MYSTERY OF THE TEXAS TWOSTEP

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN:

U-TURN

Written by Rick Archer 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1979 Midnight to 6 am THE FORBIDDEN LINE

The Forbidden Line was crossed shortly before Midnight.  The moment we finished, anguish over the betrayal of her wedding vows hit Victoria with crushing force.  Clinging to a pillow, she rocked back and forth as she wailed "What have I done?  What have I done?" 

Consumed with guilt and full of remorse, Victoria did not sleep the entire night.  She cried the entire time.  However, I was not sympathetic.  Victoria's torrent of grief put me in a very bad mood.  My first reaction was fury.  I had asked her point-blank if she was sure about this and she said yes.  Now she was miserable and I felt like a fool.  If Victoria was this upset, then why insist on having sex in the first place?   I concluded her decision had been an act of extreme impulsiveness born of desperation.  In addition, I was filled with dread.  I was now certain that crossing the line had been a mistake of colossal proportions on both our parts. 

Feeling like a patsy for letting myself be talked into cooperating with this act of total stupidity, I asked myself if I had committed a sin.   Technically no, but I felt immense regret nonetheless.  In addition I felt very stupid.  I only went through with this because I was 100% convinced Victoria had chosen to begin living with me.  In my mind, Victoria was officially separated from her husband.  Victoria promised me she had told Michael she was leaving him to move in with me and he did not stop her.  It was my understanding that Victoria wanted to be with me tonight, tomorrow, maybe even forever.  Given my understanding that we were now living together, when Victoria insisted on sex, I did not protest. 

As God is my witness, when Victoria beckoned, this is what I thought: "Since Victoria is officially living with me, this is going to happen sooner or later.  If not tonight, then tomorrow.  Or the night after that.  If this is what Victoria wants, what difference does it make?  Let's get it over with."

To be honest, I was in shock.  Victoria had persuaded me to let her stay, but that did not mean I wanted her here.  So imagine how stunned I was when she burst into tears instead.  In that moment I realized she did not want to be here either.  What have I done?  What have WE done?  Overcome with intense regret, do you want what my next thought was?  Oedipus. 

Oedipus had vowed to defy the prophecy that predicted he would have sex with his mother.  Oedipus failed.  Victoria was not my mother, but she was a woman I had vowed to avoid... and failed.  Watching her endless sobbing, I did not sleep a wink.  With Oedipus on my mind, I spent the entire night thinking about Fate.  It was very painful to deal with my disgust over tonight's shocking ill-fortune.  How had it come to this?  I had just participated in a distasteful deed I had been trying to avoid for an entire year.  I never wanted this.  Furthermore I still had no idea how or why I allowed myself to be persuaded to cooperate.  Typically an Affair revolves around Desire.  Not this time.  Desire never entered into the picture.  I did not want Victoria.  Based on her reaction... a total lack of passion and subsequent grief... she did not want me either. 

This was a classic 'Take Back' if there ever was one.  The more I thought about what had taken place, the more I felt I had been set up.  I did not know who to blame the most.  Victoria's Blackmail Threat to destroy my studio was Exhibit A.  My unwise decision to place a 'Move-In' suggestion in my Ultimatum was Exhibit B.   Jennifer's cowardice was Exhibit C.  Michael's decision to let Victoria walk out the door was Exhibit D.  Victoria's impulsive decision to come to my house was Exhibit E.  If any one of us had behaved like adults, this would have never happened. 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 6 am A STARTLING DEVELOPMENT

I said I did not sleep, but I suppose I dozed off for an hour close to dawn.  In the morning, I was awakened by Victoria's movement in the bedroom.  She was getting dressed.  A quick glance at the clock said 6 am. 

Surprised, I sat up in bed.  "What are you doing, Victoria?"

"I promised Michael I would be home before our daughter wakes up."

What?!?!

I stared at Victoria in wide-eyed bewilderment.  This entire fiasco had taken place specifically because Victoria had announced SHE WAS LIVING WITH ME.  I had participated in sex BECAUSE I ASSUMED WE WERE LIVING TOGETHER.  Clearly her concept of living together and mine were badly out of sync. 

I said nothing, but I was livid.  Not once did I imagine Victoria would head home at the crack of dawn.  Feeling deceived, I burned with an intense desire to strangle Victoria for lack of candor.  Why didn't Victoria mention this precious tidbit last night?  I knew why.  Because I would have never slept with her.

Following her announcement, there was not another word spoken.  I watched in astonishment as Victoria threw on her clothes as fast as she could.  Last night's tears were no doubt caused by remorse for violating her marital vows.  Now I suspected she felt an overwhelming guilt for leaving her six year old daughter behind. 

Watching Victoria dress at the speed of light, I was incredulous over this unexpected development.  Theoretically, when two people become lovers after a yearlong buildup of passion, one expects a romantic morning.  Such was not the case.  No cuddling.  No coffee.  No warm good-morning greeting.  No smile.  No goodbye kiss.  In fact, if I had not awakened, I believe Victoria would have simply let herself out the door.  Without a word or look back, she raced out the door.  Curious, I got out of bed and followed Victoria.  From the porch I watched in muted horror as she sped off so her husband could go to work.  Did she wave goodbye?  No.  Victoria was obsessed with getting home before her daughter awoke.  No doubt Michael was waiting for Victoria's return at this very moment.  I could not imagine he had gotten much sleep either. 

As I watched her car screech around the corner, I had no idea what to expect next.  Victoria was scheduled to teach at the studio tonight.  What would happen afterwards?  Back to her own house?  Car Talk?  Or would she follow me home?  My worst fear was a repeat of last night.  Victoria would probably come over after our dance classes ended, then leave again at 6 am tomorrow morning.  What utter, complete nonsense.  What kind of relationship is this?  Last night Victoria said she was moving in me.  In reality, Victoria had simply come over to spend the night. 

In her haste, I noticed Victoria left her suitcase behind.  Clever move with the suitcase.  The presence of that suitcase helped convince me she was serious about moving in.  Full of suspicion, I grabbed the suitcase and threw it on the bed.  It was a massive suitcase, the kind that holds half your dresser.  However, it was light as a feather.  Sure enough, the vast emptiness said it all.  One pair of panties, a toothbrush and toothpaste.  I was an idiot to be fooled so easily. 

Victoria had pretended to move in with me and I fell for it! 

PUZZLEMENT

I was humiliated to realize I had been played by a modern-day Delilah.  Waves of self-loathing came flooding in.  How in hell did I ever let her fool me like this?  Shame overwhelmed me.  I thought she was serious.  After all, that is what Victoria said she was doing.  My written words had been explicit:  'Victoria either leaves her home AND moves in with me...'

Based on her actions this morning, I had a sneaking feeling Victoria's interpretation of 'Moving In' was vastly different from mine.  In essence, this was closer to a one-night stand than a living arrangement.  I knew full-well that Victoria was capable of lying, so why had I let down my guard so easily? 

The perfunctory sex was my first clue that something had gone very wrong.  Considering how somber we both felt, why had Victoria insisted on having sex so quickly?   The woman was practically adamant about it.  I frowned as an ugly possibility hit me.  Now that we finally had sex, knowing Victoria, she would insist we were 'Lovers'.  In which case she would claim I was obligated to be Faithful to her.  In other words, no more Madame X.  Turning crimson, I was almost certain this was why she had been so insistent we have sex.  Could I have possibly been a bigger idiot?  Unlikely.  The woman could not bully me into sex, the woman could not make me fall in love with her, the woman could not seduce me.  So she tricked me instead. 

Feeling supremely outwitted, I stomped into the kitchen and made some coffee.  Furious at being tricked so easily, I sat down at my table and gave last night further thought.  This Stephanie situation bothered me more than it should have and I knew why.  Stephanie's name had not come up once during our living room conversation last night.  Nor had the thought of Stephanie crossed my mind when Victoria beckoned me to join her in bed.  In fact, Stephanie's name did not cross my mind a single time the entire night.  That was weird.  Why had I forgotten about her child?  My absent-mindedness was not only upsetting, it was very peculiar.  Since any discussion of living together would have involved plans for her daughter to join us, it seemed strange that my own mind had failed to remind me. 

So why had Victoria failed to mention Stephanie last night?  I suspected deceit on Victoria's part.  I also suspected there was something wrong with me.  That is what caught my attention.

Over the past three months, the topic of Stephanie had come up innumerable times during Car Talk, Coffee Shop and phone talk.  In fact, two weeks ago Victoria had made it clear that if she moved in, Stephanie was coming with her.  That was the night Victoria handed me her 'Move-In with Rick' List. 

Several of the topics had included Stephanie such as my spare bedroom and my knowledge of what school Stephanie would attend when she entered Kindergarten.  In other words, Stephanie was supposed to live with me as well.  Given the importance of this topic, why had Victoria avoided the subject of her daughter last night? 

I now had my answer.  Victoria had no intention of bringing Stephanie along.  And I had been too stupid to notice the girl's absence.

Why had my mind failed to remind me about Stephanie?  At that moment, the memory of Jennifer hiding in plain sight for a month crossed my mind.  Considering how lonely I had been all summer long, the thought that I could overlook a woman with Jennifer's beauty had troubled me greatly.  Good grief, Jennifer was the best athlete in my Acrobatics class.  That much I noticed.  So what stopped me from noticing what she referred to as her strong interest in me?  At the time, my conclusion was my awareness could very well have been blurred by the Force of Fate.  Now I wondered if something similar had taken place last night.  Any thought of Stephanie would have caused me to ask questions that would have revealed Victoria's awkward 6 am arrangement with Michael.  If so, there would have been no sex, at least not last night.  Was this yet another example of Cosmic Blindness?  It certainly felt that way.

Mistakes are made when the Warning System fails to operate in a person's mind.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2 JENNIFER

What about Jennifer?  So close and yet so far.  The worst part was knowing how close I had come to getting my freedom.  If I had not answered the phone at the studio last night, this would have never happened.  Stuck with a woman I didn't want, was there any chance to get Jennifer back?  Probably not.

Around 9 am, I decided to call Jennifer at work.  Her betrayal weighed heavily on my mind and I wanted some answers.  Jennifer answered with a distinct coldness.  Not a good sign.  I asked how her weekend with Jeff had turned out. 

"I told Jeff I was not ready to set a date.  However, I am still engaged.  But I don't want to talk about it.  What happened last night?  Did you sleep with her?"

It hurt like hell, but I told the truth.  Predictably, Jennifer exploded.

"What is wrong with you, Rick!?!  Just because Victoria spent the night did not obligate you to have sex with her!"

Sputtering, I replied, "But she took her clothes off and got into bed!  What was I supposed to do?"

"Just keep your pants on, stupid!  Admit the truth.  You did what you wanted to do."

I felt like I had been slapped in the face.  No, I did not do what I wanted to do.  In fact, when Victoria was sitting on the couch I had desperately tried to think of a way to get rid of her without triggering a violent explosion.  Not one solution had occurred to me.

Now I was forced to admit Jennifer was absolutely right.  That had been a solution.  All I had to do was keep my pants on.   Oh my God.  What was wrong with me?  Why didn't I think of that?  First Stephanie, now this.  Something had definitely been wrong with my mind last night.  Feeling like the world's biggest fool, I quickly changed the subject.

"Jennifer, last night you refused to tell me you were still uncommitted to Jeff.  Instead you told me to 'go to Victoria, she needs you'.  Why did you push me towards Victoria?  Our entire relationship hung in the balance on those words!!"

"I have work to do.  This can wait for later."  Click.

After Jennifer hung up, I sat there seething.  First this woman hid her fiancé from me.  Then she kept me in suspense the entire weekend.  Last night she refused to give me a direct answer about the status of her relationship.  This morning she refused to explain the meaning of last night's vague answer.  Damn it, Jennifer's behavior made absolutely no sense.  Jennifer had every right to be upset that I had crossed the Forbidden Line, but it was her own damn fault.  If she had communicated like a grown woman at crunch time, this would have never happened.  What was wrong with her? 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2

DISCO ON THE CRITICAL LIST
 

After Jennifer hung up, I called Glen to cancel our standing Tuesday private lesson appointment.  Since I had never canceled before, he took my word for it that I had a giant headache.  Which, incidentally, happened to be true.  Instead I stayed home the whole day feeling sorry for myself.

On Tuesday night, only five people showed up for Victoria's 7 pm class.  She said she wanted to teach the class anyway, so I said okay.  My 7 pm class was not much better.  I had ten students.  2 people showed up for Victoria's 8 pm Intermediate class, so she brought them into my 8 pm class of eight students and we merged.  Troubled by the small classes, I cannot begin to explain just how depressed I felt.  When class ended, just as I feared, she followed me back to my house.

So which of Victoria's personalities showed up at my house that night?  Sunshine Victoria?  Nope.  Vindictive Victoria?  Nope.  Black Magic Victoria?  Nope.  Snarling Tiger Woman?  Nope.  Medusa?  Nope.  It was the return of the Helpless Sniveling Whining Woman.  Crying from the moment she entered my house, intelligent conversation was out of the question.  Exhausted, Victoria headed straight for the bed.  This time she slept with her clothes on, but I didn't care.  I had no desire to touch her, so I slept with my clothes on too.  Victoria woke up every hour or so, cried some more, then went back to sleep.  What a miserable night.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3 

DEPRESSION SETS IN
 

On Wednesday morning, Day Three, Victoria got up at the crack of dawn.  Since she was already dressed, she barely said a word other than to ask me to clear out a drawer for her.  Taking her suitcase with her, Victoria vanished from sight.  Maybe she was serious about moving after all.  I was so miserable over the situation that I called Joanne at work.   We were supposed to practice this afternoon, but my acute depression had sapped all remaining willpower.

"Listen, Joanne, I am not feeling very good right now.  Do you mind terribly if we skip our country-western workout today?"

Joanne was skeptical.  "Are you sure that's a good idea?  How about if we practice tomorrow instead?"

"No, I need a break from country-western.  Maybe you forgot, but there's no class at Meyerland Club this week.  There's some sort of fashion show this coming Sunday."

Joanne paused for a moment.  "All right, but if we aren't going to have class on Sunday, in that case, let's go dancing at Rodeo.  Sooner or later, you need to see what's going on with your own eyes.  The longer you stay blind, the more likely you are to get caught."

"You know what, Joanne?  My heart's just not in it.  In the mood I'm in, it wouldn't do much good to practice or visit a club.  It would just depress me even more.  Let's just plan to see each other next Wednesday at 4 pm."

Joanne took a deep breath.  She wanted to protest, but decided not to.  "Okay, if you say so.  See you next Wednesday."

I took a long nap, then resumed brooding the moment I awakened.  In addition to my distaste for Country-Western and my romantic mishap, my dance career was in crisis.  After the first two days of the new October classes, the dance program was down to 50% of last month's anemic numbers.  The only people I had left were the Die Hard regulars who intended to dance to the bitter end, then go down with the sinking ship.  It was increasingly apparent that Country-Western was the only possible way I could extend my dance career.  I knew I should have taken Joanne's advice and accompanied her to Rodeo, but I chose to procrastinate instead.  At a time when I needed my full concentration to fight this crisis, it was senseless to fritter my energy away over my twisted, distorted love life.  However there was not much fight left in me at the moment.  I worried constantly about what Victoria would do next or if Jennifer would ever take me back.  I had a Beginner Disco class starting tonight.  When I called the Class Factory to see how many students they were sending me, the answer was zero.  This was a very ominous sign.  Without new blood, there was no future for my career as a Disco teacher. 

Unfortunately, I still had to teach the Beginner class because I knew a trickle of mailing list students were bound to show up.  Sure enough, a grand total of 6 students awaited me.  I wanted to cancel the class, but forced myself to go through with it.  Victoria came by the studio just as class was ending.  It was not necessary for her to come to the studio tonight, so what was she doing there?  I had a hunch she came by to see if Madame X was on the premises.  Victoria was dying to learn more about her rival, but I refused to discuss Jennifer.  After class, Victoria followed me home.  She did not cry, but I could tell she too was suffering from unbearable depression.  I asked if she wanted to talk, but she shook her head and quietly emptied her suitcase into the drawer she had asked me to clear out.  

Victoria put on pajamas and made some popcorn.  She got into bed, turned on the TV and stared at it in zombie-like trance.  Again I asked if she wanted to talk.  Other than a brief comment that she was still in shock over the enormity of Doorstep Night, she preferred to watch TV.  Given her vow of silence, I could not imagine what was running through her mind.  Victoria did not want to be here, that was obvious.  I noticed Victoria's drawer was half-full.  Nor had she bothered to ask for a key.  We had yet to share coffee, a meal, or a conversation.  To be honest, Victoria's idea of moving in was perplexing to say the least.  Are we having fun yet?  I could barely contain my enthusiasm.  The only good news came when Victoria passed out quickly from exhaustion. 

Staring at Victoria as she tossed in her sleep, I suddenly recalled that tonight was the 15th anniversary of my Epic Losing Streak.  15 years ago, I was a good-looking kid when I went to bed only to be transformed into an acne-tormented monster overnight.  Due to the scars caused by the acne, I had spent much of my life worried about my appearance.  I never had a single date in high school.  College was not much better.  Truth be told, I had a long history of extremely bad luck with women.  Would you like to hear an example?  I grimly noted that Victoria was officially the first woman to ever spend three nights in a row at my house.  Guess who held the previous record?  Jennifer.  Victoria had just beaten Jennifer's record of two nights over Labor Day Weekend.  I shook my head in disgust.  I was nearly 30 years old and this was the best I could do?  15 years of striking out with women and no end in sight.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4

VICTORIA'S DESTINY LETTER
 

There was a surprise waiting for me on Thursday morning, Day Four.  I pretended to sleep as Victoria dressed quietly and left at 6 am.  I was too depressed to move, so I just sat there contemplating the fix I was in.  Finally I got up and made some coffee.  While I was in the kitchen, I found a letter waiting for me on the table.  

The time said 'Wednesday at 6:00'.  No doubt Victoria had written it yesterday, but I had no idea if she meant 6 am or 6 pm.    Maybe she wrote it when she got home Wednesday at 6 am while Stephanie was asleep.  Or she wrote it at 6 pm last night waiting for Michael to get home to watch Stephanie.  I decided it did not matter.

Wednesday, 10-3, 6:00

"Hi Honey,

I hope you will accept this small gift from me.  I knew you were down today and I thought in some small way I could say 'I'm thinking of you and I love you.'

I hurt right now and I'm scared, but I still know that you are the most important person in my life and have been lighting up my life for sometime now. 

I know too that our relationship hasn't always been easy, but I have always felt that our being together was Destiny.  It's like no matter what happens, the Universe keeps pushing me in your direction and I can't seem to let go of you. 

Our love has been a risk in a lot of ways and I know we don't always feel 'safe' with it, but I do feel that growing and being includes taking certain risks.  No one can predict how they will turn out, but we'll never know if we don't go with them.

I think you're a natural teacher, excellent teacher and I hope to always support you in that because that's your gift to all those people you teach.  They deserve you.

Regardless of what happens between us, I will always love you and thank you for all the things you've taught me and all those wonderful memories.  The times I spent with you will always be my most cherished memories.  Someday I hope you'll learn to let go and let yourself be loved because I can't think of anyone who deserves it more.

You're a part of me, Rick, so no matter what happens or where you go, I'll be with you in spirit."
 

"Hi Honey..."  I snorted.  'Honey' my ass.  Those were her words, not mine.  This had to be the most baffling letter I had ever read.  This was not the Snarling Tiger Woman.  This was not the Helpless Sniveling Whining Woman.  Nor was it Medusa or the Black Magic Woman.  If I had to guess, this sounded like Sunshine Victoria, the woman who poured out her soul to me in the living room on Doorstep Night.  Victoria had said, "I believe we can grow past our distrust and fears if we truly commit.   All I ask is that you recognize we have the chance to be very special together."

I had thought the tender side of Victoria had been eclipsed by her remorse, but I guess I was wrong.  Her soft side was still fighting to get out.  What fascinated me was her letter sounded like something I could have written to her.  When she spoke of 'Destiny', I was pleased to find we were on the same wavelength.  We had spoken of the Dance Curse enough times for me to know Victoria shared my suspicion there was more to this world than meets the eye.  However, I had never revealed the full extent of my Mystical views to Victoria, so I was surprised to find she thought this was a Fated event just like I did. 

Rick Archer's Note:

Keep in mind that I relate the story of Victoria from the perspective gained by 40 years. 

I could very easily have loved the woman who wrote that letter.  What a shame her demons kept that side of her suppressed.  Based on this letter and my memory of Sunshine Victoria, looking back in time I could not help but wonder what on earth had befallen this woman.  As an idle thought, I wonder if Michael ever asked the same question.  Victoria had told me many times how much Michael adored her.  Was he just as mystified to know what became of the missing woman he married?  Was Victoria suffering under some sort of fairy tale curse?  That question has troubled me for ages. 

The important thing for the Reader to note is that Victoria's 'Destiny Letter' confirms her belief that her actions were being guided by Fate.  I shared her opinion.  Unfortunately, events got in the way, so I never got the chance to discuss this letter with Victoria.

In fact, I forgot all about it.  It was not till 40 years later that I ran across this letter in my archives.  What a shame.  I am sure we would have had a most interesting conversation.  For all her faults, Victoria was a very remarkable woman. 

THURSDAY night, OCTOBER 4

HARSH WORDS
 

Victoria left her Destiny Letter in my kitchen on Thursday morning.  I expected we would talk about her letter that night, but we never got the chance to discuss it. 

Victoria taught class on Thursday nights.  By the time I saw her at the studio, she was in a really bad mood.  Her mood got worse when her 7 pm Beginner class was too small for her to teach.  We incorporated the three people who showed up into my 7 pm Intermediate class and let Victoria do her best to catch them up.  At 8 pm, there were again barely enough people in either her class or mine, so we combined again to make a class of six people.  I did not say anything, but I assumed that Victoria could read the tea leaves.     

What was with Victoria's bad mood?  Apparently Michael had renewed his divorce threat right before she left for the studio tonight.  Still fuming, Victoria needed someone to take her anger out on, so she lit into me as soon as we walked in my house. 

"You and your goddamn Madame X!  Michael says he's going to file on me.  There are times when I hate your guts for getting me into this mess."

I was ready to lash back, but bit my tongue.  Unfortunately, Victoria had a right to feel that way.  I had been an idiot to include the 'move in with me' suggestion in the Ultimatum.  On the other hand, Victoria had no business threatening to destroy my program in the first place.  Here is what made the situation so ironic.  Why did I make the Ultimatum?  To save my relationship with Jennifer.  And did it work?  No.  Why did I suggest Victoria leave her home?  So she would not get angry enough to follow through on her Blackmail Threat.  And how did that turn out?  As of Thursday night, I had a grant total of 75 students.  Add in tomorrow night, maybe I would get to 90 at the most.  Last spring we had months when the total approached 500.  August had been 400, September 200.  If a few more students showed up in Week Two, I would be lucky to break 100 in October.  November?  Shudder the thought.  So what is my point?  The way I felt tonight, there was absolutely nothing left to fight for.  My dance program was toast.  Look what I had to show for my Ultimatum... no Jennifer, no dance program, and I'm stuck with this ridiculous living arrangement.  And don't get me started on Country-Western.  The way I felt right now, Country-Western could go to hell.  And take Fate with it.

Irritated at being blamed for her dilemma, I said, "Look, Victoria, I don't blame you for being unhappy about your situation.  But don't go pointing the finger at me.  No one asked you to knock on my door Monday night."

"You made me do this with all your Madame X crap and that stupid Ultimatum!"

"If you had not threatened me with destroying the studio, we wouldn't be in this fix.  Take some responsibility for a change."

We argued some more, but it was same ground we had covered for the past three months.  Sensing we were on the verge of a knock-down argument, I got up and went to the spare bedroom.  I took the dogs with me and locked the door.  I invited my dogs to jump on the bed and got my first night of good sleep all week.  As I hoped, Victoria was gone when I awoke. 

FRIDAY morning, OCTOBER 5

STEPHANIE
 

So what was Victoria's Friday like?  I assumed she drove home at 6, met her husband Michael at the door as he went to work, spent the day with her daughter, cried a lot, waited for Michael to come home at 6 to take over kid duties, argued till 8, met me at the dance studio at 8:30, then looked around for Madame X.  I asked if she wanted to go to the Pistachio Club and say hello to the Die Hards.  No thanks.  And so we both skipped the event.  Victoria followed me home instead.

As it turned out, Victoria's Friday had been quite interesting.  I would later learn that Victoria had visited a divorce attorney that morning.

Although I was disgusted at how utterly horrible the Grand Living Together Experiment was turning out, I did make one interesting observation.  When it came to their daughter, Victoria and Michael worked together with the precision of a Swiss watch.  They maintained a carefully orchestrated schedule to take care of their daughter.  The precise timing Victoria showed in the morning and Michael showed in the evening was a marvelous display of teamwork.

I doubt Stephanie knew her mother was not sleeping at her house.  Stephanie was used to her mother being gone at night, so Victoria's evening absence did not raise a flag.  Since she went to bed before her mother typically came home, how would she know?  Unless the girl woke up in the middle of the night looking for her mother, I doubt Stephanie had any idea what was going on.  Both parents were determined not to traumatize their child. 

For all their quarreling, these were deeply responsible, committed parents.   When one factors in that both people had to be deep in pain and no doubt hated each other's guts, their dedication to reliability and punctuality seems remarkable.  Given how much they cared for their daughter, it broke my heart at the heartache they suffered.  When I first met them, Michael and Victoria had fit like a glove.  What could have possibly caused these two people to drift apart?  I suppose I was getting blamed, but that was not fair.  Victoria put the dance studio before her marriage of her own free will.  In fact, how many times had I asked her to reverse her priorities?   Mind you, I was a child of divorce.  My father's affair had ruined my childhood, so I followed the details with morbid curiosity.  There was nothing I could do to solve their problems, but that didn't stop me from empathizing with their struggle.

To my eyes, Michael and Victoria had always seemed so right together.  They were two decent people who somehow got lost.  I saw first-hand how Victoria was filled with grief and guilt over her foolhardy move.  I imagine Michael was grieving too.  I wondered if Victoria wished she could take it back.  Who knows?  Victoria wasn't talking to me very much. 

FRIDAY night, OCTOBER 5

IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED
 

On Friday night, Victoria seemed in a better mood.  As we watched TV in bed, on a whim I suggested to Victoria we try making love again.  Since we were living together, why not?  Victoria was taken aback, but after some thought she said okay. 

I regret to say this attempt had no better results than our colossal failure on Doorstep Night.  The moment I touched her, Victoria started to cry uncontrollably.  Too much distrust, too much pain.  Extremely embarrassed, I stopped immediately.  I apologized to Victoria and said this was not the way it was supposed to be.  Victoria said nothing, so we just laid there staring at the TV in subdued silence.  To my surprise, five minutes later Victoria suggested we try again.  I guess she was curious to see if there was any kind of spark.  Nope, no spark.  Victoria didn't have much enthusiasm and I didn't either.  Call it 'anti-climactic'. 

I had a small mystery on my hands.  There was a time starting in April all the way through August when I was climbing the walls with torment to possess this woman.  Where had that passion gone?  Although Victoria was one of the most beautiful women I would ever make love to, there was no pleasure in this.  The biggest problem was the invisible presence of Michael in the room.  In my mind, Victoria was Michael's wife and I had no business doing this.  No doubt Victoria felt the same way.  Her body still belonged to Michael.  Consequently the fireworks phase of our relationship fizzled out like a defective firecracker.  We were worthless as impassioned lovers.

SATURDAY morning, OCTOBER 6

VICTORIA MOVES HOME
 

It was Saturday, October 6, Day Six of the Grand Living Together Experiment.  Throughout the week, I had deeply resented Victoria's presence in my home.  I asked myself over and over how I was ever going to get myself out of this mess. 

Although there was no further mention of the blackmail threat that always seemed to hang over my head, I was fairly certain Victoria would not hesitate to strike were Madame X to come back in the picture.  Since I had not spoken to Jennifer since she hung up on me Tuesday, I had no idea what she was thinking. 

Considering I had no obvious way to get rid of my unwelcome guest without inviting a reprisal, I felt trapped.  Victoria made no demands.  Nor did she offer much quarrel.  Nevertheless, she still felt like an occupying force.  She was here in my home against my will.  However I kept that opinion to myself.  I told myself to give this living arrangement a fair try.  Maybe things would be better next week.  

On Saturday morning, Victoria had a surprise for me.  The moment she arose at 6 am, she began to empty out her drawer.  This curious action took all of two minutes.  I was a bit mystified because Michael theoretically did not have to go to work on Saturday.  In fact, I thought Victoria and I might have some coffee and actually talk things over.  However, when she threw her alarm clock into the suitcase and went to fetch her toothbrush, I asked what she was doing. 

"I am moving home.  I made up my mind during the night.  We can talk later."

Victoria gave me a brief kiss on the cheek, then rambled out the door.  When I realized this would be the full extent of her explanation, my mouth dropped open.  This woman was full of surprises.  I tried my best to look sorry, but in truth I was overjoyed.  I had heard of plot twists, but I had never heard of a Plot U-Turn. 

Although Victoria was the most unpredictable woman I had ever met in my life, maybe I should have seen this one coming.  Victoria's decision probably involved her daughter.  I based this on the fact that Victoria's pain over leaving her daughter behind had doomed our living experiment from Day One. 

Victoria had made the worst mistake of her life and knew it.  She had cried practically every night she was here.  This experiment had been an exercise in sheer misery for both of us.  And now she was gone.  Did this mean I had my freedom back?  If so, I prayed I could resurrect things with Jennifer.  Over Victoria's dead body, right?   Nevertheless I had to try.

SATURDAY morning, OCTOBER 6

VICTORIA LAYS DOWN THE LAW
 

Shocked to be alone, I went to get some coffee.  It was too early to call Jennifer.  Besides, before speaking to Jennifer, I needed to know where Victoria stood.  Sure enough, two hours later Victoria called to explain her decision.  Apparently her husband had left to play golf or something, so she was free to talk.  As I guessed, this U-Turn stunt revolved around Stephanie.  She explained her bad mood on Thursday night had been caused by Michael's threat to sue for full custody.  While Stephanie was in Mother's Day Out on Friday morning, she had consulted an attorney regarding how to protect herself from her husband's escalating divorce threat.  The attorney said she had good reason to be afraid.  As things stood, Victoria was vulnerable to an accusation of abandonment.  It was urgent she return home immediately. 

"I thought it over in bed last night and decided to move back home.  I just didn't have the heart to wake you up and tell you."

Assuming this meant Victoria was gone for good, I silently rejoiced.  Aw, gee, what a shame. 

In the year I had known Victoria, she had made no attempt to involve me in her daughter's world.  I knew that Victoria had deliberately shielded her daughter from me.  During U-Turn Week, there was never any mention of fixing up the extra room in my house for her daughter.  I completely understood.  Stephanie was far better off staying in her own home.  She had a perfectly good father and a bedroom where she was comfortable.  Nevertheless, Victoria's disdain for the extra bedroom at my house spoke volumes.  I concluded there was never any Master Plan to merge her life with mine.  Although her impulsive action was supposed to be about Love, I concluded Victoria was more determined to keep me out of the arms of Madame X than she was to explore a serious relationship.  I also wondered if Victoria had sex with me to punish Michael.  Or punish me for Madame X.  Whatever her motive, it was certainly not for gratification.

I had felt bullied the entire week.  Victoria had forced herself into my house.  She never spoke to me at any length.  Nor did she share her plans from one day to the next.  People might wonder why I didn't just throw the woman out.  I suppose once this 6 am nonsense extended into Week Two, I would have said something.  Basically Victoria called it off before my patience was exhausted.  At this point, I was sacrificing my personal happiness for the good of what little was left of the studio.  Victoria was so obviously self-destructive that I did not dare set her off for fear of retaliation.  Now that I had sacrificed Jennifer to calm Victoria, the studio was all I had left.  Determined to protect my dwindling program at all costs, I would do whatever I could to appease Victoria.  Meanwhile Victoria was taking daily care of her daughter in order to protect her parental rights.  We were both worried about our 'Children'.

For ten minutes I listened in disgust as the Sniveling Whining Woman spun her usual tales of woe.  Then without warning the Snarling Tiger Woman came on the phone.  Speaking with unmistakable anger in her voice, Victoria dictated her 'Updated Rules'. 

"I need to be clear about something.  I have made a serious commitment to you.  I have crossed a sacred line and made a great sacrifice on your behalf.  Based on the week we spent living together, we are officially a committed couple.  I intend to spread the word of our new status using phone calls and lunch with my circle of girlfriends.  Now listen carefully.  You have made a choice and I expect you to honor that choice.  You need to accept that Madame X is off limits.  You have cheated on me once; you will not cheat on me again.  I will be very upset if I discover you are trying to mend fences with her."  

I got the message loud and clear.  If I wanted to keep my dance program intact, I was stuck with Victoria whether I liked it or not.  It did not matter that Victoria had moved back home.  I smiled grimly at the irony.  It used to be the Forbidden Line.  Now she called it the 'Sacred Line'.  According to Victoria, once that Line was crossed, it did not matter where she lived.  Just to be perverse, I said something to annoy her.   "You say that I am yours and you are mine.  Aren't you overlooking a small technicality that your husband is in your home?" 

"I intend to tell Michael to move out.  As far I am concerned, we are officially separated."

Oops.  I should have kept my mouth shut.  But then I wouldn't be me, would I?

Victoria's voice grew stronger.  "Listen to me carefully!  I have taken the greatest risk of my life.  My marriage is destroyed and I am going to be very angry if you betray me after all I have done for you.  If you desert me, you will demonstrate to everyone at your studio that your promises have been hollow and empty.  I have kept your Ultimatum and your Parting Words as proof of your promises to me.  So get it through your mind that Madame X has stay gone."

Victoria saved her best for last.  It was time to update the Blackmail Threat.

"Just so you understand, I am planning to stick around at the dance studio.  This is my dance studio too.  My lawyer has informed me that I have a strong case for wrongful termination if you try to get rid of me at the studio.  In fact, I have been told that if I press the matter, I am entitled to fair compensation for my many contributions.  If you ever try to cross me AGAIN with another Madame X stunt, FIRST I will collect my back pay, and THEN I will ruin the studio for good measure."

Victoria paused for me to reply.  When I said nothing, she added, "Do you understand me?"

"I suppose.  Is there anything else you wish to threaten me with, darling?"

Victoria ignored my sarcasm.  "No, that's it for now.  I have made my position clear enough.  Is that correct?"

"Yes, dear, I understand you quite well."

And with that, I hung up the phone and immediately called Jennifer.  No luck, she didn't answer.  She was probably in Dallas with Jeff.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6

THE CITADEL
 

After Victoria's call, my mind focused on my predicament.  One phrase in particular echoed in my mind. 

"I have crossed a sacred line and made a great sacrifice on your behalf."

I snorted with disgust.  She crossed that line on my behalf?  Of all the nerve.  That's like slapping someone in the face and telling them to say thank you.  I took a deep breath.  Having sex with this woman was the stupidest thing I had ever done in my life.  Never in my wildest imagination had I dreamed that Victoria would use our pathetic lovemaking as a weapon to subjugate me further.  Now that Victoria had the precious Poison Pen ammunition she had been seeking, her Blackmail Threat was stronger than ever. 

There had been considerable hostility in Victoria's voice.  Although Doorstep Night and U-Turn Saturday were her idea, her attitude suggested I was to blame for everything.  And why was that?  Because in her mind I had cheated on her.  Although today's phone call was the first time all week Victoria had spoken a word about Madame X, today she made it clear how angry she was to discover she had a serious rival.  I seethed with resentment.  Victoria had an immense amount of nerve to take this position.   Not only was the woman married, until Doorstep Night we had not crossed the line.  That gave me the perfect right to seek a girlfriend.  Unfortunately Victoria disagreed. 

The thing that had me in awe was her sudden rise from meek to monster.  I swear, sometimes I wondered if Victoria was another Sybil, the woman with multiple personalities.  Not only did I spend last night with the Helpless Sniveling Whining Woman, that same woman had been on the phone this morning.  However, without warning, Snarling Tiger Woman took over.  The rapid change in her demeanor spooked me considerably.  For an entire week, I had watched this once proud woman reduced to a neverending bucket of tears.  She had ceaselessly moaned about leaving her daughter and the destruction of her wonderful marriage.  Now suddenly she was bossing me around again, making threats and imposing her will.

Last night Victoria had about as much strength as a boxer laying flat on the mat after a knockout punch.  Today she was dominating me with the sheer force of her personality.  How does a human being rally from the depths of despair that fast?   Victoria's will power to rise from the ashes seemed almost supernatural.  Where does her strength come from? 

Victoria's otherworldly transformation caught me off guard.  Noting Victoria had magically regained her strength the moment she returned home, I decided her house operated like a Citadel.  The return to her house strengthened her powers in a manner reminiscent to Count Dracula's mountaintop castle.

This was not the first time I suspected the woman had access to dark energy.  Was Victoria actually two people?  Or four? Somewhere under all that evil I wondered if Sunshine Victoria was manacled to the wall in a cold dungeon beneath the castle.

Today Victoria had risen from the Dead.  Too bad I didn't put a stake through her heart when she slept next to me.  Meanwhile, it was clear Victoria wasn't setting me free any time soon.  With no end in sight to my dilemma, I was filled with despair.