I thought I’d have a moment to gather my thoughts, but one of them decides to increase the volume on the TV. The music is blaring and my house sounds like a discotheque.
I gaze through the glass door and see them hugging. Cindy pulls back, holding Val’s hands and soon they’re dancing in the living room. All that's missing is a mirrored disco ball hanging from the ceiling. I envision a globe dangling and shining, adding a little sparkle to the place. Women like sparkle, I know for a fact. My last wife bedazzled everything she got her greedy little hands on, hats, jackets, shoes… everything except me.
Here come the gals, side-by-side, back through the door and out onto the deck. They’re jumping around and pointing to each other, singing along to the song that’s playing. It's a catchy tune, but I’ve never heard it before.
I listen more carefully and try following the lyrics. Something about a ‘cocktail bar and working as a waitress.’ I can see why they like this song. I met Val in a cocktail bar when she was working as a waitress.
Tapping my feet, I smile and continue to listen. ‘Picking you up and turning you around.’ Yep, exactly what I did for my Val. I picked her up and turned her life around.
Now they’re bopping and circling each other, really getting into it. They each sing a line and then laugh out loud.
The mood has certainly lightened, and I can't help but laugh along with them. They both turn and point to me, belting out the words.
“Don’t you want me, baby?”
Jumping out of my chair, I shimmy over to Val, showing her my best dance moves.
“Hey, you guys, this is your song!” Cindy yells, wedging herself between us. She slips one arm around me, and one arm around Val, turning us into a Cindy sandwich.
“Could these lyrics be any more true?” Cindy shouts. She soon breaks away from us.
I watch as she bounces over to the end of the deck. The song is still playing and I see her teetering too close to the edge. The vision flashes before my eyes and I shut them tight, forcing the sight away. That horrific, bloody, tragic scene. Will it ever go away?
When I open my eyes, Cindy’s arms are flailing and she’s balancing on one foot. I sprint into action and rush over to grab her. She twists to the side as her leg gives way mere seconds from falling off the deck.
35
Valerie
“How's your ankle?” I asked Cindy as she sat on the floor, massaging her leg.
“It's a little sore,” she grimaced. “I’m thankful I didn't break anything.”
“I can't believe you almost fell off the deck last night.”
“Yeah, all that dancing and wine…”
“Too much wine once again.”
“It was all in good fun.” She smirked.
“You should've seen the look on David's face when he grabbed you. He turned white as a sheet. I’ve never seen anyone so terrified.”
“Probably because of the huge rock on the ground, right below where I was standing. Gosh, Val, can you imagine if I fell on that thing? I could have cracked my head wide open,” she quivered.
“I know,” I replied. But I can’t help thinking his reaction was due to something else. He looked almost grief stricken.
Wiggling her toes, Cindy adjusted the bandage wrapped around her ankle. “I feel so bad going through his personal things. I mean, the man just saved my life.”
“But you promised to help me solve this puzzle.”
“I know I did, but are you sure about all of this? About the—”
“You have to believe me. I’ll show you. I know it's in here somewhere.”
We sat in the living room digging inside David’s box. I needed to show Cindy the papers I found with my name on them, proof of the insurance plan he had taken out on me. She watched as I flipped through each and every file, but the folder was nowhere to be found.
“It's not here… it’s gone.” Sitting back on my heels, I frowned.
“Maybe you didn't see or read it right. C’mon Val, you can barely speak, let alone read Spanish.”
“Okay, okay, just help me put the files back then.” I huffed, feeling defeated. “I’ll show you the wooden box. I know exactly where it is.”
“Whatever,” she shook her head.
We trudged outside and into the garden, Cindy limping behind me. Since her shoe size was smaller than mine, my rain boots fit perfectly over her bandaged ankle.
When Cindy first twisted her ankle, she kept moaning in pain. David had offered to take her to the hospital for an x-ray to make sure it wasn’t fractured but she whined about not trusting the doctors in a third world country. As much as David consoled her, assuring she would be adequately cared for, she declined. Having had many sprained ankles in his past, he knew what to do and was kind enough to attend to her needs. Thankfully he had a first aid kit tucked under the bathroom sink. He said you should always be prepared for the unexpected.
I stood at the edge of the garden, scratching my head, bewildered. There were bright pink hibiscus plants scattered throughout. Last week there had been only one.
“What's the matter?” Cindy asked, hobbling over to me.
“David planted a whole bunch of new flowers,” I said, walking over to the other side where I counted ten pink hibiscus plants. “I’ll have to dig them all up to find it,” I sighed in frustration. “Maybe Max can help me sniff it out. I’ll go untie him; he was the one who found it last time.” I headed toward the dog run.
“Stop, Val. I don't want to do this anymore,” Cindy shrieked.
I turned around and walked back over to her. “What's wrong?”
“Seriously?” she shouted. “What’s wrong with you?” Her eyes filled with tears.
I had no idea what caused the sudden change in her.
“Look at this place,” she stumbled, hopping on one foot. “You live in paradise.” She paused for a second, catching her breath. “And that house,” she pointed, “the glass house.” She gimped closer to me. “Some people would kill to live in a house like that in a place like this.”
I stood silent as she threw her hissy fit at me. Staring at the ground, I bit down on the inside of my cheek. She had no idea what came with a house like that in a place like the jungle.
Feeling her eyes upon me, I slowly looked up, meeting her gaze.
“That house,” I pointed, “this place,” I gritted my teeth. “It’s suffocating.” I stormed away.
I walked over to Max, untied him, and went for a long walk. I needed some time alone. I felt smothered with Cindy around as she could be draining at times. Between her and David, I felt like I had to always be entertaining them. That week made me realize how much I enjoyed being alone and having my thoughts to myself.
When I returned to the house, Cindy was gone. David, too, as his truck wasn't parked in the driveway. I assumed they went off somewhere together. Maybe her fears diminished about the hospital and he took her to see a doctor or perhaps they just went to buy more groceries.
Wherever they went, I'm sure on the way to whatever destination, she was sitting in the passenger seat batting her eyelashes. At that point, I didn't know who or what to believe. Cindy winking at David online on some stupid dating site to test him. Really? Then he called her. I doubt it. I think it was the other way around.
I sensed she had a thing for him right from the start. I remember the way she commented on his looks after finding his business card while poking around in my room. I bet she pursued him and he fell for it, fell for her. She was more his type anyway. They probably set the whole thing up, her surprise visit to see me. I bet he invited her here to replace me.
I walked into the kitchen and looked on the counter to see if she or he or maybe they left me a note. Nope. Nothing. Not even a text on my phone to say, ‘be back soon.’ The only thing I saw were the sacks of tea tucked in the corner. Conchita’s new ‘awake’ tea.
Grabbing one of the sacks, I untied it and pulled out a teabag. I caught a whiff of lemon and mint as I held it to my
nose; it smelled refreshing. Curious about it, I hesitated for a moment, thinking of the side effects of the Tranquilo tea. But it smelled so good and I needed some extra energy, so I figured I’d try some.
While waiting for the water to boil, I gazed out the kitchen window, my eyes falling upon the angel statue. There it stood, smack dab in the middle of the garden between two hibiscus plants—bright pink flowers on one side and pale yellow ones on the other. The kettle soon whistled, jarring me from my thoughts.
After putting a handful of ice cubes in a glass, I poured the tea into it, deciding to make it iced. I took a few sips and it tasted pretty good. It had a certain zing to it. But the tea was still warm; it needed to cool, so I left the glass on the counter and headed back out the door.
When I stepped through the garden, one foot in front of the other, I tried hard not to disturb the freshly seeded plants. As I neared the statue, I noticed something poking up from the ground next to the yellow flowers.
I made my way closer and saw that it was a twig that appeared to have a dot of red paint on it. A marker maybe? Kneeling down, I tugged at the twig and then used it to move some of the soil around. I soon saw the outline of the wooden box but the color was different. It was darker.
Digging with my hands, I pulled it from the ground, rubbing away the dirt covering it. While similar to the other box with its tiny keyhole in the middle, this one was a different box. Carved on top of it was the letter ‘S.’
It immediately dawned on me, the name Susan.
Suddenly, the air felt thick, heavy. I sat back on my heels, trying to catch my breath as my thoughts whirled in a thousand directions, making me dizzy. Not one wife, but two of them… buried in the garden.
I sat motionless in shock, unable to process the nightmare surrounding me.
36
David
She’s finally gone. I couldn’t take another minute or another day. Women like her are all alike; they all have the same agenda. I’ll never understand it.
Perhaps I should throw in the towel and be done with them all, and live a quiet, peaceful life in solitude. Well, not entirely, it’ll be little ole me alone in the jungle with no one but the birds and other wild creatures. Who needs women anyway? They only complicate things and drive you mad.
An upbeat song starts playing, so I reach down and turn the knob cranking up the volume. With both hands back on the steering wheel, I tap my fingers, keeping tempo with the beat. Salsa music makes me feel alive. I groove in my seat to the sound of the bongos.
Music and a drive, ahh, the best therapy there is.
When I arrive back at the house, I catch the sun dipping below the mountains. I gaze at the sky awash with pink and purple hues, breathing in awe at the wondrous sight. It’s my favorite time of day, sunset.
I turn off the engine and sit in my truck that I’ve parked at the bottom of the driveway. From the house, no one can see me here as I’m at another level. The slope of land on my property hides me from view.
Sliding my phone from my pocket, I tap the screen and open the app to see what my Val has been up to today. I glance at the house while waiting for the page to load. It’s taking a bit longer than usual.
From the corner of my eye, I see movement. Something has passed by. Craning my neck out the window, I look among the underbrush and see an agouti staring at me. Sitting on its haunches, it munches whatever it’s holding in its paws. The cute little critter must’ve stolen a piece of fruit off the deck.
I love the wildlife here. So many amazing creatures roam the jungle and share my slice of paradise. Too bad Val doesn't feel the same way. I know she's not happy here; her emotions are written all over her face. She doesn’t participate in any of my activities; she doesn’t seem to enjoy them. She just keeps to herself holed up in the house all day.
The only company of hers is that mutt I found wandering the streets. Sadly, he’s all roly-poly now. She feeds him too much food, always tossing him treats and scraps. Poor boy, I wouldn’t want anything to happen to him.
I glance back at my phone. Apparently the camera app does not want to cooperate with me today. Such a shame, I would love to have seen what her day entailed. But at least I know the half of it.
On the drive to the airport, Cindy yapped the entire way. Her mouth was nonstop. She told me all about the hotel and that she needed to get back to work and make more money. Then about all the men who are after her, obviously trying to make me jealous. She went on and on and on. I swear that woman spoke nothing but run-on sentences.
It wasn’t until we reached the hairpin turn that I was able to change the subject. After she panicked and dug her nails into my leg while screaming something about driving over the edge.
When I asked about Val, Cindy proceeded to tell me her thoughts. I didn't realize how miserable Val was until Cindy spilled the beans, all the beans. Not a very loyal friend that Cindy, Miss aka CutieC, as she so annoyingly reminded me.
Something tells me that woman is up to no good. I sensed it the first time I met her. I tried my best to be polite, fending off her advances, but she's a bold one that one there. The type who would do anything and everything to get what she wanted, and I mean anything.
I remove the gift bag from the passenger seat and exit the truck. As I make my way up the walkway, Max starts barking. He can’t quite see me yet, but at least he's doing his job.
When I enter the house, I see Val in the kitchen by the sink. She turns, seemingly startled at the sound of the door.
“Hey, where have you been?” she asks, wiping her hands on a dish towel. “Where’s Cindy?” She gazes past my shoulder.
“I imagine in the air at the moment.”
Tilting her head, she gives me a quizzical look.
“I took her to the airport. She’s on her way home,” I say, speaking more of Val’s language. She’s always saying to me… Can you not be so vague? I need clear and concise communication. Yes, teacher, I’d like to reply but instead, I just bite my tongue.
“That’s weird,” she glances around the house as if she doesn’t believe me. “She didn’t say anything about leaving. As far as I know, she was here for a few more days.” Her gaze settles on the bag I’m holding.
Setting the gift bag on the counter, I point to it. “I bought you a little something. I hope you like it.”
“Oh, what is it?” She inches near.
“Open it,” I order. How’s that for clear and concise, I’m tempted to say as I watch her cautiously remove the gift from the bag.
Her hands jerk away and she takes a step back, practically leaping in the air. She looks petrified as if I’ve given her a dead bird or some other deceased animal.
“What's wrong?” I ask. “Don’t you like it?”
She lets out a breath and leans over the counter clutching her throat.
I pick up the gift, a small wooden box, my fingers brushing over the hand carving on top. “Look, it even has your initial on it.” I smile. “V for Val or if you’d prefer, V for valuables.”
I glance at her, and I see that she’s shaking like a leaf.
“It’s a jewelry box,” I say, lifting the lid to reveal the tiny key hiding inside. “You can lock it to keep your things safe,” I wink.
I patiently wait for her to say something, anything. Maybe a ‘that’s nice,’ or a ‘how thoughtful,’ or even a simple ‘thank you’ would do.
But nope, she doesn’t say a word, zip, zilch, nada.
She just stands there, pressing her lips together as though she’s never seen anything like it before.
37
Valerie
I was shaken to the core. I didn't know what to say when David presented me with the jewelry box because it looked exactly like the other two boxes buried in the garden.
Was it some sort of sick joke he was playing? Was he about to do away with me? Turn me into some memory by filling the box with photos of me and locks of my hair.
It was that moment I knew I had to leave whil
e I was still in one piece.
Cindy wasn't returning any of my texts or emails, so I figured she was still upset with me.
I prayed I would hear from her soon as I needed a huge favor. I had to borrow some money since I only had fifty dollars in cash. I had tried ordering another ATM card, but it was conveniently lost in the mail.
David controlled everything. He paid the bills and bought all the groceries. He said he’d take care of me and that I didn’t need any money. I guess he thought I’d never want to leave. And in some sense… strangely, I didn’t want to.
After six months in Costa Rica, I had nothing to go back to… no job, no roommate, and no house. But staying with him had become too risky with unease and unknowns lurking around every corner. Too many things just weren’t adding up.
If David was starting a tea business with Conchita, why did he need me? Did he want me to be some test dummy for his tea recipes? To see if I’d survive the next new and improved brew? Why was everything so secretive?
I couldn't help think there was more to it, that something terrible might have happened at the house. I need to get to the bottom of this, I had said to myself.
“Need to get to the bottom of what?” David asked, his voice coming from behind me.
I couldn't believe he had heard me. I must’ve spoken the words out loud. At that point, I had nothing else to lose. I only wanted the truth. I wanted him to come clean about everything.
“David…” I began, unsure of what to say or ask.
“Val, are you unhappy here?”
“I want to be happy. I just don't understand what's going on.”
The Glass House Page 14