The betrayal of Monik

The Betrayal of Monik.
(By Leonie J. Campbell.

The slim young woman frowned in concentration as she smoothed suntan
lotion over her tanned body. Her large blue eyes glanced over the hotel
swimming pool, observing her daughters at play. She smiled at their
enjoyment, as they swam like porpoises in the water.
Monik picked up the latest newspapers from Europe flicking through the
pages. She sighed as feelings of loneliness overcame her and she
twisted her silky hair into a french plait.
The news of the world didn't interest her and she laid the paper down.
Stretching lazily, she lifted her face to the noonday sun. Several men
watched her from beside the pool and imagined making love to this
attractive woman. They were completely unaware of her complicated,
tragic life.
Suddenly she heard her name called and recognized her friend Natalie
waving to her. Natalie flopped onto the deckchair beside her, releasing
her towel to reveal a body softened by the indolent life style of the
wealthy.
Her voice was rich with humor, as she related a comical event. 'If you
can imagine the situation when the two phones rang at the same time. I
didn't know which one to answer first!'
Monik smiled with pleasure as Natalie related her humorous episode; it
helped her forget her own problems temporarily. But soon her face
clouded and Natalie sensed that her friend was troubled.
Placing her smooth hand on Moniks' shoulder, she said. 'I'm a good
friend and confidante.'
Monik twisted her fingers nervously as she spoke of the complex
relationship with her husband, causing her great concern. She could
trust Natalie to listen and not pass judgement them.
The attractive couple stood on the terrace and gazed across the
international gathering. On first glance they appeared to be the
perfect couple, complete in their cosmopolitan poise. But an observant
person would have noticed that they were turned slightly away from each
other. Neither speaking or touching as they greeted their compatriots.
They were a handsome couple and had two lovely daughters to prove their
union. But life often play's tricks on people and they shared a
terrible secret.
Monik excused herself and walked down the stairs, lifting her black
satin skirt. She had decided to enjoy herself tonight and smiling at
the interested stares of the men as she greeted friends. She could feel
the sexual heat exuding from the tall-distinguished businessman who
eyes followed her and she glanced shyly at him.
Herman scrutinized the crowded room. He was searching for his current
lover Jan; to warn him of the latest development in his tortured
marriage. He moved towards the bar and saw his lover talking to a
short, rotund man. Herman grunted with annoyance, using a French
profanity.
Jan looked wonderful tonight with his fair curly hair resting on his
collar. His dark blue dinner jacket reflected his intense blue eyes.
Herman felt a moment of jealousy when the other man patted Jan's
arm.
Jan enjoyed the international set and floated between the rich and
famous people with an easy manner. He was comfortable with being
homosexual and at the age of twenty-five had already experienced a
number of relationships with influential men. His relationship with
Herman was a passionate affair. But a jealous wife and his lovers'
desire for a clean public image complicated it. He was tired of their
closet games and his desire for recognition as his partners' choice was
overwhelming. He watched with amusement as Herman moved through the
crowd, presenting his public face, greeted friends warmly.
The moment of physical contact when their hands finally touched sent
the adrenaline racing through their veins. Their love for each other
was intoxicating, full of passionate moments. Sometimes there were
angry words of jealousy, which the lovers later regretted.
Herman clutched Jan's arm and introduced him to new business
colleagues. They made a handsome couple as they crossed the crowded
room and the observant noticed an air of desperation in his eyes. He
wanted to speak to Jan; perhaps plan a holiday together. He could use
the trip as a business promotion, giving him desperately needed space,
between himself and Monik.
She had become very demanding lately and had recently made sexual
advances to him. He would prefer that she found herself a lover, as his
interest in her had died years ago. The fa?ade of a happy marriage was
to appease his employers, that his tastes were normal. He knew that his
sexual preference had always been men and the relationship with Monik
was merely camouflage.
Jan glanced over to where Monik was surrounded by an admiring circle of
friends and smirked with satisfaction. He pulled a cigarette from a
silver case and flicked a lighter, drawing the smoke deep into his
lungs. He quietly observed the crowd and noticed the tall blond man
standing next to her, smiling openly into her eyes.
'Interesting man!' Jan thought, watching Guy placed his hand on her
elbow, skillfully guiding her towards the balcony. They stood talking
together and he knew that something special was happening between
them.
'Good!' He said aloud. 'Now I will have access to your husband and his
money!' and ordered a whisky sour.
The colorful guests played out the scene moving with the action,
oblivious to the drama that would follow that night. The mood was a
celebration of successful business negotiations, conducted by the
influential people of the community.
Monik enjoyed the flirtatious way that Guy stroked the soft under side
of her tanned arm. It made her feel aroused and her desire for this man
flamed and she smiled gratefully at him. At least this powerful,
influential man desired her, even if her husband didn't!
Guy had a way with words and observed the body language of the crowd
carefully. He had a quick wit and drew her attention to several people
nearby whose affected behavior caused them to laugh together in warm
companionship. He made her feel relaxed and she responded to his
suggestion to meet him the next afternoon for coffee. Guy held her
hands and kissed her palms gently; she agreed to meet him and they
merged into the safety of the crowd.
Herman stroked the smooth thigh of his lover and sighed in
satisfaction. Jan glanced slyly at him thinking of his suggestion that
they escape together for a holiday on the coast.
Herman had a small villa hidden amongst the mangrove swamps in the
south. They could swim naked and enjoy the fullness of their
relationship without interruptions. He smiled secretly to himself and
turning to Herman, he began to move his hands over his lover. The
ripples of pleasure spread quickly and he moaned with pleasure.
Monik was in a fever of nervous energy and kept dropping her keys, as
she frantically changed her clothes. She glanced at her watch,
realizing that she was running late for their assignation. Standing on
the street she hailed a taxi, frantically instructing the driver to
hurry!
Guy welcomed her warmly as she entered the discrete little restaurant,
far from the popular crowd. He clasped her hands and kissed her cheeks
in the continental manner. Monik could feel her confidence lift from
the warmth of his gaze. She blushed as he touched her mouth lingeringly
with his fingers and stroked her shoulder. They laughed and talked
together, relaxed in the intimate moment.
Guy leant across the table and grasped her hands said, 'Monik! We must
have privacy, away from the gaze of others. Let's meet at the 'The
Parisian' hotel this weekend and spend time together.'
Monik was flattered, but she could feel the fear of discovery emerging,
mixed with her responsibility to her daughters.
'I have a very busy week planned and not much free time!' she said
nervously.
She lowered her eyes; her desire for him controlling her. Guy hugged
her, whispering words of passion and kissed her earlobe suggestively.
He convinced Monik to meet him and they arranged for Friday afternoon.
The moment had arrived and she could feel the excitement building
inside her.
Natalie was watching a scenario nearby and was concerned for Monik and
Herman's reputation.
Herman leant back in his chair, trying to appear relaxed. Jan gazed
around, smiling happily as he waved to friends. He wanted acceptance of
their relationship from the international set and knew that the sight
of them together would create interest. He frowned as Herman's daughter
ran to him demanding attention. He struggled to hide his thoughts, as
Herman demanded service from the staff.
Natalie sipped her cool drink, deep in thought. She realized that
people didn't express concern of homosexual relationships. But Herman's
employers may consider the relationship harmful and censor him
accordingly.
She knew that Monik must make a determined stand against this
relationship, for the sake of her children. Natalie watched the two
lovers and glanced towards the children. She saw his eldest daughter
expressive face, as she watched her father stroking the hand of his
lover. The ten-year-old shook her head in confusion and with a shout
she dove into the water, swimming protectively besides her younger
sister. When she surfaced she sat with her back to her father,
unwilling to be part of his strange relationship.
Monik lay beside Guy, breathless after their passionate encounter. He
lay on his stomach and smiled with pleasure relaxed after lovemaking.
Monik had been shy and inhibited, but with encouragement had relaxed,
responded to his experience style. She felt guilty now, as they lay
together in silent reflection.
Guy was aware of her husbands' sexual preference. It was the latest
gossip, in the salons of the elite. But he kept these thoughts to
himself, as he toyed with continuing this relationship.
He enjoyed pleasuring Monik, but his priorities were to himself. Being
a confirmed bachelor, he enjoyed the freedom to explore new talent when
the mood took him. No! He definitely did not want to become involved
with her problems and he showered alone.
Monik stood before her husband, shaking with terror at his words.
Herman cruelly twisted her flesh as he described the vicious gossip of
her affair. She was appalled to hear that everyone knew the intimate
details.
'Who had told them about the affair?' she agonized. 'Surely not Guy! He
wouldn't malign me?' As she imagined her daughters' reaction.
Herman was delighted! This was the ideal opportunity to end this
charade. He would divorce Monik and prepare a settlement for his
daughters.
'Monik, I want a divorce! We have to protect the children from gossip!
I will see a solicitor today and have the papers drawn up by the
weekend.' he said firmly.
'But! Where will we go! The children and I will have nothing! Said
Monik.
Guy stared at her in silence and said, 'You can have the house in
Brussels! I'll make the arrangements and organize payments for the
children. Take the furniture! Begin your arrangements to return to
Europe now!' And he left
Natalie saw Monik walking from the Deutsche bank and was shocked at the
change in her. 'My dear Monik! You've lost weight!'
Bitter tears of self-pity slide down Monik's cheeks and she told
Natalie of her dilemma.
'Monik! I have heard gossip about you and that womanizer, Guy! That's
stupidity! He loves only himself!' she said.
'But Herman is having an affair with another man and no one questions
his behavior!' She said tearfully.
Natalie sighed, 'In this world, men behave however they wish and
they're considered heroes! Take my advice and speak with Herman.'
Monik sobbed, 'He wants a divorce!'
'Wake up Monik! Your marriage has over for years! His offer is generous
and you are still young and beautiful. My advice is to return to Europe
and find a job.' said Natalie firmly.
Monik stood in the middle of her apartment and look around at the
lovely possessions that they had gathered over the years. She began to
make a list for the shipping agents. She accepted that Herman's offer
was generous for herself the children. Monik knew they would be
confused by the separation, as they loved their father.
Herman told Jan that they must delay their holiday until after Monik
had left for Europe. Jan agreed; he was the winner in this
triangle.
Monik discovered that her friends had distanced themselves from her
marital problems; she was alone! Only Natalie remain her friend and she
listened to her advice. Monik was relieved that Guy had not contacted
her, his fear of exposure protecting him.
Herman coldly presented the air tickets to Monik, with a large envelope
of cash for their survival. He advised her that he would fly to
Brussels in May and take his daughters to his villa in Spain.
Monik moved into an apartment on a quiet street and settled down with
her daughters. She knew it would take time for them to adjust to their
new school and her to her new job. But, their grandparents lived nearby
and their love would support them.
Returning from lunch one day Monik heard someone call her name. She saw
a tall man with blond hair, smiling at her and she recognized him. She
felt light-headed with the joy of new discovery.
'Isn't life strange!' she thought as they talked over coffee.
Simon asked her to join him for dinner and she happily agreed. Monik
laughed aloud for the first time in many months and realized that she
had gain new insight. Life was offering her new challenges and perhaps
a new relationship.
Monik flung her arms wide and spun in a circle. She smiled at people
walking by and they smiled in return, at the beautiful woman in the
blue beret and flowing cape.

Copyright by Leonie Campbell
www.bookworm.au.com