iShould Have Told You

Wendy Marx nudged open the door with her foot, navigating as best she could to the kitchen, her arms weighed down with bags bearing the logo of Hey Food. Setting a pair of bags on the kitchen counter, she clicked on the small TV in the kitchen, intent on listening to the news as she sorted groceries and began dinner before Megan got home from school, likely with Ashley Puckett in tow. The TV flickered to life, picking up in the midst of Channel 5's afternoon newscast.

"…and now Ben Huebscher with Sports…"

Wendy didn't pay any of it any mind. She returned to her dinner preparations, in search of her pots and pans.

"…They say you're only as old as you feel, and in the case of former CFC Women's Heavyweight Champion Shelby Marx…"

Wendy dug in her purse for her cell phone. She was NOT happy.

MEANWHILE, A SHORT DISTANCE AWAY…

Carly, also cooking, had inadvertently caught Channel 5's newscast. Something about this had to be wrong. Surely, this was just a puff piece about the former champion, whose daughter now ruled the sport – Yes, that had to be it – it was all that made sense. Carly had only paid attention initially because of Ben Huebscher, the sportscaster who was once her unintentional beard. Sam and Freddie had asked about her first kiss. Somehow, Carly had been able to spin a story – however unconvincing – off the top of her head, and his had been the only boy whose name popped into her head.

She decided to do the only thing that made sense. She had to talk to Sam. If any part of this nonsense were true, Sam'd know about it. She kept secrets from Wendy all the time at Shelby's behest – though those usually involved birthday or anniversary presents. If Shelby was planning anything at all, Sam would know for sure.

Carly reached for her phone and dialed Sam's private office line at Il Terrazzo Carmine.

MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE MARX RESIDENCE…

"…Hey Baby…"

Wendy wasn't in the mood.

"Don't you dare 'Baby' me, Shelby Marx!"

"…Wendy, please…"

"Shelby Jane Marx… Did you even once think of consulting me?"

"…Wendy, Honey…"

"Do you want to tear me completely to shreds? It's bad enough when Megan fights… but… Why, Shelby?"

"…I was the best in the world at what I did… I just want to show that I still have it…"

"Shelby…"

"Wen, do you trust me?..."

Wendy could no longer argue. She hated it, but Shelby made the sole argument that she could not trump with emotion.

MEANWHILE, AT THE PUCKETT HOME…

Carly jabbered away at Sam, clearly upset.

"What did you know about this, Samantha?!"

"…Carls, I just… we talked… that was it…"

"How the Hell long ago?"

"…a while, Cupcake… the kid's last title defense… she said she was thinking…"

"SAM!"

…just thinking… about lacin' 'em up again… exhibitions and club fights and stuff… little stuff… peanuts…"

Carly was upset. So far as she was concerned, Sam was Shelby's partner-in-crime.

"Dammit, Samantha…"

Unbeknownst to Carly, her youngest daughter had just arrived home, girlfriend in tow. Bridget Xi turned to her girlfriend and commented. It was so out of the ordinary for Bridget that Melanie couldn't contain her laughter.

"Meow… Somebody's sleeping on the couch tonight…"

Melanie thought it was funny, but Sam was still her Mama. She playfully scolded Bridget.

"Shush, cutiepie…"

Carly, realizing what her daughter had just overheard, decided to backtrack. She needed to apologize.

"Sam, Honey, look… I'm… I love you too… We'll talk tonight… I'm sorry…"

Carly politely and quietly told Sam she loved her and ended the call.

Melanie knew how her Mom was. Carly rarely cussed, unless something really got under her skin. She had no idea what it was. She had news of her own, but that could wait. Her parents were more important. The pretty little blonde finally spoke up.

"Mommy?"

Carly was now all smiles.

"Hello, gorgeous… how are you both?"

"Why were you yelling at Mama?"

Carly wanted to spare her gentle girl's feelings.

"Nevermind that now… just a big misunderstanding…"

Melanie didn't think so, but let the matter drop nonetheless.

"Can Bridget stay for dinner?"

Carly consented out-of-hand. There was no reason to ask. The tiny Korean girl was always welcome.

"Where's your sister?"

"With Megan…"

Carly flushed with anxiety.

"…Oh, Lord…" she thought.

LATER THAT EVENING AT THE MARX HOME…

Ashley Puckett and Megan Marx cuddled on the sofa. The front door yawned open. Shelby was finally home.

"Feet off the coffee table, Megan, you know better… Hey, Kid…"

Ashley blushed. She was slightly embarrassed.

Shelby turned her attention back to her daughter momentarily.

"Where's your sister?"

"Sleepin'…"

Shelby rolled her eyes. She loved Megan, though sometimes she would have liked to knock her upside the head with a big, buttery sock. She entered the kitchen, folding Wendy into a tentative hug. She loved her beautiful redhead, though she knew that she was likely in for it tonight – with or without company.

Shelby craned her head close, kissing Wendy gently on the cheek.

"I love you, Wendy Sue…"

Wendy loved her wife more than anything. All was forgiven, yet Wendy still grumbled into Shelby's t-shirt and chest.

"…still mad at you... True chizz…"

Shelby spoke, barely above a whisper. She didn't want the children to hear.

"Guess I deserve that…"

"…Guess you do, you big meathead…"

Wendy wasn't serious. She was upset, bordering on the ridiculous and silly. She was overtired, wanted to go to bed, take her beautiful wife in her arms, and wake up, when all of this would be just a bad dream – although she knew it wouldn't be. It was what it was, but she didn't care anymore anyway. Shelby was home here, right where she belonged. Megan was with Ashley on the sofa, perhaps cuddlier than Wendy liked, but that didn't even matter. They were happy. Little Kat was snug as a bug in the back bedroom. Life had thrown Wendy Marx a curveball, but she'd managed to keep it in play, rather than hook it foul. Life was made up of moments, and what mattered in those moments was what you did when the storms came.