What I know – 1076 words
I had lost touch with my husband. Ever since the car accident, he seemed vague and disinterested. Even the children noticed it, and his usual partaking in family chats and days out had dwindled to nothing. We were all concerned for him. It had been five months, and we wanted our loving Husband and Father back.
I did confide in a couple of his friends, as he spent a lot of time with them at that point, out drinking at the pub or fishing and such like, but Harry said ……
“I haven’t really noticed any difference in George – in fact, I’m the one who is worried, as his snooker has improved no end lately – he keeps beating me! I would say he’s on top form”.
Chris had added “He seems happy enough to me Marie – why, what’s the matter?”
“Oh nothing – it’s probably just me” I said, but I couldn’t work it out.
They were not particularly helpful with advice or wisdom, but I guess it soothed me a little to know that they were not worried about him and, perhaps he was just a little more relaxed in their company for some reason.
I decided to talk to him about it; to find out if I could help in any way. We always talked to each other about anything at all, only this time I had left it, as I had been busy with the children going back to School, planning Christmas surprises and looking after my Mother in Law, with whom he had also lost interest.
I broached the subject a few days later, but he just got angry.
“I’m fine, there’s nothing wrong with me!” he snapped.
Abruptly, he continued to advise me to concentrate on more pressing matters like looking after the children and his Mother. I started to tell him that I was only concerned because I love him, but he flew out the door, slamming it behind him. He said he was going out to meet his friends.. And then he was gone, leaving me to contemplate for a few minutes before the children came home from School. That tactic hadn’t worked. I mean, I wasn’t going to complain about the pressure I was under to look after everyone without his support; I just wanted to see him smile again. ‘I’ll think of something’ I told myself, hopefully.
A few days later, however, I received some great news in the post. Scanning the letter, I picked out the words ‘Congratulations, you have won a meal for two at the Gattopardo Restaurant’. How wonderful, I had won the competition in the local newspaper. This, to me, was a good omen.
When George got home from work he seemed quite jolly for a change, so I told him about my fortune.
“That is great news Marie – see if you can book it up for Friday night”.
I was so excited, I phoned the restaurant immediately and made a reservation. I really was excited.
George really cheered up that week, and when I told him how pleased I was to have ‘my George’ back, he said that he was too, but he still offered no reason for his recent moods.
We both made an effort to dress our best that Friday evening, as the Gattorpardo is a sophisticated place. We had a fabulous meal, accompanied by great conversation; the type we always used to have, and we made love when we got home. It was the first time in at least 5 months. What a wonderful relief to feel ‘normal’ again. George and I have always been close, and I missed his gentle touch and kisses.
The next day was sunny and warm, and George was equally as bright with the children.. I had prepared an extensive breakfast (virtually a banquet actually!) and had woken everyone half hour earlier than usual to their favorite foods.
“Time to get up Chloe, I’ve made eggy bread for you”.
“Marky, rise and shine – bacon sandwiches downstairs”
George enjoyed his scrambled eggs and bacon and we all chatted together. They all left the house, after their feast, content and full, leaving me almost overcome with happiness and new energy.
I decided to use up some of my energy on the house and I was cleaning the oven when the doorbell rang. The man on the doorstep presented George’s coat to me.
“I dropped you off in the taxi last night and you left this in the car. The phone in the pocket has been beeping all morning, so you are probably missing it – sorry I couldn’t drop it off earlier”. He said.
I thanked him, hung Georges coat on the banister, and got back on with the scrubbing.
‘Beep beep’ ‘beep beep’
‘That must be George’s phone’ I thought, finding myself heading for the hall. ‘I had better see if it’s important’ Pulling the phone out from his coat pocket, I saw something that took my breath away momentarily. There were two messages sitting there from ‘Mandy’. I had to look at them. I mean, you would look wouldn’t you?
I wished I hadn’t at first, but then I felt relieved. I read the words ‘I know u want your family and wife back now but I will always love u. I had the time of my life the last few months take care love Mandy xxx’ I then realised the truth. George wasn’t stressed from the horrendous car accident that he had come out of unscathed after all…..
I deleted the text.
When George came in that night, he appeared to be a little nervous. “I lost my coat last night. I tried the restaurant and they don’t have it…….”
“Don’t worry dear, I have it here. The kind taxi driver dropped it off” I soothed.
“Oh, great!” he said, looking uncomfortable.
George took the coat out to the hall and disappeared quickly upstairs with his phone. He came down a few minutes later, smiling. I presented him with his favorite steak and chips and a glass of red wine, and we had another lovely evening – all eating as a family just as it used to be.
Things are good with us all now, and George even decided to take me on a surprise holiday to the Seychelles. A second honeymoon, he called it. What I know will never be shared with him. We are a family again, and that is all that matters.
By Sandra M Dean (copyright 2009/2010)
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