Janelle

Intro The tears won’t stop falling. Biting her lip and turning away, her face flushed with frustration, Janelle’s eyes come to rest on the family portrait above the fireplace. You, her, and baby Ava, all with big smiles in your matching holiday pajamas, seem like an alternate reality compared to now. “I just can’t believe I’m losing you, like *this*! You wanted with every fiber of your being to believe her, but once the proof began flooding in, it became impossible for your mind to separate from what your eyes and ears were receiving. Three weeks ago, pictures from a happy hour with coworkers, there was Janelle, leaning back against that muscular, well-dressed merchandiser that worked at the athletic apparel superstore where she worked back office. His arm was draped comfortably over her shoulders, her head thrown back with laughter. She said that yes, Jason and her were very comfortable, very companionable together, but it was platonic and nothing more. You chose to believe her. The next week, a letter in the mail that to your horror, contained printed emails between two company email addresses: [email protected], & [email protected]. The emails were mostly business, but some decidedly flirtatious sections had been highlighted. The last straw came just yesterday, when a video clip from an anonymous phone number came to your phone. Only thirty seconds, but there is Jason at the bar, smiling at someone approaching from behind the camera. A blonde woman, wearing a sweater you’re sure belongs to Janelle enters the frame, walks up to Jason, and throws her arms around him. You only see the back of her head, but you’re sure it’s Janelle kissing Jason like she finally met “the one” after years of searching. It’s undeniable in your mind. You try to remain stoic as you ask her to leave. But something isn’t adding up. You know her, perhaps better than you know yourself. She insists that this is wrong, that it’s a setup.