On the drive home, from the hospital, he tells me he’s very happy I’m coming home. I’m sure it’s because the babies are a hand full and he’s getting tired of dealing with them. His girlfriend must be too. I have a hard time sitting, and walking is a little painful still, but it’s a good day…I’m almost home with my babies and…it’s my birthday.
When I come in the door, the babies go crazy, talking all at once and saying “Now Dad?” He tells them to let me get in the door and let Mom settle in some. They help with my coat and almost fall over. They’re just so happy. Linus hugs me and says with all the fear in her little heart “Mom not go away…wight Mom? Mom stay wit Nina and Boo?” What do you say to that…I tell her Mom is home to stay.
Sandy and Norma are waiting to be acknowledged. They’re all smiling and perky. I swallow my distaste and thank them for looking after my monkeys. I truly am grateful they were there to get us through this. I know they were good with the babies. It’s just hard to look you husband’s mistress in the eye. They finally leave, I don’t have to pretend anymore and I can relax. I finally have a chance to breathe, get in pajamas and lay down. While I’m the bathroom, there’s a lot of commotion out there and I wonder what in the world they’re doing.
In the living room, to my great surprise, he’s prepared the sofa with my pillow and blanket. The babies are doing this delirious dance. I lay down and they kiss me and sing “Happy budday to Mommy!” at the top of their lungs. They’re hilarious…Now I know why they’re so hyper. Mommy’s home AND her happy birthday. “Now Dad?” they ask again. He says yes. They tear off to their bedroom and come back with birthday drawings. They tell me, with such pride, they made them all by their own selves. They’re absolute works of art to me. I wonder where they got the crayons…
They leave again and come back with presents. I don’t know what to say. “Hopen it Mom!” They’re so excited. From Linus, I receive a beautiful container of bath powder. “Mells gooood Mom!” And it does smell wonderful. I put some on my arms and their bellies. Boo gives me her present. She’s such a solemn child. Her big blue eyes tell me she, most of all, was the one hurting by my absence. Her gift is a little porcelain girl with a big hat and a kitty cat. It brings tears to my eyes…They’re so happy that I love my presents. I cherish this moment…They picked them out all by themselves and Daddy bought them crayons and coloring books. Again I don’t know what to say.
He gives me a gift and says “Happy Birthday” like he means it. I open it to find a beautiful bible…I’m speechless. He doesn’t believe in God…With his temper and all…I have no idea why he bought this. And the surprises keep coming. He goes for pizza, which we enjoy enormously. I even have a birthday cake, with 3 candles…I wish for…
That night the babies sleep with us because they’re afraid I will leave. They snore and squirm in their sleep and it all feels right. Yet, I don’t know what to make of this day. But it’s been a good day…I’m home, with my babies…and I’m twenty one…
Next -> Making Nice with the Mistress
Tags: bath powder, dance, smiling and perky, works of art