“My job is downsizing and they are giving me one more week before I’m out.” Charles said, uneasy about how her response to the news.
“What!?!” Brandy yelled. “Don’t they know that you are having another baby? I’m not working full-time right now and maternity leave is right around the corner. What in the hell are we going to do? Am I going to have to get a part time job to carry us?!?!”
“NO! Why would you even think like that?!? Baby I have savings and I’m getting a severance package from work so we’ll be ok for a while. We just need to cut back on a few things until I find something else.”
“I can’t believe this. What did you do!?” She chastised.
“Huh?” He asked taken aback.
“What did you do? If the company is downsizing, they’re probably getting rid of the weakest employees first! Were you slacking on your work? Coming in late a few too many times? Getting too caught up in Monica and her drama that you couldn’t do your damn job?”
“I know you’re pregnant and that’s messing with your moods a little bit so I’m going to let that go.” Charles said getting up. “Your bath will be ready in a minute.”
Brandy pushed, rolled back, and pushed again; standing up to follow her husband. She wasn’t done with her harsh opinions on the job loss.
Like clockwork, she found a way to compare him to Jay. Convinced that the inner fears were beginning to unfold. Already uneasy about Monica flaunting her figure, the anxieties rushed in at an all-time high.
“I wasn’t done talking to you!” She shouted, making her way to the bathroom.
Charles cleaned the tub, trying to make everything perfect for his wife. Praying that the gesture would get her to shut up and calm down. However, she only cared about giving him grief over something that was beyond his control.
His hope was to receive a more supportive response. Nerves already rattled from being the head of the house and on the brink of being laid off, Charles refuse to give into his wife’s antics.
“So you’re ignoring me!?!?” Brandy yelled. “I don’t even want the damn bath now!”
“That’s fine.” He calmly replied. “I’ll just run it for myself.”
“Go to hell!” She shouted before shuffling into the bedroom.
Hurt by her words, Charles stopped cleaning and went to grab car keys the dresser. He needed a break from his wife’s wrath and the stress of losing his job.
“And where are you going?” She yelled watching him stuff the wallet into his back pocket.
“To hell...” Charles scoffed. “That’s where you want me to go right? I just wanna make you happy baby.”
“Shut up Charles! You drop this news on me and now you’re being sarcastic!”
“I’m not. You want me to go to hell. I’ll go to hell. Do I need to get you anything?”
“Stop talking to me!” She shouted.
“Lower your tone Brandy.” Charles said getting fed up with her shouting.
“NO!”
“Fine. I’ll be back in a couple of hours. It’s obvious you don’t want me here right now.”
“You walk out that door and I’ll...”
“You’ll what?” He interrupted in an unyielding tone.
The look on Charles’ face was a distraught combination of rage and agony. He wasn’t aware of the emotions building up inside. Her husband’s look and tone made Brandy calm down quickly. Unknowing of what he’d do next, she backed off, allowing him to leave in peace. Charles slammed the door and got into his car. There was no agenda for where he’d go, but staying there listening to harsh words wasn’t an option.
As she heard the garage door open, Brandy sat in the living room and cried. Confused on how her husband confiding in her ended in him leaving. She knew her reaction hit below the belt. Regretting what she said to him, she laid on the sofa, scared that wasn’t coming back.
At 12 am, Charles pulled back into the garage. He had gone out with his boy Phil to get a few drinks and catch up. Spending time with his friend allowed the mixed emotions to fade, putting everything in perspective. To his surprise, he found Brandy in the bathroom, moaning.
“Baby what’s wrong?!?” He asked, hastily rushing to her side.
“I think-I-I think the baby is coming!” She leaned over the sink.
“Ok baby relax, I got this!”
Charles rushed into the bedroom to get the baby bag.
“Charles I’m so scared.” Brandy yelled out.
“It’s ok baby. It’s ok. I got this. C’mon let’s get you to the car. I have the bag. Do you need anything else?”
“I can’t think right now.” She cried.
“Breathe baby! Just breathe!” Charles said in excitement. “We’ll be at the hospital soon. Let’s get ready to meet our princess Eve!”
He remained calm, helping a panicked wife into the car. Brandy was happy he came home just in time to take her to the hospital. Fear and stubbornness prevented her from calling to let him know she wasn’t feeling well. Fortunately, fate stepped in, sending him home minutes after the pain started.
Charles drove as fast as he could, making sporadic checks on her breathing. He knew everything to do which helped ease her fears of childbirth.
Sixteen hours later, Eve came into the world. The couple wasn’t concerned with the argument. Exchanging kisses between themselves and the baby, Eve was a sweet surprise to help mend their differences, for a while.
________
As Eve settled in at home, the family dealt with more changes. Monica and Tony separated due to his growing violent behavior. Chase was then allowed back at Monica’s home. The custody filing was no longer on the table, just as long as she promised a divorce would soon follow
Charles made it a point to do whatever he could to take care of his family and to not have his wife worry about a thing, especially money. He wasn’t able to fulfil his last week at work due to their daughter’s early arrival, however that was NOT going to stop him from being the provider for the family. Swallowing pride, he got a part-time job at a hardware store along with doing yard and construction work in the neighborhood. All the while actively interviewing for a better paying job.
Brandy was content that her husband was working so hard. However, it put a strain on him being around to help with the baby. She lost a lot of sleep and took on being the full-time parent since her husband worked around the clock to make money. He saved well, but Brandy’s panic moods urged him to stay employed.
Looking for something else to complain about, she grew tired of Charles not being there when she wanted. Not to mention, her jealousy of Monica grew more as she didn’t stick to working out. Often fussing at him for working and then fussing because the money he brought in wasn’t what she expected. Charles tried his best to keep it together but Brandy was pushing his buttons. All in all, he chopped it up as a temporary situation, not allowing his wife’s behavior to break his spirits. It also helped that he had a beautiful daughter to welcome him home especially on the days his wife didn’t.
CHAPTER 8: A LOW BLOW
One year into their marriage. Full of high moments with the newborn mixed with the lows from Brandy’s mood testing her husband’s patience.
“Happy Anniversary Baby, I brought you some flowers.” Charles said setting them in a nice vase.
He found a new job, but made less money than the management position. The type of man he was didn’t allow settling; often spending lunch breaks interviewing for better paying positions.
“I know you’ve been stressed and I want you to know that it shouldn’t be long before things are back to normal. I have a second interview with that company I told you about. For that sales executive position, remember? Phil’s wife works there and she put in a good word for me. I have a good feeling about this one.”
Brandy didn’t care about the “good news” all she wanted to hear was Charles telling her he had a higher paying job with better hours. Not a possibility and a good word from a friend’s wife.
<
br /> “I’ll get excited when you cash that first paycheck. Can you watch Eve? I have a nail appointment.”
Disappointed by her response, Charles grabbed Eve and studied their happy daughter. She brought him the most joy, making the angry spats from his wife worth it.
“See ya later.” Brandy said giving her daughter a kiss, then heading towards the door.
“Look, I’m sorry we couldn’t go anywhere for our anniversary and I’m sorry we still haven’t taken that honeymoon. Just be a little more patient baby. Things are getting back on track for us.” He pleaded.
“It’s fine honey. I lost hope in taking a honeymoon a long time ago. And as far as our Anniversary...” She said looking at his disappointment then changing her tone. “We can have a quiet evening at home. I know you’re trying Charles. We’re going to be fine.”
“Thanks for saying that baby.” He said giving her a smile.
What in the hell is wrong with me?!? She thought. He’s trying Brandy. Give the man credit for trying dammit.
She circled back giving her husband a kiss as a way to mend the minor drama. Deep down she knew he was doing his best and more; but that lingering feeling seemed to pop up at the wrong times.
As she pulled out of the driveway, Monica turned on the street with Chase in the car. The sight of Charles’ ex triggered negative thoughts. She wanted to turn the car around to see how long Monica was staying but it had been months since she’d had a decent mani and pedi. The spy mission would have to wait another day.
“I just don’t know Monica. I’m trying so hard to make things right but for some reason Brandy isn’t happy.” Charles complained. “What am I doing wrong?”
“Well for starters you’re talking to me and not her. I don’t want to get in the middle of this.” Monica replied bouncing Eve in her arms.
“I know. I’ve tried, but she gets so angry. And I just shut down to keep the peace. I’m not trying to battle my wife. I want to enjoy her and our family.” He replied getting his daughter’s bottle ready.
“Pick a date. I’ll keep Eve. And you two can have some along time reconnecting.” She suggested.
“Maybe that will work.” Charles said thinking to himself.
“Brandy has done a lot for Chase, it’s the least I could do.” Even if I could go a day or three without seeing her.” Monica mumbled.
“I’ll book a hotel suite and massages. Hopefully that will help make it easier for us to talk without getting upset.”
“She’s stressed. Being a new mother can be hard.”
“I know. But I don’t remember you snapping on me every chance you got.”
“No to your face.” Monica laughed. “But we had our moments.”
“Yea we did.” Charles chuckled. “I’m glad we can be friends.”
“Me too Chuck!” Monica smiled. “Eve you are one precious baby. You gotta put a good word in for daddy to get him out of the dog house. K?”
Charles gave her a side eye at the conversation with Eve. Chase came into the kitchen ready to feed his little sister.
“You promised dad. I get to feed Eve today.” He said giving his little sister a kiss.
“You are a great big brother Chase.” Monica said to him. “Eve is so lucky to have you.”
“Thanks mom. Is Eve coming to my birthday party?” He asked.
“If you want her to.” Charles replied handing him the bottle.
“Is Brandy coming too?” Chase asked with a weird look on his face.
“Oh what’s that face for?” Monica asked.
“Well. She’s...She’s been mean for the past few months.” Chase said looking down.
“Did she say something to you?” Charles asked.
Chase went silent. Scared that he had already said too much.
“Chase, if something happened. You need to let us know.” Monica urged.
“She didn’t say anything to me mama. But she was being mean to dad. See Dad bought her flowers one morning and she threw them in the trash. I thought girls liked flowers. Don’t you like flowers mommy?”
Charles was embarrassed by his son’s response. That had been happening since before Eve was born, but he never disclosed that to anyone. Every bouquet of flowers he brought home to Brandy, were left out on the table to wither or in the trash.
“Chase go into the living room and get ready to feed your sister.” Monica said getting up from the kitchen table.
She walked up to Charles whispered. “You two need to fix this. Fast!”
Brandy returned home later that afternoon in a better mood. The nail appointment only lasted an hour but she was gone most of the morning. Chase decided to go home with his mother instead of spending the weekend with his father. Charles and Monica had a talk with him, revealing that he’d witnessed rants and acts of evil towards his dad.
“Brandy, we need to talk.” Charles said greeting his wife at the door.
“Where’s Eve?” She asked ignoring his request. “I missed my baby.”
“I put her down for a nap.” He replied. “Did you hear me? We need to talk. Seriously.”
“Where’s Chase? I bought him a few toys since he’s been a good big brother to Eve.” She continued ignoring her husband.
“He’s with Monica. He didn’t want to stay over.”
“What? Why?”
“Because of you.”
“Me!?!” Brandy said surprised. “What did I do?”
“You don’t care about the flowers I bring you.”
“Then stop bringing them.” She snarled.
“What? Any woman would be happy that her husband brings home flowers and here you are being ungrateful.” Charles raised his voice.
“Did I ask for the flowers?” Brandy laughed.
“I’m trying Brandy. I really am. What is wrong with you?” He pleaded. “I thought that you were just acting out because you were scared of how fast we were moving in our relationship so I wanted to be patient. Then I thought it was the drama between me and Monica. We fixed that and things were great for a while, and now the baby. So, I’ve tried to be patient during your pregnancy. But when your actions starts to affect my son, we have a problem.”
“You have a daughter too.” She sassily replied. “Did you have this same conversation with Monica when Chase saw how bad her husband treated her? Of course not. Your main goal was to comfort her. So don’t bring that shit to me. I’ll talk to Chase and apologize to him. Will that make your complaining ass feel better?”
“Don’t do this today Brandy. We need to stop this back and forth mess. I know we’ve been under a lot of stress with my new work schedule and this pay cut I’m taking. But things aren’t as bad as we expected. The lights are on, the baby is clothed and fed. We are good. But this rift between us can’t continue!”
“Ok Charles.” Brandy rolled her eyes.
Charles ignored her demeanor to finish his point. “I love you baby. I love you more than you’ll ever know or understand. I try to show you that I’ll be here for you no matter what. But I’m going to need some of that too. I have to know that I’m needed, loved, and appreciated. Can you understand that?”
“I had your baby. Isn’t that good enough. I ruined my body for you and not once did you even acknowledge that.”
“What?! I tell you that you’re beautiful all the time.”
“But you didn’t apologize for ruining my body!” She said sarcastically.
“You sound crazy Brandy. What is the real issue? I’ve been reading some articles on the internet about postpartum depression and what I can do to help you through it....”
“Postpartum depression! Are you an idiot!?!? What part of depressed do you get from this?” She pointed to herself. “I’m not depressed because I had a baby. This has been going on since we started dating. You’re always pushing my feelings out of the way to make Monica happy. The same way Jay used to treat me when he wanted to run back to his baby mama!”
“Jay!?!?! You still trippin off of Jay!?! That r
elationship ended years ago. And why are you even thinking about him?”
“That’s not the point. You don’t understand the pain that relationship left me with. The hurt I feel wondering if one day you’ll end up like him.”
“I’M NOTHING LIKE HIM!” Charles said feeling insulted.
“I don’t know that.”
“Are you on something? Because my loving wife would never think that.”
“You don’t pay attention to me!”
“Brandy. My whole world is you, Chase, and Eve. How can you say that? I don’t hang out with my friends anymore. I work. I don’t buy or do anything for myself. My main goal is to keep my family happy.”
“Well you’re failing at that.”
Their argument ceased due to Eve waking up crying. Charles’ eyes were filled with anguish but this time, Brandy was too selfish to see it.
“I’m going to check on MY baby. You can sit down here and cry to yourself.” She stormed away.
Charles slumped on the sofa lowering his head into his hands. Trying to figure out why she snapped, his stress arose turning into stubbornness. Later that night, the two maneuvered around the house ignoring each other; giving all their attention to Eve.
The hotel suite was eventually booked, but not for a romantic evening. The suite was booked for him and Eve to give Brandy some space.
The next morning, she found her husband loading packed bags loading the car.
“What is all of this about?”
“I’m staying at a hotel for a few days. We need some space. I don’t know what it is but we need a break.” He replied not looking at her annoyed expression. “I’m not leaving you. I just need some time. I’ll take Eve with me so you can relax. I’ll drop her off later.”
“Yea. Take your daughter now. Take pictures and spend all the time you need with her. Because this is the LAST time you’ll see her ass hole.” Brandy snapped.
He had no response to the idle threat. Those words stung, but he didn’t want to return that negative energy with more hurtful words. Charles watched his wife go about her morning as if nothing was happening. The thought of him needing a break didn’t faze her. She went into the shower leaving Eve alone with her father. He waited until she was finished to leave. Although he was fuming, it was important to kiss his wife goodbye.
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