Tonight was no different. Once Jodi had finished cleaning the kitchen and locking up the house, she joined Ralph in the bedroom, hoping against hope that he had fallen asleep waiting on her. Unfortunately, such wasn't the case. In fact, from the leering grin on his face, he had something special planned for her benefit.
Glancing from his naked body sprawled across the bed to the video playing on the TV, Jodi was sickened when she realized just what the 'surprise' was. Lately, Ralph had been watching porn movies, using them to enhance his fantasies and forcing Jodi to reenact them as closely as possible. Looking closer at Ralph, Jodi realized that he had started without her as his hand continued to stroke his partially erect penis. His attention was totally focused on the TV in front of him. Turning her eyes from the disgusting scene in front of her, Jodi glanced at the half empty bottle of scotch on the nightstand and the glass beside it. Her heart skipped a beat as she wondered just how drunk he was. The answer came quickly as he noticed her presence.
“Get your clothes off and get into bed. Can't you see I've been waiting for you?” Ralph slurred as he continued to stroke himself.
Great, Jodi thought, as she stepped into the bathroom to change for bed. Tonight can go one of two ways. Either he passes out before we finish, which would be great, or he never gets hard enough to do anything. It all depended on just how much scotch he had already consumed.
Knowing what was coming next, Jodi didn't bother to even put on nightclothes. When Ralph was in this kind of mood, he would tear them off, ruining her very meager collection of nightwear. The quicker it was over, the happier Jodi would be.
Jodi had no more crawled into bed when Ralph was all over her, biting and sucking on any body part that he happened to connect with. Jodi's mind was already on tomorrow's work schedule, anything to avoid where her body was at present. Ralph had no more pushed his semi-hard penis inside her when she felt the entire weight of his body fall on top of her. Laying still for a minute or two, Jodi finally realized Ralph was snoring, having once again passed out even as she began to become partially aroused. Jodi pushed his body to the side and crawled out of bed, wanting to get far away from his smell and sweat. She turned the TV off and retreated to the hall bathroom, making sure to firmly close and lock the door.
Resting on the edge of the bathtub, Jodi slowly started to stroke her pleasure mound. As she spread her legs, Jodi slid her finger up and down her slit, until the moisture started to form. Moaning gently, Jodi continued the stroking until she was so aroused that her clit was swollen and throbbing. Now completely lubricated, she was able to slide one full-length finger in, rolling and twisting to pleasure herself. Using her other hand to tease and squeeze her clit, Jodi rode her middle finger, sliding it up and down. Faster and faster her hips pounded until, in a rush of fluids, her body clenched and shuddered as she came in silence, tears coursing down her face. She was embarrassed by her need and saddened by the way it had to be handled. After she returned to bed, Jodi lay in the dark and silently wept into her pillow, knowing that she needed to make a change, but not knowing how or what to do. Still crying, Jodi fell asleep, curled into a ball on her side of the bed, not touching or being touched by her husband as he snored in his drunken slumber.
Chapter 3
Jodi’s alarm went off; she could hear rain pelting the windows in the bedroom.
On rainy days, Jodi had to follow Ralph to the garage and shut the overhead garage door after he backed out the car. On sunny days, he was kind enough to do it on his own, but he did not want to get wet or to use an umbrella on the rainy ones. And as usual, Ralph could care less if this screwed up Jodi’s schedule.
“Great, just perfect. One more thing to add to my morning. There are days when I really hate the man I married,” Jodi grumbled as she climbed out of bed.
Just that one minor change in her morning made her miss coffee with Christine. Without that time together, Jodi’s entire day was off balance. She knew she imposed on Christine, stopping by almost every morning, but she couldn’t help it. Christine was able to make her feel better about herself, and could help her see a light at the end of the tunnel, however dim it might be. In fact, lately Jodi realized she was thinking about Christine too much. There would be something discussed at work or on TV and she would find herself wanting to share it with Christine, wanting to get her reaction or opinion. Even more disturbing, was that it was Christine’s face Jodi would see while fingering herself to a silent climax at night.
As Jodi ran through the rain to her car, parked at the curb so Ralph could back out of the driveway, she compared Christine and Ralph. When they were first dating, Ralph made her feel like a queen. He did everything for her, and she enjoyed it. However, after they married, she discovered the real reason for his attentive assistance; he didn't think she was capable of doing it herself. Ralph always belittled her, telling her that she was not worth anything, that no one other than him wanted her, so she should be grateful he was still around. Christine, on the other hand, always complimented her on everything; her ability to decorate and her cooking. She even encouraged Jodi to reach further than she ever had. This was incredible since she had known Christine less than three years and Ralph for over ten. What a difference!
As she drove down the road, Jodi had a challenge keeping the windshield clear of the pounding rain. No matter how hard or fast the windshield wipers flew, they could not keep up with the downpour of water. Jodi drove slower and slower, unable to see more than just a few feet in front of her. She never liked driving in bad weather, and her tires were almost completely bald, making it twice as difficult to keep the car steady on the road. The car had already hydroplaned several times in just the few miles she had driven, and it was over twenty miles to the Sav-Mor where she worked. Rounding a tight corner, the car went into a skid, and Jodi lost control. As the car careened around the corner, the steering wheel jerked one way, her body the other, and she hit her head on the wheel. The last thing Jodi remembered was the guardrail suddenly appearing in the windshield and then everything went black.
Chapter 4
Opening first one eye, then the other, Jodi woke up and looked around. She was in a strange room, and her head was killing her. Further investigation revealed she was in a hospital bed and had a large bandage on her head. As she found and pressed the call button, Jodi hoped to discover what had happened.
A nurse entered the room carrying a blood pressure cuff. “Well you certainly took your time waking up, Ms. Russell,” she said jokingly. “Your friend was getting worried about you.”
“What happened? How did I get here?”
“Don’t have all the details, but I believe you were in a car accident. The car was pretty much destroyed, but you were lucky. You only sustained a small concussion and some bruising.”
“Terrific.” Groaning heavily, she added, “Ralph is going to kill me. I was supposed to keep that car for at least another year. Now how am I supposed to get to work?”
“Well honey, I sure don’t know, but your friend has been waiting for you to wake up. Should I call her in?”
“Yes, please, and have you contacted my husband?”
Looking oddly at Jodi, the nurse opened the door to admit Christine. Rushing in, Christine immediately went to Jodi and wrapped her in a bear hug. Jodi could tell Christine was crying from the wetness at her shoulder and the way her body shook.
“How bad was the wreck? You’re acting as if I had died or something,” Jody moaned, her voice muffled in Christine’s shoulder.
“No sweetheart, just worried about you. How are you feeling?”
“A headache and some soreness, but other than that I think I’ll live. Has anyone called Ralph yet?”
“Ralph? Who is Ralph, honey?”
“Come on Christine, I know you don’t like him, but after all he is my husband. I think we should at least call him.”
Christine stepped back and looked deeply into Jodi’s eyes. “Jodi, you don’t have a husband. You and I have be
en living together for the past seven years, and I think I would know if you were married.”
A cold chill ran through Jodi. What did Christine mean she did not have a husband? And what was that about living together? When did that happen? Why was everything so mixed up? It must have something to do with the concussion. As she started to shake her head to clear the cobwebs, Jodi was reminded of her injuries.
“Oh, my head. Guess that wasn’t such a good idea. What happened? And how long have I been here?”
“The wreck was this morning on your way to the office. You skidded in the rain and hit a guardrail head on. The Beemer is pretty much totaled, but I’m just glad that you are okay.”
“Beemer, what Beemer? I drive a 6-year-old Chevy with bald tires. It wasn't due to be replaced for at least another year. I don’t understand what is going on. Why is everything so jumbled up?”
“It must be the concussion. Give it some time, and I’m sure that everything will make sense. Just rest for now, and everything will be okay.”
As Christine left to speak with the nurse and doctor, Jodi lay in bed, thoughts running through her mind. Why was everything so confused? This was a nightmare; would she ever wake up?
When Christine returned to the room, she told Jodi the hospital was going to keep her overnight just to make sure everything was okay. It was time for her to leave, but she would be back in the morning to meet with the doctor and to take Jodi home. Not trusting her voice, Jodi simply nodded and then gasped in surprise when Christine leaned down and gave her a kiss goodbye. A kiss on the lips no less! What was all this about?
“Oh, Christine. Before you go, did they find my purse? I just want to make sure I have everything.”
“Yep, the paramedics brought it in with you. Here it is. Just promise me you won’t over do. See ya tomorrow. We love you.”
She loves me? Where did that come from? Jodi thought as she lay in the bed. We’re close friends and look out for each other, but love me? She probably just meant the friendship type of love, like between sisters or best friends. Wait a minute, she said we love you. Who is the other part of the ‘we’?
Still mulling over these thoughts, Jodi reached for her purse. “Wait a minute, this isn’t mine,” she said, then realized she was speaking to an empty room. This purse was obviously some kind of designer bag, with very expensive looking straps and attention to detail, whereas her purse was a fake leather number she had bought on clearance. As she remembered it, the covering was starting to peel and the straps were unravelling. She opened the designer bag and discovered a matching wallet and notepad.
Well, I know this can’t possibly be mine. I’ve never owned anything this nice or expensive in my life. Curious as to exactly who the purse did belong, Jodi opened the wallet, searched for a driver’s license, and got the shock of a lifetime. It was her picture on the license; well, a much better looking version of her, with a shorter, perkier haircut and gorgeous makeup. It was like looking at herself with a very expensive makeover. The face was the same, however the name and address were wrong. The last name on the license was Russell—her maiden name—not Williams, her married name. The address was located in a very expensive, trendy part of town, a neighborhood she and Ralph once dreamed of moving to. What was that address and name doing on her driver’s license? She was so confused.
Jodi lay in bed, jumbled thoughts running through her mind. She turned on the TV, anything to calm her thoughts down. Well at least that was still the same. Everything was still on at the right time and on the right channel. Jodi fell asleep with the remote control in her hand, thoughts of Christine, the driver’s license, and all the mixed up things still running through her mind.
Chapter 5
“Good morning, Ms. Russell. And how are we feeling today?” the nurse asked as she opened the curtains.
There was that name again. Why was everyone using her maiden name instead of her married one? Even Christine, who had met Ralph several times, was pretending that he and her marriage didn't exist. Jodi wanted more than anything to talk to Christine about all the changes and mix-ups that were happening.
Just as Jodi was thinking about her, in walked Christine, carrying a small garment bag.
“Good morning, sweetheart. Brought your clothes, just as I promised. We’ll have you out of here just as soon as the doctor does your final checkup. Unless you would rather stay here, of course.”
Finishing, Christine bent down and planted a huge, wet, horny kiss on Jodi’s lips. “Oh, I’m sorry sweetie. I totally forgot how much you hate kissing before you’ve had a chance to brush your teeth, and here I am with your toothbrush. Let me get your stuff so you can get ready.”
Taking the offered luggage, Jodi stepped into the connecting bathroom and closed the door behind her. As she stepped into the shower, Jodi could hear the doorknob rattling, but was unwilling to step out of the warm, relaxing spray of water. After towelling off and blow drying her hair, Jodi reached into the garment bag for a clean outfit. Not recognizing any of the clothes, she was horrified to think Christine had bought her new clothes to bring to the hospital. Perhaps Ralph refused to give Christine any of her clothing in order to punish her for wrecking the car. But wait, while these clothes were in wonderful condition, they weren't exactly new. The sizes were too small as well. How was she ever going to fit into the tight clothes?
Taking a chance, Jodi pulled on the expensive undergarments and found they fit perfectly. Sizes must run bigger in the more expensive clothes, Jodi thought as she continued to dress. Where did Christine get these clothes? Since she and Christine didn't wear the same size they couldn't possibly be hers. Now more confused than ever, Jodi stepped out of the bathroom, intent on questioning Christine further.
“What’s up with the closed door? You know I like watching you shower. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear we were back at the beginning of our relationship, eight years ago. You seem so stilted and withdrawn,” Christine queried as she took the luggage out of Jodi's hand.
Jodi was still so confused. Relationship? What was she talking about? “I don’t know Christine. It must have been the wreck. Everything seems so different now; I’m just trying to get my bearings. I’m sorry if I’ve offended you in any way.”
“Honey, that’s not what I meant. I’m just worried about you and want to make sure everything is okay between us. It is isn’t it?”
“Yeah, as far as I know. Just be patient with me and let me play catch-up for a little while, okay?”
“No problem. In fact, I can be the most patient of lovers. Let me show you just how patient.” And with that Christine crossed over to Jodi, embraced her, and planted a deep, sensual kiss on her lips. Jodi was in total shock. She had never been kissed like that before, certainly not by a woman, or even Ralph for that matter. Just as Jodi started to warm up to the embrace and kiss, Christine released her and stepped back, with a grin that spread ear to ear on her face.
“We can take it as slow and gentle as you want, Jodi.” Christine drove the point home by running just the tip of her tongue around her lips and smiling innocently.
Just at that point, the doctor walked in on his daily rounds. After he placed his stethoscope on Jodi’s chest, and checked her eyes, he declared her fit to return home. His suggestion was to take it easy for the remainder of the day, and to call if she had any bad headaches or loss of motor function. After he handed Christine a prescription for a mild painkiller, the doctor left the room.
“Come on, honey. Let’s go home.”
“That sounds good Christine. Maybe once I get in familiar surroundings everything will make sense.”
“I’m sure it will. You just need to get home and relax. Let us take care of you.”
Pushing the wheelchair through the patient pickup, Christine stopped beside a new silver SUV. As Jodi was wheeled around the front to enter the passenger side, she noticed the personalized license plate on front, ‘Jodi’s Creations 2.’
“What a gorgeous new car. Th
is is the new BMW X5 series; I’ve always wanted one like this. Who died and left you the money for it? And while we’re at it, I noticed the license plate. That was the name of the interior design company I always wanted to start, if I just had the money. How did you know about my company name?”
Christine didn't answer, but Jodi noticed that worried look again, this time the look passed between Christine and the nurse. What was going on? Why wouldn't Christine answer any of her questions? Maybe once she got home, Ralph would fill her in.
Driving away from the hospital, Jodi noticed after the first few miles that they were going in the wrong direction for her house. Mentioning it to Christine, she got the same response she had before, a very vague, no answer reply. Jodi decided to just wait for the answers that had been promised once she got home.
They pulled into the driveway of a huge, incredibly gorgeous house, and Jodi followed Christine through the front door. She acted as if she knew who lived here.
Jodi stared in awe upon entering the living room. The decorations were perfect; every color, every print, every accessory seemed to be designed just for this home. Taken apart, the decorations could be considered a little strange, but together they produced the most awe-inspiring, peaceful and cozy home she had ever seen. Continuing to glance around the room, Jodi kept looking around at all the accessories, including the multitude of picture frames filling the shelves and walls. Almost every photo was a picture of her and Christine in different places, some obviously foreign locations and settings. Tears came to Jodi’s eyes as she racked her brain to remember just one minute of any trip, and nothing would come. Turning to Christine, Jodi tearfully questioned what was going on. Where exactly were they and why couldn’t she remember anything?
Twisted Reality and Deep Breathing Page 2