Second Chances

by Aaron Brinker

  Chaun grabbed his glass, set it between both hands, and fidgeted with it as he spoke. “She had moments where she could be a total sweetheart. Unfortunately, most of the time she was demanding and mean. It didn’t matter who she had to talk down to as long as she got her way. That’s all that mattered to her.”

  “Including you,” Denise stated.

  Chaun gave a slight nod. “Which always put me at the top of the list. It always seemed like I could not do right by her. Everything I did was wrong. There were times, while we were out in public, I could read in people’s eyes that they were awestruck that I was with her. Their eyes would plead with me to leave her.”

  She reached out and placed her hands on either side of his. Her tone was soft and pure. “It almost sounds like she was verbally abusive.” Chaun paused for a couple seconds after hearing this from Denise. “If you think I’m in the wrong, please say so.”

  His eyes were wide with the realization that she was right. “No, actually I believe you are dead on. I never realized it before, but I believe you’re right. That would be the only explanation for some of the behavioral side effects of my relationship with her. Like me apologizing on the fourth for mentioning her.”

  Denise frowned. “I’m sorry you had to experience that type of treatment. No one should be treated like shit, especially by the person that is supposed to make you whole. You should have been able to find support and gain confidence from her, not the opposite.”

  Chaun gave a pained grin. “There was actually a time, earlier in our relationship that, an uncle of mine passed. I was deeply saddened by his passing. She told me to get over it and that it happens.”

  Her head lowered. “Was this after the funeral?”

  Chaun shook his head as Denise looked back up at him. “No, this was the day of or the day after his passing. We hadn’t even had the funeral yet.”

  Chaun saw the hurt in Denise’s eyes. She looked as if she was about to start crying. “I’m truly sorry Chaun. You deserve better. I hope you do find happiness, true happiness, and not false hopes.”

  He looked down at their hands. Chaun moved his hands away from the glass, turned them over to grasp hers, then moved them to the center of the table. He looked into her eyes. “The difference between you and Katrina seems like night and day. Thank you for showing me that there are people in the world that can be heartfelt and genuine.”

  She smiled, “I’m just being myself.”

  There was a caring sternness in his voice. “And that’s all you ever should be, nothing more and nothing less.” Dorothy arrived with their food.

  Dorothy said, “Here you go, steak and shrimp, and the grilled chicken. Do you two need anything else?”

  Chaun shook his head and smiled at Dorothy. “No ma’am not at the moment. Thank you so much.”

  She smiled as she placed extra napkins on the table. “You’re very welcome hon if you need anything you just let me know.”

  Chaun and Denise enjoyed their dinner together. The conversation was lighter throughout their meal. Both of them shared jokes and stories they had heard. When Dorothy brought out the check, Chaun was pleased to see that an order had been placed at the bar for a dinner to go. He paid the bill. The two then walked out the door to find the limo waiting on them with Samuel holding the door open.

  Denise got into the limousine first. Chaun dipped his head at Samuel. “Thank you, Samuel. Did you enjoy your dinner?” Chaun asked.

  Samuel shook Chaun’s hand. “Very much sir. Thank you. Not many people are kind enough to purchase a dinner for me.”

  “You’re very welcome.” Chaun climbed into the limo, and Samuel closed the door behind him.

  A minute later Samuel climbed into the front seat and asked, “Where to sir?”

  “We are actually going to see a hockey game from here. Do you know where the venue is located?”

  Samuel smiled and winked. “That I do sir, I am a hockey fan myself.”

  Chaun dipped his head, then grinned mischievously. “Good. In that case, you are catching the game tonight.”

  Samuel’s jaw dropped. “Thank you, sir.” Samuel turned and drove away from the restaurant en route to the rink.

  23

  As they pulled to the front of the venue, Chaun was surprised to find that the lines were not long. Usually, the few times he had been there, the place was packed. Samuel pulled to the curb and did a limo driver’s regular routine. As Chaun and Denise stepped out of the limo, Chaun looked at Samuel and said, “Wait here a moment.”

  Samuel dipped his head. “Will do, sir.”

  Chaun walked through the door with his arm around Denise’s waist. Her hand was on his shoulder. He stepped up to the ticket counter and asked for three tickets, two together and one near an exit. He paid for the tickets and walked back out to Samuel. He handed him the ticket for the seat that was close to an exit. “Here you are, Samuel. I made sure it was by an exit. I figured if you needed to step out early to make sure the limousine was at the curb it would give you an easy exit.”

  Samuel’s grin stretched from ear to ear. His voice was ecstatic as he dipped his head a few times. “Thank you so much, sir. It has been a really long time since I’ve seen a game in person.”

  Chaun shook Samuel’s hand. “You’re very welcome Samuel. Enjoy the game.”

  Samuel said almost shouting. “You do the same, sir. I will have the limo pulled up to this very spot by the time you walk out of those doors.”

  “Thank you, Samuel.” Chaun and Denise turned to enter through the doors once more. After handing the staff member at the door their tickets and entering, they headed for the skate shop. Looking at Denise and smiling Chaun said, “You want a hockey jersey?”

  Her brow lowered on the left side of her face. “Are you serious?”

  “Yep, take your pick.” He smiled when Denise’s face lit up. Denise grabbed a jersey that she liked. Chaun grabbed one as well. He also picked up a few things for Samantha while he was there. While walking the corridor, they tore the tags off of their jerseys and put them on. They stopped at a vendor between the shop and their seating area. As they stood in line, Chaun looked at Denise and asked, “What are you getting?”

  She looked reluctant. “I’m actually still kind of full from dinner. At the least, I will get a beer.”

  “Actually a beer does sound really good. I may get a bratwurst as well, can’t break tradition.” He smiled at her.

  She grinned. “Well, in that case, I better order one as well. Don’t want to break tradition, as well as bring bad luck.” Chaun gave a slight laugh in response.

  After Chaun had purchased the Brats and Beer, they topped them however they saw fit and went to find their seats. Denise was surprised to find that the seats were far enough back to where the glass didn’t hinder being able to see the rink in its entirety. The game had not even started yet, and Chaun and Denise could tell the energy was already high. Within a few minutes of sitting down the lights dimmed and the rink lit up with spotlights and strobe lights as the players were announced. After both teams had been announced, the American and Canadian national anthems were played. Everyone stood for the anthems and then sat back down.

  The game was a close and exciting one. Four players were ejected during the second period when a huge fight broke out. After stepping between two players, a referee was knocked on his ass. The game was tied at the end of three periods, went into overtime, and then continued on into a shootout after neither team scored in overtime. Chaun and Denise walked away from their seats with their throats almost raw from screaming and cheering so much during the game.

  As promised, Samuel was waiting on the curb when they exited the building. When they approached the limo, Samuel opened the door. Chaun was all smiles when he asked, “Did you watch the game?”

  Samuel grinned and said, “I did sir. Thank you. I haven’t seen a game that exciting in quite some time.”

  Chaun gave a quick nod. “You are very welcome.” Chaun entered
the limo. After he had heard Samuel get into the limo, he picked up the phone.

  Samuel picked up the receiver located on the console next to the driver’s seat. “Yes, sir?”

  “Samuel, I want you to know I’m calling the company tomorrow.” Chaun hung the receiver up and moved to the seat on the opposite side of the glass from Samuel. He lightly knocked on the glass. A second later Samuel rolled the glass down between the seating areas. Chaun could tell Samuel was very worried that he had done something wrong. “I want you to know you are not in trouble for anything. I have been testing you tonight. The reason for my calling the company tomorrow is not to complain. You have been very hospitable tonight.” Chaun paused for a couple seconds. When he spoke next, he looked directly into Samuel’s eyes. “I am calling the company to let them know you are an exceptional driver. I will be asking them to keep you available if I need to hire the company’s services. I want you to be my driver if I take any more trips out of my local area.” Chaun could see Samuel’s expression change from a furrowed look of worry to a happy smile which portrayed gratitude. Chaun smiled at the change.

  “Thank you, sir. That means a lot.” Samuel laughed. “You had me terrified for a couple moments there.”

  Chaun jokingly grimaced. “Sorry for that. I meant what I said, though, you are very good at your job. Don’t ever let that change.”

  Samuel shook his head. “I will not, sir. Where would you like to go?”

  “I think we are about ready to head north. I’m sure you’ve got to be fairly tired.” His eyes lowered then rose to meet Samuel’s again. “Are you a big coffee drinker?”

  “Tired… yes. As for coffee, I love it.” Samuel grinned.

  Chaun smiled. “Good, if you want to drive through a coffee shop before heading north. All of us can order a drink. I’m sure I want to stay awake for a while.”

  Samuel smiled in return. “That sounds like a wonderful plan, sir.” Chaun returned to his seat next to Denise, Samuel rolled the window back up and pulled away from the curb. They drove through the drive-thru at the coffee shop. Chaun paid for the entire order. As they headed back home, Chaun and Denise talked about the game and the evening.

  24

  As the limo pulled into the drive at Dave and Michelle’s house, both Chaun and Denise were alert. Samuel parked, got out and opened the door for the two. When Chaun got out of the car, he looked at Samuel. The two shook hands, then Samuel turned to Denise, shook her hand, and gave a shallow bow. “Thank you again for being so professional and personable tonight. I will call the company tomorrow and see to what we had discussed unless you are not okay with it.”

  Samuel shook his head almost frantically. “No, sir. I am more than okay with it. You have treated me better than anyone I’ve worked for in all my years driving. Thank you again for the compliment.”

  Chaun dipped his head. “I was only speaking the truth. Have a good evening Samuel and drive safe.”

  Samuel dipped his head respectfully to Chaun and closed the Limo door. “I will, and you have a good night as well sir.” Samuel smiled, got in the limousine, and backed out of the driveway.

  Chaun and Denise slowly walked towards the front door. Luckily, his parents were thoughtful enough to leave the porch light on so they did not trip walking up the stairs to the front porch. He unlocked and opened the door being as quiet as possible, trying not to wake his parents or Sam. When they got inside, Chaun helped Denise out of her coat and hung it up in the closet. After hanging up the coats, he came back to find that she was in the kitchen getting a glass of water. She sat down at the island while she slowly sipped at her drink. “Do you want to stay up and chat more?” Chaun asked. He walked to the opposite side of the island and leaned against it.

  “It might not be a bad idea. How tired are you?”

  Chaun shrugged. “Not too tired. I could definitely stay up and talk to you longer.”

  Denise smiled, “Good. We will definitely have to do this again. I had such a blast tonight. Thank you for taking me.”

  Chaun blushed. “You’re more than welcome.”

  “That was really nice of you to treat Samuel tonight. He seems like a sweet man.”

  Chaun nodded as Denise took another drink of water. “Yes, he does. I just figured, he probably is ignored and taken for granted most of the time. I am blessed to have so much, and I just wanted to give some back where I could.”

  She looked into his eyes. “You know Chaun, you’re not like most other guys. Most of them would have just let him sit in the car.” Her voice grew reflective. It also sounded like she pitied Samuel. She looked down at the glass in her hand. “Hell, most of the time, he probably packs a lunch to eat while his passengers are inside.”

  Chaun dipped and tilted his head simultaneously. “More than likely, and that’s why I treated him tonight. I know you’re not tired yet, but would you be up for a movie in my room? At least until we get tired?”

  Denise had taken another sip of water before she spoke. “Sure. What movie did you have in mind?”

  Chaun crossed his arms, rested his arms on the island, and set his chin on his forearm. “I figured I’d leave that choice up to you. Are you in the mood for a comedy, action, romance, horror? The choices are endless.”

  She smiled. “What about an action flick? I’d say a horror movie, but I tend to scream pretty loud while watching those.” I’m pretty sure we do not want to wake Sam or your parents.

  “That sounds like a plan,” Chaun said. Denise stood up, slid her stool back up to the island, walked to the sink, dumped the remaining contents of her glass, and placed it in the dishwasher.

  She had a mischievous grin on her face when she turned. “I want to do something tonight and am wondering if you will be okay with it.”

  Chaun’s eyes narrowed as he leaned his head back slightly. “I thought you said you weren’t going to force the issue.”

  Denise smiled. “Who said it had to do with sex? Hmmm…someone has their mind in the gutter.” She laughed when she saw Chaun blush slightly. “Actually, Mr. Hutchins, I was going to ask if I could wear your hockey jersey as a nightie.”

  Chaun grinned. “I wouldn’t mind that at all.” He wrapped his arm around her waist as they ascended the stairs. Chaun stopped at the top of the stairs and walked into the nursery to check on Sam before they went to his room which was at the end of the hall. He walked in to find that Sam was sleeping soundly. Dave and Michelle would brag about how good of a baby she was within the first few months. While he was in the hospital, they would always say that she hardly ever cried and that she laughed most of the time. Chaun smiled slightly at the appreciation of her being a blessing in his life. He turned to find that Denise was leaning her head and one hand on the door frame with the rest of her body out in the hallway. From the smile on her face, he could tell that she loved him deeply.

  They left the nursery and walked down the hall to his room. As they entered Chaun walked around to the T.V. located in the far corner of his room. He chose an action movie and placed the DVD in the player. During the lag between the startup and the disc menu, Chaun took off his jersey and laid it on the bed. He then stripped down to his boxer briefs.

  Denise stood by his closet. She was waiting for him to get undressed before undressing. She grabbed Chaun’s jersey off of the bed. Since that first night of her sleeping in bed with Chaun, he had always looked away as she undressed and put on a night shirt. She looked at him, after grabbing the jersey, “No peaking.” She smiled. He turned his head away as Denise turned facing the closet. She had stripped down to her bra and underwear before sneaking a glance to see if his head was still turned. She was surprised to find him staring at her grinning. “I thought I told you no peaking? If you stare too hard, you’ll go cross-eyed.”

  He held up his hands and smiled. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t help myself.”

  She smiled and turned back to face the closet. She unhooked her bra, removed it, and put on Chaun’s jersey. She turned back a
round to find that Chaun had climbed into bed and pulled back the covers on her side of the bed. She climbed in and pulled the covers up. Chaun hit play on the controller to start the DVD.

  Denise snuggled up to his chest as the movie started. Chaun’s mind raced with his feelings for Denise. Over the last few months, he had realized that at some point his feelings had gone from like to love. That night had been so perfect. She was so heartfelt and genuine. No one had ever treated him with the care and kindness she always had shown him. He cherished her. As the opening credits flashed across the screen he said to her, his expression was one of pain and concern, “Denise, I want to tell you something.”

  She sat up. When she saw the look on his face, she grew worried. She rested her head against the headboard. “Is everything okay?”

  He gave her a soft reassuring smile. “Yeah, I want you to know, I cherish you and your company. I love you, Denise. I love the person you are and the person you’ve always been to me. I think I’m ready to take that step past friendship.” Even in the glow of the T.V., he could tell she was beaming.

  A tear fell from her left eye and glistened in the light. “I love you too.” Chaun leaned over and kissed her. He slid down onto his back from a seated position. Denise lay next to him kissing him. He caressed her cheek and neck with his right hand. His left hand he slid under Denise’s hip and lifted. Denise straddled him and continued kissing him. He began lifting at the hem of the jersey. She grabbed the bottom of the jersey about ready to pull it off.

  Chaun then noticed that he could see her breath as a mist. It can’t be that cold in here. Denise’s head snapped back, and she began screaming. Chaun noticed that her hair was pulled straight back. It looked as if an invisible fist had grasped a chunk of Denise’s hair and held her head back. Chaun was paralyzed as Denise was lifted into the air by her hair. Her feet dangled a foot above his legs. Her breath clouded in faster repetition with each passing second. Her body was then thrown against the wall above his headboard. Denise’s head repeatedly slammed into the wall above his bed. After her head connected with the wall the second time, Chaun heard footsteps running down the hall and his parents yelling. Denise was thrown across the room. A void was left not only where she contacted the wall opposite his bed, but above his bed as well. Chaun quickly sat up in bed. He stared at Denise’s body lying in a heap on the floor. As the door opened and Dave and Michelle entered, his face was forcefully turned towards them.