Deadly Obsession (3 page)

“Just leave us alone Carol. I don’t want to be with you. I’ll never leave Carmen no matter what you do. Don’t bother us again.” he warned as he hung up.

“What did she say?” Carmen asked.

“She’s crazy; absolutely insane.”

“I told you. There’s no telling what she’s capable of. We’re not kids anymore.”

Although Dexter didn’t think Carol would take her frustration to the point of actually harming him and Carmen, he couldn’t be absolute. He decided it best to follow Carmen home to be sure she made it safely.

Chapter Three

Several days had passed since Carmen’s car was vandalized and not a word from Carol Avery; neither good nor bad. Dexter and Carmen weren’t sure what that meant but hoped they wouldn’t be bothered by her again. Maybe she had finally gotten the message after all.

The couple was working hard to rise above Dexter’s infidelity, though it was difficult for Carmen despite her deep love for him. She tried exceptionally hard to suppress the image in her head of Dexter and Carol making love but was finding it utterly impossible. She was unsure she could ever erase the painful feeling she experienced each time she imagined the two of them together. She simply didn’t know how to handle the distrust she now felt for Dexter. She often rode to his place of work to be sure he was there and to make sure that Carol Avery wasn’t. She would never understand how he could put their happiness in such jeopardy.

Business    was    booming    at    Jack’s

Mechanics; Dexter could hardly keep up with the extra work orders. He’d been working non-stop since he arrived this morning. He hadn’t even stopped for a break. Lunch was just around the corner and he was definitely looking forward to it. Carmen was meeting him at the park for a picnic.

Dexter went to the front desk to get the work order next in line. An unsuspecting glance out the window caused him to become agitated. Carol Avery was circling the front lot. This could only mean trouble, he thought. He went outside to confront her.

“What are you doing here Carol? If you continue to harass me, I’ll be forced to swear out a restraining order against you. Do you really want to push me to that?”

“I’m not harassing you; I simply need my breaks fixed. I didn’t come here to see you at all.” She insisted.

Dexter wasn’t falling for it. Carol was here only to get under his skin. He tried to reason with her.

“There’s another shop two blocks down. Why don’t you take your car there? I don’t think it’s a good idea to bring it here.”

“I don’t care what you think Dexter. You don’t own this shop; you can’t turn me away. I haven’t done anything wrong.”

“Whatever.” he said turning to walk away.

Twelve o’clock finally arrived and Dexter wasted no time clocking out. He was ready for a little R and R with Carmen. He rushed out the door and headed for his truck. His pace slowed to a near halt as he realized Carol was waiting for him.

“What do you want? I thought you were here to get your breaks repaired. Why are you leaning against my truck?”

“I need to tell you something. I’m pregnant; it’s yours. We’re having a baby. Aren’t you happy?” she asked as if she expected a joyful response.

“No, I’m not happy and I don’t believe

you. That isn’t funny. You’ll stop at nothing will you?”

“It’s true Dexter; I’m having your baby. What do you intend to do about it? You’re going to be a father. I’m carrying your baby inside me.”

“I don’t have time for this. I have to go. Get off my truck.” he said revving the motor.

Carol wouldn’t be put off that easily. She jumped in her car and followed after him. Dexter spotted her in his rear view mirror. Carmen was waiting for him at the park. The news of Carol’s pregnancy was sure to be upsetting. What had he gotten himself into? This woman was an absolute nut case; one that wouldn’t go away.

The screeching of tires grabbed Carmen’s attention; it was Dexter. What was wrong with him? She quickly realized why he was in such a hurry. Carol Avery slid into the parking lot behind him.

“I need  to  talk to you. Come with me,

hurry.” Dexter said taking Carmen by the arm.

“What’s going on Dexter? What’s Carol doing here?”

“She followed me here; she won’t leave me alone.”

Quickly gaining on them was Carol.

“Dexter Crane, I need to talk to you. I want to know what you intend to do about this!” Carol shouted loudly.

Carmen was confused.

“What’s she talking about Dexter? What are you going to do about what?”

“Oh I guess he hasn’t told you; he’s going to be a father. I’m pregnant.” Carol blurted out.

Carmen jerked away from Dexter. She couldn’t believe her ears. The affair was one thing but pregnant? How could she deal with that? This was more than she could handle. She loved Dexter immensely but didn’t know if their relationship could survive this.

“Are you kidding me? Is that the truth Dexter; is she pregnant?” Carmen demanded to know.

“I don’t know, I think she’s lying. I think it’s probably just another one of her schemes to break us up. Don’t listen to her Carmen, that’s what she wants. She’s trying to destroy us, don’t let her do it; don’t give her the satisfaction.” Dexter told her.

“I’m telling you the truth; I have my results in the car. I saw a doctor this morning, I’m three weeks along. It’s Dexter’s baby.” Carol swore.

“I want to see the paper. I don’t believe you, you’re lying! Show me the paper, now!” Dexter shouted.

Seconds later Carol returned holding a piece of paper in her hand. She handed it to Dexter. He stared at it silently. She was positively pregnant. This had to be a nightmare. He didn’t want to have a baby with Carol, he didn’t love her.

“What have I done? It can’t be; I don’t

love you, I love Carmen. I’ll never love you. You were a mistake and so is this baby!”

“Oh Dexter, how could you do this. I can’t deal with this right now. I have to go.” Carmen cried as she ran away.

Tears were flowing uncontrollably. Carmen could barely see where she was going. In an instant her life had been turned completely upside down. Happiness was no longer in sight. Her heart felt unamendable.

“You may think you’ve won but you haven’t. I will find a way to make this up to Carmen. I don’t want you or your baby. This doesn’t change anything between us. If the baby is mine I’ll do what I have to financially but I don’t want to be a father, not to your child. Maybe you should consider an abortion?” Dexter told Carol.

“You should be ashamed of yourself Dexter Crane. How could you say such hateful things about your own child? He didn’t do anything to you; don’t take your hatred for me out on him. He needs a father and a mother. You know what it’s like to grow up without a father. Do you honestly want that for your child? I won’t have an abortion, I won’t.”

“You do whatever you want but don’t expect me to participate. The courts can make me pay child support but they can’t make me love him.”

He got into his truck and sped away leaving Carol standing alone with her test results. She began to cry. Her heart ached. Dexter’s reaction was totally unexpected. Maybe she had misjudged him. He wasn’t the man she thought him to be all along. He’d managed to keep his true self camouflaged. How could he be so cold and calloused towards their child; an innocent child, his child, she wondered? His attitude wouldn’t go unpunished.

Dexter had made countless attempts to reach Carmen by phone but she wasn’t accepting his calls. He knew her heart was broken in two. He was furious with himself for the inconsideration he’d shown her in sleeping with Carol. He should have gone home that night. If he had this wouldn’t be happening. Things between him and Carmen would be okay right now.

Carmen remained on Dexter’s mind as he finished out his shift at work. He feared the end result of his mistake. They could have likely worked through his unfaithfulness had it not produced a child. How would Carmen ever accept that? He was having problems with it himself and it was his fault; he could only imagine how badly she must be feeling.

Despite several failed attempts to reach Carmen by phone, Dexter couldn’t leave it alone; he had to talk to her. He pulled into her drive. She must be home as her car was there. He knocked on the door.

“What do you want Dexter? I have nothing to say to you. It’s over. I can’t handle this.” She screamed.

“Please Carmen, I love you. Can’t we talk about it? We can work it out, I know we can.” He said, pushing the door back with his hand.

“I don’t think so Dexter, not this time. I

was already having difficulty with the affair but another woman pregnant with your child? How do you expect me to get over that? I don’t think I can do it. Could you?”

“I don’t know Carmen. I would hope that I could. Just let me come inside and we can talk about it; please?” he begged.

She reluctantly stepped away from the door allowing his entrance. When inside he took her in his arms and held her tightly. She burst into tears. His heart ached for her as he could feel the deep pain he’d caused her. He longed to ease her pain.

“How could you be so careless Dexter? How could you get her pregnant? I thought I would be the one to have your children; the only one.” She cried.

He kissed her lips gently and passionately. Her vulnerability caused her to be receptive of his affection. He then kissed her neck; she pulled him closer. Soon their hearts were pounding with excitement as their  bodies   became as   one; completely

connected as they soared to ecstasy, totally unaware of the world around them.

Carol had followed Dexter to Carmen’s house. Every moment he remained inside added to her infuriation as she knew what was going on. The longer she waited the more enraged she became. She refused to sit there and do nothing while the man she loved was making love to another woman. She had to relieve a bit of frustration somehow.

She got out of her car, being careful not to make a sound as she closed the door. She inconspicuously crossed the street. Untwisting the cap on Dexter’s tire, she released the air until it was completely flat. Feeling a small sense of satisfaction, she returned to her car and left.

Dexter and Carmen had fallen asleep. It was early morning before they awoke. Dexter had to hurry home and get ready for work. As he pulled his truck in reverse, it didn’t take him long to realize something was wrong; he had a flat.

Carmen was sad to wake up alone. Though she and Dexter were having problems she loved him immeasurably and had no desire to go through life without him. It would take some time but she would eventually get over the disloyalty he’d shown her. She and Dexter would carry out their plans to wed; the sooner the better she thought.

Carmen was presently attending nursing classes and was scheduled to graduate in three months. She was doing clinical training at a local hospital and had already secured a permanent position on staff upon her completion. She was thinking that she and Dexter should be married immediately following graduation allowing time for a honeymoon before she started her new job. A cruise would be a wonderful way to begin their new life together; miles off shore, surrounded by only endless waters and beautiful blue skies.

As she rose up in bed, Carmen was suddenly nauseated. She ran to the bathroom and vomited. It must have been something she ate last night, she thought. She wet her face with a cold cloth and brushed her teeth. She then took a shower and got dressed as she had class today.

Dexter was hard at work when his cell phone rang.

“Hey, I was thinking. How do you feel about setting our wedding date for the week following graduation?” Carmen suggested.

“I think it’s wonderful but are you sure?” he questioned.

“I’m sure I love you and want to be your wife. I know our relationship needs a great deal hard work but I believe we can better work through it together.”

Dexter was ecstatic. Carmen was willing to give them an earnest chance.

“Why don’t you come over after work tonight, we’ll have dinner and watch a movie.” Carmen offered.

“Sounds great; I’ll see you then.”

Dexter’s faith in his and Carmen’s relationship had been restored. She was willing to go through with their wedding plans. She would become Mrs. Dexter Crane.

Meanwhile, Carol was busy contemplating her next plan of action. She was determined to find a way to replace Dexter’s love for Carmen with an underlying love for herself. She’d never wanted something so badly; she was miserable. She’d always gotten what she wanted and this time would be no different. She was willing to go to any length necessary regardless of repercussion.

As she discreetly staked out Carmen’s residence, Carol discovered a back entrance she failed to notice the night before. No one would see her if she went in this way. She parked her car a street over and followed the back alley to Carmen’s house. She was eager to wreak havoc on the happy abode.