The Wrong Side of Midnight

by Terri Marie

  Chloe was halfway down the stairs when the Coach label on her purse caught her eye. Running back upstairs, she dug around until she found a passable bag and then headed through the gates with Becky. When she informed the guards they were going for a run, the men were quick to notice Becky’s heels but didn’t say a word. Who knew what young women did these days?

  Chloe and Becky were relieved to see the car still sitting where they'd left it. They had to drive past the guesthouse next door, but luckily the work crew was on the opposite side of the roof. It was necessary that Matthew didn’t see them in the new car. He was still unaware Chloe had purchased it.

  “What are you going to tell Lois when she realizes you no longer live at the house?”

  “I’m going to be staying at your place for a few months. We’ve done it in the past, but for shorter durations. Besides, Lois would never rat me out.”

  “I hope your parents don’t end up calling me for information.”

  “When was the last time my parents spoke with you in person or otherwise?”

  “Your engagement party, and before that….uh…”

  “Right. That’s my point.”

  Pulling up at the thrift shop, Chloe busted out laughing at Becky’s emotional meltdown.

  “Becky…”

  “What?! Seriously, this is unsafe.” Becky began removing her jewelry and stuffing her purse under the seat.

  “Are you afraid you’re going to get mugged or something?”

  “I just think I’ll look ridiculous going inside that store wearing thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry. Lock the doors!” Becky walked around to all four doors making sure they were locked.

  Chloe was rolling in laughter. “You look petrified. The best thing to do to avoid being attacked is act confident. Besides, no one knows that your jewelry is real. You seriously need to relax.”

  “I’ll relax when we’re out of here.” Becky grabbed Chloe's hand and made a run for the store.

  Chloe was like a child in a candy store. The thrift shop sold just about everything she’d need, but they’d definitely have to hire movers. She got lucky after calling the fourth moving company and found out they weren’t booked for the afternoon. She hired them to come to the store and haul items directly out to the truck. After much convincing to the manager that she could pay for everything, Chloe pulled the crumpled list of things she’d need from her pocket, and off she went through the aisles. Becky stayed very close behind, frequently looking at the large front window to check on the car.

  It only took a couple hours for Chloe to pick out the items she wanted. The last item she picked out was a bed.

  “You’re not actually going to sleep on that, are you?”

  “No, Becky. Even I have limits! I’m using the frame, but I’ll buy a new mattress.” She didn’t know what was more fun, this move, or watching her friend.

  They drove to a local department store and purchased some off-brand items she’d need. When they pulled away, the car was stuffed full of pots, pans, dinnerware, towels, washcloths, and other odds and ends. With a wide smile, Chloe drove to her new home. Becky was a wreck as soon as they left the suburbs.

  “Drive faster, Chloe, I mean it!”

  “Relax. You’re going to hyperventilate.”

  Chloe did pick up her speed a little after crossing the tracks. It wasn’t out of fear, it was from pure adrenaline, pure excitement.

  With some financial incentive, the movers followed the girls to other stores and loaded items up. They worked hard and efficiently once they arrived at the apartment. Becky bought her a small table and chairs for her balcony, which overlooked a vacant lot. With sweaty brows, the girls sat on the slightly worn sofa and fanned their faces.

  “Becky, I’m starving.” When she opened the refrigerator door, she began cracking up. “We forgot to buy food!”

  They drove to a decent sized grocery store about three miles away and stocked up on everything she thought a kitchen needed. After putting the items away, Chloe looked around and saw the place as a real home.

  “It feels really weird not living in a museum.”

  “Hey stop bragging! I still live in one but I love it. I couldn’t imagine myself living without all the perks of wealth. But I’m happy for you, Chloe. I’m really, really happy.” She hugged her friend closely.

  “I couldn’t have done this without you. But we need to fly back to the house so Matthew doesn’t find the need to pop over to the museum without me there.”

  Matthew was walking to his truck to change his shirt when John approached him.

  “Are you doing okay, Matt?”

  “Sure am. Why?”

  “You haven’t said two words today, and you’ve been way happier than I’ve ever seen you.”

  “My lips are sealed.” Matthew smiled.

  “It’s a girl, isn’t it?! Oh my God. You hooked up with that blonde next door…”

  “Her name is Chloe. I don’t want to say anything I’ll regret, but she’s different, ya know? I didn’t want to leave her last night, and I can’t wait to see her today.”

  “I take it that stopping by Cars on the way home is out of the question,” laughed John.

  “I’ve never been so excited to fly home and jump in the shower in all my life.”

  “I’m so happy for you, man. If anyone deserves it, it’s you.”

  Chloe and Becky spotted Matthew by the truck when they drove around the bend. Chloe pulled up beside his pickup so she could stay pretty much hidden from nosey neighbors and the house staff. She couldn’t be caught dead in this car.

  "Hey, good lookin'!" Matthew bent down and kissed Chloe on the cheek and said hello to Becky.

  "I have a surprise for you, Matthew. I'm all moved in, so you can stop by my apartment this evening if you're not busy." Chloe could feel the butterflies returning.

  "I would break any plans I had just to come and see you."

  Becky couldn't stop smiling at the entire encounter. She has never seen her best friend this happy.

  After some small talk, she drove around the bend to drop Becky off out of the sight of the guards, and with pure excitement, Chloe drove to her new home.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  She took a long, hot shower and then sat on the balcony. She knew she should eat something, but her stomach was in knots. This was a fairytale she didn't want to end. Chloe just wished she didn't have to lie in order to be happy. Hopefully Matthew would forgive her and be understanding. For her, it was worth the risk. Having Matthew in her life for only a short time was better than never having known him at all.

  She walked back inside and looked around. The apartment was only a third the size of her bedroom at the mansion. She was startled out of her deep thoughts by a soft knock at the door. Peering through the peephole, she saw his beautiful face and let him in.

  "C'mere." Matthew said, as he wrapped her up in his strong arms and carried her to the kitchen. He sat her on the counter and kissed her like he hadn't seen her in months. "I don't think I've ever missed anyone as much as you in my entire life."

  "Matthew," Chloe whispered as her body began to melt. "I've thought about you all day."

  Matthew looked at her with an unguarded heart.

  Chloe stared back with overwhelming guilt over her deception. I can't believe I lied to him like this…

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Chloe was ecstatic to find out Matthew lived only four doors down from her. He came over every evening after showering and fixing dinner for his father. He wished he could stay with her all the time, but scaring her off wasn't an option for him and neither was leaving his father to fend for himself. There was no way he could afford a live-in to care for him. They sat at Chloe's small table and shared takeout, or snuggled on the couch and talked. They were learning so much about one another. With everything Matthew shared, the last thing she ever wanted to do was hurt him. They hadn't made love since the night at the pool. Matthew wanted Chloe to know that he wasn't with h
er just for sex. He struggled frequently to keep his urges under control, but he was determined to make her know he wanted more.

  One evening after Matthew came home from work, he bent to kiss her like he always did, but then his words stuck in his throat.

  "Are you okay, Matthew? It seems like something's bothering you." Chloe felt ill. Did he know? Was he disinterested? Regardless, she braced herself for the worst. "Just say it no matter what it is."

  "Chloe Silver, I love you."

  She returned the words she felt so much and then quickly buried her face in his chest so he wouldn't see her embarrassment and guilt.

  Chloe Silver….

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  She knew it was expected in the course of a serious relationship to meet each other's family. She still maintained that her parents were out of town, but Matthew wanted her to come over and meet his father. She was a total wreck. She knew if his father was as sweet as Matthew, she'd get along with him just fine. But for Chloe, it was just one more person to lie to. Before leaving, she looked up at Matthew and knew she'd have to tell him the truth. When she got ready to open her mouth, he whisked her out the door.

  Walking inside of Matthew's apartment, Chloe saw a man who looked ten years older than what he really was. Smoke filled the room. The white ceiling and walls were stained with nicotine, and she watched as the man put his cigarette down in the ashtray and then try to stand to greet her from his wheelchair.

  "No, you don't have to get up," said Chloe as she forced a smile. She felt so sorry for him, for Matthew, for the way they both lived. She could tell right away that they could afford very little, due to the pile of bills that was visible on the kitchen table. The audible sound of oxygen hissing, the sounds of coughing and air hunger, were almost more than she could take.

  "Dad, this is Chloe." Matthew kept watching her face for any kind of negative reaction. He knew this was the real test.

  Chloe walked over and shook his hand. "It's such a pleasure to meet you."

  "Good to meet you as well, Chloe. I'm Conner, and it seems like you've made quite the impression on my son." He tried to chuckle, but ended up in a long coughing spell which totally exhausted him.

  After Conner regained his breath and Matthew set him up with a breathing treatment, Chloe could see Matthew's expression change from instant concern to defeat over his lack of ability to provide for this man he obviously had great love for…and his strong desire to leave and get Chloe out of there.

  But she didn't want to go until she knew Conner was going to be okay. She slid a kitchen chair over to him and just softly talked. She picked topics which wouldn't make the older man have to speak much. Matthew just sat back and watched from across the room. If she was going to bolt, she would have already went running. He found himself laughing some and joining in the conversation. They stayed for about an hour, and then Chloe went home while Matthew helped his dad to bed.

  She waited until she was behind her own door before the tears flowed, and once they started, she struggled with keeping her composure. She heard the deadbolt slide open. With his key, Matthew let himself in. There was no hiding her emotions. Matthew wrapped his arms around her and lifted her face. After wiping her cheeks with his thumbs, he knew what was bothering her.

  "He's been sick for years. The roofing company was never able to afford medical insurance for anyone, so I have hundreds of thousands of dollars to pay in medical bills for him. I make monthly payments, but I'll never be able to get him the care he needs. On top of that, I pay all our regular bills. I know you told me that material things don't matter to you, but I was serious when I said I'd never be able to provide you with anything." Matthew's cheeks reddened. "I just want to be honest with you before you get too attached to me."

  "Matthew, I'm so sorry your father is ill. Don't be ashamed of not having things or being able to give them. Your heart is what I want, and what you're doing for your father is the most precious, selfless act, ever."

  "Chloe, my embarrassment isn't because of the things we lack or from being so far in the hole. It's because of his smoking. He has emphysema and smokes like a chimney, but the stress he feels over the situation it's put me in makes him smoke even more. If you ask him, he'll tell you he's ready to die. But I'm not going to let that happen. Yes, it angers me to see him so sick with a cigarette in his mouth. I wanted more out of life while growing up, but it is what it is, right?"

  "Things will work out, Matthew. I…can help you." Chloe knew it was time to tell the truth.

  "No. It's not your debt, and I wouldn't accept it."

  "But, sweetheart, there doesn't have to be any debt. I can take—"

  "No! I won't budge on this!" Matthew got up and went to the door. "I'm sorry. I think I just need some sleep tonight. Good luck tomorrow on your first day of work. Don't take this personally, Chloe. I love you, but my mind is a jumbled mess." He quietly closed the door behind him.

  Chloe sat out on the balcony in the dark. The box of tissues was almost gone, and her heart was aching. She didn't know what to do. Picking up her phone, she called the only person she reached out to in times like this.

  "Becky…"

  "Honey, what's wrong with you? Are you hurt?"

  Chloe let out a sob.

  "Talk to me, love."

  Taking a deep breath, she told Becky everything. She needed to know the best way to disclose who she really is. There was no way she could continue to lie to someone she loved. If she was honest, maybe her help would be accepted. God, how do I get myself out of this mess?

  "Chloe, you'll know when it's the best time to tell him. Right now he isn't ready to listen."

  In the morning, Chloe stopped by the office and had coffee with Sherry. She asked for another week before starting her job and handed her five hundred dollars in cash for her rent.

  "Chloe, thank you very much, but you don't have to pay for your room. You won't be making enough money to support yourself while working here."

  "I insist. You've been more than kind, and besides, I saved up plenty of money. If I find myself unable to pay, I'll come to you. Deal?"

  With that, Sherry was pleased. But Chloe wasn't happy at all. The older woman, whom she was becoming so fond of, was just one more person being lied to. I'll come clean, but first I have to help Matthew and Conner, even if it means I lose them. At least I'll know they'll be okay.

  With her mind made up, Chloe headed for Matthew's apartment.

  Chapter 5

  Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door and announced herself. Conner told Chloe the door was unlocked and to come on in. What she saw was very difficult to watch.

  Conner had his checkbook out and was going through the enormous pile of bills. He rubbed his head frequently while he sorted through the ones he could pay and the ones he couldn't. A cloud of smoke floated above the kitchen, the oxygen hissing away.

  "Damn bills. Have a seat, Chloe. It's good to see you again."

  "I ordered us lunch. I hope you don't mind. There's a great Italian restaurant up the street. I bet you like lasagna."

  "Lasagna? I haven't had lasagna in so long." Conner was smiling from ear to ear. "I'll be done in just a minute, and we can chat. I'm so grateful that Sherry doesn't complain when the rent has to be a tad late."

  Chloe stared at the pile of bills. "Would you like some help going through them?"

  "No, there isn't much to do really. We pay what we can. I wish I wouldn't have gotten so sick."

  "I'm sorry you don't feel very well, Conner."

  "Smoking does that to you, so don't ever start. I had asthma growing up, and slowly it turned into a worse medical condition."

  Chloe noticed the cigarette roller and bag of tobacco. Conner saw her looking at it.

  "I didn't smoke until Matthew's mom walked out. But that's neither here nor there. I know my time is running out, so it's a little late to get on a health kick. I roll my own cigarettes or else I couldn't afford them."

  The delivery
man finally showed up with lunch, and Chloe could turn her attention on getting the food served. Conner was tall like Matthew but very underweight and frail. He only ate a little, saying a full stomach made it harder for him to breathe.

  When she opened the refrigerator to put the leftovers away, the contents shocked her; they hardly had food. "Conner, I can go to the store and pick you up some things. I know you can't get out, so I'd love to help." Her eyes were beginning to water.

  "We don't eat much." Conner smiled, knowing Chloe wouldn't believe a word of it.

  "Excuse me for a minute. I have to use the bathroom, and then I think I should rest a bit." Conner avoided eye contact after she looked inside the refrigerator.

  When she heard the bathroom door close, Chloe worked as fast as she could to write down numbers, bank account information, and the hospital they owed money to. The balance in the checkbook was only thirty-seven dollars. There were three bills on the table in sealed envelopes with stamps, but Chloe didn't dare open them. She was able to finish and get the table back the way Conner had left it.

  He was coughing and gasping when he returned, and with some guidance, Chloe was able to get him a breathing treatment started. When he was doing better, she said goodbye, closed the door, and then ran down the hall.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Matthew and Conner had a joint account. There was no savings, just the checking account with very little money. The first thing that had to be done was fill that up some. Chloe hopped in her car and went to their bank.

  While sitting in a chair waiting for the bank manager to be available, Chloe began filling out a deposit slip. When her name was called, she walked into the small office and closed the door.