Marcy waited for any response from her husband. His opportunity to say something like, ‘You’re still the prettiest girl,’ or some form of compliment was just hanging out there without being grasped. She heard nothing. There was no affirmation of his undying love or continued desire for her. The depression that was creeping into her seemed to deepen. ‘I must be as tired looking as that damn, old house,’ she thought. Only the youthful spirit of her children and grandson kept her from completely giving in to her foul mood.
After the service, the family was in line to greet the pastor when Marcy noticed Lucy Rawls trying to get her attention. ‘Darn,’ she thought. ‘What does the old busy-body want with me?’ She excused herself from the family and wandered toward Lucy in the front of the sanctuary where they would be alone.
“Lucy, what’s the matter?”
“Oh, Marcy. You know I don’t like to spread rumors, but I saw something with my own eyes that I think you should know about.”
‘Right,’ Marcy thought. ‘She’d rather start rumors than spread them.’
“What, Lucy?”
“Oh, dear me. I don’t want to upset you, but I’m pretty sure I saw John stepping out on you this past Thursday.”
“What? You must be mistaken. No, he wouldn’t do that.”
“I’m sorry, dear. I saw him go into that woman’s house that lives across the street from me. He was in there for about twenty minutes, then came out looking all… you know… satisfied.”
“I’m sure you’re wrong, Lucy. My John wouldn’t do that.”
“Oh, I understand how you feel and how you want to stand by your man and all. I thought I saw him there Thursday the week before but I wasn’t sure, so I didn’t say anything.”
Marcy thought for a moment. She realized that Thursdays were when John went to town and to the feed store. He used to go on Tuesdays, but about six weeks ago he changed his routine.
“Lucy, I appreciate your concern and bringing this to my attention. You will keep this between us, right?”
“Absolutely. I don’t want to spread something like this around.”
‘Yeah,’ Marcy thought. ‘It won’t take long before it’s all over town.’
Lucy continued. “That woman is known for her particular enjoyment of performing… well… certain sex acts that the Lewinsky woman was known for doing with President Clinton. Do you know what I’m talking about?”
“Yes, I do. You mean fellatio.”
“That’s right. Nasty stuff. She’s not a very good looking woman, so I guess that’s the price she pays to get male attention.”
“Perhaps that’s true. Lucy, do you have a digital camera or a cell phone that takes pictures?”
“Sure do.”
“Can you keep an eye out next Thursday, and if you see him again take some pictures?”
“I’d be glad to, dear. How will I get them to you?”
“Do you know how to text on your phone?”
“Sure. Do you want me to text the pictures to you?”
“Yes, please. Call me first as soon as you see him, okay?”
They exchanged numbers and parted.
Marcy’s depression and now her suspicions started to completely destroy her attitude. She tried to put on her Sunday smile for her family and, fortunately, her one-year-old grandson made that easy. He waddle-ran into her arms as she approached. Lucy picked him up and immediately noticed the unmistakable smell of a ripe diaper.