but didn't know what to say. The love of my life was still unconscious and I was supposed to thank his assailant for not filing charges.

What took the cake was when the police turned away Ben put his middle finger up to his nose and smelled it. He laughed as he and Rob left the hospital. The last thing I saw was Ben squeeze his crotch and smile at me. I felt so humiliated.

The doctor came out and said that Gary suffered a concussion and was still unconscious. He had a lot of bruises and a couple of broken ribs. It looked as though he was kicked a number of times. They believed he would come to but weren't going to rush it. He was admitted and they expected that he would be in the hospital for a couple of days.

I called my sister Beth and asked her to call Gary's parents and our mother to let them know that Gary was in the hospital. Mom would have to tell the kids. I told her I was going to stay there with Gary.

He was in ICU and I could only see him for a few minutes. He had bruises about his face and tubes everywhere. I sat down and cried. I couldn't help it; again I felt it was my fault. He came over to save me.

While I was sitting there holding his hand, his parents came in. There could only be two people at the bedside at a time. I walked to the waiting room and his parents were with him for a few minutes. They came in the waiting room to talk to me. I still got along with them but didn't see them very often. I wasn't invited to their family functions.

I explained to them what happened at the bar. I didn't tell them Ben grabbed me by the crotch. They didn't need to know those details. I explained how Gary came over to protect me and shortly after got beat up in the parking lot. I did tell them that the police blamed Gary for starting the fight even though he was protecting me. Again I started crying.

Gary's parents and I went to the cafeteria and had a cup of coffee. We talked about Gary and the kids. I told them that I would call Gary's work and talk with the insurance companies. I had my cell phone and would call them when I found out more.

They thanked me for helping Gary and stayed for another half hour before going home. I called my mom and told her I would be staying till Gary woke up. I wasn't going to leave his side. She told me the kids were worried about their dad but she'd told them he was going to be alright. They finally had gone to sleep.

The visiting hours for the hospital were over but they let me stay with Gary. I sat in a recliner and thought about our past life together. I was crying when one of the nurses came in and told me his tests had come back and he would be alright. She had no idea I was crying because of all my past actions.

I was there quite awhile and must have dozed off and heard Gary's voice. "Shannon, what happened? Where am I and why are you here?" I looked and it was four in the morning.

"Oh my God! Your awake!" I started the silly crying again. "What do you remember?" I asked.

"I think I got the shit kicked out of me. My chest hurts so much. What happened after I was thrown out of the bar? Where's my car?"

"You're in the hospital. After you stood up for me you were thrown out of the bar and two guys jumped you. You were unconscious and were brought here. I told them you were my husband so I could be here with you. Your chest hurts because you have two cracked ribs."

"Where is my car?"

"I sent it home with your date. If you tell me where she lives I'll go get it for you. You'll be in the hospital for at least a couple of days."

The nurse walked in the room. "Welcome back to the world Mr. Jennings. Since you're awake we'll be transferring you to a regular room in the morning. I take it your wife explained your injuries to you. You have a good woman, she's been at your side ever since you were brought in." The nurse smiled and left the room.

"I'm sorry Gary but they wouldn't let me stay if I told them we weren't married. Your mom and dad were here for a couple of hours and I let the kids know you were in the hospital. I have to call them in a few hours and give them an update."

I let him know I filled out his insurance papers and would call his employer the first thing Monday morning. He stared at me but didn't say anything. I had to wonder what he was thinking. The nurse came in, gave him a shot and told him he needed to get some sleep. His ribs would be hurting and time and rest are the only things to help them heal.

She told me Gary would be out for a few hours and I might as well go home, get some rest and freshen up.

I told Gary I was going home and change clothes; I still had on the cowgirl outfit. I told him I would be back in a couple of hours. He was out again before I left his room. I caught a cab outside of the hospital and went home.

I took a quick shower and lay down hoping to get some sleep. I slept a couple of hours before waking up suddenly. I looked at the clock and it was already eight. I got dressed and quickly drove to the hospital. When I got there they had already moved Gary into a semi private room. As I approached his room I noticed two police officers were coming out.

I went in and he was eating breakfast. I asked him what the police had to say and he told me they wanted to know his side of the story on what happened the night before. He said he told them why he hit Ben with a beer bottle.

They did tell him what they had told me, that there weren't any witnesses to verify his story. He was relieved to know that no charges were filed against him.

Gary sort of laughed but he said it hurt when he laughed. I asked him what was so funny? He said for what it was worth the police did believe him and liked it when a man stood up for his woman, but he had started the fight and there wasn't anything they could do about him being beat up. They also said that Ben wasn't new to the justice system. He has been in a number of brawls over the last few years and a history going back even further.

I called Gary's parents to let them know he was awake and he talked to them on the phone for a few minutes. After that I called my mom and each of the kids had a minute to talk to their dad.