Chapter 2

I went back to the apartment, the one subsidized by the tech plant where Matthew worked. The one I paid all the bills for. The familiar decorations for our one-year anniversary were still taped to the walls.

Happy Anniversary, my love.

I ripped them down, my hands moving with methodical precision. I stuffed the cheap paper hearts and silver streamers into a trash bag.

My neighbor, Debra, saw me through her open door as I carried the bag out. Her husband also worked at the plant. She was friendly, but her main hobby was gossip.

"Gabrielle, honey, you redecorating?" she asked, a curious glint in her eye.

"Just cleaning up," I said.

"Well, you'd better hurry if you want to make the party!" she chirped. "It's so sweet of your Matthew, throwing that big barbecue for Nicole. Celebrating her new job! He's set it all up by the communal grills. What a supportive husband you have."

My hands tightened on the trash bag. Of course he was.

"I'll be right down," I said, my voice sweet.

A new plan began to form in my mind, cold and clear. I went back inside, but I didn't start packing my clothes. I went to my desk and opened the bottom drawer. I pulled out a thick manila folder.

Inside were bank statements, transfer receipts, and a series of IOU notes, all signed by Matthew in his messy scrawl.

I put the folder in my purse and walked towards the barbecue.

The smell of grilled meat and cheap beer filled the air. A crowd of neighbors and plant employees were gathered around the communal picnic tables. In the center of it all was Matthew, a spatula in one hand, his other arm wrapped possessively around Nicole's waist.

Nicole, looking fragile and overwhelmed, was dabbing at her eyes with a napkin.

"Oh, Gabrielle," she said, her voice trembling as I approached. "I just... I can't thank you and Matthew enough. I know how much you wanted this job. I feel so guilty."

"Don't be silly, honey," Matthew boomed, kissing the top of her head. "You deserve this. Gabrielle understands. She's supportive."

He smiled at me, a wide, confident smile that didn't reach his eyes. It was the smile of a man who thought he had gotten away with everything.

"Of course," I said, my voice carrying across the quieted crowd. "In fact, I'm so inspired by your spirit of sacrifice that I've made a big decision of my own."

Matthew's smile faltered. "What are you talking about?"

"I've just been approved for a transfer," I announced to everyone. "I'm joining the Appalachian medical aid program. I'll be leaving in two weeks to serve in a remote, impoverished community."

A shocked silence fell over the party.

Matthew's face turned red. He dropped the spatula with a clatter.

"What the hell, Gabrielle?" he hissed, stepping towards me. "Are you trying to embarrass me? We did not discuss this!"

"There was nothing to discuss," I said calmly.

Nicole burst into tears, a full-blown, dramatic display. "Oh, no! This is my fault! I'll... I'll give up the position! I can't be the reason your marriage is falling apart!"

She knew, of course, that the paperwork was already signed. It was an empty, manipulative gesture.

"Don't be ridiculous, Nicole," I said, my voice cutting through her sobs. "You're not the reason. The reason is much simpler."

I reached into my purse and pulled out the manila folder.

"The real issue is about a loan."