Confused

You know that man. You dread that man. Yes, tall but muscular, classic handsome face with a dimpled chin. That’s Chad Mano, your old high school bully. Just seeing him again makes your skin crawl as you’re overwhelmed by memories. Chad Mano gloating. Chad Mano pushing you around, sometimes with fists, mainly with snide words and put downs and insults.

But he’s not directing his insults at you this time. He’s turned them to Spencer.

Spencer. Spencer Mano. Is she?

“Chad, what are you doing here,” Spencer starts.

“What am I doing here? Looking for my wife. I got home, you’re not there. You’re here in the pub.”

She is.

“You’re not normally this early. I thought I had time.”

“Well, as you’re always complaining I don’t give you enough attention, I thought I’d come home early. But you aren’t there, are you? I was worried about you.”

“You could have phoned.”

“You’re my wife, I shouldn’t have to chase you.”

It’s Abigail who intervenes. “She doesn’t have to tell you where she is all the time either. She’s a person, she’s allowed to have her own life.”

Abigail stands. Which is not that effective. She’s a short, slight woman, and Chad is a lot taller than her. It looks faintly ridiculous, her standing up to him. Like a chihuahua barking at a rottweiler.

“We agreed to share our lives. That’s the point of marriage. We share things.”

“Well, why don’t you share a drink with us?” Krystal adds.

Chad’s response is a glare, that is cut off by Spencer’s next comment. “No, it’s ok. If you’re back, I can go. It’s fine.”

She smiles, stands and gathers her handbag.

“You haven’t finished your drink,” Krystal states.

“Oh, it’s OK. I need to get back.”

Spencer takes Chad’s arm, and the two of them walk out, leaving her half-drunk drink behind.