The job offer

As their faces glittered, Arlo's face changed all of a sudden, as his eyes were still on the paper, reading through. Peggy paused and softly asked, "What happened?"

Arlo raised his head and looked at Peggy. Looking at the paper again, he dropped it on the table. "A private escort job? You want me to go to an agency for training for a private escort job?" Arlo asked, and he was disappointed because he expected something better.

Peggy foolishly smiled, "Yeah! My schoolmate sent this invitation to me after I explained to her what's happening around us at the moment." She explained, but Arlo wasn't having it. His wife's desperation could lead to anything, but he never expected her to accept such an offer.

Arlo smiled, placed his hands on the table, and moved his head closer to Peggy, who saw Arlo's smile and also started smiling. "Do you really know what a private escort means?" Arlo asked, and Peggy's facial expressions instantly changed. She tried to ignore the question, but Arlo didn't stop.

"You are now spreading the news of my joblessness everywhere? Making me look like I can't do anything for myself? Does it mean you can't be patient? Just for a little while."

Peggy sarcastically coughed, "Patient, you say. All the years I have been waiting patiently, what has it yielded? What can you boldly say you have made all these years? Well, if you have decided not to do it, that's fine. I just need to inform my family to take me out of here." Peggy made the strong last statement that woke Arlo's spirit, and he abruptly stood up and went to stand behind his wife.

"This hasn't gotten to that. I just want you to understand me. I can't do this job; I am married; this looks like cheating on you." Arlo said as he gently massaged Peggy's shoulder.

"Cheat on me? Because I haven't caught you doing it, who knows what you do out there? Who knows the main reason you got fired from work? If this looks like cheating to you, you can cheat on me multiple times. All that matters now is the money; the due date is approaching, and we have nothing yet." Peggy protested; her voice was nearly above a speaker.

Arlo removed his hand from her shoulder, poured water in his glass, and drank everything like a camel that hasn't taken water for years. He dropped the cup and turned back against his wife. "This was the reason I suggested you register at the hospital we can afford, but you allowed your family to decide what we do inside our home. This was exactly what I was avoiding: the constant pressure and little things that shouldn't cost more than 20 bucks turn out to be more than 60 bucks. There is still time to change our fate, because this pressure is too much."

"Everything is too much for you. You can't find a job for yourself, but your ego won't allow you to accept the one someone else suffered to secure for you. Do you know how many people are looking for this great opportunity? You want me to suffer at the hands of those unprofessional nurses? I know you don't love me, but you should show some respect and love to this child in my womb." Peggy nags; she stands up and starts walking to the room.

As she walked past Arlo, she stylishly fell to the floor. Arlo rushed to carry her; fear gripped him as he tried to lift her heavy, lifeless body. Peggy pretended and watched him struggle as he carried her to the room. "Take me to the hospital," Peggy requested, getting Arlo annoyed and frustrated.

"Hospital? You want to incur more expenses for me? Are you deliberately doing this?" Arlo's voice was clear evidence of how frustrated he was. He sat at the edge of the bed and bent his head.

"Well, we have to end this argument now. My family will be here any moment from now on. You have treated me like a slave too much, and that's enough. It's time to take action against you; in that way, I believe you would take me seriously." Peggy threatened, knowing Arlo's weak point.

Arlo looked back; tears were rushing out of Peggy's eyes. He sighed. He didn't want his in-laws to visit because of his joblessness. He was being threatened when he had a job; now that he has nothing, they might carry out the threat. "This is not what I wish to do, but I would try it. If it doesn't work, please don't pressure me because I know I will definitely find a job." Arlo said as he climbed the bed and held Peggy's hand.

"This is what you have been saying. This job is going to pay you way more than the petty jobs you are going to get. Which won't be enough for what we need it for." Peggy started wiping off her tears.

"I will do it. You have nothing to worry about anymore." Arlo said and went mute. He bent his head, thinking of how to escape the heavy burden right before him.

Peggy raised her hand and gently placed it on Arlo's lips. She slowly drew closer to him, but Arlo didn't make a move because he knew what she wanted. Peggy slowly placed her soft pink lips on Arlo's lips; her hands went down to his button, and she started to open them.

Arlo removed his mouth and said, "I am not in the mood for this, please. He gently pushed Peggy back and stood up from the bed.

"Are you avoiding me? Oh! You are trying to punish me? You better have it in mind that I can easily get what I want once I leave this house." Peggy's words carried a heavy weight. She always uses every little chance she gets to emotionally manipulate Arlo.

Arlo, who was about to open the door, paused and looked back. "Have you been doing this?" His voice sounded so serious as he slowly took three steps backward.

As Peggy saw the seriousness in his voice, the awful look in his eyes changed the moment. She remained silent as Arlo approached her. "Speak!" Arlo said it in a harsh tone. "Have you been engaging yourself in what you just said?" He asked again, and Peggy hesitated before answering.

"I didn't mean to, you know. I just wanted to make you do it."

Arlo smirked. "Make me do it? You expect me to foolishly believe that?" Arlo couldn't control his voice at that moment. He was so pissed that he was ready to end it all. Peggy nodded and refused to say a word.