She hates holidays. Christmas, Valentines, Thanksgiving…
Togetherness and happiness.
None of that will ever be hers, ever again.
Not even when the only man she ever loved showed up at her door.
Last time they were together, she ended up half dead and as she is now.
Except he needs her.
And maybe, just maybe she need him.
She never saw the twist coming and wasn’t sure she ever would.

Bernadette sat in front of the television with her tv dinner on the tray. She made the mistake of taking off her shoes. Now her feet swelled and screamed from their release. Not a good sign since her next shift is in a few hours. No matter, time enough to relax and catch up on her favorite show.

She looked around the apartment. This is what three honest paying jobs got her. She shook her head in frustration. Sure, Jack was in prison, but he didn’t have to make ends meet and had three meals a day. Hell, they even offered him work and rehabilitation. Bernadette sighed and stuck her fork into a microwaved meal.

At least everything around her was hers and bought legitimately. Why does earned money buy you crappy goods? She remembered the days with Jack when they were rolling in cash. She had beautiful clothes and stayed in luxurious hotels. Life was going great until Jack got arrested.

Turning over a new leaf was not easy. People were too gullible. And with Bernadette’s natural affinity to con, staying on the right side of the law was a daily challenge. But a promise was a promise, no more cons.

Yeah, so this is what she’s earned these last few years. A small, one-bedroom apartment and enough furniture to say she isn’t a vagrant. She sat back on the oversized sofa and sighed, maybe a nap instead of another episode on her DVR.

* * *

Bernadette heard a light tap on her door waking her out of her greatly needed rest. “Better not be those kids again selling candy for their school.” She grumbled as she looked through her peep hole. Startled, she stood back and covered her mouth, not sure what to do. She heard another soft knock on the door. I must be dreaming. She looked around the room and down at her clothes and shook her head. If she were dreaming, she wouldn’t be in these rags and in this apartment. Taking in a deep breath, she opened the door. He stood at the doorway looking like a breath of fresh air Bernadette didn’t realize she needed.

“Hey, Babe. Can I come in?”

Unable to speak, she opened the door enough to motion Jack inside. God damn how can he look this good? And how was he out of prison?  She finally found her voice. “Hello, Jack.” She knew letting her ex-husband in was probably a big mistake.

Jack entered the apartment, allowing Bernadette to close the door behind him. “Did you escape or something?” This was all she could figure. It was too soon for his parole.

A deep laugh echoed through the mostly empty apartment. “I am a free man. Except you have my heart.” He took a step toward her.

Bernadette backed away from him. She wasn’t ready for whatever he had in mind. “How did you find me?” She moved half across the country when he went to prison and immediately sought a divorce. “I don’t work people anymore. I work honest jobs and…”

“Shh, I’m not here to…” He took a step closer to her. “I miss you Bernadette. You’re my wife.”

“Ex-wife.” She made the point. “I had to move on, Jack. I don’t want to go back to that life.” She bit her fingernail in frustration. “Why are you here?” Just staring at him she knew what he wanted. She was pretty sure her body felt the same way. Her determination faded as her whole body slumped onto the counter she leaned against.

“Bernadette, I was set up, you know that. I never stopped loving you.” He took another step toward her.

She stood straight, gaining her resolve again. “I’m done with that life, Jack. We’re through. You signed the papers while you were in prison.” She crossed her arms hoping he wouldn’t come one more step closer to her.

Inside she was shocked how strong of an attraction she still felt toward him. Time certainly treated him well.  He looked healthy with just a few age lines around his eyes. He smiled and she just melted. She felt like a high school girl again. Her heart beat faster as she held her breath unintentionally.

Jack took her by the hand and pulled her into his chest. She didn’t fight him. She loved the way he smelled and put her head on his chest with a sigh. I can’t believe he is here, and he is holding me. He rubbed her back and rocked her back and forth for a few minutes. Neither one speaking.