A bit of merlot Mrs Morrow,? the uniformed server offered her, his bottle raised and ready to pour a fresh glass. The table is almost ready for dinner. We'll be serving in about ten minutes.
Before Elizabeth could answer and as if on cue, Skye appeared out of nowhere, brown eyes twinkling.
Miss Elizabeth will have a sparkling cider, she interjected hotly, before she could politely reject the offer. Elizabeth reddened at Skye's stealthiness, her heart pounding as the server walked away to get a fresh chilled bottle.
Hmmmmm, Skye continued as the young man walked away. Would you prefer an eggnog Elizabeth? It's fully pasteurized. And virgin too, she smiled craftily. Think of all the calcium, Skye hinted, raising a brow.
Elizabeth averted her eyes, her face warm at the scrutiny. She had been avoiding being alone with Skye all evening and up until this point, it had been a success. Kurt Morrow's Japanese associates had all incurred an invitation to the mansion for Christmas dinner and the foreign guests provided a buffer between her and Skye's intense hovering. Between communicating with the language barrier, and trying to keep an overly excited Vixen at bay, she hadn't had a moment's peace all evening.
Her mother in law was in her element playing hostess, flitting around the room like a black swallowtail, slim and regal in a festive gold and red striped dress. A french knot placed high on her head accentuated her cheekbones and her large eyes glittered with merriment, bright as the new garnets at her throat. It was an excitement that frightened Elizabeth. Because every glance from Skye was another unspoken question, none of which she felt ready to answer.
Now Elizabeth, they're almost ready to bring in in the first course, Skye announced, practically dragging her away from the parlor towards the study and near one of the small balsamic fur trees draped with red ribbons that were scattered throughout the main floor. Elizabeth looked helplessly at Nicholas who was instructing the pianist on what carols their guests wanted to sing along with. He looked at her with apologetic eyes as the grand room blossomed into something like a karaoke lounge. She had been longing for a moment with him all evening and was getting more desperate as time went on.
You sit right here with me, Skye insisted as they approached the rich burgundy Chesterfield love seat.
But…, Elizabeth protested. Shouldn't we go into the dining room?
But Elizabeth, we haven't had time to have a little chat, she continued as Elizabeth sat next to her. Between the Christmas party yesterday and your parents coming over earlier… And now with all our guests… I know you must be tired. She put a hand on Elizabeth's arm. You just have to get used to it Liz. Married into this family…. Entertaining clients and large gatherings is just another part of it. On the spur of the moment, our nice quiet family dinner intended for four has turned into an international banquet.
Elizabeth blushed deeper as Skye gave her a one over, taking in the golden waves of hair falling over a red sweater paired with her new silk green skirt. You look beautiful dear. So young and pretty. With quite a glow I must add, Skye added knowingly. Now, she pressed, grasping Elizabeth's hand, her eyes all aware, waiting for confirmation. Is there anything you want to tell me? Elizabeth bit her lip, reading Skye's frustration at her continued silence. And so she went on, dropping more suggestions that would hopefully cause her to spill.
Forget the eggnog Elizabeth. Perhaps a ginger ale would do you better, in case of nausea?
Why would I be nauseous,? Elizabeth asked innocently, playing along with her mother in law. Skye's face developed into a mischievous smirk. Oh, you know. All the hors d oeuvres. I hope you didn't ruin your appetite with those pecan stuffed mushrooms.
Liz, she eyed her pointedly, sighing in defeat, ready to beg when all else had failed. Please don't make me wait a minute longer to tell me the news. Are you and Nicholas doing it on purpose?
Doing what on purpose? Nicholas spoke as he walked into the room. Why are the two of you hiding in here, leaving Dad and I to fend for ourselves,? he scolded mockingly, dropping a kiss on Elizabeth's head who raised herself up, relieved with his interruption.
Mom, what are you accusing us of? Doing what on purpose?
Before either of them could respond, Vixen rushed into the room, decked out with green antlers on her furry head.
I'm so sorry, the caterer assigned to keeping guard on their fluffy pet huffed as she entered behind her. I turned my back for one second when the door was open and she ran off to find you. She's so sweet. She thinks we're playing hide and seek.
It's alright, Skye replied, smiling and composed. She must be smelling the food in the kitchen. She's been snacking all day, lavishing in all the attention and bits of food she's been getting from our visitors.
Would you mind taking her out back for a bit? Elizabeth requested as Vixen rubbed herself against her thighs. She needs to burn off some energy, she suggested as she smoothed the fur over her ears.
You'll be a good girl right Vixen, ? Elizabeth whispered, feeling guilty that she hadn't had the chance to spend her usual amount of outdoor time with their pet that day. We'll be done soon enough.
Yes Mrs Morrow.
Her new bouncy ball is in the foyer, a Christmas present courtesy of Grandma, Elizabeth continued, looking pointedly at Skye, finally throwing her a bone, using clandestine wording to pacify her thirst. It glows in the dark, she'll love it…
At her words, a silver bell rang, prompting them to dinner. Elizabeth exhaled with relief at the summons that ended their conversation, hoping that Skye was placated. For now...…
Paging radiology, extension 7129, paging radiology 7129 a voice above her head boomed as Marie sat rigidly in the uncomfortable green chair, facing the security officers and the clerk at the front desk. The overhead television on the left wall sparkled with scenes from the earlier Christmas parade in downtown Palisades, and she watched blankly as one of the dancing gingerbread men grabbed a sugar plum fairy from off the float while the crowed cheered. She stared at the screen, not understanding how the revelers could be celebrating, how they could be going about their holiday as if everything was normal while her world was in turmoil.
A sad, hunched over figure, his head in his hands, sat the end of the row, and for a split second she didn't recognize him. Marie blinked, forcing away the sorrow that was threatening to spill from her eyelids. She had a hard time accepting that it was Bruce, seated in the corner, running his fingers through his hair, his cheeks moistened with tears. He would look up at her with large frighted eyes, and met her own that were trying to muster up as much hope and encouragement as she could under the circumstances. After what seemed like hours, she walked up to the woman at the reception area who was busy flirting with the hospital police sergeant.
Is there any word on Mrs Patman? Marie demanded.
Who,? the slovenly clerk asked lazily, taking her eyes away from the uniformed officer.
Patman, Marie barked, wanting to slap the mock presents off the counter and shove them in the woman's face.
Babette Patman. We have already been here for almost an hour.
Oh, the clerk responded, looking at her computer screen. She's still in triage. I'm sorry but we have less staff because of the holiday.
Marie stomped off back to her seat, glaring at the snoring and slobbering drunk in the other row of seats who would jump up from his slumber every time the annoying brats who were running around neared him.
They need to throw them all out and disinfect this place, she moaned silently. And then I need to disinfect myself!
Is there another waiting room we can go to,? she demanded, standing while an approaching security guard made his rounds.
I'm sorry Ma'am, but all emergency room patients and their families must wait in the same area, he responded.
The overhead speaker interrupted again. Attention all nursing stations, please return all empty medication canisters to the pharmacy at station 20.
Paging blood bank, paging blood bank, extension 2734.
Do they ever shut up? Marie said to herself as she once again took her seat, glaring at the family on the other side of the waiting lounge. She scowled down the hallway at the triage area. This was one time where all her money, power and influence were worthless.
Do I have to go in there myself and demand answers? This is a hospital, where people come to get better. How is anyone supposed to get better with that incessant racket. And it's Christmas. Don't these people have homes? Don't they have dinner to go to? Who brings children to an emergency room? None of them look sick to me. Babette has a real emergency here. I need to think. I need to make things better. I need some answers dammit!
She stood again and went to the payphone picking it up with a tissue from her pearl grey ostrich leather purse, carefully avoiding contact with her ear. She pressed the button to maximize the volume to the highest level.
How is she? Hank's voice boomed over the receiver after a frightened Anna handed him the phone.
We don't know anything yet, Marie replied, forgetting that she hated her husband. I'm not sure what's wrong. But from the looks of things. The way she was bleeding, where she was bleeding from…..
Marie's voice trembled as the image came to her head, Babette lifted on to the stretcher, moaning in pain, her body curled inwardly and writhing with agony.
I'm trying to keep everyone calm over here, Hank offered, referring to their guests. She could hear the urgency in Hank's voice. They were temporary allies, united by mutual grief, and concern for their son.
Bruce? Hank continued.
Marie sighed. He's ….. He won't talk. He can't talk, she uttered softly. Our boy, our poor boy, she cried, her voice shuddering. Especially on Christmas day!
Her son, her pride and joy, strong, confident….. who now looked at her, fear and terror in his blue eyes, the same ones that would cry when he was two years old… throwing a fit whenever he didn't get his way. He had grown up, sometimes she thought too fast, so spirited, cocky, arrogant, admittedly spoiled….. and reminded her so much of her own father.
She would wipe his tears, laugh and cuddle him, have Maria fetch him a new toy or fix him a snack, throw on some music and give him a tennis racket that he would pretend was a guitar. As a teenager, frequent raises in his allowance and free reign of their fully equipped basement where he would throw parties with his friends were enough to keep him happy. But none of these would work now. She was completely helpless, she couldn't make things right for him and she hated the feeling.
I'm guessing she is pregnant? Hank interrupted her thoughts, his voice a whisper at the last word. Was pregnant, he corrected himself. Has he said anything to you? About it? I know they've been trying.
They've said nothing, Marie replied. If she is, I didn't know she was. What about Roger? Did you get a hold of him?
He says he's on his way. Marie replied. Oh, she looked to the side to see Roger at the entrance, searching the room until he spotted her. There he is right now, she told Hank with relief in her voice as she waved Roger over. Hank, Roger's arrived, I'll hang up now.
Keep me posted, Hank added hastily as she hung up the phone.
Yes, Marie promised as she walked towards her nephew.
Roger, thank God you're here, she said giving him a quick embrace.
Roger examined Marie, a visage of paleness, wrought with anxiety. His mighty aunt, who he used to be so afraid of seemed so diminutive now. It pained him as he studied the graveness in her face, usually as smooth as glass but now etched with lines of worry.
What happened? His eyes moved around the room and he spotted Bruce, still as a statue with reddened eyes and staring into space. Marie pulled him to her seat, speaking in hushed tones.
I think she's had a miscarriage.
She was pregnant? Roger adjusted his glasses.
I guess so. We weren't told. Bruce hasn't said anything. It's not like she's showing or anything. He won't talk to me, she continued frantically. Will you talk to him. I can't deal with him…..so closed off.
I'll do my best, Roger promised, getting up and going over to Bruce's side.
Hey man, how are you holding up, he began, awkwardness creeping in as he approached the sad figure, beaten and defeated. Feelings and emotions were not what they did well. To his surprise, Bruce opened up like a tidal wave, spilling all his torment at once. One look at Roger and he burst into tears.
It's all my fault. All my fault. I forced her, and now…. He continued to sob.
A look of horror engulfed Roger's features at Bruce's attempts at confession. What do you mean you forced her? Bruce? What are you saying? Don't tell me that you….
Right at that moment a nurse approached the room, requesting their presence. The three of them got up from their seats and were lead into a separate area in the back.
The doctor will be with you shortly, she announced.
Where is my wife? Bruce demanded, finding his voice again.
They're preparing her for admission sir, she explained as a young man in green scrubs approached them.
I'm Doctor Jacobs, he introduced himself and led them into yet another room and through another hallway, hidden from the main waiting area. Mrs Patman has signed permission to discuss her condition with you. He looked across the three of them. And you are Mrs Patman's?….
I'm her husband, Bruce spoke again. This is my mother and cousin, he motioned.
The doctor nodded. He shook his head, adjusting his stethoscope. Bruce held his breath, dreading the next words. Surely this couldn't be real. He felt like he was in a daze. Confusion overwhelmed him when he heard the words coming from the doctor's lips. He spoke to all, but his attention was turned to Bruce.
I'm very sorry Mr Patman, but your wife has lost her baby, he explained with sympathy. Bruce felt like his knees were buckling, like he was underwater, with muffled sounds playing over and over in his mind. He stared blankly as the doctor continued with his update, all hope gone that his unborn child was still somehow alive. Her fever is high and she has developed an infection. We've given her some pain medication, also something to relieve her anxiety. We've given her antibiotics that will remove all infection from her body and avoided septicemia.
Septicemia? Bruce blanched, wishing he had paid better attention in biology courses.
Blood poisoning, Dr Jacobs explained. He nodded gravely. Potentially very dangerous. We caught it right in time. We do expect her to make a full recovery.
Can we get her away doctor Jacobs? Marie spoke up, sighing with relief as the color returned to Bruce's face. To the more private area of the hospital? I believe it's in the G wing, Marie added all too knowingly.
Oh of course. We are well aware that ummmmm…..certain patients and ummmmmm families….in Sweet Valley require higher levels of uhhhhhh seclusion in matters such as these.
The admissions agent has already arranged her room up there. You're probably aware of the the private parking lot as well. She's been admitted to our most exclusive wing, he informed them. She's in fine hands. One of the best that Southern California has to offer, he assured them.
And now, I must get back to my other patients. Are there any questions?
All three declined, the mixture of relief and exhaustion rendering them silent.
Holidays are the hardest in the ED, the doctor sighed. I will arrange to have you escorted to the G building where you can see her…..
Marie sank herself into the plush comfort of the family area reception. She looked around admiringly. It was a huge step up from their previous surroundings. If not for the dire situation, she could imagine that she was in a lounge of a luxury hotel.
Thank heaven they were in a private section of the hospital, away from the Christmas drunks and commoners!
She's still heavily sedated, so I do recommend just one at a time, Babette's nurse had told them when they arrived.
Marie and Roger sat outside as Bruce walked into the suite, shutting the door behind him, allowing him sequestered moments of sorrow. She went to the phone again, this time requesting that Jeeves pick her up.
A headache had formed and all she wanted was to be home again. It had been a long, emotionally draining day. The servants had already spread the word and their loyal longtime chauffeur, aware of the family's distress was willing to interrupt his Christmas dinner to pick up the lady of the house….
Two hours later when Roger was driving him home, a subdued Bruce stared out the window at the brilliant holiday lights….. that only seemed to create a mockery of his solemn mood. This is all my fault, he began again.
How can you say that? Roger asked, treading lightly.
I mean...…What I mean is I pressured her. And look what happened. I was jealous of you and Lila and I wanted a baby too. I don't even know if I like kids. They're annoying and smelly, but…I wanted one so bad, he moaned…..with words broken apart in his grief.
Roger briefly took his eyes off the road as they approached a stop sign. You heard the doctor, she'll be alright.
No she won't. I did this. This is my fault, Bruce insisted.
What did you mean when you said you forced her? I don't understand.
I don't mean it like that. I tricked her, I lied to her father and pretended and faked everything and now it's all my fault. And now I have to pay for it. There really is a god and he's punishing me, he began sobbing again. I faked all of it, just so I could marry her. I never cared about church, it's boring and stupid and I don't believe in half of it. I mean really? Be a good boy and have no fun here on earth so that when I die I can get an invite to some pearly gates in the sky? He scoffed with disgust. Please, he laughed bitterly. I bet my gates down here are way shinier than the ones up there. I only went to church because her father wouldn't let me marry her. And the old nuns in France were really nice to me even though I've been a real jerk my whole life. I was selfish and jealous of you and Lila having a baby before us and I did this on purpose.
What do you mean you did this on purpose. You still haven't said?
I just mean that I pressured her. Not physically or anything like that.
Liar! He rebuked himself silently, his head hung in shame, unable to look Roger in the eye...
It's so warm for Christmas, Alice began, trying her best at smoothing things over and ignoring the Elizabeth coated shrapnel still dashing through the room.
Yes, unusually so, Emily agreed as she read the thermostat on the wall. Seventy three degrees and it's evening in December. We have to turn on the ceiling fan at nights. Can't sleep without it. We don't use the air conditioner, she added, glancing at her husband, her expression sheepish.
Big waste of money if you ask me. Bert Wilkins, piped up after being silent all evening.
Jessica flashed her stormy eyes on him, clearly indicating that his contributions to the conversation were unwanted. Bert turned away, his brown eyes frustrated. Being in the presence of his daughter in law was like watching a beautiful nightmare. He was trying his best to be respectful… to not meddle in his son's affairs, but he was at his breaking point. He could certainly understand what Todd initially saw in her. His son was after all a young man. Tonight she was all youth and beauty, clad in what resembled a negligee that was way too low at the top and too high at the bottom. He glanced her with disapproval, all while trying not to stare at her bosom spilling out of her dress.
She seemed to be proud that her nightly jaunts were frequently front page news on the silly, shallow local tabloids that comprised her reading material. He and Emily had both been bewildered when Todd announced their engagement, baffled at their wedding and completely perplexed that this sham of a marriage hadn't ended yet. The one redeeming quality of this entire fiasco was the grandson it produced. He looked across the room and looked fondly at Jake, who was now trying to feed a candy cane to his teddy bear. Bert sighed. He was such a sweet loving little boy that neither him or his wife got to spend enough time with.
And it's all because of her,! he thought, trying not to glare at Jessica at the corner of his eye.
Everything is all wrong for Todd and it's all because of her!
Two months ago, the Valley One Bank had accidentally sent the bills to his old address, and then forwarded it to the new, much smaller apartment he and Emily now lived in. He hadn't paid attention to the name on the envelope, he had gone right on and opened it, only to see a bill in Todd's name for well over eight thousand dollars. When he confronted Todd, his very embarrassed son told him it was from one of his first credit cards, one that he hadn't used in years, one that he never updated the address on.
Todd seemed to have no idea of the charges, and tried to explain them away. But Bert knew better. He knew that Jessica's pretty little hands had a knack for digging into his son's wallet and helping herself to his hard earned money. How else could they explain their lifestyle? He looked out towards the patio and pool in the back, the lights from the valley twinkling like stars below. They had a beautiful home, but was it worth it? Todd was clearly tired and defeated, suffocating in the lair of the succubus he had married.
They didn't raise Todd to be a quitter, but this is the one exception where they would be proud if he decided to throw in the towel of this heinous union. He never had the luck to be blessed with a daughter but if he did, she sure as hell would be better attired at Christmas dinner. He wanted his son away from this. She was dragging him down. He didn't want Todd to make the same mistakes that he did.
It was nearly ten years ago that he had been promoted at Varitronics and the money had poured in. He didn't have the type of wealth that the people living further up the hill had, but at least he and Emily could afford their dues at the country club, their homeowners association fees, take a vacation every year and leave a nice inheritance for Todd. But…..Bert sighed, even that was gone. It had all come so fast, as fast as the greys pouring from his scalp, and, when the ride was over, he had fallen hard. Poor investments, bad advice, and overspending had cause him to lose it all within a few months.
So they had drastically reduced their spending, given up the oversized home, the cars, and the vacations. Emily had gone back to catering and they had tried to salvage the scraps of his retirement. His previously dark head of hair had thinned considerably, and the bags filled with exhaustion and worry under his eyes were darker every minute with one stress after another.
So after mistakenly receiving and opening this bill he had sat down with Todd and drilled it into him that he could not keep up with the Jonses up on the hill and it was pointless trying. And he had gotten through to him. It had opened up a dialogue between them that was long overdue. The mortgage payments were eating up his son and Todd had finally agreed that his first step would be to sell the house.
He agreed with his dad that he made a mistake when he bought the home and that he would inform Jessica that they would be moving. So it was with the assumption that the unhappy couple had already had this discussion that he voiced his concern at the dinner table, and opened a wasps nest, with his lovely daughter in law as the queen hornet.
So Bert Wilkins, who had barely said two words all evening suddenly came to life.
Big waste of money if you ask me, he declared again.
What is dear? Emily replied.
The air conditioning. Well, he continued, as the rest of the table paid attention. With all the glass in this house, the insulation can't be that great. Is the air conditioning zoned in this house?
Zoned? Emily repeated, taking a small bite of her braised turkey shank.
You know, instead of central air. That means you don't have to cool the entire house, just the rooms you're using. I mean, with all the sunlight coming in, it probably costs a fortune to cool this place. In energy terms glass is extremely inefficient unless it's triple glazed. Otherwise, all it does is leak heat on cold winter nights and turn buildings into greenhouses on summer days.
He turned his attention to Todd. It's probably going to come up with the appraiser when they do the inspection. Did you get back with the realtor son?
Realtor? Jessica's ears perked up, her eyes narrowing dangerously.
You spoke with a realtor?, she looked at Todd accusingly.
What realtor? When was this?
I called a realtor a couple of weeks ago. Just to get some numbers, some input. He averted his eyes, clearly not wanting to discuss the matter.
But after her seventh glass of wine, Jessica was not about to let this go. Input on what? Why? Why would we need a realtor Todd?
I thought…..Bert began. Never mind, he continued as Emily gave him a warning glance.
Why was there a realtor here Todd,? Jessica pressed on, ignoring Todd's father.
I'm just keeping our options open.
Options? What options?
About whether or not we should be downsizing. This house is too big for just the three of us.
Jessica glared at him, her eyes stony.
We are not selling this house!
We will talk about this later, Todd almost shouted, standing his ground.
What options,? Jessica repeated.
I said we will discuss this later, Todd grunted, his brown eyes flashing finality.
Steven shot him another nasty look. Ned and Alice were distinctly uncomfortable. Knives and forks scraping on plates amidst the heavy silence was grating on everyone's nerves.
So will he be starting school soon,? Emily motioned to Nathan, treading lightly, sticking to a safe subject.
Yeah, Cara laughed uneasily.
There was an unheard sigh of relief at the table when the discussion changed. Yes, I'm still making sure he's all vaccinated. He's gotten his late because he has a meltdown as soon as he smells the nurse's alcohol swab. He knows what it's for. And they have to be potty trained, she continued. Nathan might have a little accident here and there but he's gotten much better. That's what the enrollment coordinator at Ansonia told us when Jess and I went there for a tour. Right Jess? I'm pretty sure it's the same at Sweet Valley elementary.
Ansonia? The private school,? Bert interrupted, practically spitting out his water.
You went to Ansonia for a tour? Why?
Jessica's face was pure saccharine as she announced…. Because I'm going to enroll Jake there, that's why.
Bert was dumbfounded as he looked at his wife. Todd, you didn't tell us this, he shook his head. That place is ten grand a year, and that's just for the babies. I thought he'd just go to Sweet Valley Elementary when it's time.
You thought wrong, Jessica corrected him with defiance, bordering on rudeness. I will send him wherever I think is best.
No you're not, Todd interjected with annoyance. He was tired of skating around on the thin ice of issues that neither of them wanted to face.
What's best is for him to go to Sweet Valley elementary just like we did.
Jessica's lips curled into a bright smile while her eyes glazed with venom . I'm keeping my options open, she threw his words back at him. We will discuss this later…
An hour after their families had left, Jessica heard Jake's door close after Todd put him to bed and emerged from her bedroom, meeting him on the landing with guns blazing.
How dare you! How dare you embarrass me in front of my family like that! You had no right to make my catering staff go away. And you are sure as hell are not selling my house!
Your house? Your house? Todd repeated, folding his arms. Is this a joke? You have not put in a cent towards this house! Not the down payment, not the closing cost, not the monthly payments, nothing. All you do is call out at work, sleep till noon, laze by the pool and invite your trashy new friends over!
You were completely out of line, disregarding my dad like that!
I don't give a damn about your dad, Jessica replied furiously, flipping her hair over. He has no right to tell me where my son is going to school. You had no right to go behind my back with your father and try to sell this house from under me! What's next? An open house? Your dad needs to stick his nose into his own affairs.
He has a point, Todd countered, the weight of holding in his misery causing him to unravel. I can't keep spending like this. I can't keep living like this. My father is only looking out for me, he's been through the ringer for the past few years and deserves some respect!
Well Todd, Jessica put her hands on her hips. Our finances are none of his business.
Our finances? Are you kidding me? My finances you mean. All I'm doing is financing your lifestyle. I will sell this house if I damn well please. And Jake is going to Sweet Valley elementary.
The hell he is. Lila's little brother is his best friend! And he's going to private school. And so is Jake!
He'll make other friends at the public school, Todd replied.
He shook his head, trying in vain to make her see the impracticality of her demands. Just where do you think the money is going to come from Jessica? I don't have George Fowler's bank balance.
She glared at him, her eyes stormy. You just need to man up and make things happen! I want my son to have the best. The best sports facilities, best classes, best teachers. If you were any kind of father you'd see to that.
Really Jess? Trying to insult my parenting? That's low, even for you. He laughed harshly, throwing an insult her way.
Since when do you care about academics? Miss C and D student.
Look who's talking, Jessica threw back. Wizzer Wilkins. Dropped out of college and ended up behind some skank bar.
I mean it Todd, she continued. Your parents need to butt out of how I'm raising my son. Like they did such a great job with you, she scoffed meanly. Look at how you turned out. She looked him up and down, eyes focused on his groin, punching below the belt where she knew it would hurt.
You do not measure up in any way shape or form. You're lame on the basketball court and a sorry ass snore in the bedroom.
Have you ever considered that you just don't do it for me,? Todd retorted.
Oh? And who does? It's so obvious there are three of us in this marriage. Is that the reason you're acting like a creep, touching me at night and pretending I'm her?
The look on his face was pure guilt and she knew she was right.
Are you fantasizing about her in her Little house on the prairie nightie and her granny panties,? Jessica taunted. You had your fun with me and thought I was going to turn into her after we got married. Is that what it is? Well guess what? Newsflash Todd.
That is not happening! Disappointed are you? Trust me, I feel the same.
You and I are not compatible, we never have been never will be.
Oh? Did I hit a nerve? Well good. Because it's all your fault. She hates me because of you!
Her voice broke, indicating her fury had flashed into sorrow. To his surprise tears emerged from a self pitying crying jag, fueled by the alcohol she had imbibed that night. In a split second he almost felt sorry for her, crying over the loss of the person who had been closest to her in the world.
You took my sister away from me and I'll never forgive you. I hate you. I hate everything about you. This is not what I signed up for!
You're blaming me? Are you for real? You are unbelievable. I wish I never hooked up with you in the first place! He stood firm, unmoved by her tears. That first time, just thinking about it… it makes me sick!
And believe me the feeling is mutual sweetheart, Todd continued. I hate being married to you. You're lazy, entitled, and act like you're still in highschool. He threw up his hands beyond dejected. This isn't a marriage. This isn't a relationship. It's you playing house on my dime and I'm fed up! You refuse to grow up! When are you going to grow up and take responsibility for your life?
When am I going to turn into Elizabeth you mean?
Stop trying to play daddy with me Todd. You're not telling me what to do. I'm done with this and I am done with you. You've ruined my life! But this is far from over. Trust me, I will come out on top. I wish you nothing but an un Merry Christmas and an unhappy fucking new year.
And so, deep in the valley, when some of the denizens felt the tiniest of rumbles, they shrugged it off as a minor earthquake. They were after all…. in southern California. But it wasn't quite so. What they experienced was the impact of Jessica's hand colliding with the side of Todd's face when he decided to reciprocate her seasons greetings.
Many happy returns bitch.
Thwak!
There was no time to blink as her arm swung up at his face, leaving him completely flabbergasted at what just happened.
The tears were gone and her face was now arid, eyes suddenly blue and frighteningly cold.
You haven't seen bitch, she uttered, her voice now a dead calm, and the home eerily silent… a far contrast to the shouting match moments earlier.
He was unable to move as she turned around and stormed up the stairs, slamming her bedroom door…
It's only when he made his way down the stairs, his nerves rattled that he realized the cleaning of the kitchen and dining room had been left to him. Again…...