Read Online The Righteous and The Wicked by April Emerson - Free Book Online

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage must declare the appropriate grounds upon which the dissolution of marriage is being sought. The dissolution of marriage grounds are as follows . . .

    “Honestly, Jeff, this is Greek to me.”
    “Well, that’s why I’m here.” He flashes a smile. “Since we’re unable to contact Aaron, the only grounds we have to file on are that Aaron has abandoned you. However, the law states that at least one year must pass before you file, and this is where we have a problem.”
    “A problem?” Emma had not anticipated this.
    “Yes. According to what Abby has told me, it’s been seven months since Aaron left, is that correct?”
    “Yes.”
    “Then unfortunately, we won’t be able to file for another five months. Unless, of course, we try to find Aaron.”
    Dejected, Emma later drives to meet her friends. They sit in a restaurant, with an unopened bottle of champagne in the middle of the table. No one says anything and Emma is greeted by two faces filled with pity.
    “I know this is supposed to be a celebration, but it looks like there’s nothing to celebrate.”
    “Well, I think that’s bullshit.” Danielle folds her arms across her chest. “Fucking stupidlaws.”
    “Just because it’s not official yet doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate. I think the fact that you’re even willing to take this step and move forward is major—that’s absolutely worth celebrating.” Abby beckons the waiter over to open the bottle of champagne.
    “She’s right, Emma.” Danielle reaches her hands out across the table toward her friend. “This is a big deal and we are so proud of you. What made you want to finally do this, anyway?”
    “I guess it was just the right time.” Emma looks down at her hands and smiles, thinking of Eric.
    “Wait a minute. I know that look. Emma Santori, is there a guy ? Did you meet someone?” Abby asks.
    Emma’s face brightens in spite of herself, and her friends light up in response.
    “Yes,” she answers. “I did.”
    After her date with Danielle and Abby, Emma drives home, a little buzzed from the glass of champagne she shouldn’t have had, and full from dinner. She was careful not to share too much about her neighbor with her friends, knowing that the temptation for them to meddle would be too great. Telling them made it even more real. He’s the farthest thing from right for her, but she wonders if he would change if he knew how she felt. She wants him, but can a man so compelled to seek illicit pleasure from women ever be content with just one? Would she ever be enough for him?
    As she drives, something catches her eye and she slams on the brakes. The fact that Pine Lake is a small town is illustrated to her once again. She has just passed a bar and a black Jeep is parked in the lot. It’s Eric’s.
       
    The water in the shower runs black with the dirt and sweat that have coated his body after working all day. He begins to pace inside his trailer, his body overrun with his need. It has been on his mind all day, poking through his thoughts like a stubborn splinter. He needs a distraction and looks out his window at the empty white house. It’s a mirage in his desert. Frustrated, he picks up his book and reads for a brief time, then throws it on the floor.
    The parallels between his previous living situation and the one he has now are becoming much too similar. He remembers Camila, and the reason he had to abandon his previous home. His memories of his former self sicken him, but at the same time, it’s like thinking of an old friend. He could do it just one more time, just once more. After that, he will stop. Just one last time.
    The air surrounding the trailer is dead. Not a breeze. Not a sound. It’s eerie, and his desire is ripening. It’s fed by loneliness and boredom, augmented by memories that he can’t escape. He scoffs at his pathetic attempts to change. He is unchangeable. This is what he is. He dresses in black, slipping into his