Housewife - Part 7

 

The door opened a crack, Dan peeked in, tentative.

“Hey,” he said, “We’re thinking about going to the zoo this weekend. What do you think? The kids would love it.”

I turned towards him. His eyes lingered on my chest just for a moment before meeting mine. I felt an odd mix of shame and satisfaction that caught me off guard.

“Sure,” I said, forcing a smile, “That sounds... nice.”

I braced myself for a kiss but was relieved when he just nodded and left me alone in the bathroom again. I took a deep breath and looked back at Zoey’s reflection. I was getting used to seeing her, to seeing me like this.

I adjusted the strap of the tank top on my shoulder, watching how it hugged Zoey's curves—my curves now. My hair was tied up in a messy bun, and I ran a hand over my cheek, tracing the smooth outline of my face —my new forever face— feeling a sick mix of rage and helplessness.

"You fucking evil bitch..." I hissed, "I hate you."

One of these nights Dan would decide it was time and expect her—me—to sleep with him. I wasn’t ready. How could I ever be? Yet Zoey’s words taunted me: I’d have to learn to like him.

It was clear how genuine and unrelenting his affection was, how persistently he would seek closeness with the woman he thought he married. The way he looked at me, the depth of his devotion, was almost unsettling in its sincerity.

“What a fucking dork with his stupid glasses,” I grumbled to myself, twirling the wedding band on my finger.

What a pathetic loser. What a nerd!

What was Zoey thinking, getting married so young, to a guy like him? And then to have kids with him? 

Oh my God. What a sad little life she was living. 

I found myself imagining their sex life.

Had she just settled? Did she actually enjoy it? Was there anything special about Dan in that way that made Zoey want him?

I shook my head, trying to clear the images swirling in my mind —Dan on top of her, sweating, groaning with pleasure.

Suddenly, a soft knock on the bathroom door pulled me from my spiraling thoughts.

“Zoey? You okay in there?” Dan's voice was laced with concern.

I cleared my throat to respond, but my voice faltered, “Yeah! Just taking a moment!”

“Alright,” he said, his footsteps retreating.