Page 17 of Something Stronger
“I want to get home. I’m tired,” he growled.
“Ok, but you didn’t have to be so rude,” I muttered.
“Why are you so up in their business all the time? You act like your family is the more important than me!” He stabbed at his chest with his finger. “I’m supposed to be number one. Me!” By this time we were home. He cut the engine and climbed out.
Night, Mama.” Amy hugged me as we got out of the car. She rushed ahead of both of us and ran to her room. As soon as her door clicked shut, I turned and faced him.
“My family is what’s keeping me here!” I screamed at him. “You should be happy I’ve been listening to them!” I stomped my foot. I was so angry and hurt from all the bullshit he’d put me through over the last several years. “What happened to you?” I started crying. “You are not the man I married. All you do is drink and blame everyone else for all your problems.”
“We wouldn’t be in this situation if it wasn’t for all of these classes you keep signing her up for!” He started pointing at the house. I knew that dance would become something we’d fight about. “It’s never enough with you. You always want more.” He stormed closer. “How come I can’t have what I want? Hmm? Are you getting it at the studio?” He sneered.
“Get out!” I screamed “And go to hell!” I stepped around him and stormed into the house, slamming the door behind me.
He stood there for a few moments before walking over to his truck, climbing in, and driving off. I have no idea where hewas going, but I’m sure a trip to the local bar was on his agenda. All of his extra time was spent there, and most mornings he woke up reeking of booze.
As soon as his taillights disappeared in the distance, I rushed to Amy’s room. She was sitting on the edge of her bed in her PJs. “Get your things.” I placed a duffle bag on the edge of the bed.
“Where are we going?” She looked up with tears in her eyes.
“Back to Aunt Codie’s.” I left the room to pack some things for myself. I needed to get away from here and clear my head. I opened up the suitcase and began throwing clothes inside. Within a few minutes, I went back to Amy’s room to grab her bag. “Let’s go.” I grabbed her hand, and we walked back out to my car. I didn’t lock the house, I didn’t even turn on a porch light. I just left. I didn’t know what my plan was or if I’d even be able to follow through with it, but I knew things needed to change and change would start with me.
Chapter 11
1 year ago
Louisiana
I never thought in a million years I’d be back at home trying to pick up the pieces of what was my dream life. I’ve been back here slowly recovering and trying to make something out of the rubble.
“What are you thinking?” My sister, Codie, came up behind me and set a cup of coffee on the table. I’d come up to the guesthouse last night for some girl talk and ended up sleeping on the couch. Amy is with my parents in the big house.
“I think that I’m going to scream. He never cared before, why now?” I slammed the papers I was holding down, almost causing the coffee to slosh over the rim of the mug.
“He’s upset because he can’t control you anymore,” she murmured as she hugged me. “You can stay as long as you want.” She stood up and went over to the kitchen. I watched as she moved about, preparing breakfast. Hank and Jack were still sleeping. It was Sunday, the one day the guys had off each week and I felt guilty intruding on their family time.
“I just wish he’d let it go.” I sighed. I filed for divorce three months ago. After trying to make things work, I finally gave up. Charlie had been clear that he wasn’t interested in being a dad. The last time we tried to do something as a family, he showed up late and so drunk he could barely stand. When he tried to drive with Amy in the car, that was it for me. I took Amy and left. We both deserved better, and I was going to do whatever I needed to make it happen. I moved back into my childhood home, and we’ve been here since. It’s summer now, so dance is on hold until school starts back up. Amy and Jack went to the same school, so she could catch the bus there, but the dance studio was on theother side of town from where we lived, so it was already a drive, and this is just going to be that much farther. Yesterday, Charlie had me served with custody papers, claiming I was keeping his child from him. I was, but with good reason. I didn’t feel that Amy was safe with him.
“He’s not going to let it go. If anything, he is the most stubborn man I know. He’s going to push and try to get his way until the judge lays down the law.” She began mixing batter in a bowl. “You wanna eat with us today?”
“I’ve imposed enough this week.” I frowned. I loved getting time with my sister, but she was a newlywed, and I felt bad always being there. I knew she deserved time with her little family too.
“Nonsense. You can eat with us, and maybe we can go swimming today. I’m sure the kids would love that.” She smiled as she poured dollops of pancake batter on the hot griddle. “Call down to the big house and have Amy come up here.” She gave me that look that said don’t argue. She perfected it from our mother. I gave in and called for Amy.
By the time breakfast was ready, everyone was up. Jack came into the room rubbing his stomach. “Do I smell bacon?” He grinned.
“You sure do. Why don’t you set the table for us? Add two more. Aunt Lou and Amy are joining.”
“Is that bacon?” Hank rubbed his jaw as he approached Codie standing by the stove.
“What is it with you guys and bacon?” I teased.
“It’s good,” he mumbled as he leaned down and pressed a kiss to his wife’s neck.
“Ugh,” Jack grumbled and rolled his eyes. “You guys are gross.”
“You won’t feel that way in a few years.” Hank chuckled as he lifted the plate of pancakes and carried them over to the table.As we all sat down, Amy came through the door. She had a sullen look on her face and refused to make eye contact.
“What’s wrong, baby?” I patted her knee as she took the seat beside me.
