happily never after

by BlackNeko20

francine is a disgruntled housewife, now a widow after arthur's death from a lasting illness. the community thinks francine was a devoted wife during arthur's final days, but are they dead wrong? chapters go back and forth between past and present. rated t for violence and language.

2. Chapter 2

Chapter 2-The Past

Arthur stepped into the house. He was carrying the mail. He threw an overdue bill onto the table in disgust. Francine looked up from cooking breakfast. "I thought you paid that," she said sharply. He shook his head, "You're supposed to pay the gas bill. You have to take it to the office."

Francine sighed heavily. Arthur knew that sigh. Francine was about to call him worthless again. She was about to blame him for his late hours. Francine had never worked. She didn't understand. But she had to be in control, and she yelled at Arthur often. The kids ignored it. They were playing in the front room. Michael was 6 and Poppy was almost 11 but still 10. They had sad faces.

Arthur hated to see them suffer because of Francine. She was strict on them. She wouldn't let them play outside. She made them eat food they didn't like. Most of all, she yelled at him in front of them. Arthur hated that part the most.

"You're disgusting, Arthur! You can't get anything right! You pay the gas, water, and trash bills! I pay the light bill and the mortgage! Get it right!" she screamed. She called him an ugly name. Poppy, always the leader, led her brother upstairs. He did so without thinking. He was used to the fighting.

"I won't continue this conversation. You deal with it. I have to go to work," Arthur said firmly. Francine slammed down her spatula, "You and that goddamn boss of yours! If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were doing her!" "I'm not. We've talked about this." "I don't believe you! Going in early, staying in late! Even my fucking therapist thinks you're having an affair!"

"I wouldn't do that to the kids. Stop cursing so loud. They'll hear you," Arthur pleaded. He couldn't stop her. She was like a runaway train. Her voice was the blaring whistle. Arthur peacefully left the house. She followed him outside, still screaming. He got into his car. she was still screaming and slamming her hands on the hood. Arthur started the car and drove away. Francine ran into the street to yell some more. People stared. Arthur tried to ignore them. He had a job to do.