REFLECTIONS

Chapter 5

1968

I was so stupid then. Falling in love with another student in college by the name of Craig. He was two years older than me and he was smart. But not smarter. We had a chemistry class together, and he would ask for my help every time there was an assignment. He managed to pass with a B, and well... I aced the class.

I married him because I thought he meant everything to me. It was also the 60s, so it was just something you did.

I couldn't deny that his British accent drew me towards him. His green eyes and sandy blonde hair only drove me deeper in love to the point I could no longer escape.

We dated for two years and everything seemed great. The love we had was strong. Then things changed when we got married. He changed. I fell into the darkness. Engulfed by pain.

Craig must have thought he could control me once we were legally married. He was right. He had control of my bank account, my savings, anything he could add his name to.

I was to dumb to notice until it was too late. I thought it was something you did when you got married. To share your things, but he never did. My name wasn't on any of his accounts or even the house we bought together. I was tricked. I was lied to.

About six months into the marriage, there was early tell tale signs. Nitpicking things he thought I did wrong or laughing at me when I tripped up. There was a time where I was supposed to meet him at a resturant, but he never showed up. I waited for a hour before leaving. After I walked a few blocks, I saw him on the other side of the street. Craig ran over to me and grabbed my arm tightly and yelled, "You're an idiot. Where were you? I was waiting for you?" I was scared. I had never seen him like that before. He saw the fright in my eyes and responded with, "I'm sorry. I love you so much. We are in New York and this isn't a city to get lost in. If anything had happened to you, I don't know what I would do." I forgave him. That was a huge mistake.

Things eventually became worse. For example, I came home from a long day at NYU, where I had worked as a Biomedical Engineer professor and researcher. He was sitting on the living room sofa, and I looked around to see nothing had been cleaned. Then he approached me, "Why is everything a mess, Claire?" He says as he picks up a small metal statue and throws it at me. Hitting my face and breaking my nose. I had to go to the emergency room, and told the doctor I fell off a bike. Craig apologized to me while in the hospital and of course I forgave him. Again. I was such a fool.

Promise after promise that he would change but never did. I couldn't put all the blame on him either. I stayed. I didn't know if it was because I loved him or was afraid of him.

The saddest thing of all, was that he had to die for me to escape. He was driving through an intersection when a drunk driver hit him. The drunk driver ran a red light.

Was I sad about it? No, actually I felt nothing. Craig didn't deserve a single tear. He gave me these scars. Some from my own hands.

A few years late Craig's passing, I stumble across a newly open cafe. The interior was a bit moody with an evergreen colored wallpaper and dark bronze accents. Not something I was used to seeing in a world of everything mid-century modern. It was at this moment I realized I was not alone. When the front door swung open before I could place my hand on the door pull, it revealed a 6' 2" man. He has short dark brunette hair that is slightly slicked to one side. My eyes formalized themself with his face. He has chocolate brown eyes and some facial hair.

His slight Boston accent caught me off guard, "Good morning, lady! My name is Cillian, and welcome to Boyer Cafe." He gave me his hand to help me inside.

"Was it morning? No, God I've really lost track of time. You should know this." I think to myself.

"Please take a seat wherever you feel comfortable. I'll be around with a menu shortly." He smiles as he turns and walks towards the back. I take notice of his linen pants that have a small gray herringbone pattern.