Read Online Mark of the Beast by Adolphus A. Anekwe - Free Book Online Page A

rising.
    â€œWell, if you think that, then you are severely mistaken,” Doug responded with an equally raised voice.
    With a sense of rejection, and not wanting to make peace anymore, Doug headed to the bathroom.
    â€œYou’re naïve!” Joanne shouted, angrier now that Doug was walking away. “And why do you always walk away whenever you start losing an argument?”
    â€œHi, Mom,” two voices greeted, coming out of the two adjoining bedrooms.
    Alexis and Isipe, Doug and Joanne’s two children, had been sleeping in their respective bedrooms but were apparently awakened by their parents’ arguing again.
    â€œHi, Dad,” said Isipe, acknowledging Doug as he made his way back into the kitchen.
    Alexis was rubbing her eyes, like she did every morning, while Isipe yawned.
    â€œCover your mouth when you yawn, sweetheart,” Joanne said in a much calmer voice, even though she was still breathing hard.
    â€œYes, Mom.” Isipe covered his mouth and finished the rest of his yawning.
    â€œCome on, kids, let’s get ready for school,” Joanne urged the children.
    â€œI thought you said we weren’t going to school today,” Alexis, always the smart one, reminded Joanne.
    â€œWhen did I say that?” Joanne asked, her composure almost regained.
    â€œLast night after dinner, remember? You came to help me do the dishes,” Alexis responded as she sat on the high stool and leaned over the countertop.
    â€œNo, sweetheart, I was probably upset,” Joanne clarified, managing to inch out a smile.
    â€œLike you always are.” Doug could not help that one.
    â€œDrop dead,” Joanne muttered as she reached over to lead Alexis out of the kitchen to the bathroom.
    â€œWhat?” Alexis asked, reaching over to grab Mom’s hand.
    Joanne took a deep breath, paused for a moment, then looked at Alexis and said, “Nothing sweetheart, your Dad is upsetting me, as usual.”
    â€œDad, stop upsetting Mom!” Alexis shouted, sensing her mother’s uneasiness.
    â€œI do not,” Doug said, as if trying to win his case in front of a jury. “Your mother is the one with the problem.”
    â€œSo I’m the one with the problem, huh?” Joanne asked. “I suppose you’re the one with all the answers, aren’t you? You know what? You’ll see.”
    â€œSee what?” Doug asked, standing at the door to the master bathroom, face perplexed.
    â€œYou will see,” Joanne said.
    Doug brushed it off as one of Joanne’s little tirades and went into the master bathroom to shower, shave, and dress for work.
    Doug, who just got promoted to junior partner at the law firm of Lloyds and Benson, one of the most prominent law firms in Chicago, worked long hours. Joanne resented the fact that Doug spent more time at work than at home. Joanne, on the other hand, had been accused by her friends at the Johnson Pharmaceutical Company, in Niles, Illinois, of being overprotective of her children.
    Joanne also was recently promoted. She was now a senior sales supervisor.
    â€œGood-bye, honey; bye, kids.” Doug waved, leaving hastily for work. He was already dressed in his blue business suit, briefcase in hand, walking out the door. “I have an eight o’clock meeting with Donald Stallman—you know, the guy on TV who was accused of murdering his wife,” Doug said, trying to leave the house on what he thought was a reconciliatory note.
    â€œWhat are you…?” Joanne was about to bark.
    â€œI was only joking,” Doug interrupted immediately. “My goodness! You can’t even appreciate a joke anymore. He’s being accused of embezzlement.”
    With that, he closed the door behind him.
    Joanne wanted to do something to Doug right there and then, but before she could make a move, Doug was already out the door, no mention of breakfast or coffee, no good-bye kisses to her or the kids. Feeling