Harsh Realties
Bridging The Divide Chapter 2
Notes: I own no characters from Mary Poppins. George's parents are my own creation. I got the inspiration for writing this story after reading a story by my friend markaleen called Living At Rock Bottom that you should all check out. I also do not any rights to Nancy from Oliver/
There was silence in the therapist's office. It lasted for about ten minutes.
"Now you see what I deal with at home Doctor." Winifred said as she massaged her temples.
The therapist nodded. "Yes, yes I do. Did you find it difficult to have this conversation with your husband?"
Winifred nodded and then buried her face in her hands and started to weep.
"Not just this but pretty much everything. Lately all we seem to do is argue. It was even a hassle to get him to come with us to this appointment.. It's not a healthy situation.""
Her mother in law rubbed her back comfortingly. "Don't worry dear things will work themselves out."
"I really hope you're right Betty." she whispered/
"Daddy drinks a lot too. I've noticed that. Every day when he gets home from work he pours himself a cup of Bourbourn. " Jane piped up.
"Has Mr. Banks been abusive to you or the children?" the therapist asked.
Winifred was still sobbing so Jane answered for her.
"No Doctor. He hasn't. I am worried though that after what happened with Ms. Andrew he could get abusive. He seems to constantly deny everything as I'm sure you've noticed. Mommy and I talk about this a lot and she is very upset by everything
The therapist handed Winifred a box of tissues. She took a few, dabbed at her eyes and blew her nose.
"It's just so frustrating Doctor. My husband is stubborn as an ox and can't see past the edge of his nose about how damaging his behavior has become. We used to have such a strong loving relationship... the romance has all but disappeared lately."
"Have you thought of divorcing him?" the therapist asked.
Winifred let out a heavy sigh. "A few times to be honest."
Jane looked at her mother nervously. "Would we have to move if you and Daddy divorce Mommy?"
Winifred reached out and squeezed her daughter's hand tightly. "If things end up coming to that then yes.. probably. Personally I've thought of downsizing anyway. That house is just too big for us and there are too many rooms to keep clean."
"Have you discussed with your husband the possibility of moving to a smaller house.?
Winifred shook her head. "I think it would be wise to work out all these issues the best way we can before we discuss that. I don't even want to think about what would happen if we end up divorcing actually."
"Well Mum ,you'd save money on hiring so many nannies anyway if Grandma and Grandpa could take care of us." Michael's face lit up.
"But what about Mary Poppins?" Jane asked
"She won't be around forever Jane. Bert always says she leaves when the wind takes her" Michael said
William Banks tousled Michael's hair. "You know, we wouldn't mind having you kids stay with us. We don't see you as often as we'd like to."
"Could we Mommy?" Jane asked.
Winifred looked thoughtful. "You know I think that's not a half bad idea. The children could use a change of scenery and Mary Poppins could use a bit of time off. She works very hard. George and I need really need to work on improving our relationship."
"Tell me more about Mary Poppins." the therapist said.
Jane's eyes lit up in delight. "She's absolutely the best nanny we've ever had! She even taught Mommy to be more assertive and that's how she convinced the chairman to give Daddy better hours at the bank. Now we'll see him a lot more often.. I'm so excited!"
"She sounds delightful."
Winifred smiled through her tears. "She has truly done wonderful things for our family. I only wish George would take notice of that too."
Meanwhile...
George Banks found himself at a local bar at the far side of town after driving around for a bit of time after leaving the counseling office. This was one area of London he did not often visit due to the high amounts of crime there. Ironically it was the same bar where Jane's new friend Nancy was a bartender.
"How can I elp you today sir? Nancy asked.
I'll have a cup of Bourbon or whatever else strong drink you've got."
Nancy looked at George's ID. "George Banks? Name looks familiar. Did your kids come to Fagin's hideout a few days ago with their nanny? I didn't catch her name I don't believe.
"Mary Poppins. Probably.. she tends to take my children on nonsensical outings. George scoffed.
"You're raising em right you know. Jane was very kind and polite. She seemed concerned about me too."
George raised his eyebrows. "Why would my daughter show any concern for you? "
"Well ya see I'm in a rough relationship right now. My boyfriend beats up on me. I think she mentioned something to me about her former nanny being abusive. Her name escapes me memory too.
George groaned. "Miss Andrew is the last person I want to talk to anyone about right now. Just get me my drink please."
"Right away sir. You might want to work out whatever issues you have with your daughter. She's a lovely little thing. I bet she loves you something fierce."
"What goes on in my house is none of your business. Thank you."
"Alright then." Nancy went off to make George's drink.
George did not stay at the bar for very long after that. He needed to have a talk with his wife that was for sure. He paid for his drink, giving Nancy a small tip and went home.
When he arrived home his wife and parents were waiting for him in the parlor.
"Where are the children? Isn't it close to dinner?"
Winifred shook her head. I told Mary Poppins to take the children to the park. We're having dinner in about an hour. The three of us need to talk George. Your behavior at the therapist was atrocious today."
George groaned. "I think I'll pour myself another drink."
"No George, you won't. I'm afraid that liquor will not solve these problems,.. It is actually a part of the problem.. a very huge part." his mother said.
"What on earth are you talking about?"
"Have a seat son." his father said.
George sat down begrudgingly afraid of what he was about to hear.
"George dear. your drinking is a huge part of what is impacting our marriage. You need to find away to kick this habit." Winifred said.
"Whatever do you mean Winifred?"
His father cleared his thorat.
"Jane told us at the counseling office that you have a drinking problem. It is very concerning. I think you need to see an addiction counselor."
"I would never harm Winifred or the children Father I think you should know that." George said.
Winifred looked at her husband.
"Quite frankly George with how out of control your temper has been lately I am not sure what to believe or what to trust. The therapist was also suggesting you should take anger management classes."
"Ridiculous!" George jumped up from his chair defensively.
Elizabeth Banks stood toe to toe with her son and stared him straight in the face.
"You know what's utterly ridiculous George? This behavior! Don't you understand it's eventually going to ruin your marriage if hasn't already done so? The drinking is the most irresponsible thing you've ever done. I thought your father and I taught you much better than that."
George Banks recoiled. " I have no idea what you're talking about Mother. What behavior?"
"Your fucking attitude and constant denial that you were abused and that Miss Andrew abused your children for one thing. Winifred mentioned that you are completely blind to these facts. You have been for years!"
"I still don't even see why you need to be involved Mother. What goes on in this house is none of your business. Winifred and I can work out our own problems.
"Oh, really George? Is that so? You sure haven't been too willing to see things from my point of view. We're constantly at each other's throats." Winifred had fire in her eyes once again.
"George, you know what? If you don't get your act together you will lose everything!" his father roared.
"What do you know?
"It says a lot when your own wife says in therapy that she wants a divorce but you're unwilling to see the writing on the wall!"
George's eyes grew wide. "What did you just say Father?"
Winifred had tears in her eyes. "George I really want to make our marriage work... truly. I have to admit though I'm not sure if it is worth it."
"You're not making sense at all Winifred...how can you even say you want a divorce?
"I haven't decided if I want divorce yet. You have to put in more effort on your part though. That's why these therapy sessions will be so important... for ALL OF US!"
"The therapy is nonsense. This marriage was never in danger."
"What is it going to take for you to show us that you love us George?" Winifred's eyes were glistening with tears.
"You should all know that I do. I shouldn't need to prove it. " George retorted.
Elizabeth folded her arms. "I think Jane made it pretty clear in the counseling office that she feels you don't love her and Michael. You need to wake up George"
"Shut up shut up shut up! I don't want to hear anymore of this."
"Cut the shit George. You are 50 years old... start acting like it and not like you're five." His father roared.
At that moment Mary Poppins arrived back with Jane and Michael.
"Perhaps this is a bad time for us to have returned. " Mary Poppins said.
"No, actually Mary Poppins you're right on cue. Dinner will be ready soon if you'll take the children upstairs to get washed up. Winifred said.
Mary Poppins nodded. "Up you go children spit spot."
Michael followed Mary Poppins. Jane stayed where she was.
"I'll be up in a moment Mary Poppins. If you don't mind I'd like to say something to Father.
Mary Poppins and Winifred exchanged a glance. "As you wish Jane.: Mary Poppins said.
"Well, what is it Jane?" George stared at his daughter.
"Father, to be honest the way you treat us is deplorable. I want to respect you but I find it difficult. Mommy and I talk about your drinking all the time. It's very scary and I'm worried about you."
"My drinking has nothing to do with you Jane. Run along. her father waved her away dismissively."
"Do you want me and Michael to be afraid of you forever? That's how we feel all the time when you are drinking."
"Again. that's a ridiculous thing. I care about you and your brother.
"We haven't felt that way for a long time, I wish you'd stop ignoring that or stop pretending like we don't exist."
George had rage in his eyes and was ready to lunge. His father grabbed him by the wrists and restrained him.
"You will NOT lay a hand on that child! Do you understand me? She's been through enough." his mother screamed.
Jane ran from the room in tears and slammed the door to the nursery.
"We will take the children to live with us for a bit. They need time away from you George. I'll continue to take them to therapy. You and Winifred can go by yourselves." Elizabeth said.
"When will that begin.?" George asked.
"We'll take them home tonight after dinner. They'll be back in two weeks. Unless you stop drinking they won't feel safe around you. You need to shape up George. I mean it!
"Mary Poppins?" Winifred called up the stairs.
Mary Poppins opened the door to the nursery. "Yes m'am?"
"Can you please have the children pack their suitcases? They'll be staying with their grandparents for the next couple weeks. Everything has been arranged."
"Right away m'am"