12/22/70

A photograph of Ann and her husband, Chris, lied on Ann’s writing desk. Ann herself was on her cell phone dialing Chris to just to hear his strong gentle voice. He went out to the bar with the other staff members. Ann just stayed behind.

When all she got was his voice mail, Ann hung up her cell phone and turned it off. She disconnected the room phone as well and lied back on her bed. Sweet memories of Chris flooded her mind. Such as the slow trusting kisses they shared. Ann held her pillow close to her chest.

Mother do you think they'll drop the bomb

Mother do you think they'll like the song

Mother do you think they'll try to break my balls

Ooooh aah, Mother should I build a wall

Memories of her marriage entwined with memories of Debbie on her good days. When she was asleep at night, Ann would sneak into her bed and sleep there. Debbie was always soft and warm. In the mornings, Debbie would quietly get up and let her half breed daughter sleep in. The sheets were white soft cotton.

Mother should I run for president

Mother should I trust the government

Mother will they put me in the firing line

Ooooh aah, am I really dying?

7/15/86

Ann sat on the bed in her old bedroom in Charleston. She was cold and distant. She didn’t notice the bedroom door closing. Chris had just come off duty and decided to woo his wife for a change. He silently closed and locked the solid white door behind him and walked over to Ann.

She didn’t even notice him standing there. Chris didn’t care; he was going to try anyway. The cop slowly unbuttoned his shirt and slid it off. Then, he unhooked his belt and threw it aside. Finally, Chris undid his pants and dropped them to the floor. Ann didn’t even look up. Chris sat down in front of her. Ann tried to look past him. When Chris tried to block his wife’s vision again but to no avail. Ann was too lost in her world to notice her own husband.

Hush now baby don't you cry

Mama's gonna make all of your

Nightmares come true

Mama's gonna put all of her fears into you

Mama's gonna keep you right here

Under her wing

she won't let you fly but she might let you sing

Mama will keep baby cosy and warm

Ooooh Babe Ooooh Babe Ooooh Babe

Of course Mama's gonna help build the wall

10/7/81

Ann and Chris’ wedding day. It was a small ceremony. Ann wore a whitish pink wedding dress. Baby’s breath adored her hair gracefully. Her bouquet consisted of lilies. Chris himself wore a nice black suit. He put a silver and black diamond ring upon her pale tiny finger. He gently kissed her on the lips. Only a few friends, Chris’ brother, and the police squad showed up. Ann and Chris didn’t care if the whole world showed up or not. This was their day and nothing was going to ruin it. Even the rain added a romantic taste to the wedding as the party took the picture outside.

11/17/88

Ann sat at her desk writing. The kids were away in bed sleeping. Chris came in from duty again. He quietly walked over to his wife. She still didn’t notice him. “Hello.” Chris spoke up. “Hello? Is there anybody in there?” He waved his hand in front of Ann’s pale face. She slowly looked up from her work. Her eyes were blank and hazy. Chris gave her a joke-like smile. “You remember me? I’m the cop from the hospital.” he said. Ann didn’t say a word. She just stared at him blankly and went back to work. Chris just shrugged and went down the hall.

Mother do think she's good enough for me

Mother do think she's dangerous to me

Mother will she tear your little boy apart

Oooh aah, mother will she break my heart

8/25/80

Ann lie in the hospital in pain and trauma. She was lucky to be alive. A local in woods fished her out of river and took her to the hospital. Arsine and O’Brien beat her badly and left her to die in a watery grave.

That’s when he came in. Chris King was the copper at the time. Ann was scared of him at first. It was only natural; she was an ex-criminal now. She expected fear, harsh interrogation, even verbal abuse. But instead, Chris was kind, gentle, and patient with her. He didn’t even have an ulterior motive for being so. In time, a friendship was formed. She opened up to him about everything. Soon, that friendship became love. Chris visited Ann more often and brought her lovely flowers.

Even though she loved Chris like a boyfriend, Ann saw him almost like father. Maybe it was because of the permanent absence of Beau Floyd. She didn’t know, but Chris was both a father and a husband to Ann.

Hush now baby, baby don't you cry

Mama's gonna check out all your girl friends for you

Mama won't let anyone dirty get through

Mama's gonna wait up till you come in

Mama will always find out where

You've been

Mamma's gonna keep baby healthy and clean

Ooooh Babe Ooooh Babe Ooooh Babe

You'll always be a baby to me

However, Chris was married at the time. His first wife’s name was Paris. They seemed like the picture perfect family. Decent jobs, happy marriage, nice house, and beautiful twin daughter, Apple and Honey. But in time, Chris and Paris grew apart. And Whitfield, (that’s her maiden name), became Chris’ safety net. They had grown so close that Paris was almost a stranger to Chris.

In July third 1981, Paris and Chris filed for divorce. Months later, Chris and Ann were married. Ann had always felt guilty for being a home wrecker. Many a time, Ann called and apologized to Paris. But oddly, she hadn’t returned a single call.