Get Back

*Perry*

The public was not the not only problem with my marriage to Shannon. My family and closest friends seemed to disagree with it as well. I tried to ignore them for quite something time. But pretty soon, it grew to big to look past. Christ, you know it ain’t easy/You know how hard it can be/And the way things are going/They’re gonna crucify me.

*Flashback*

This revelation came when we went to visit my dear sensei, Rob. He was living with his girlfriend, Noizchild. Noiz was and still is close and dear to my first wife, Leslie. She was crushed when she and I divorced last year. I was afraid of what she would think of Shannon. Well, there was only one way to find out. It was now or never.

I rang the doorbell to the house. Shannon seemed excited but I was uneasy. Please Noiz-san; accept Shannon as you did with Leslie. Then came the footsteps. I tried counting backwards in my head to keep myself still. I felt as if I was going to murder a prisoner whom I knew was innocent but no one believed. I tried to look calm for my sensei. Finally, the door opened. Rob poked his head out and looked around. He saw me and a little smile came across his face. “Perry.” he said. “Haven’t seen yet in a while!” “Same here.” I replied. My former sensei turned to Shannon. “Hi!” my wife chirped. Rob’s face instantly dropped. I knew that look too well. I could sense that trouble was coming fast. “Uh well,” he spoke again. “Come in.” Then my former sensei stepped away from the door and let of in. Christ, you know it ain’t easy/You know how hard it can be/And the way things are going/They’re gonna crucify me.

We all found Noiz-san sitting at the table with lunch ready. She looked up when she saw as in the doorway. At first her face was stoic when she saw Rob and I. Safe so far. But then, Noiz-san saw Shannon in her tight pink tube top and tortoise mini skirt. Bitter suspicion came across her face. I became nervous again. Maybe I should stay close in case things go south. But Rob stepped forth just in the nick of time. “Uh… let’s eat now!” he said at last. I felt free again. “Yes!” I exclaimed boldly. “Let’s do that! That’s a great plan!” Both women said nothing. Christ, you know it ain’t easy/You know how hard it can be/And the way things are going/They’re gonna crucify me.

Lunch was filled with awkward silences. Rob and I had something to say but it would plop dead on the floor. I don’t think neither Noiz-san nor Shannon wanted to start a live conversation either. I could barely swallow my food. I doubted I could even finish it. I wished I could press right forward right about now and go back home. We can all dream. Christ, you know it ain’t easy/You know how hard it can be/And the way things are going/They’re gonna crucify me.

Pretty soon, lunch was over. The awkward silence lingered on. None of us dared to move. Finally, Rob stood to his feet and began to walk out. Curious, I turned and watched him. When he made it to the door, my former sensei turned to me and signaled me to follow. I slowly rose to my feet and did so. I was reluctant to do so however. But I complied anyway. Christ, you know it ain’t easy/You know how hard it can be/And the way things are going/They’re gonna crucify me.

We both made it outside to the lovely garden in the backyard. I suddenly felt the garden’s peaceful effect wash all over me. All of my problems with the public and Noiz-san just melted away instantly. I wished we could’ve had lunch out here instead. But then my thoughts were interrupted by the sound of throat clearing. I jerked my head up instantly. Rob stood in front of me staring. He had a serious look on his face. I knew something important was coming. “Perry,” he said strongly. “I need to ask you something.” I shuffled uneasily. “All right.” I replied. “What is it?” Rib looked around a bit and then slightly leaned in. “Do you really love Shannon?” he asked in a low voice. I relaxed a bit. That was much easier than I thought. I tightened my lips up and stood strong. “Yes,” I answered. “I love her as much as I loved Leslie.” I waited for his answer. Rob then gave me a small smile. “I am happy for you then.” he replied. “Thanks.” I said with a small bow. Christ, you know it ain’t easy/You know how hard it can be/And the way things are going/They’re gonna crucify me.

Then we heard a loud crash from inside the house. Rob-sensei and I turned to look. That sound only meant one thing. Naoko and I ran straight back to the house in a mad rush. And sure enough, we found Noiz-san and Shannon fighting. Noiz-san had a huge sake bottle in her hands and Shannon was ducking away in the corner in terror. Noiz-san would have finished her off if Rob raced to her and grabbed her from behind. I hurried over to my new wife. She grabbed onto me tightly. “Let go of me!!!” Noiz-san screamed out. Rob still held onto her. I helped Shannon to her feet. Rob turned to me in concern. I froze for a minute. “I think we better go.” I said at last. “Yes, that is best.” my former sensei replied. “See you soon then?” I asked. “Yeah.” he said. Then Shannon and I left in a hurry while Noiz-san was held back. Christ, you know it ain’t easy/You know how hard it can be/And the way things are going/They’re gonna crucify me.

Shannon and I walked home in awkward silence. My wife looked as if she was about to cry. I put my arm around her. “It’s okay now.” I whispered softly. Shannon was still fighting back tears. “Is she always bitchy and cold like that?” she wailed out. “Why does she hate me so much? Is it because I’m not Leslie?” I saw a tear running down her soft cheek. I lightly reached up and brushed it away. “Don’t be ridiculous!” I perked up. “Give her time. She’ll come around to you.” Shannon tired to smile. “Really?” she asked. I nodded innocently. My wife really smiled this time. I hugged her close. Sadly, Noiz-san never did warm up to Shannon. Christ, you know it ain’t easy/You know how hard it can be/And the way things are going/They’re gonna crucify me.

Christ, You Know it Ain’t Easy