AFTER MY REVENGE, HUSBAND REMOVED DUE TO NEWBORN’S CRIES.
Alice is startled that her husband Jake abandoned them, citing Lily as being “too loud,” along with their young daughter. Feeling overwhelmed and alone, Alice turns to his mother for assistance, hoping to help Jake realize the cost of his conceit. Alice plans to get Barbara to help her persuade him reconsider his decision. What steps will Barbara and she take?
I pulled Lily tight as her warm breath caressed my chest. Other than the constant creak of my rocking chair, there was silence in the living room.
My mind was spinning with all the obligations that were in store for me. I enjoyed having this time to myself with my small child, despite the fact that I was exhausted from cleaning the dishes. I needed to plan a time to rock her softly to sleep.
Lily had only been with us a few weeks. Those weeks flew by in a blur of never-ending fatigue and amazing chaos.
My days were occupied with feeding Lily, changing her diapers, and trying to keep our house clean.
Though sleep was a rare luxury, I was happy to have every moment I had with her.
At the same time, Jake seemed distant, almost like a shadow in his own home.
He seemed to be somewhere else even though he was physically present as he grappled with the new realities of parenthood.
As I drew Lily closer, I noticed Jake hurriedly packing his clothes into a suitcase at the bedroom door.
What are you doing, Jake? Perplexed, I inquired.
“I’m going to spend a few weeks at Mike’s place,” he continued, not looking at the audience. A knot formed in my stomach. How come? Why not?
Jake closed his suitcase and looked up at me. That baby makes too much noise. Alice, after all of this chaos, I need time to relax! Before I come back, you better find a way to make this place livable!”
There was a punch to his statements. “Jake, you can’t just leave. Our little one is here! Here, you are required. I said.
He shrugged and slung the backpack over his shoulder. “Alice, I’m not capable of handling this right now. I just need a little space.
I began to cry as tears welled up in my eyes. Jake, kindly remain with us. We have to handle this as a family.
But he shook his head, his expression devoid of regret. “I’ll be back in a few weeks.” Just… work things out,” he said coldly, his lack of concern breaking my heart.
I looked down and saw Lily’s little face, happy and unaware of what was going on.
I hugged her tighter and felt both regret and rage at the same time, a tear streaming down my cheek. Even though I felt so alone at the time, I knew I had to stand by her side.
It stunned me when Jake walked away. How on earth was he able to just walk out like that? Even if he had never helped, this desertion was heartbreaking.
In desperation, I reached for the phone. I had to call someone for aid, and Jake’s mother Barbara was the only person that sprang to mind. We had originally wanted privacy when Lily was delivered, but right now, more than anything, I needed assistance.
I tried to call her and shook my hands.
Barbara responded after a few rings, sounding as content as usual. Hello, Alice! What’s the matter between you and my precious granddaughter?
When I said, “Hello, Barbara,” I shuddered. “I apologize for calling you out of the blue, but I truly need your assistance.”
Barbara suddenly grew serious in her voice. “Dear, what’s wrong?”
Jake simply turned to leave. He said he needed some time away and won’t be coming back for a few weeks. Everything seems to be overwhelming me. Please, will you come on over?
The individual on the other end of the call paused. Alice, without a doubt. When I have the chance, I’ll be there.
Barbara, I’m grateful. There’s nothing left for me to do. I answered in despair.
“Alice, please be patient. We’ll work through this together, she told me.
I hung up the phone feeling a tiny bit hopeful. Soon assistance would be provided. I looked down at Lily, who remained peacefully asleep in my arms.
I kissed her tiny forehead and whispered, “Sweetheart, it’s going to be okay.” We’ll get through this.
I sat down on the couch and took a long breath to calm my racing heart. As I waited, anxiety tore at me.
Asking Barbara to stay seemed like a big ask; how could I make her do it? Still, the question lingered, unsettling: how would I handle things on my own? While I waited for her to arrive, these concerns raced through my head.
There were no friends I could turn to for support.
I had to organize things and, if necessary, figure out how to handle everything by myself. But I would not be alone, at least not tonight. I figured Barbara would be here soon, and we would decide what to do together.
The doorbell interrupted my train of thought. I got to my feet, inhaled deeply, and opened the door. Barbara was standing there.
I knew I had made the correct decision, and as I ushered her in, I felt a wave of relief.
She asked, putting her arms around me and saying, “Alice, dear, how are you doing?”
The floodgates opened, and I was left unable to stop crying. It’s been really difficult, Barbara, I wailed. Jake has been being so aloof lately, and now he’s just abandoned us. He went to stay at Mike’s apartment, saying he wanted space.
Barbara listened, her expression becoming more serious as she said. I told her about the insults Jake had hurled at me, the never-ending duties, and the restless evenings.
She allowed me to release all of the hurt and annoyance I had been holding inside without interjecting.
Barbara looked stern when I finally finished. “Where was he supposed to go again, anyway?”
“Mike’s house,” I said, blotting away my tears.
Barbara pulled out her phone without thinking. “This is completely inappropriate. Her voice was forceful and determined as she spoke, “He needs to be here, supporting you.”
Holding my breath, I watched as she swiftly called Jake. It was not long before he picked up.
This is your mother, Jake! A man like him is not what I raised! I will treat you like a stranger if you treat your family like strangers! Return home and assume responsibility, she sternly commanded.
Jake’s reply was not audible to me, but Barbara’s comments said volumes. She was enraged and resolved to give him a hard lesson.
Her face softened as she turned back to face me as she hung up.
“You’re not by yourself in this, Alice. I’ll spend the night with you and take care of Lily. We will plan tomorrow morning. I’ll make sure that loser feels bad for leaving his lovely family for the rest of his goddamn life if he doesn’t return home.
I nodded, grateful and relieved at the same time. “Barbara, thank you. I had run out of options.
She gave a soft smile. “Alice, we’ll overcome this together. You’re performing admirably. Don’t allow Jake’s behavior lead you to believe differently.
We took care of Lily for the remainder of the evening, and Barbara made me a delicious dinner. She made sure I had time to relax by doing the dishes as well.
I sat with her in the living room the following morning, feeling a mixture of determination and anxiety. With her small hands reaching for my face, Lily was cooing sweetly in my arms. Her naive glance brought me some comfort, so I grinned down at her.
Barbara extended her arm to caress Lily’s cheek. “It’s gorgeous, Alice. You’re performing admirably.
With a somewhat trembling voice, I said, “Thank you.” “All I want is for Jake to return today.”
Barbara squeezed my hand reassuringly. “We’ll tackle whatever unites us.”
Slowly, the minutes passed by. I kept looking at the clock, nervousness twisting in my stomach. Would Jake ever return? Or would he simply abandon us once more?
I was getting tired of being unsure.
The front door creaked open, saving me from certain death.
As soon as Jake entered, looking worn out and unkempt, I held my breath. He obviously hadn’t gotten much sleep the previous evening. He looked from me to Barbara, who gave a quiet nod.
I inhaled deeply, preparing myself. I said, “Jake, we need to talk.”
He didn’t say anything, keeping his eyes on me. I plucked up the bravery and continued, though my voice was a little wobbly. “Jake, you can’t just quit when things become tough! We recently had a baby! Lily is in need of her parents both.
Jake gave a languid nod, leaving a lingering stillness. Barbara moved in closer and put her reassuring hand on my shoulder. Alice, we’re here to help you, she said. “Remember that this is a group endeavor.”
I felt a glimmer of optimism ignite inside me as I glanced at Barbara. “Barbara, thank you. Your assistance is much appreciated,” I uttered, my voice beaming with thanks.
At last, Jake spoke up, his tone tentative and low. “I realize I should perform better.”
I met his stare, determined and firm. I went on, “Jake, this isn’t simply about uttering the proper words. It’s about being there for your family and turning up every day. Promises are not enough just now.
Barbara stood up, her intensely furious gaze meeting Jake’s. “Jake, deeds speak louder than words. Recall that, she uttered.
I was aware that this was only the start. It remained to be seen if Jake would actually step up, but one thing was certain: I was no longer alone. Barbara’s resolute support gave me strength.
I leaned in close, cradling Lily, and said, “We’re going to be okay, sweetheart.” Day by day.
