Glancing down at the glass of wine in her hand she sighed heavily before glancing up to check the time. Over an hour later again and counting. Her frustration building she sharply shifts out of the chair firing the lights off as she moves through the house before heading to bed, having checked on the kids. She of course understood what work can be like, especially in their field but this was just constant and of course he was working with her wasn't he? If it was even work they were doing. Wiping her tears furiously off her face she sighs as she finally tries to sleep.
By the time he made it home he was late, ridiculously late. He of course knew she'd be furious, the whole house in darkness confirmed it. Building up the courage he heads inside, taking his shoes and coat off as he heads towards the kitchen. There's an abandoned glass of wine on the table, barely touched if at all. Sighing he turns back and finally heads up stairs, careful not to wake the kids. Reaching their door he cautiously opens it, another sign she doesn't want to speak to him, only to find her sound asleep with the dog on his side of the bed. To most that wouldn't be a problem but Copper, the kids both loved The Fox and the Hound, was a Rottweiler and easily weighed more than Duffy did. Clearly she did that on purpose too. Even more worried about waking her or Copper he quietly backs off and heads back downstairs. He had a lot of making up to do tomorrow.
Yawning the next morning he stretched out as much as he could on the couch, mindful not to fall off it, just as Peter rushed down the stairs and into the lounge probably to watch cartoons. Smiling he shifts to sitting position as Peter finally notices him.
"Oh, why did you sleep here?" Cautious not to say too much, that would not be the way to get his wife to forgive him, he keeps it casual.
"I finished work really late and didn't want to wake your mum." Nodding he flings himself on the couch, throwing a big smile his way.
"Ah. Copper nicked your side of the bed anyway." Keeping it casual he pretends to be surprised.
"Cheeky!" Smiling again he can hear the movement of his wife upstairs, no doubt getting their youngest ready. "What's your mum doing?"
"With Charlotte. Didn't you hear her crying?" Guilt ebbed in at that. Forcing himself off the couch completely he hands the remote to Peter before heading out the room. "Best go check on them."
He made as far as the landing before Copper came bounding out Charlottes room, clearly excited to see him. Trying to calm the dog down he pets him.
"Yes, Hello I missed you too. Calm down boy." It was all to no avail until a stressed Duffy appeared in the door way, their daughter in her arms.
"Copper! Go down stairs." Her voice was firm and like everyone else would have done he listened and did as he was told. Turning her attention briefly to her husband she shot him a look. "You are too soft with that dog."
It was on the tip of his tongue to say 'Well I'm not the one that lets him sleep in our bed.' But seeing her face he thought better of it. Instead he changes his tactic.
"Duffy, listen I'm sorry about last night. Work was..." He wanted to explain, reassure her but it was pointless as she wasn't listening.
"Don't bother. I've heard it all before Charlie." She sulked back off into Charlottes room, putting the now sleeping one year old back before returning to the hall and shutting the door over. "Clearly you'd rather spend our anniversary with our colleagues and Baz. What a surprise that once more I'm last on the list."
He winced at her tone, this was on a new level of angry. "Duffy! I really am sorry, a road accident came..." Again, not listening. Not at all. Flinging her hands up at him she shakes her head as she speedily into their bedroom.
"Don't! You've had an excuse for every late you've done recently. Funny how I can get out reasonably on time." Following her he shuts the door behind her, they didn't need Peter to hear them bickering.
"Not every late, I was on time on Tuesday and the Friday before that." Scoffing loudly he was not helping matters as she attempted to pick something to wear but so far that just consisted of her getting more and more frustrated.
"Oh sorry, I mean every late you are on with Baz. That better?" The shock filled his face at her words as everything started to fall into this is why she's so angry.
"What?" She didn't really think that did she? "Duffy I promise you.." Again, not listening. Shaking her head, the tears filling her eyes that instantly broke his heart. Why hadn't he noticed?
"Don't." She couldn't do this, not this early and exhausted. "I'm going for a shower." With that she was off into the ensuite, the door slamming behind her.
By the time she reappear she was dressed in a mid length navy skirt and white top, their now wide awake daughter chatting in her arms. Smiling at his daughter who was the spitting imagine of her mother she reached her tiny arms out, clearly wanting his attention but Duffy wasn't paying attention. She didn't even so much as look at him, her focus on Peter.
"Peter, go pick some toys to take in the car." The small childs head shot up, intrigued now.
"Where we going?" It wasn't just Peter that was intrigued, Charlie was too. This wasn't the plan was it?
"To see auntie Megan. Come on chop chop." The youngster quickly ran out the room, leaving his stepdad to question his mum.
Bending slowly she places her daughter on the lounge carpet before intending to head out the room to get herself sorted by Charlie shifts to block her exit.
"Duffy? What's going on?" Her eyes were cold as she meets his eye.
"I'm taking the kids to see Megan." Trying to move past him she sighs heavily as he once more blocks her exit. "We'll be back tomorrow night." Glaring up at him, frustrated at his actions. "I'm sure you'll enjoy the peace of us not being here to hold you back." With that said she forcefully pushes him away, rushing off.
Try as he might he was unsuccessful in stopping Duffy leaving the house. He was working all weekend whereas she had a rare one off so he had no real way to stop her nor follow her. He didn't understand what on earth was going, she was fine yesterday morning and now this? Had someone put this nonsense in her head? What if she didn't come back? God knows what Megan would say or knew. What a bloody mess, firing himself on the couch he sighed at the silence. He hated how quiet the house was, she'd even taken Copper for Christs sake.
Having eventually arrived at Megan's she couldn't wait to see a friendly face. Letting Peter out the car along with Copper the pair rushed into Megan's garden, glad to be out the car at last. Rolling her eyes as she tries to unclip a fussing Charlotte she calls to her son.
"Peter, don't ruin Megan's garden!" The familiar laugh ran through her ears as she turned to follow her son, placing her youngest down to chase her brother once the gate was shut.
"Ah leave him pet, he's happy." Walking down the path she flings her arms around the younger woman, glad to see her but instantly worried at how little there was of the other woman once more. Bad sign, even more than the fact she was clearly running away from something.
"One day I'm going to hug you and not worry."
Sighing at her words, she didn't need a lecture on her size. Megan forever thought she had an issue in that department, regardless of her size. Taking no heed she shakes her head at Megan.
"I doubt that very much, you always were a worrier. I'm fine." Maybe she was right but regardless she could see she'd lost a fair bit of weight since the last time she seem her.
"If you say so pet. How about we go inside and have a cup of tea? Hmm?" She knew what that meant, she wanted to talk but Duffy wasn't sure that was a good idea. Where did she even begin? It was all such a mess and if she spoke about it she'd need to deal with it.