Freezing rain has turned the world into an ice rink. Staying upright is a challenge as I slip and slide my way to the mall. Being watched through a telescope, by that idiot husband of mine, makes it even more stressful and nerve wracking. He needs something for his headache (hangover) because he partied (drank too much) a little too well last night. I should know. The banging of the music, from the other side of the house, kept me awake most of the night. Old Jenkins was down here, first thing this morning, bitching and complaining about it to Jonathan, who never let on he was there. I wanted to laugh in his face. With his hangover and sick stomach, he just agreed with Jenkins until the old bastard went back upstairs.
The babies are so good and they play quietly like they usually do. Even though it would serve him right, I don’t incite them to riot like I do when he’s not here. No singing and dancing for now. He’s had a cup of coffee but began to turn green at the suggestion of breakfast. He dug up some bills from his pockets and asked, actually asked me, to get him something from the drug store. I have some Tylenol but he can’t know that. He sweetened the pot by telling me I could keep the change, get something for me and the babies. I wish I knew where he gets money. It magically appears when he needs or wants something.
At first, I didn’t want to go out in this weather. Then I could not resist the thought of getting out, even if it was for just a little bit. As I struggle to keep my legs beneath me, the fresh air on my face and in my lungs feels good. At the drugstore, I get what I need and I buy some Arrowroot cookies for the little ones, some chocolates and some Pepsi. Nothing nutritious and I am jubilant. I begin my trek back, only to realize I’m carrying bags and it’s a whole lot harder to stay balanced. Half way home, this stranger walks up to me and I panic. He asks for direction downtown and I begin to sweat. I exaggerate my gestures so that Jonathan will surely see that I’m giving directions. The guy thanks me and goes on his way.
By the time I get home, I have a headache. I give him some aspirin and alka seltzer. I give the babies their cookies. I can’t even eat now because my stomach hurts so much from worrying. He doesn’t say anything. Past experience has taught me well that his silence just means a worse punishment is coming - with my name on it. I’m so tired of being nervous and wound up that I go into the living room and decide to tell him flat out what happened. Just as I open my mouth, I notice the telescope hasn’t been moved from the corner. His shirt is still on it. I close my mouth. Of course…it’s way too bright out there for him to watch me today…too painful…
I tell him to go and lay down in the babies’ room, where it’s dark and he does it. The babies and I can nap on the mattress today. I have some chocolates, some Pepsi and I dare to be content. Later when the three of us cuddle for our nap, I try to recall the last time I felt this good and realize I don’t remember…
Next -> Return To Peace
Tags: hangover, ice rink, idiot husband, incite to riot