Helen slips in the room. She quietly closes the door. Apparently, Will is in the bathroom. She leans back against the door and considers what she should say to him.
Will is leaning over the sink, constantly bringing up water from the faucet and putting it over his face. He turns off the running water and dries off with a towel. Suddenly, his eyes open wide. He thinks to himself, "What have I done? I just had an outburst directed at my wife, in front of the kids." Will hangs the towel back up. He heads to the door and hears Helen crying.
He stops to think for a moment.
Helen is sobbing. She just can't seem to find out what would make Will, a healthy middle aged man, so unhappy. "Oh, my God." Helen thought when she realized what could possibly be wrong. "He's going through his midlife crisis."
Will comes out of the bathroom. He just stands there for a moment, not being able to face Helen. His eyes shift as he passes by her to get to his side of the bed. He has already changed into his pajamas. Helen moves from in front of the door and heads to the bathroom. She quickly changes into a sleeveless night shirt and flannel pants. Helen comes out of the bathroom. Will stares at his wife. She goes over and sits on his side of the bed. She gives him a feeble look. Will tries to speak.
"Helen, I'm sor…" Will begins.
"Will. It's not okay." Helen darts back.
"I know."
"What's wrong with you?"
"Is it hot in here or is it just me?"
"Will…"
"I'm serious."
Will somewhat fans himself. Sweat begins to appear on his brow. Helen places her hand on his cheek, not expecting to feel very warm skin. She, then, kisses Will on his forehead and brings her cheek down up against his own.
"You do feel warm." Helen states.
Downstairs, Kevin, Joan, and Luke are sitting at the kitchen table starring down at it in silence. Ty is asleep in one of the chairs in the living area.
"Are we all just going to sit here, not saying anything?" Joan asks, concerned.
Luke stupidly asks, "Are they going to get a divorce?"
"No. At least, they better had not." Kevin reprimanded.
"Well, I mean it's their decision." Luke added.
"You know, Luke. Just shut up." Kevin shot back.
"We don't want to think negatively. We don't want Mom and Dad to split. I mean, I don't." Joan stated.
"Me, neither." Kevin said.
"Can we help them?" Luke asked.
"I'm not getting near Dad. He scared me." Joan remarked.
"Yeah, he scared me, too. Mom, too." Kevin added.
"Come on. Can we like hold hands or something." Luke asked, about ready to cry.
Kevin nodded his head in agreement. Joan leaned her head down on Kevin's shoulder, who wrapped his arm around his sister. Luke held Kevin's and Joan's hands.
Back upstairs, Helen is sitting upright on top of the covers. Her legs extend to the end of the bed. She is reading a newspaper article. Will is sitting adjacent to her, not doing anything. Thinking.
"Helen?" Will asked.
"Yes." Helen responded.
"Is this what they call a midlife crisis?"
Helen looked up from her paper. She then laid it down next to the bed and took Will's hand.
"I don't know. That's the only way I could explain your moodiness and reactions. But, I'm not a psychologist, so don't ask me." Helen stated.
"I'm sorry for the way I've been treating you and for what I did to you downstairs." Will apologized.
"Will…"
"No, Helen. It was wrong. And you have every right to hate me and despise me. What am I going to do? How long does this last?"
"It lasts until you choose for it to stop. I want to help you, but I can't if you won't let me. All I have to say is that if you break up this family or knock up some girl half your age, I will personally KILL you."
Helen leaned over and gave her husband a chaste kiss on the cheek. She rolled over to her side. Will spooned up behind her, placing his right arm over her midsection. He moves his right leg so it's slightly on top of Helen's legs. There's a pause, until Will tries to start some humor.
"Why would you think I would knock up a girl half my age. I wouldn't want to share my future Girardis with anyone but you." Will states.
Helen doesn't exactly laugh, but it makes her smile. Will takes his hand and strokes it gently over Helen's cheek. Then, he moves his hand down her neck and tenderly rubs it across her clavicle area. He changes his tone to being serious and moves his hand away.
"I'm so sorry, Helen." He says.
Helen begins to tear up.
"I love you." Will whispers in her ear, and he kisses her on her cheek. Will rolls over to his side of the bed, making a disappointed look appear on Helen's face. She ponders awhile, then slowly closes her eyes and falls asleep.
What do you think.? Short chapter. I need at least three reviews. Please! In Chapter Five, someone will be revealed. JoAFreak