Redemption Lake by Monique Miller Page B

out.”
    Travis wasn’t sure, but he felt a twinge of sarcasm in his wife’s last statement.
    â€œYou prefer to use the speaking of words as your love language skill when it comes to our relationship,” Beryl said. “And here’s the newsflash. I am sick and tired of hearing your words. I can’t believe a thing you say. You’ll say anything to try to appease me and anyone else who’ll listen, and I am tired of it.”
    Then Beryl deepened her voice as if to mimic Travis’s voice. “I’m gonna get a job, baby; I promise. I’m gonna keep this job; I promise. Baby, it wasn’t my fault they fired me.” Then she returned her voice to normal. “It’s baby this and baby that. If it isn’t lies about you trying to find or keep a job, you’re lying about why something doesn’t get done around the house.”
    Travis spoke up. “If you’re talking about the grass not being cut last week, you know the lawnmower was out of gas. And you also know that since you had the car at work that day, I couldn’t get to the station to get more gas.”
    â€œThat was Tuesday. What about the rest of the week? What’s your excuse for that?” Beryl asked.
    â€œWell, ah, let’s see. On Wednesday, I uh—”
    Beryl spoke again. “And that’s not the worst of it. When I do catch you in a lie, you want to play word games. Forget it. Whether it’s more lies or excuses, I don’t want to hear them. Bottom line is the grass still hasn’t been cut, and by the time we get back, the house will probably look like it needs to be condemned. I just pray our landlord hasn’t put another note on our door threatening us.”
    â€œCome on, baby, I’m not trying to come up with excuses. I was just giving you the reason why the grass hadn’t been cut yet. And don’t worry about the landlord. I called him before we left and assured him that as soon as we get back, I’ll be cutting the grass. It’s all under control,” Travis said, stretching the truth a little.
    â€œOh really? Is that the truth or are you just lying to make yourself look good?” Beryl said.
    â€œI’m not lying.” Travis rubbed the back of his neck with his hand as he spoke. She was always catching him in lies and exaggerations. He wondered how she was always able to do so.
    Travis had no idea why he lied so much. For some reason, the lies and embellishments just flowed from his mouth as freely as the air that came through his nostrils.
    â€œWell, I hope you are telling the truth, because if I do find out you’re lying—” She stopped mid-sentence and shook her head. “Maybe it won’t even matter. We’re a long way from Sunday, and you’re failing to show me you really want things to work between us.”
    â€œCome on, baby, give me a chance,” Travis said.
    â€œI’ve given you chance and chance again. Most other women would have probably left you already. But no. Stupid, trusting me just keep on thinking things are going to get better and that one day, you’ll do the right thing.”
    â€œI am going to do better. You might not believe it right now, but I’m going to show you; just believe me,” Travis said, pleading.
    â€œWords again? Wah, wah, wah, you sound like the teacher off of the Charlie Brown cartoon,” Beryl said.
    Travis was tired of hearing all the complaining. “That’s all I’ve got right now, baby, so you’ll just have to trust me.”
    â€œSee, that’s the problem, all you’ve got are your words; words I haven’t been able to trust in years. And while you’re using your empty words to try and convenience me, what I really need is for you to provide a physical wellbeing for me and the kids.” Beryl’s eyes began to well with tears. “You know I’ve only given birth to two children, but for the