Undetermined Identity - 9. Chapter 9...Obession

Love is as much of an object as an obsession, everybody wants it everybody seeks it, but few ever achieve it, those who do, will cherish it, be lost in it, and among all, will never...never forget it.”

~Curtis Judalet~

"Oh and when you get this message I need you to call me back, this is Bull Shit man, got me all worried and shit" Tyler paced back and forth speaking anxiously into the phone.

"Where the fuck are you anyway...call me back...oh I love you man."

Tyler hung up the phone wondering what was going on with his friend. He looked over at Ashley was sitting on the couch starring at him, trying to hold back her laughter by holding her hand up to her mouth.

"What!?" He asked with a little irritation in his voice. "What’s so damn funny?" Tyler asked trying to keep a straight face.

Ashley answered between laughs. "Nothing... love you man." She giggled, deepening her voice to mock him.

"Hey, don't start no shit with me girl." He said laughing himself.

He walked over and sat down on the floor in front between her legs. Ashley started playing in his hair, as he rested his back against the couch. He breathed a heavy sigh.

"You need a haircut." She said lifting strands of hair between her fingers.

"Damnit girl, my friends life could be falling apart and all you can think about is I need a haircut?"

"No, that's not all I'm thinking about, I'm worried about Nick too. I mean once Lisa gets her mind on something there's no stopping her."

"Yeah, I know that's what scares me." Tyler blew out a huge amount of air. "Hey you want a beer?" Tyler asked getting off the floor.

"Sure, I wonder…" Ashley thought aloud. "Did she tell him, about the baby; I mean."

"I don't know I have been calling him all day, I've left several messages, and the Mother Fucker has not called me back." Tyler walked off scratching his head in confusion.

Ashley picked up her book and started to read when her cell phone started ringing. She glanced over reading the name on the caller ID...-Lisa-. "Hey baby it's her!." She yelled toward the kitchen.

"Shit." She quickly grabbed the phone.

"Hey Lisa!" she stressed Lisa loud enough for Tyler to here.

"Hey girl," Lisa said trying to sound jovial. "What’s up?"

"Not too much, Lisa." Ashley said loudly. This time Tyler heard the name and stuck his head around the corner his eyes widen with hope.

"Is that Lisa?" He whispered walking over to Ashley.

Ashley nodded quickly yes. Tyler swallowed the beer he was holding in his mouth and sat down next to his wife to listen in on the conversation.

"So, did you tell Nick about the baby?" Ashley asked Lisa, looking over to Tyler for a sign of approval.

"Yes, I did, as a matter of fact he is why I'm calling, is he over there?" Lisa asked nonchalantly.

Ashley shook her head no, "No he's not here, why would he be here? Shouldn't you two be celebrating?"

"What?" Tyler nudged her curiously in a hushed tone.

Ashley shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know." She whispered back to Tyler.

Lisa sighed, "Well he left earlier, and I have not heard from him, I'm sure he'll be home shortly, but if he calls or come by will you let me know?"

"Of course." Ashley said looking over to Tyler mouthing the words -now what?-"

"Give me the phone." Tyler grabbed the phone sat back on the couch before saying hello he took a sip of his beer.

"Hello Lisa, what's up? Hubby missing in action?" He asked, leaving Ashley looking dumbfounded at her husband's bluntness.

"Shit!" Lisa said under her breath. "Oh, hey Ty, what’s going on?"

"You tell me Lisa, you're the one called here looking for your husband." Tyler said taking another sip of beer as he crossed his legs.

"Um…well I was just wondering if you've see Nick that's all."

"Why would we see him, I mean I hear congratulations are in order, right?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact they are thanks." Lisa said sounding joyful. "Ok well, I'm sure he will be home soon. I gotta’ go." Lisa was about to hang up the phone when she heard Tyler call her name.

"Lisa, wait!"

"Yes Ty, what is it?" Lisa asked, cursing in her mind.

"Look Lisa, cut the bull shit, this is me."

"What?" Lisa managed to get out.

"Come on girl, tell me the truth, what happened tonight, I know Nick better than that, if you told him you were pregnant...AND, he was happy about it, he would not have left your side for a minute. So, what happened, spill it?

Lisa felt her throat tighten and her eyes filled with tears. She swallowed, and took in a big sigh before she could get the words out tears started rolling down her face.

"It-it was horrible, just horrible. We had a fight."

Tyler put his hand over the receiver and whispered to Ashley, “They had a fight." removing his hand he urged her to continue.

"Oh Tyler, Nick was so, so mad I didn't understand why." Lisa filled Tyler in on the night’s events.

"So… he got upset when you told him you were pregnant."

"Yes." Lisa was now bawling. "Tyler, Nick said he was gay. GAY! Can you believe that?" She asked through sniffles. “How could he make up such a lie?”

"Oh my god." he mouthed to Ashley. "He told her." Ashley squealed in delight and fell backwards on the sofa kicking her feet into the air.

"Ash!?” Tyler gave her a stern look.

"Oops, I'm sorry." she said sitting up trying to look serious. Tyler glared at her before turning his attention back to Lisa.

Lisa sniffed blowing her nose. "Why would he say something so inconceivable, you don't believe him do you?" She asked again.
"Well..." Tyler sighed and was silent for a moment.

Reality hit Lisa. Tyler knew that her husband thinks he’s gay.

"Oh god, oh my god it's true...Tyler, you knew!" Lisa cried, her tears were coming faster then she could wipe them.

"I'm sorry Lisa." Tyler really felt bad for her.

"Why didn't you say something?" Then she thought, "Oh wait you wouldn't, would you?" She sniffed again.

"Lisa it's not my place and besides Nick is my friend, you need to talk to him."

"I know but, Tyler can I ask you something, and will you promise to be honest with me?"

"Lisa, I won’t lie to you." Tyler answered honestly.

Lisa lowered her head and her tone then asked,"Who is he, do you know him?"

"Lisa you need to talk to Nick about that."

Lisa gasped placing her hand over her mouth "Oh no…you do, you know who it is." Rage built up inside and she lost it. Crying and screaming at the same time she demanded to know.

"Tell me NOW! Tyler and don't lie to me."

"Whoa, whoa... calm the hell down Lisa, I know you're upset and I feel your pain, but I ain't Nick. I said you need to talk to him." He said, snapping back. Ashley started rubbing his back trying to calm him down.

"I'm sorry Ty, but I love him, god I do, and I will not lose him, do you hear me?" Lisa confirmed.

" DANNY!" Ashley screamed in realization.

"Shhhh!” Tyler placed his finger to his lips, hoping Lisa didn't hear her.

"He's with Danny." Ashley said in amazement, trying to lower her voice.

"Tyler, is Danny over there, please tell me he's not. I don't want anyone to know what’s going on.”

"No, Danny is not here." Tyler answered stressing Danny's name letting Ashley know Lisa hear her. "Hey look, you need to get some rest. I know you're stressing but that's not going to change anything, besides expecting moms need their sleep."

"Ok, you're right, But...if he calls tell him I'm worried about him and to call me.”

"I will. Good night."

"Damnit, Ashley, you better be glad Lisa didn't hear what you said." Tyler said rubbing his chin. "Shit, this is bad...very bad."

~*~*~*~

Lisa buried her head in her pillow and started to cry again. Her thoughts kept invading her mind preventing her from going to sleep. "Where are you Nick, who are you with baby. Who is brain washing you?" She thought as she started drifting off to sleep. Then it hit her.

" Danny!?" She sat up, saying his name as if it was a curse. An evil smile came across her face; she knew what she had to do. "Baby," she said rubbing her belly. “Your daddy will be home, where he belongs, real soon."

~*~*~*~

Nick woke up to the smell of Kona Hawaiian blend coffee, his favorite. For a moment, he forgot where he was, until he looked around. He remembered the amazing night he had with Danny and smiled. He ran his fingers through his dark curly hair and yawned.

"Hey, I see you decided to wake up." Danny said standing in the doorway holding up two cups of coffee.

"Hey you," Nick smiled at Danny as he made his way over. Danny sat at the edge of the bed. As he handed Nick his coffee he asked.

"So how did you sleep?" Danny blew on his cup and carefully took a sip.

"I slept well," Nick responded rubbing the back of his neck. "But I've gotta get going. I have to stop by home on the way to work to change clothes.”

"Um-hum" Danny agreed. "What about Lisa?"

Nick sighed, "Yeah, I do need to talk to her, maybe I can set something up with her this afternoon. I won't have time this morning to get into that with her."

Nick got up to get dressed in the clothes he wore over to Danny's place.

"Hey, not to sound to cliché, but when can I see you again?" Nick asked tying his shoes.

"Whenever you want, how about tomorrow? I know you have some things to take care of today."

"Ok tomorrow it is." Nick leaned down to give Danny a quick kiss. "Don't be surprised if I stop by for coffee before tomorrow." He smiled

"I hope you do, see you later."

~*~*~*~

Lisa stepped into the coffee shop, took off her sun glasses, and scanned the area. She spotted Danny wiping off the counters and smirked. ‘Just the person I wanted to see.’ She tightened the strap of her leather jacket before she walked swiftly to the register, her heels clacking against the tile floor. She rang the service bell; Lee came out from the back of The Coffee House with a surprised smile. She stepped up towards the register.

“Hey, Lisa, what a surprise! You look all dolled up, what’s the occasion?” Lee asked. Lisa gave a false smile and hoped it looked genuine.

“Let’s just say, I have some… things to deal with, and I’m hoping they turn out well.” Lisa said. Lee just nodded, and took a quick glance over at Danny, who was now focusing on them. His hand was still subconsciously wiping the tables, but his eyes were focused on Lisa. He was startled back to reality when his hand accidently wiped off the table, and fell through the air, knocking the chair slightly.

Lisa heard the action, and turned around to look at Danny. His eyes were intently focused on the invisible crumbs on the table he was wiping, although the table itself was spotless. Lisa took this time to glare at him, but then replaced her glare with a smile and turned back to Lee.

“Is there anything I can get you?” Lee asked, nervously, already knowing something was up.

“Um, yes, I was wondering if I could have him,” Lisa said, pointing at Danny over her shoulder. "... serve me.”

“Sure, I guess” Lee replid, really not as sure as she sounded. “ Danny! Got a customer!”

Danny threw the towel over his shoulder, and cautiously made his way behind the register. Lee took this as her chance to flee to the back. Danny placed his hands on either side of the register, and put his upper body weight on his arms, leaning forward. “What can I get you?” He questioned, although he had the suspicion that Lisa wasn’t at The Coffee House for coffee.

“I would like a tall, mocha light frappicino, extra whipped cream.” Lisa said. Danny nodded and punched the numbers into the register.

“That would be… $4.75.” He said. Lisa took a five dollar bill out of her purse and handed it to him. There hands touched briefly, and Lisa found it hard to resist the urge to rip off one of Danny's fingers.

Danny gave her the change and went to the blenders to make the frozen drink. Lisa walked slowly around the counter, her hands fingering the glass case that displayed the pastries. She stopped when she reached the blenders and watched as Danny watched the coffee drink mixing in one of them. She cleared her throat loudly. Danny looked up.

“I was wondering if we could talk, you know, catch up.” Lisa suggested.

“Uh, I don’t know if…” Danny said, unsure.

“Oh just for a little while.” Lisa persisted. Danny poured her drink and capped it, handing it off to her. She backed up a little with a smile as Danny lifted the counter and walked to one of the tables, sitting down at it. Lisa followed and did the same. She pushed her top lip forward with her tongue, as if trying to remove some of her red lipstick from between her lips, and took a sip of her drink.

“Mmmm, this is good.” She commented. Danny nodded with an uncomfortable smile. “So,” She folded her arms on the table. “How are you?” As if I care.

“I’m doing pretty well,” Danny said slowly. “Um, how about you?”

Lisa took this moment to bounce in her seat, and pretend to be giddy. She clapped her hands and smiled. “Oh, I have such wonderful news! Nick and I are having a baby! Isn’t that great?!”

Danny looked taken aback for a second, but quickly dropped the surprise look for a calm one. “That’s great Lisa. Congratulations!”

“Although, I’m pretty sure Nick already told you.” Lisa said with a shrug and looked down at her coffee.

'Wow, this lady sure didn’t take time beating around the bush.' Danny thought to himself. “Um, no, we don’t talk much.” Danny lied. Lisa scoffed inwardly at his obvious lie.

“Oh, but he’s here every morning for coffee. You guys must talk.” Lisa pointed out. Danny questioned in his head if it would be the right thing to do to agree.

“Um, sure,” He replied hesitantly.

“So, you admit it,” Lisa said. Danny looked confused.

“I admit what, exactly?” He asked. Lisa decided to cut the act and leaned forward in Danny’s face.

“Oh, don’t play coy with me.” She whispered menacingly. “You’ve been seeing my husband behind my back.” Danny was about to defend himself but she cut him off. “No! Don’t even try to lie, I’ve already figured it out.”

Danny didn’t know how to respond. His brain flew through different scenarios. He could run away and hide behind Lee. He could tell Lisa off. Or he could lie and say he didn’t know what she was talking about. All cases didn’t end well. “Look, Lisa…” He said slowly, stalling for time to think of an excuse… or a lie. “I don’t know what to say,”

Lisa had tears brimming her eyes, and covered her eyes with her sunglasses once again. She was hurt and didn’t want Danny to notice. Rage filled her, “You bastard! How do you sleep at night, knowing what you did to us?” Lisa hissed. Danny was shocked.

“Wait a minute, Lisa. You have no right to…”

“SHUT-UP!” Lisa shouted, her voice attracting attention. Her mascara was running down her cheeks, so she just ripped the glasses off her face to reveal red, puffy eyes. “You listen, and you listen good. Nick is happy with me,” She said, lowering her trembling voice. “He will always, be happy with me.” Now her aim was to hurt Danny’s feelings. “Did you really think that he would actually want you, a MAN? Want a relationship that's shunned by society? Well you thought wrong.” Lisa swallowed. Danny was hurt, confused, angry, and amazed.

“Lisa, please try to understand, I meant no harm. I would appreciate it if you would talk to me with respect! Now, you have come to the wrong person. You need to discuss this with Nick.”

“Oh, no, I want to discuss this with you, RIGHT NOW!” Lisa screamed. By now Lee was running to them and placed a hand on her shoulder. Lisa shook it away. “Get OFF me!”

Danny couldn’t help but feel sorry for Lisa. He didn’t want anyone to get hurt, and he knew it would be wrong for Nick to leave Lisa with a baby. But, at the same time, he couldn’t help but feel sorry for Nick for having to live with this woman.

“Lisa, calm the hell down, you’re with child.” Danny said calmly. He didn’t want to fight.

“I WILL NOT CALM DOWN!” Lisa shouted through her tears. Lee was trying to tug her away from Danny. During this process, Lisa swiped her coffee off the table and chucked it at Danny’s head. He dodged it quickly. “YOU STAY AWAY FROM MY HUSBAND! DO YOU HEAR ME?!” Lisa continued to yell, her voice sounding dry and rough from crying.

“I’m going to have to ask you to leave!” Lee commanded, continuing to carefully pull Lisa towards the door. Lisa wouldn’t budge, and she swiped for Danny’s face. Danny, being the caring person that he was, was still trying to get her to relax.

“Lisa. If you don’t calm down, you’ll hurt the baby.” He warned. By now Lisa was out of it. She didn’t hear anything and just saw red as she kept taking swings at Danny. Lee wasn’t strong enough to pull her away.

“Someone, please! Help!” Lee begged, and a couple of male customers came to assist in dragging Lisa out of the coffee shop. “Be careful, she’s pregnant!” Lee warned.

“GO TO HELL, DANNY! YOU GO STRAIGHT TO HELL AND STAY THERE, AWAY FROM MY FAMILY!” Lisa continued to rave. She was feeling betrayed and didn’t care what she was shouting, and making a spectacle of herself. “STAY AWAY FROM MY HUSBAND! STAY AWAY…” Her voice faded as the two customers carefully dragged her out of the coffee shop. Lee walked over to Danny, who was now sitting at the table with his head in his hands.

“Are you okay?” She asked timidly. Danny shook his head.

“I’ve made a mess of things,” He said quietly. “I need to call Nick and let him know that it’s not going to work out.”

“No! Don’t do that! You’ll be giving Lisa exactly what she wants.” Lee pointed out.

“I know that. And she wants a loving husband to take care of her and her child.”

“So you’re willing to just give up? Just like that? Let Lisa win?” Lee questioned. She came around the table to place a reassuring hand on Danny’s shoulder. “Even if you did just give up, neither of you would be truly happy. To be honest, neither would Lisa. She would realize later on that she doesn’t want to be with someone who doesn’t love her. But, she would be too selfish and stubborn to let Nick go.”

Danny sighed deeply, and looked at Lee. “I don’t want things to end badly.”

“I know,” Lee replied quietly. “Look, call Nick. Let him know what happened, and work it out. Let him worry about Lisa, and you just worry about getting your man.” Lee said with a giggle. This caused Danny to give a weak smile.

“I don’t want Nick to abandon them.” Danny said, honestly. “He may not love her the way she loves him, but he has a responsibility now. That innocent baby has nothing to do with the shit that’s going on now. In nine months time, I want everything to be settled. I don’t care if Nick is with me or with Lisa, as long as the child is taken care of.”

Lee laughed. “See that’s what I like about you. The baby is not even your problem, and yet you still care.”

“Yep, that’s me. Danny Tillman, the selfless homosexual.” Danny chuckled humorlessly. Lee stared at him sadly and gave him a hug.

“You and Nick both deserve happiness. You belong together.” Lee stood up and patted his shoulder. Before walking away she said quietly, “You’re a good person Danny.” Lee walked away to leave Danny to his thoughts. She grabbed a mop and started to clean up the coffee mess.