TITLE    : Pain Ch. 02
STORYID  : pain-ch-02
SUMMARY  : The pain continues.
AUTHOR   : slow_n_gentle@lit
DATE     : 2009-03-04
CATEGORY : erotic-novels
FLAGS    : h
TAGS     : |cheating|divorce|


<i> [This is Chapter 2 of PAIN. This was written in answer to many readers request.  It would be good to refresh yourself on what preceded this in the original PAIN]



[ no sex, just pain]</i>



*



After the pain of dealing with the first days complexities Bill quietly thought to himself.....just yesterday who could have imagined how complex, uncertain and painful life would be for two families embroiled in a mess like this&#x2014;



Bill finished his drink and went to bed knowing sleep would not come easy tonight or any time soon.



The buzzing of the alarm awakened Bill from his nightmare as he unconsciously reached to extinguish the racket. He gently rolled to his left; feeling for Pam's hip as he smelled her fragrance on the pillow. Bill's eyes shot open when his hand slid to the side of the bed feeling only cold sheets. Sadness returned as he recalled yesterday's events; his nightmare was real.



Bill went through his morning routine except for dressing casual instead of his suit. He walked down the hall knocking at each bedroom door on his way to the kitchen. With the cold breakfast food on the counter, Bill poured a fresh cup of coffee before going to the den to call his boss.



Bill knew it was early, but his boss was always the first one in the building every day.



"Chuck, its Bill Anderson." he said in a stern voice. "I'm sorry for the short notice, but I need the rest of the week off for a family emergency. I'll let you know Friday if I need next week off."



Chuck was curious about the nature of the family emergency, but he could tell by Bill's voice he wasn't going to hear any details.



"OK Bill," Chuck replied, "let me know as early as possible Friday if you do need next week. I had you scheduled to help Miller on his project, but if you need it off I can put someone else with him."



"Thanks Chuck, I owe you." Bill replied before hanging up.



As he walked into the kitchen to refill his cup the phone rang. Before he could move, Sue jumped up and grabbed it.



"Hello," she excitedly said, "Oh hi, Mrs. Randolf. Yah, thank you. I'll tell him. Bye."



"Mrs. Randolf said she would take us to school in 20 minutes. She will come over to see you when she returns." Sue somberly told her father. She had hoped her mother was finally calling to answer the questions that had kept Sue up most of the night.



While Janet drove the kids to school, Bill was pleading with Mr. Gannon's secretary for an immediate appointment. She finally conceded to a 10am appointment. 



Bill's next call was to his banker.



"Ray, its Bill Anderson. I need a little favor from you. I need a cashier's check for $5,000 made out to Frank Gannon's law firm. My savings account number is *********. I need to pick it up at 9:15am. Thanks Ray."



Bill wrote letters to the credit card companies closing out all the joint accounts and citing no further responsibility for hers. He phoned the credit card company Pam had used yesterday, authorizing them to do an electronic payment for the balance and then freeze the account. He informed them his letter formally closing the account would be in the mail today. Bill finished his letters and sat back enjoying his coffee awaiting Janet's return.



"I dropped the kids of at school and picked up some donuts. Sit at the table with me and tell me your plan." Janet said as she placed the bag on the table and poured herself a cup of coffee.



Bill removed a photo from the frame on his desk and carried it to the table. Remembering the day at the lake last summer he could almost hear the laughter as Sue directed while Ellen snapped the photo. He was struck with sadness knowing they would never repeat those relaxed, amusing times again. 



"I'm bringing it to the attorney's office." Bill said as he showed her the photo. "The process server will need to identify them at the hotel. We have a 10:00 am appointment with attorney Frank Gannon. He is one of the area's best in his knowledge of family law. We need some answers to your financial problem and an expert's opinion on how to deal with our spouses being in a city 2 hours away. If you have the financial papers with you that we printed last night, it's soon time for us to leave."



Bill picked up the check at the bank on the way to the attorney's office. Bill and Janet were seated at a circular table in Frank Gannon's office as the soft spoken grey haired gentleman took notes as Bill and then Janet answered his questions.



"You were right Bill to want to serve them while we know where they are. We can ask for an order of protection against both of them to keep them away from your homes. The court might only give us a limited stay on the order since neither spouse has a known record of violence but you did say Mrs. Randolf that your husband has left bruises on you before when he got mad. 



Then Mr. Anderson, you think your wife may try to take the kids with her if she gets the chance. The court should allow us at least 90 days under those conditions, and then the visitation will be under the judge's ruling. I would also recommend having the locks changed as soon as possible. 



We will file for temporary financial support for you and your daughter Mrs. Randolf within the next 30 days. Your spouses have 30 days to hire an attorney and reply to the petition. I will draw up the papers and have them filed before noon. My office will contact a private process server to serve the papers today. Mr. Anderson, we will give your home and cell phone number to the process server who will serve the papers. He will contact you when he completes the job." 



Before they left Bill handed him the family photo and the check for Janet and himself.



Bill arranged for a locksmith for the afternoon before stopping at Janet's bank to transfer the remaining money in to a new account in her name. Bill then did the same at his bank. They picked up lunch before returning to Bill's house.



"I don't know what I would have done without your help," Janet softly said as she set out their lunch. "I just panicked yesterday. All I could do was pace and keep trying to call them. I didn't even think of looking at the bank records or the credit cards. He could have taken all the money and charged up the cards before I received the first statement. What was the check you gave the attorney?"



"I paid the retainer for both of us." Bill replied, "You can pay me back once the support money comes in. I'll take care of the locksmith today too. Pam left me in a little better shape than you are in. We will make it through this if we stay calm and patient. Just remember, we are the injured parties."



"You know Bill, I stayed up most of the night trying to figure out what I did wrong to drive him into Pam's arms and why didn't I see a change in him. About 4 o'clock this morning, I came to the conclusion that I did nothing wrong. The asshole wanted Pam because it was exciting and she was forbidden." Janet said as her anger rose.



Bill rubbed his head, "I kept thinking last night how calculating and uncaring Pam was to continue to be affectionate to me like always, while she carried on an affair with Jim. Hell, she made love to me two days before she left with him." That was when she removed the money from the bank, he remembered, almost like she was whoring herself for the money.



"I hate to say it," Janet began, "since it's my husband she had the affair with, but Pam may have thought of her affair with Jim as something exciting in her life and totally separated from her feelings for you. 



That is how she could justify having sex with Jim, and then still making love to you with the affection she had always shown you. You might say she became two different people." 



Janet took a drink of coffee as she collected her thoughts. 



"I knew Jim was seeing someone because he would neglect me for days at a time before he would come for sex. With Jim it is never making love, its sex; exciting uninhibited sex. He had done it a couple of times before; once when I was pregnant with Ellen, and a few years later after we moved here. Both times I asked him, but he denied it. 



Shortly afterward, he would return to the old Jim looking for sex every night. I thought about divorcing him back then, but I couldn't afford the divorce or raising Ellen on my own. 



I just swallowed my pride and did what I thought was best for Ellen and me."



Bill thought a minute about what Janet had said concerning Pam's thinking before he continued. 



"I was trying to figure out when I noticed something different in her. I keep returning to that last cookout we had in the fall. You and Pam were sitting in the loungers facing the sun, with you sitting in the one closest to me talking about your work while I fired up the grille. 



I noticed Pam look toward your house and make a facial expression. I turned to see what she was staring at when I saw Jim mouthing something in her direction before he went inside. When I looked back at her we made eye contact. I saw that look of shame in her eyes that she gets when she intentionally does something she knows I will not approve of. 



It only lasted a moment before she smiled and tried to engage you in conversation. It was that look. Jim must have been telling her to meet him because a couple of minutes later he came out of your house with a questioning look on his face but she didn't respond that I could see. I asked her about her disappearing with Jim about a month later. That was when she laughingly said I was over imagining."



The locksmith arrived. Janet started him on her house first while Bill changed the code on her garage door opener. The locksmith finished at Janet's and was working at Bill's house when Janet noticed the time and left to get the kids at school. 



Later Sue and Bill Jr. came into the house wearing a forlorn look on their faces. Mrs. Randolf had already told them their mother hadn't called today. They mumbled a greeting to their father as they continued up to their bedrooms.



Bill fixed a simple meal of chicken, green beans, and a salad. Nothing like they were use to when Pam cooked, but they wouldn't starve either. He set the table before calling the kids to dinner.



"Don't look so gloomy," Bill said in a cheerful voice, "Your mother will call once she gets a chance. She is probably busy trying to pick out a nice place to live. I know she wouldn't want the two of you to worry."



"She could have called by now Dad," Bill Jr. replied, "or left us a letter explaining why she was leaving us."



"That's what really hurts," Sue added, "not knowing if she still cares about us. I heard you tell Mrs. Randolf that mom removed money two days before she left. She had plenty of time to write me or Billy a letter explaining why she was leaving us. She could have told us if she still loved us or if she no longer cared about us either. That's what is tearing us up inside Dad."



Tears rolled down Sue's cheeks as she ran into her Dad's arms. Bill saw his son trying to act strong as his eyes started to water. Bill held out his arm for his son as his own tears began to flow.



"I wish it never would have happened," Bill admitted, "but if she planned that long to leave us, I also wish she would have left a letter explaining her reasons for leaving. I am as lost as you two in trying to come to a logical explanation for their suddenly leaving. Hopefully she will call and give both of you the reassurance of her love that you need. How about the two of you clean the kitchen while I work in the den?"



Bill sat at his desk looking over his financial situation as he considered raising the kids without Pam. The years ahead when both kids would be in college was going to be a struggle even on his salary now that she left with half the money meant for their education.



The phone rang and Sue quickly answered. "Hello. Yes, one minute please." 



She walked to the doorway. "Dad, it's for you."



"Hello," Bill said.



"Mr. Anderson," said a soft lady's voice, "I am calling to inform you that Mrs. Anderson and Mr. Randolf were served today at 5:47pm. Thank you for using our service sir."



"Thank you." Bill replied as he hung up.



"Who was that Dad?" Sue asked, "She asked for Mr. Anderson."



"She is a process server." Bill explained, "She informed me that Mr. Randolf and your mother were handed divorce papers this evening."



"So you and mom really are getting a divorce," said Sue as her eyes filled with tears, "Billy and I are going to be from a broken family like a lot of my classmates. We won't have to move will we?"



"Billy! Come in here please." Bill called.



"Both of you sit down," Bill said in a calm but tired voice, "I think it will be less stressful on both of you if we talk about this as it happens. Today, Mrs. Randolf and I went to a family law attorney to represent us in our divorces. He filed a petition for divorce with the county court for each of us. 



Then a person called a process server drove to Springfield and gave a copy of my petition to your mother and Mr. Randolf received one from his wife. The petition states why I want the divorce and that I want custody of both of you and to remain in the house. Your mother will now hire an attorney to represent her and tell me what she wants. The two attorneys will go before a judge who will decide certain things like support payment and visitation rights."



"Support payment? Visitation rights?" a visibly irritated Billy stated, "some stranger decides if I can see my mother or not?" What's with this support payment?"



"Support payment," Bill said calmly, "would be what Mrs. Randolf would receive from Mr. Randolf so she and Ellen can continue to live in their house. Mrs. Randolf doesn't make enough money at her job to pay all the expenses and needs help. 



The judge is concerned about the welfare of the children. You two are almost adults so it won't be a big deal. Your mother's attorney will request something like every other weekend depending on where she finally decides to live. My attorney and I will find that acceptable then the judge will OK it. My concern is that both of you continue to live and go to school here so your lives won't be disrupted anymore."



The phone rang and as Bill reached to answer it, he could see the look of hope in his kid's eyes that their mother was finally calling.



"Hello." Bill answered.



"You just had to go and fucking do it, didn't you!" yelled an angry Jim, "You just couldn't wait until we talked on Saturday like I told you."



"Jim," said Bill in a calm voice, "the kids would like to talk to Pam."



"Well you blew that chance for them," yelled Jim, "she went to the store but she still wouldn't talk to them yet."



"Your mother isn't there right now," Bill said to his kids trying to remain calm, "go to your rooms and study. I'll call you if she returns while we are on the phone."



Sue and Billy grudgingly went to their rooms knowing something else was involved because they could hear Mr. Randolf's voice from where they sat 10 feet away.



"Now what is the problem Jim?" Bill spat back raising his voice, "you two each received a petition for divorce. You knew it would eventually happen. Why are you so upset?"



"Because we were going to discuss it first," Jim stated as if it was common knowledge, "before we got the attorneys involved. Now you went and did this, and what's with this order of protection?"



"The order of protection says you can't come within 1000 feet of your old home or Janet and Ellen. It keeps you from yelling at them like you just did to me Jim. Pam has the same order against her. Now that my children are out of the room, what is this shit about them not being able to talk to their mother? Is this supposed to be your idea of a negotiating ploy? Is Pam talking to her upset kids some sort of bargaining chip?" 



"You could put it that way," Jim said with a chuckle, "I think of it as the little woman listening to her man. She does what I tell her to do because she knows I will do the right thing for us."



"Hire an attorney and have him talk to Mr. Gannon. The faster this situation is settled, the sooner the families can return to normal." Bill replied.



"I was wondering when you could be moved out," said Jim in a matter of fact manner, "so Pam and I wouldn't have to rent someplace for a short while."



"What are you talking about?" Bill said in a shocked tone, "I'm not moving my children and me out of this house so you and Pam can move in."



"Not the kids," said a confident Jim, "just you. Pam is asking for the house and custody of the children. I thought why should I buy furniture when she could just ask for it and the house in the divorce. The wife is granted custody of the children. This way I only have to support one house for a little while."



"You're out of your mind," Bill said with anger in his voice, "if you think I am just going to move out so you can live here with my children and former wife while I pay for everything. What did you mean pay support for a little while?"



"Just a thought I have after Pam gets your house and kids" Jim stated in his arrogant tone, "Ellen sure will like having Sue real close all the time."



"Just have Pam's attorney call Mr. Gannon," Bill said trying to calm down, "and ask her to contact the children." Bill hung up before Jim could reply. Bill closed his eyes and rubbed his temples in an effort to calm down. 



This was turning uglier by the minute. It sounded like Bill had bullied Pam into letting him make all the decisions, or he was doing a lot of this without her knowledge. Bill knew from twenty years of marriage, Pam could be a very strong willed person when she wanted to be. He believed she wasn't listening to the best advice. Hopefully her attorney would advise her wisely.



When Bill looked up at the clock, it was almost midnight. He must have dozed off thinking about Jim's remarks on the phone. He headed for bed, turning off the lights as he went.



"Dad," Sue said as she heard him walk past her room, "did you get to talk to mom?"



Bill opened her bedroom door. "No Sue. She didn't return while I was talking to Mr. Randolf. I'm sorry. I left a message for her to call you. Maybe she will call tomorrow. Go to sleep now. I love you."



"Love you too Dad. Good night." Replied Sue still wondering what Mr. Randolf was yelling about, and knowing her father wouldn't say anything about it.



Bill slept terribly; constantly tossing and turning as he thought about Jim's comments during his tirade. He kept dreaming of Jim coming home to his house and being greeted by Pam, Sue, and Billy every night as he lived a lonely life in a 1 bedroom apartment somewhere. 



He saw Jim and Pam smiling as they took the kids on vacation. The kids laughing and having a great time telling Jim what a wonderful step-father he was. Pam was agreeing with the kids reminding them that their Dad would never treat them that good. That is why she left him for wonderful Jim.



The buzz of the alarm brought Bill out of the nightmare for the second morning in a row. He did his morning routine deciding at the last minute to dress in his suit and go to work. There was nothing left to do at home and sitting around just thinking about this problem wasn't going to help his frame of mind. He knocked as he walked down the hall letting the kids know he was up and breakfast would be ready.



While Sue and Billy ate breakfast, Bill explained he would take them to school on his way to work. They would have to start taking the bus home every day. He also handed each of them a new house key explaining the locks were replaced yesterday. Billy gave him a questioning look, but said nothing. Sue called Ellen to explain the new travel arrangements.



*******



The prior night Pam was greeted by a very irritated Jim as she returned from the store to the hotel room.



"That husband of yours is pushing me too far," Jim raged, "and I'm going to show him what happens when I push back."

<hr pg="2" />"What's wrong Babe," said a frightened Pam. She wondered what Bill said because Jim's face was beet red and he was breathing heavy like a snorting bull.



"He had that order of protection placed on me so I couldn't go to my house and talk to Janet or Ellen. I have to stay 1000 feet away from them."



"So just call them if you want to talk," Pam replied with an easy going expression, "you don't have to see them right away. The order doesn't stop you from talking to them does it?"



"You don't get it," Jim exploded, "He is sticking his nose in my business. If I want to go to my house and talk face to face to Janet or Ellen, that is my business and Bill should keep his damn nose out of it. He'll pay now. I don't want you to talk to your family until we see the attorney next week. Let Bill deal with that."



"You told me I could talk to the children this Saturday evening," a shocked Pam quickly replied, "Sue and Billy will think I don't love them. I miss my children and want to talk to them. You may be able to not talk to Ellen and not feel anything, but I can't wait any longer to talk to my children Jim."



"You agreed we will do this my way," Jim retorted, "and my way is to let them wait until we talk to the attorney next week. It won't hurt for them to worry a little if they will hear from you. Maybe they will convince Bill to be more cooperative when you ask for the children and the house in the divorce."



"I told you Bill would not go for it when you thought up the idea." Pam explained, "Keeping me from talking to Sue and Billy is only hurting my relationship with my children, not with Bill. I hurt that relationship when I agreed to leave with you."



"It will only be 4 days longer and maybe the lawyer can arrange a weekend visit with you and the kids. You would have two days to convince them to live with you." Jim softly replied, "Then Sue can talk to Ellen and convince her to request staying with me."



"So this is about you getting out of paying child support?" exclaimed Pam in total surprise, "You want to use my children to punish Bill and convince Ellen to move in with us so you won't have to pay child support."



"NO! NO." answered Jim quickly backpedaling, "this is about us both having our children together in one big family."



"I'm calling my children now," Pam said as she pulled the cell phone out of her purse, "I miss them and I'm sure they miss talking to me."



"Put that phone down now!" raged Jim as he moved toward Pam.



"I'm talking to them first," she replied stubbornly, "and then you and I can figure out what we will do."



Jim jerked the phone from her hand as he gave her a push at the same time. The phone bounced off the far wall as Pam fell hard into the dresser before falling to the floor. Pam looked up at Jim in fright as the pain throbbed in her side. He had that same terrifying look on his face she saw when she entered the room. She had never seen this side of him in the 12 years she and Bill had known him.



When he saw Pam wince in pain as she hit the dresser, Jim knew his rage had gone too far. He walked around to help but as he reached for her, she scooted toward the wall and cowered.



"Pam!" Jim said, "I'm sorry Babe. I didn't mean to push you like that. I just lost my head for a minute. Are you hurt? It will never happen again."



"Go! Get out and leave me alone for a while," she cried. "Go to the bar and have a couple of drinks and calm down. I'll meet you there after I clean up.



"OK," Jim said the worry still on his face, "I'm really sorry. It won't ever happen again." Jim shoved the key card in his pocket as he continued to apologize as he walked out the door.



Pam slowly stood using the dresser for support. When she was standing, she lifted her shirt and looked in the mirror at her side. There was a red diagonal line where her side struck the edge of the dresser. It was painful to the touch, but she could take a deep breath without great pain. 



She began gathering her belongings and stuffing them in the suitcase. She was glad she decided to only bring in the large one on rollers and the small bag of personal items.



Pam grimaced with pain when she reached down to pick up her cell phone. It didn't look broken, but she would wait until she was down the road before trying it. 



Placing her purse over her shoulder and the small travel bag over the handle of her large roller luggage, Pam opened the door and looked down the hallway before quickly stepping into the hallway and closing the door. She hurried toward the side exit as fast as her sore side would allow. 



She nervously crossed the parking lot to her car fearing she would hear Jim's voice call out at any moment. Tossing the small bag on the back seat and her purse in the front, she gave out a small cry as pain shot down her side as she lifted her heavy suitcase into the car. Pam started the car, heading for the street and the entrance to the interstate.



Pam decided on trying to stay with her mother. She knew she would have a lot of explaining to do and listen to her mother criticize her moral judgment and lack of caring for her family. She hoped her mother would then let her stay, because she knew she wouldn't be welcome with Bill even if the children begged him.



Pam tried her phone when she had driven for a half hour. It was already after 10:00pm and she didn't want to scare her mother."



"Mom, its Pam. I just wanted to let you know I'm on my way over to your house. No, I didn't have a fight with Bill. No, I didn't know he called you and sis looking for me yesterday. Mom, I'm driving right now. Can we have this conversation when I arrive at your house? I should be there in 30 minutes. OK Mom, see you in a bit. Bye"



After she hung up, Pam thought, "has it only been 2 days since this all started?" It seems like months have passed. It was frightening when Jim explained it a week ago. He said he knew Bill was becoming too suspicious of them by the way he watched their every movement. 



Jim convinced her to take the money out of the bank and leave before Bill actually caught them together. Jim said Bill would move the money and close the credit cards before he said a word so she would have nothing but the money in her purse when he threw her out. 



Pam knew that Bill could be very calm and logical in a tense situation; she had seen him do it repeatedly over the years with problems from work. It was like he could turn off his feelings to deal with the situation. She had a situation right now she wished Bill would fix for her.



"Son of a bitch!" Jim yelled as he looked in the room, finding Pam and her luggage gone. He ran down the hall and out to where their cars were parked only to find her car already missing. 



"Damn it!" he screamed in anger toward the sky. He knew he should have returned to the room sooner. His temper had caused another person to leave his life. If it wasn't for Janet and Ellen's meekness, he would have lost them years ago. Fortunately for him, they were too timid to leave and always accepted his apology after he cooled down.



With Pam gone, Jim decided he'd return home tomorrow and be waiting for Janet when she came home. He would persuade her to cancel the divorce and forgive him again, explaining to her that reconciliation would be the best thing for her and Ellen.



*******



Pam pulled up into her Mom's driveway. The outside lights came on as her mother opened the door. Pam grabbed her purse and walked into her mother's waiting arms. 



"Oh Mom," Pam cried as she hugged her mother, "I've screwed things up so bad, I don't know if life is worth living."



Her Mom led her to her old room and helped her undress before tucking her in and kissing her forehead like she did when Pam was a little girl.



"We will talk in the morning after you've slept." Her Mom said as she turned off the light.



*******



Bill's boss was surprised to see him walk through the door. Bill walked into Chuck's office when he waved him in.



"I need to thank you," Bill said, "for giving me the time off without question. My wife ran away with a neighbor guy Tuesday. I needed to take care of securing the finances and hiring an attorney for the divorce plus calm the kids down over their missing mother. I've got things covered so far but I will probably need time off occasionally until the divorce is final. 



I will also be working just 8 hours a day until my kids are out of school. You're going to have to find a new go-to man Chuck, my children need me now."



"I understand Bill. Remember, I went through a divorce 3 years ago. Only difference is that my wife got custody of the children. You do what you need to for your family. Let me know when you need time off and I'll see you get it. I hope everything works out for you."



Bill found the work took his mind off his personal problems and he felt the tension releasing in his neck and shoulders. Chuck sat and talked to him at lunch time, explaining about his own divorce and answering Bill's questions. By the end of talk he believed what Chuck told him, but right now his life felt empty without Pam.



********



Jim pulled into his driveway and pressed the button on his garage door opener. He pressed twice more before cussing Bill for changing the code. Walking to the front door, he found his key no longer worked in the lock and there was a new dead bolt lock also installed. Checking the other doors, he found all the locks had been changed. 



It was still early and he didn't want to attract attention by hanging around outside until Janet and Ellen came home. Only Bill, he swore, would think of the locks. Jim started his car and drove to his favorite bar for a few drinks before he returned.



******* 



When Pam finally opened her eyes, it was noon by the clock on the dresser. She found her suit cases lined up by the closet and her purse and bag of personal items on the top of the dresser. Pulling a robe out of the large suitcase she headed for the bathroom when she heard the voices of her mother and sister coming from the direction of the kitchen. 



As Pam showered she thought about the coming inquisition when she told her story to those two. She returned to her room and put on a comfortable outfit before heading for the voices and what lay ahead.



Her sister poured her a cup of coffee as her mother made her a fried egg sandwich, her favorite. Freshly fed and warmed by the coffee, the two ladies waited patiently for Pam to begin.



"It all started a little over a year ago, "Pam began, "We were having a cookout and swim party. Jim, our neighbor for many years, walked into our kitchen with an armload of wet towels. I took half of them and led the way to the laundry room. After I tossed the towels in the washer, I accidentally turned right into his arms. 



He and I had playfully flirted for years. He kissed me and I don't know why, but I kissed him back. We started making out like a pair of teenagers and I let it get out of control. 



The next thing I know, my bikini bottom is off and the two of us are having sex. Maybe it was because he was the only other man I ever had sex with or it could have been the danger of being caught, but it was the best sex I ever had. 



We started finding ways to get together a couple of times a week. I found it all so exciting because he was so different and demanding compared to sweet and gentle Bill. It was like being married to the Boy Scout and sneaking out with the bad boy."



"Didn't you realize the pain you would be causing to your family? Eventually something goes wrong and cheaters get caught, then everyone feels the pain." Mom said.



"Bill started to suspect something a few months back. We were having another party and Jim was over by his house. He was trying to signal me to meet him in his house when I noticed Bill watching him. Bill turned quickly, looking me straight in the eyes. 



I knew by the look on his face that he was almost positive Jim and I were having an affair. He asked me about a month later, but I laughed and told him he was being overly jealous."



Pam took a deep breath knowing this next part was going to upset her mother. "I told Jim my suspicion and suggested we quit before we got caught. He suggested we convince the spouses to indulge in a little wife swapping. If we could get his wife and Bill involved, we could continue the affair with no one the wiser."



"You didn't do that to Bill, did you sis? I can't believe Bill would do something like that." Her sister said.



"It took a couple of months and a lot of pleading to finally convince Bill to swap one time. I told him Jim's wife had always had a fantasy of Bill making love to her, which was the truth. Anyway, I told him we were only young once and we had better enjoy this time before we became too old to fulfill any fantasy. 



He reluctantly agreed to one time because the kids would be away for that winter ski trip. Jim and I pushed to continue with the swapping but Bill refused. I knew by his attitude afterward that he had a hard time coping with that one time."



"So you deceived Bill into becoming a cheater so you could justify your adultery." Mom declared with a condemning tone. "Why was he looking for you Tuesday, and why are you here now?"



"Jim and I took money out of the bank, packed our clothes and ran away Tuesday." Pam said as she looks down at the table. "We were convince Bill was about to catch us still having an affair. Jim had me convinced we were in love and the only way we could be together was to run away. 



I was going to leave Bill and the kids a note, but Jim told me it was a bad idea. We would have more time to get away and find a place to live before we would contact them. He made it sound like it would be wonderful. Thinking about it as I drove here last night, I realized what a stupid, selfish plan it was"



"No one ends up happy when you tear two families apart Pam." Mom said, "How did you think your family would react when you didn't come home?"



"I didn't think," Pam replied, "I felt like a young girl caught up in the excitement of running away with my lover. So much so I didn't remember I was supposed to pick up the kids after school until late that evening."



"Pamela!" her mother exclaimed, "You forgot your children for this adulterous affair? If you weren't my child, I would throw you out of this house right now! "



"I know," Pam whimpered as tear began falling, "My life had become so mundane especially with calm unexcitable Bill, that I suddenly felt truly alive with Jim telling me what to wear and demanding I meet him places for sex. 



I even started to resent Bill's gentle love making compared to Jim's rough and demanding raw hard sex. I felt like I was living two lives. The quiet doting wife and mother doing her routine duties for her family. Then there was the wild adventurous Pam who turned into an uninhibited slut for her demanding bad boy."



Pam looked at her Mom and sister waiting for their comments before continuing.



"Jim became like a drug to me. When Jim said we were in love I didn't stop and think, I wanted to believe him. When he said we had to runaway to continue our happiness, I packed because I didn't want the excitement to die. 



I convinced myself that everyone would be fine when we left, but really all I cared about was my own vane desires." Pam hung her head waiting for the admonishment to begin.



"That doesn't explain your being here." Her mother said in a calm voice.



"Jim and I each took money for our new life. I removed half of our savings and deposited most of it in a bank across town. I opened a checking account and took two thousand in cash. The rest I put in savings. Jim was upset that I didn't have it all in cash, but it was too late to change anything by then. 



I followed Jim in my car to the Ramada in Springfield. He decided we would stay there a few days until we found a place to live and hired an attorney. 



Somehow Bill figured out where we were and called the room late that evening. I saw the fear on Jim's face after he answered the phone. When I heard him say Bill, I got a sickening feeling and my stomach clenched into a knot. As Jim continued to talk to Bill, he became louder and more arrogant. He told Bill he couldn't talk to me and any questions he had would have to go through Jim. 



It must have made Bill mad because Jim yelled into the phone it was his way or no way. When he got off the phone, he was angry and told me we would talk to them again on Saturday. He had to think about what to do next. 



When I told him I wanted to call the kids, he became irritated and told me to wait until Saturday. I didn't argue because he was in a bad mood. We went to the lounge for a couple of hours and he calmed down and became his normal playful self."



"So Bill found you after he talked to us Tuesday night." Her sister commented, "you're running away explains why he was so vague and defensive in his answers to me. You should have talked to Mom or me before you got carried away in this affair."



"I now know why Bill called, but why you are here and where is this Jim?" asked Mom.



Pam swallowed some cold coffee and wiped her eyes with a napkin before describing her evening of hell.



"Jim and I went out looking for apartments Wednesday in the towns surrounding Champaign. We wanted something close to Jim's work. I quit my part time job so I would be looking for something full time. After lunch, Jim suddenly decided we needed to look for short term furnished apartments. He had the idea I would ask for custody of the children and the house in the divorce. I tried......"



"Hold on a minute." Mom interrupted, "he expected Bill to give up the kids and move out of his own house after you left home and ran away with this guy? What kind of man did you get mixed up with Pamela?"



"I started to say," Pam replied, "that I told him Bill would never go for either idea. We were the parties causing the divorce. I also abandoned my children at school to leave with him. Bill would surely bring that up in court when he fought for custody. 



Any way we get back to the hotel and were cleaning up when there is a knock at the door. Jim looks out and sees this young lady so he opens the door. She asks if this is James Randolf's room. When he said yes, she handed him some papers. 



She looked at me and asked if I was Pamela Anderson. I was shocked anyone would know me in Springfield but answered yes. She handed me some papers and announced we had been served. 



I looked at the papers when Jim began to start cussing Bill claiming it was his fault. When I asked why, he explained we had been served with divorce papers. His wife was divorcing him for adultery. 



She was asking for custody of their daughter and use of the house until their daughter was 18 years old, when the house would be sold and the profits divided. She wanted child support until her daughter graduated college and maintenance support to help pay the housing expenses. 



I didn't even look at mine. I knew what Bill would want and decided to let an attorney deal with it."



"So you wised up and left this Jim?" Mom asked.



"I was hungry but Jim didn't care to eat, so I went out to a Chinese place across town we had found while he went to the lounge. I ate and then looked in a few stores before returning to the hotel. When I walked in the room, he was hanging up the phone with a frightening look on his face. 



He was yelling that Bill put an order of protection on him and me so we couldn't come within 1000 ft. of either house or family. I told him he was still allowed to talk to them on the phone, but it only seemed to make him madder. Then he said he told Bill that I wanted the house and custody of the kids so he and I could live there. I told him Bill would never do it and he shouldn't have even mentioned it. 



That was when he told me I wasn't to talk to my children until after we hired an attorney. Then he wanted me to have Sue and Billy for the weekend so I could convince them to request me as their custodian. I would then go after the house. He wanted me to give Sue the idea of having his daughter Ellen live with her father."

<hr pg="3" />"I eventually put it all together," Pam sadly said, "that he was using me as a pawn and my children as hostages to get his revenge on Bill and to save him from paying support to his wife and child. I told him I had had enough and I was calling my kids. 



I had my phone out when he reached over and pulled it out of my hand as he shoved me away. I hit my side on the dresser before falling to the floor. The look on his face and his voice scared the hell out of me. I thought he was going to start beating on me at any minute. 



I asked him to go to the bar and calm down while I cleaned up. As soon as he left, I packed up and ran out of there. That is when I called you Mom. Now the two of you know all the trouble I am in. I don't know what to do to make it right. Can you help me please?" Pam broke down crying so hard her whole body shook.



"First thing you can do is call your children when they come home from school." Her sister advised. "Let them know you still love and miss them. Then I suggest you talk to Bill before you start telling the children why you left and how it all came about. After what you told us, it would be a miracle if you were given custody of the kids or if they would even want you to."



"You are going to have to deal with Bill then." Her mother said continuing the advice, "By the sound of your story, you quit loving him. Bill is a kind but a proud man. If you no longer love him, tell him and let him go. 



If you find you still love him, you will have to win his love back. It will be the hardest thing you will ever have to do Pamela. You hurt him deeply when you ran away with that other man. He may not love you anymore, or he is extremely hurt and you will have to prove your love for him. 



It was easy for you to win his love the first time. He is not going to be so generous and trusting a second time. It might take a long time or it might never happen."



"It's after 4 and your sister has to be going." Mom said, "I suggest you call your children now and talk to them for a while. Just remember not to say too much until you talk to Bill."



*******



Sue was in the kitchen setting out the ingredients for tonight's dinner when the phone rang. She casually walked over to answer it expecting a call from her Dad to see they arrived home safely.



"Hello," Sue said expecting a greeting followed by a request for a couple of chores to be completed.



"Sue, its Mom. I've missed you so much these last couple of days. How are you and Billy?" 



"Mom!" Sue cried excitedly, "Where are you? Why did you leave us? Why didn't you say anything before you left? Don't you want to be with us anymore?"



"Slow down Sue," Pam said overwhelmed by the questions. "I am at your grandma's and I love you and Billy very much. I should have left you a letter explaining certain things but I made a bad decision and didn't. 



I want to talk to your father before I say anything else to you or Billy about my leaving. Please tell him I will call him tonight after 8:00pm. I will talk to you later. Tell your brother I love him. I love you with all my heart Sue. Bye." 



Pam put her head in her hands and cried. She prayed Bill would forgive her enough to let her see the children without waiting for a judge's ruling.



Dinner was ready and on the table when Bill came home from work and Billy came in from playing at a friend's house.



"Mom called!" Sue exclaimed with a huge smile on her face. "She is at Grandma's house and wants to talk to Dad. She said she would call after 8:00pm. She told me to tell you Billy, that she loves and misses you.



*******



Tipping his mug for the last swallow of beer, Jim slowly stood and stretched. He only planned on having a couple of beers until Janet came home at 5:00pm, but the guy sitting next to him started talking about his divorce and what the future ex wife wanted. His lawyer had told him to be prepared to pay because he was the one who cheated in the marriage. 



The more questions Jim asked, the worse it sounded for him and the more he needed a drink. The newest arrival to the conversation told them both over another round of drinks how he avoided all that cost of divorce. 



He went back to his wife and begged for forgiveness. He said it took a few days before she really listened and another couple of weeks before she put the divorce on hold. She promised to drop the petition if they completed counseling. It was almost 7:00pm but Jim knew what he had to do. He would convince Janet to forgive him if he saw one of those counselors.



Jim drove slowly down his street remembering that only a few days ago he would be coming home for dinner instead of to knock on his own door and ask Janet to forgive him. His anger rose as he parked in front of his house and saw Bill walk past the large window next door. 



"Bill has ruined everything for me." Jim said to himself, "I was having great sex with Pam until Bill got suspicious. Then I talk Pam into leaving with me until Bill finds us and files divorce papers. Bill was probably the one to change my door locks because Janet wouldn't have thought of it. That damn Bill is the cause of all his grief."



Jim walked up to his front door and rang the bell. The porch light came on but the door didn't open. He rang again and again, but no one would open the door. Jim's anger increased as he started pounding on the door, followed by yelling for Janet to open the door.



When the phone rang at Bill's house, he answered to hear a hysterical Janet crying about Jim pounding and yelling at the front door. 



"Calm down Janet," Bill said in a soft calm voice, "you and Ellen are safe inside the house as long as you don't open the door. I will go out and try to talk him into leaving quietly. Just sit in the living room with Ellen and stay calm. It will be alright."



"Hello Police, Bill said, "I have a man violating an order of protection in front of my house. Could you send a squad car to remove him please? Yes, William Anderson 1275 Maple Lane. The violator is James Randolf. 10 minutes? OK, thank you."



Bill told Sue and Billy to stay inside and lock the door behind him. Bill put on his shoes and mentally prepared himself for what was about to happen. He had played golf with Jim for years and knew what to do.



Bill turned on his porch light and stepped outside pulling the door closed behind him until he heard it click. He slowly started walking across his lawn to Janet's house where Jim was still pounding on the door and yelling.



"Jim! Jim! Jim quit the racket," Bill yelled, "Janet isn't going to open the door no matter how long you yell or pound. Just give up and go away."



"You!" Jim yelled as his anger rose, "you are always putting your nose in my business. Every time you do, I have nothing but trouble."



"Why don't you just admit defeat then and go away and leave Janet alone. You have already upset her enough without having to come over here and scare her with your lunatic antics."



Jim started walking toward Bill. He would show him defeat. It was about time someone fixed that nose problem of Bill's.



Bill watched a Jim started walking his way. He hoped those headlights slowing coming down the street were the police or his idea might turn into a disaster.



"Jim, try to calm down," Bill said as he held his opened hands up by his chest, "you're getting all worked up over something that has already happened and is finished. You had an affair and got caught. You ran away with my wife and now you will have to pay big time for your mistake.



You should have stopped while you were ahead, but you always were a greedy idiot and never satisfied with what you had. Then you got really stupid and tried to take something of mine. That was the dumbest move you ever made in your life. Now you will find out what being a loser is really like."



"I'll show you a loser," Jim growled as his face turned red and he started breathing heavy. "I fucked your wife all I wanted for over a year and you call me a loser."



"While you ran all over town to have sex with Pam, Bill chuckled, "what do you think I was doing while you were away, loser?" Bill gave Jim his best cocky smile and waited. The squad car was only a couple of houses away.



"Why you son of a bitch," screamed Jim as he rushed toward Bill and threw a punch at his head.



Bill ducked his head enough to let the blow hit his forehead above his left eye. Bill fell to the ground and held his hand out in front of his face in defense. The squad had stopped and two officers were walking toward them. Bill start to get up as Jim swung at him again striking his arm. Bill fell over again as the officers now rushed over to his assistance. 



"What's the disturbance over?" said the older officer as he pulled Jim back.



"Jim Randolf there," Bill said, "is in violation of an order of protection. His wife lives next door and called me. She was hysterical because he was pounding on the door and yelling at her. They are in the process of getting a divorce and he is upset about the support payments for his child. I came out to try to calm him down and he attacked me."



"Is that true sir?" the older officer asked Jim, "Did you attack him?



"He deserved it!" Jim growled still mad, "he is always ruining everything for me. I run away with his wife and he stops us. His wife leaves me and now I have nothing. My wife and daughter don't want me. It's all his fault."



"Do you want to file charges sir?" the young officer asked Bill.



"Yes I do." Bill answered.



The older officer was talking to Jim as he started leading him toward the squad car. Bill and the younger officer walked a couple of steps behind. They stopped at the back door to the squad car when Jim realized he was being arrested.



"You son of a bitch," Jim screamed, "you did this on purpose!" Jim turned quickly and threw a punch at Bill. 



Bill fortunately saw Jim start to move and stopped walking. The young officer who was talking to Bill took another step before turning to see why Bill stopped. Jim's blind wild swing was nowhere near Bill but unfortunately was right on target for the young officer's chest. 



In a matter of moments, Jim was brought to the ground and handcuffed. He was read his rights and loaded into the squad. The older officer told Bill to come to the station and ask for Officer Michaels. He would have the complaint ready for him to sign.



Bill unlocked his front door and walked in to face his two waiting children.



"Dad!" Sue cried, "You're bleeding." She ran over and threw her arms around him.



Billy walked into the bathroom for a damp cloth and a band aid.



"I watched Dad," Billy said as he covered the cut, "you could have blocked that. Why did you let him hit you?



"He will spend the night in jail," Bill said calmly, "he won't be back to bother Janet and Ellen anymore tonight and it helps her claim of his violence. Jim striking the police officer was unexpected additional proof." Bill chuckled as he remembered the look of shock on Jim's face as that officer fell down.



"I have to go down to the police station now," Bill told them, "it shouldn't take too long. I just have to sign a complaint and then I'll be right home. You two watch TV if you want until I come home. Take a message if anyone calls.



Bill went down to the station and signed the assault complaint. Officer Michaels said Jim was also being charged with resisting arrest and assaulting an Officer. He would be in jail until he saw a judge in the morning.



"Off the record," said Officer Michaels, "I wish my sister had a neighbor like you when she was getting a divorce. Her husband did the same thing as Randolf except no one interfered for her. He eventually broke in the door and beat her bad enough to hospitalize her for a week. She doesn't trust any man now. She will be traumatized for the rest of her life."



*******



Billy answered the phone on the second ring.



"Oh hi Mom. Dad's not here right now. He had to go to the police station after Mr. Randolf attacked him tonight. He's OK, just a cut over one eye. No he didn't try to fight back. He was stopping Mr. Randolf from beating on the door and yelling at Mrs. Randolf's house. The police came and arrested Mr. Randolf. He said he wouldn't be too long so I'll have him call you when he gets back if that's OK? Alright.... Love you too Mom.... Bye."



When Bill returned home, his son gave him the message to call Mom at Grandma's house. Bill poured some brandy in a glass with a couple of ice cubes before placing the call.



"Hi Pam," Bill said when she answered, "Sorry I missed your call. I hope you talked to the kids though."



"Only for a few minutes." Pam replied nervously. Bill seemed very calm for all the commotion that Billy told her about. "Billy told me Jim attacked you tonight. Are you hurt?"



"Just a little cut over the eye is all." Bill replied. "You called for a reason Pam, what is it?"



"I wanted to know what I should tell the kids about my leaving and not coming back home. I didn't know what you had already told them. I also wanted to know when I can see them Bill. I really do miss them."



"Hire an attorney and have him call my attorney. You can have them next weekend if they don't already have plans of their own made. I told them the truth about why you left and weren't coming home. You can tell them your side of it as long as it is the truth. I won't stop you from seeing our children Pam. 



As mad as I am for what you did to this family, I will not turn them against you. I told them every day you were gone that you still loved them. I told them you were busy and would call as soon as you could. I didn't want them to think you didn't love them because of Jim's actions."



"Thank you Bill." Pam said as she began to cry. "I should have known you would take the high road even after what I did. I'll contact an attorney tomorrow. Is it Ok if I talk to the kids tomorrow?"



"Pam," Bill calmly said, "You can talk to them every day if you want. I told you I would allow you access to our children and I meant it."



"I've got to go now." Pam said between sobs, "Goodnight Bill."



Bill finished his drink and went to bed feeling he would finally have a good night's sleep.



The buzz of the alarm announced a new day as Bill reached over to turn it off. He felt rested and refreshed for a change. He suddenly realized he didn't have a nightmare last night. He rose and performed his morning routine smiling at himself in the mirror before walking down the hall knocking on the kids' doors.



When Sue and Billy finished breakfast, Bill began his announcement.



"I told your mother she could tell you anything she wanted about her leaving as long as it was the truth. I told her you already knew about her and Mr. Randolf and the divorce papers. I said she could call you anytime and as soon as she hired an attorney, she could have you spend the weekends with her as long as it didn't interfere with your plans."



The atmosphere in the house suddenly changed to a lighter, happier mood. Sue stopped to kiss him on the cheek before running upstairs to collect her school work. Billy just patted his shoulder as he walked past. 



During the ride to school, Ellen thanked Bill for his help last evening. Her mother and she really appreciated what he did. By the time he got to work, Bill knew it was going to be a great day.



Sarah stopped him on his way to his desk.



"Chuck told me about your problem," Sarah softly said, "I'm sorry to hear it Bill. If you feel the need to talk with someone, please call me. You and Chuck were there for me when my husband ran off with that woman. You helped put my life back in order and showed me how to do things for myself. I owe you a lot for your thoughtfulness."



"Thanks Sarah, Bill replied with a smile, "having friends right now really means a lot."



Sarah is a very beautiful woman, Bill thought to himself. Maybe he would ask her out after the divorce if she wasn't dating anyone.



Jim found an attorney, Mr. Grant, to take his assault case and the divorce proceedings. After hearing Jim's side of the story and reading the officers' reports, pleading guilty would be Jim's safest chance on lenience. 



The Judge fined Jim $250 for assaulting Mr. Anderson, $500 for resisting arrest, 30 days in county detention for assaulting an officer, and $250 court costs. His lawyer asked the judge to allow Jim to serve the jail time on weekends due to his need to work to support his family. 



The judge agreed providing Mr. Randolf went to and completed an anger management class. He also noted Mr. Randolf needed to establish a permanent address before Saturday to provide to the court.



*******



Pam sat across from Ms. Evers as her attorney read over the petition and order of protection. Pam felt a little uneasy as Ms. Evers peered over her glasses as Pam answered her questions. 



"Your husband seems to have taken it easy on you considering what you have told me and what Mr. Gannon has said. He will even leave it as a no fault divorce as long as he has custody of the children and lives in the house until the youngest child goes to college."



"He isn't asking for child support for the time being," she said, "but you will have to provide for half of the college expenses for both children. He isn't asking for any support for the house and agrees to split the proceeds when the house is sold. His lawyer said Mr. Anderson already agreed to let you talk and have weekend visitation with your children starting this weekend."



Putting her glasses down, Ms. Evers looked Pam in the eyes. "I wish all my cases were this easy Mrs. Anderson. What more could you possibly want? Truthfully, this is the easiest I have ever seen a cheating spouse get away with. My advice is to accept the deal."



"I want to save the marriage." Pam stated, "I want to go to counseling and stay married to Bill."



"You left him!" Said a flabbergasted Ms. Evers, "Now you want to tell the court your requesting counseling to save the marriage." Is this some sort of stunt to turn the children against him or to take custody of the children and house? If it is, you are playing a dangerous game.



"No game." Pam replied seriously, "I realized I made a mistake and I want to stay married to him. My one chance is for the court to make him go to counseling with me."



"OK Mrs. Anderson," an exasperated Ms. Evers replied, "I will inform Mr. Gannon that we will be requesting counseling before the judge. This had better be for real because the judge will not think highly of you wasting the courts time."



*******



Mr. Grant looked at Jim for a moment deciding how to phrase this terrible news into something a little more palatable. 



"I talked to your wife's attorney, Mr. Gannon, and we have come to what I think is a pretty equitable solution considering the circumstances. She wants the petition to remain for adultery. She wants $1400 support payment until your daughter leaves home and the house is sold. She wants one half of the sale proceeds.



She wants $800 in child support until you daughter is 18, and then she wants you to pay 75% of the college expense. You can have an hour visitation with your daughter after you complete the anger management course. The visitation is to be supervised or in a public location. Depending on how that goes more visitation will be considered"



Considering what you have done in the last few days, I think you are receiving a pretty fair deal. I've seen a lot worse for a lesser amount of disruption to the family. Other than the college, your expenses to your wife will be over with in less than 3 years.



<i>To Be Continued...</i>

