New Beginning

Chapter 6

"There never is a weak moment when it comes to cheating. You cheat, very well aware that you are cheating. You cheat because you no longer love your partner. You cheat because you don't remember or even think of your partner"

"I love..."

"You don't, Tammy. Admit it. You no longer love Tom. That's the only explanation for cheating. Only when you no longer feel for your partner, you cheat. If you loved your partner, you would never ever cheat. And also, would never let anyone approach you"

"But Debbie... Maybe it was the helplessness. Maybe she didn't have any other option..."

"Cheating is not an option, Lou Miller. It's a choice. It's not an option. You don't cheat because of someone's pressure. If you are forced into sex, it is rape. Not cheating. You are the victim there. If you are held at gunpoint and the only way to get the fuck out of that situation is to fuck that man, then it is blackmailing. You are helpless because there exists a threat. It is no less than rape. But if you want the other person to fuck you and you are offering yourself, then it is not called option. It is CHOICE! BLOODY FUCKING CHOICE. AND CHOICE MEANS YOU WERE WELL AWARE OF YOUR ACTIONS! IT IS FUCKING CHEATING!"

Debbie literally yelled and both Lou and Tammy were scared for a moment. Both didn't dare to speak for a minute.

"Do you even know how fucking hurt your partner will be when they hear someone else fucked you? Do you know how it is to fucking have a heartbreak? Do you fucking have any idea how it feels when you get to know your partner doesn't love you anymore? I've seen my mother going through this! Don't you guys dare say cheating was an unavoidable option. It never is an option. It is a choice. You cheat when you no longer love your partner. If you love, then no matter how powerful the distraction is, you'll not even care or give second look. You will ignore it and be back to your partner. Only when you don't love... And I repeat, when you don't love your partner, you cheat!"

Debbie said this and angrily walked to her room and shut the door. Lou sighed and looked at Tammy.

"Tammy, dear I am sorry. Debbie isn't..."

"I knew she would be angry. Didn't expect to this range. I feel even Tom won't be this angry", she chuckled sadly. "She really has firm opinion on this issue, Lou. It's better if you don't try to convince her regarding my life. And she is not wrong. Whatever she said, it's true. I wasn't forced by Jerald. I myself let him seduce me. And... She is right. It was my choice. Wasn't an option. If I had stopped him, he would stop. But I didn't want him to. It was my choice", Tammy said, regretting. "I committed the mistake, Lou"

"Oh honey", Lou hugged her and let Tammy cry.

*********

After Lou dropped Tammy back to her place, she returned. Debbie's room was still closed. Lou took a deep sigh and opened the door. The lights were off but she could see Debbie's silhouette.

"Baby", Lou called her softly as she walked close to her. Debbie didn't look at her. Her head was buried in heap of pillows.

"Baby", Lou called again, sitting next to Debbie. She gently ran her hand on Debbie's hair.

"Honey"

"I never thought Tammy would do something like that", Debbie said, her words muffled.

"Oh honey", Lou laid down next to her and pulled her closer for a hug. "Baby... Sometimes... Shit happens. It's not in our control"

"No, Lou. This... It is in our control. You don't cheat because you were helpless. Why are you guys not understanding this? If you fuck someone while being in relationship with others, then it is your mistake. And nope, don't speak about helplessness. And don't you even dare to say it was a momentary loss of control. If you were faithful to your partner, then you would never lose control. You will never have consented sex with someone when you are in relationship with your partner. If you did, then clearly it is cheating. It means you no longer give importance to your partner. You no longer love. You no longer consider his or her feelings. You no longer care whether your actions impact on your partner. It's so fucking simple to understand! Why the hell Tammy and you are not able to?"