After returning from their honeymoon, Taylor and Natalie began moving into their new house. Now Natalie was coordinating the last of it. Taylor was busy gallivanting elsewhere. Natalie had a few ideas as to what this actually involved.
"I don't know how you tolerate him," Zac commented.
Natalie shrugged.
"You must have some idea. You've lived with him all your life."
"Hey, just because I have to, doesn't mean you do."
There was a moment's silence as the movers moved the last things in.
"You do realise he's probably sleeping with some other girl, right?"
"Oh, yes indeed. And I have been duly informed that he expects me to undertake the wife's role to the fullest," Natalie rolled his eyes. "That man is a sex addict."
"No arguments here. Well, except the 'man' part. I think he's still a boy."
"This coming from his younger brother."
"I bet Ike would agree. Well, if he were ever around."
"He does seem to be off on his own a lot, huh?"
"Yeah. And he keeps sneaking in and out at night."
"Really? Any idea why?"
"I think it's a girl. But he won't admit it."
"Hmm. Well, that's the last of it. Thanks for coming over."
"Hey, no problem. Someone has to be the reliable one."
Natalie laughed.
"Did you want me to hang around until he gets back?"
"Nah, it's okay."
"Sure?"
"Yeah."
"Okay. I'll see you later then."
"See you later Zac."
Zac left. Natalie sighed and headed inside. There were boxes everywhere. Well, she may as well start unpacking now. Had to be done eventually.
She headed up to the bedroom and started there. Maybe Zac was right. Maybe she shouldn't tolerate Taylor's behaviour. Maybe she should never have married Taylor. Maybe it all would have been better that way.
No. No, she had made the right decision. She was certain that somewhere, deep down inside there was a kind, caring guy just yearning to get out.
And she was going to find him.
She had to be patient. And she wouldn't put up with any of his bad behaviour. Well... the cheating thing was something she knew she wouldn't train out of him any time soon, but that would come. In the meantime she would stand up to him when he started bullying. And maybe when the baby was born he'd get some sort of parental instinct.
Natalie hoped he would.