Once you're hypnotized by a Sociopath's charms and completely under his spell, he'll pounce on you one night, when you least expect it. Suddenly, you're faced with Mr. Hyde. If you're lucky, you'll be able to walk away, but most likely, you'll make excuses for his behavior and give him another chance...and another chance...and another.
Ever since Daniel received traffic tickets for no registration and insurance, he’s afraid to drive his truck. He even quit his job at the auto shop. It’s been two months.
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“I don’t want you to buy cigarettes on my card,” I protest. “I don’t’ want you to buy cigarettes, period. It’s a disgusting habit. That’s why I quit twenty years ago.”
“Just let me use it. I’ll pay you back.”
He assumes that we’re a married couple, but without the benefits.
Reluctantly, I let him use my card. If I don’t, he’ll be miserable, thus, making me miserable. “You really need to find work, Daniel. I’m running out of money.”
“Natalie, sit down for a minute. I want to talk to you.”
“I’m washing the dishes. Can’t you talk to me while I’m standing? I can listen just fine.”
“Sit down!” he repeats. “I want you to listen.”
“What is it?” I ask, hesitantly taking a seat, preparing for the worst.
“I found a car that I can flip. It’s a 2006 Monte Carlo.”
“Oh no! After the Sea Ray deal, I thought you were finished.”
“We need to get on our feet so we can move on with our life together.
Life together? He’s a master, and now he has my attention.
“If I buy a totaled car and fix it, I’ll double my money.”
“Daniel, people will know the car was in a wreck.”
“I’m good at what I do. No one will ever know it’s been in a crash.”
“The title will say it’s salvage...they’ll know!”
“Stop! His eyes flare and he throws his hands up. “I guess we have different ideas on how to earn money,” he says as if there’s something wrong with me.
“It’s my money and I should have a say on how it’s spent,” I say, raising my voice.
“Keep your voice down,” he growls. “The window is open, and everyone can hear you.”
“I don’t care! I retort, my voice louder and uncharacteristically harsh. It even sounds unfamiliar to me.
“Forget it,” he snaps. “I’ve had it with Florida anyway. I’m going back to New York.”
His threat makes me feel sick to my stomach and I force myself to breathe.
“What about the boat?”
“I’ll help you sell it,” he says as if it’s only his decision. “I’m sick of being dependent on you for money.”
“I can’t give you any more money. It’s too risky.”
“Stop,” he says and flicks his hand.
“Stop, what?” I ask, rolling my eyes.
“Don’t make me laugh, Natalie. It’s not making you interest in the bank. I can make more money, and faster.
“You don’t know that for sure.”
“There you go again—always negative. That’s why your ex-husband wasn’t happy,” he says, making me feel inadequate. His tactic is effective…for a split second.
“No, I’m not negative. No one is going to want a gas-guzzling automobile that’s been in a major accident. I’m scared we might not be able to sell it.”
“I’m done!” he yells and glares at me, his eyes glitter with savage anger.
Done? Stepping back, I watch him unravel. He’s mad, but I am too.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I’m going back home.”
“Really?” I say distain in my voice. “What are you going to do there to make money?”
“I’ll find something. I don’t give a fuck!
The finality of his words fills me with terror and I feel like he’s stabbed me in the heart. The fear shows on my face…fear of abandonment. Aside from fear, I’m carrying an enormous amount of shame...shame for believing in this man whom everyone tried to warn me about.