Crossing Boundaries [COMPLETE]

Be Prepared For The Murkiest Scam

“What did he tell you?” Chris interrogating Tiffany after finding out from his mom that Mike went by the Fosters.

“Nothing,” Tiffany replied trying to mask the reality that she was threatened by her ex-husband. 

Given that they were apart at the moment, she didn’t want to alarm Chris with Mike’s words. At the same time, in her heart, she was still hoping that the latter’s statements were nothing but empty threats.

“But mom said he was trying to intimidate you,” Chris said unconvinced.

Tiffany lied on her side on the bed with her iPhone on hand. She saw his expression never changed. Neither did his voice. The man was clearly concerned with the problem that was Mike.

“Bubba, you got nothing to worry about. I don’t get scared that easily… at least not anymore.” She wasn’t sure if she was convincing Chris or herself. “How’s your first-day back in LA?” she inquired, trying to divert the topic away from Mike.

“I sensed what you did there,” Chris sighed shaking his head. “I’m actually spent. The flight from Bled to Logan was exhausting, though interesting,” he emphasized the last word. “From Logan to LAX, even more exhausting.”

He wasn’t kidding. Tiffany could perceive from his face the lines of being burnt out. Add to that the worry in his tone with the resurfacing of Mike in her life. “You should rest, then. Will talk when you’re time isn’t so hectic.”

“You’re dismissing me, Foster,” Chris kidded.

“It’s not that. You gotta gain some energy back for your busy sched tomorrow.” Her words bore truth.

“You sure you’ll be fine without me for a few weeks?” Again, he was joking.

“It’s as if you’re the one who’s not fine without me for a few weeks.” Tiffany was giggling.

“Can you blame me?” Chris winked.

She heaved a huge sigh. “This set up is ideal for now. At least until everything is sorted out.” The atmosphere shifted from light to heavy.

He blinked. His lovely blues emanated fatigue, concern and love all at the same time. But because he knew he couldn’t press Tiffany for information regarding Mike, he allowed for the topic to die down. For now. “Know that I’ll prep breakfast for you tomorrow,” his yearning tone, unmistakable. 

“And know that I’ll understand that you’ll eat it on my behalf.” She gave him an air kiss.

He did the same. “I will miss you every single day.”

“As would I.” Tiffany’s words were as true as the sun setting on the west.

The couple, even after saying their temporary goodbyes, stayed on the line for a few more minutes until they decided they should really get some shut eye. Although Chris was still in euphoria after their conversation, he couldn’t shrug off, from his mind, what exactly it was that Mike told Tiff. She may have evaded it, but he knew all too well that she was hiding something from him.

*

There was no news from Mike after he threatened Tiffany, which, of course, was a relief for the woman given that she was trying to finalize her divorce. With the leftover money her parents saved for her travel, she hired a lawyer, who was actually a recommendation from Chris.

The week after Tiffany came back to Sudbury, she devoted much of her time meeting with her divorce lawyer. Likewise, Chris spent much of his time with TV guesting and interviews. Their nights, however, were solely for one another, speaking through Facetime and at times, sleeping while on Facetime.

*

Tiffany read through the new divorce petition, she and her lawyer drafted. “It’s a good thing, your husband hasn’t filed the petition to the state court, yet,” Anna, the lawyer, sighed in relief. “Otherwise, we would have been in a very bad position.”

Tiffany simply nodded as she listened to what Anna said. “So, I can sign this now?”

“Yes. And once you’re done, I’ll file it at court as soon as possible.” The lawyer stared as Tiffany affixed her signature in the document. “Just be ready for a storm. If your husband is who you say he is, he wouldn’t go down without fighting… Worst, fighting dirty.”

Tiffany let out a breath as heavy as a thousand caskets. “I just want this to be over and done with.” She stood and shook hands with her lawyer. “Thank you for doing this, Anna.”

Before heading for the door, Anna replied. “I’ll make sure you get the settlement you most deserve. We’ll bury that a-hole to the ground.”

Tiffany sat back on the couch staring at the blank mantle of the fireplace. And now the waiting begins.

*

The following day, Tiffany woke up to the incessant vibrating of her phone on the bedside table and a knock from the front door. As she reached for the iPhone, the ringing stopped. Her lock screen was filled with missed calls and messages from no less than the members of the Evans family.

She splashed her face with water and brushed her teeth before making her way for the door. While descending the stairs, Tiffany, browsed through the thread of messages sent to her. Then her phone rang again. This time she was able to answer it.

“Do not get out of your house, no matter what happens. Do not answer to the knocks on your door. We’re on our way,” Scott’s voice filled with panic.

Tiffany’s left eyebrow arched, her forehead creased. She ignored the knocks and ran back up the stairs and rushed to the bedroom of her parents, which had a window facing the street. From the shut windows, she could hear commotion. Without haste, she flicked the curtain ever so slightly to take a peek at what’s going on outside. People with expensive cameras walk about the pavement of the Fosters and other yards along their neighborhood.

What the heck is happening? If she wasn’t mistaken, most of the crowd were paparazzis, some ordinary people. Then, it dawned on her. Her hands started to shake, the curtain slipped from her grasp.

She stared at her phone’s screen, scrolled her contacts and pressed on the name she was looking for. When the person on the other end answered, “Was the petition filed?”

“Yes. And I was told your husband received a copy yesterday.”

With that confirmation, Tiffany sank to the floor. Mike’s words echoed within her mind. I can ruin you and your precious friend overnight. Is this what he meant? Before she knew it, she could see a couple of figures emerging from her parents’ bedroom door.