Happily Ever After Isn't Easy

by Jake C. Wallace

  Lucas emptied his mug. “Don’t I know it. I feel restless, unsettled, and I’ve never felt like that before. As if something’s missing.”

  “What do you think that is?”

  He shrugged. “Hell if I know.”

  “Where’s the coffee?” Brandt walked into the kitchen, scratching at his belly. The black bag containing his oxygen was slung over his shoulder.

  “Well, good morning to you too, sunshine.” Lucas went to the sink and rinsed his cup.

  Brandt grunted.

  “Such a large vocabulary this early in the morning.”

  Gabe chuckled as Brandt growled at his friend. There was a knock on the front door. Lucas and Brandt both looked to Gabe.

  “Probably Betsy or Julia.”

  He entered the living room and opened the door to see Randy. A very red-faced, pissed-off Randy. He looked different without his coveralls and not covered in grease.

  “Randy… um…. Hey.”

  “I thought we had a deal, Reynolds.” Hands clenched into fists at his sides.

  Fuck. “We do. I… I didn’t mean… I did see the twins yesterday, and I know I said I wouldn’t but—”

  “But what? You just happened to run into them at their preschool?” He narrowed his eyes further.

  “No I… I had to see them. I had a shitty day and wasn’t really thinking.” Just being a selfish prick.

  “Gabe, is everything okay?” Brandt stood behind him, body tense and ready. Behind him, Lucas had his flank.

  Gabe tried to smile, downplay the situation, but he could tell they didn’t buy it. “Yeah. Just give me a minute.”

  Both of them had their eyes focused on Randy, no doubt having pegged him as a threat.

  Randy, while still visibly angry, lost some of his ire. “You just couldn’t leave well enough alone. I was trying to keep my family together, trying to do what’s right, and you were there at every turn. Karen won’t talk to me because she thinks I made you go away and deceived her. And she’s accusing me of cheating again, following me when I’m at work, checking my phone, my e-mail, saying there’s some blonde lady creeping around the house. There’s no one there!” He grasped his hair in his fists with a look of utter frustration and defeat. “I’ve been trying so hard, doing everything and anything to please her, but she’s irrational. She’s up all night rearranging crap and cleaning and wanting to talk. The fire department had to come because she’d lit a bunch of stinky candles she says were for protection and then started rearranging the furniture and knocked over the bookcase. The candles lit the curtains on fire. She tried to pull them down and burned her hand. What if she’d burned down the house? What if… what if the twins….” He shook his head. “I just can’t do it anymore.”

  “Randy, it sounds like she’s manic, maybe even delusional. Has she been taking her meds? She might need—”

  He slammed his fists against his thighs. “I don’t know! She won’t talk to me about that stuff. She wants you to do it for her. She asked me to call you and tell you that she wasn’t taking her meds so you’d have to come over. I told her you and I agreed that you’d back off and give us some room. Then the twins told me they saw you yesterday at school. And Karen was glad. Do you want to know what she said?”

  Randy looked out into the driveway and waved for someone to join him. Was Karen there? Was he going to drop her off at his door? Jesus Christ, his baggage from his past was being spilled out for Brandt and Lucas to see. Randy’s chest hitched, and his anger quickly dissipated. Before him, Gabe saw that same wounded man he’d seen at the shop. When Randy spoke again, his tone was less confrontational, more controlled, measured, unsteady. He seemed to be trying to hold himself together, keep from breaking down.

  A hand rested on Gabe’s shoulder. Gabe looked back to see Brandt right behind him, possibly with the thought that Randy had brought backup.

  Randy stepped back from the door. “Karen…. She said she was glad you saw the kids, because they shouldn’t be kept away from their real father.”

  Chapter 24

  GABE’S BRAIN picked that moment to stop working. Their real father? The twins bolted onto the porch, laughing and squealing, and wrapped themselves around Gabe’s legs.

  “Karen’s checking herself into the hospital today, and she wants….” Randy pursed his lips. “She wants them to stay with their father until she’s better. So here they are. They’re all yours, just like you wanted.”

  Their real father.

  “What do you mean ‘real father’?” At least Brandt was functioning. Gabe looked helplessly to his partner.

  Randy scowled. “You’re the boyfriend, right?”

  Brandt didn’t hesitate to scowl back. “That’s right.”

  “It means Gabe is their biological father. Apparently I was a convenient way for her to get out of her crappy marriage.” He appeared as if he had more to say, but he clamped his lips tightly together.

  “Wait, how is that possible? Gabe? Hey?” Brandt touched his cheek, but Gabe wasn’t even sure what to say.

  Watching as if everything was in slow motion, Randy knelt and opened his arms, asking the twins to hug him good-bye. Until Mommy was better, they would be staying with Gabe.

  He had to say something, had to stop Randy. He had questions, so many questions.

  “No… wait,” he managed.

  Randy kissed Mikey and then Maddy on the forehead and stood, his chin quivering. “I’m done fighting for something that was never mine to begin with.” He took in a couple of deep breaths, blinking rapidly. “I love you guys with all my heart. Be good.” He stalked off the porch.

  Gabe turned helplessly to Brandt, then back to Randy walking to his truck. Gabe managed to get by the kids and ran into the driveway. “Randy! Stop!”

  But the man fired up his truck and spun his tires, fleeing the house. Gabe watched as the red truck disappeared through the trees.

  “Oh shit.” Gabe wiped at his mouth. When he turned, Lucas and Brandt were on the porch with the twins. He then noticed the two suitcases off to the side.

  Their real father?

  Looking to the twins, who were attempting to climb Brandt, Gabe didn’t know if he should laugh or cry.

  GABE RUBBED at the back of his neck, a knot of pain lodged beneath his skull. After calming the overexcited kids and feeding them lunch, they’d settled into the living room to watch a DVD Gabe had found in Maddy’s bag. Some strange movie with talking dogs and cats and a plot to take over the world. The kids were on beds of blankets and pillows, with Brandt sandwiched in between them, in hopes they’d fall asleep. Gabe needed them to nap, give him time to breathe, to even comprehend what had happened. And find out where Karen was. What was she doing? Sending their world spinning off into the cosmos, that’s what she was doing.

  He scrunched his brow together and massaged his temples, trying to make a plan. He’d tried to call Karen with no answer, left messages and texted. Next step, call and see if she’d checked into the psych ward at CVPH. But who would take her there? Not Randy. Well, he hadn’t said if he was or wasn’t taking her. Gabe hoped she didn’t drive herself.

  Randy also wasn’t answering his calls. Gabe had called about a dozen times, leaving messages until the voice mail was full. Then he’d started texting. The man had been devastated, and Gabe was concerned about Randy as well. What if he did something rash? Losing his marriage and his kids and dealing with the lies. Maybe he’d gone to his mother’s. Gabe would call there too if he could find the number.

  A hand on his leg startled him. Brandt knelt on one knee before him. “Hey.”

  “Hey.”

  Brandt gathered him in his arms, and Gabe rested his head on his shoulder as Brandt rubbed circles over his back.

  “Kids are asleep. How about we go into the kitchen?”

  Gabe nodded. When Brandt stood, Gabe dragged his exhausted body up from the couch. His mind was running on high, and he needed the swirling thoughts to kick into a lower gear.

&nb
sp; “Want something to drink? A shot?”

  Gabe huffed. “I’d need the whole bottle.” He leaned his elbows on the counter and scrubbed at his face.

  Brandt rubbed his hand over Gabe’s back. “Do you think what Karen said was true?”

  Gabe bit down on his tongue until the pain surged. “I need to find out where she is. And Randy too. He was so upset. Maybe I should go out and look for him. What if he does something stupid?”

  “You have the kids here, and while they’re comfortable with me, I’m not quite comfortable being alone with them.”

  He sighed. “You’re right. It’s just… I’m responsible for this entire mess, and I have to fix it.”

  “While you may have seen the kids when you said you wouldn’t, you aren’t responsible for Karen’s lying, her mental illness, or her mess of a marriage. You’ve tried to help. Maybe you should have stayed away from the beginning. I don’t know. That’s hindsight now.” He lightly gripped the nape of Gabe’s neck and gave him a slight shake. “You’re a good person.”

  If Brandt knew what he was thinking of doing at that moment, he might not believe that. Self-centered and selfish would fit.

  “I was in the middle of their marriage, apparently.”

  “You were trying to help Karen. And you’re a big part of those kids’ lives, and you deserve to see them. If I’d known you were going to agree to stay away from them, I would’ve stopped you.”

  “Actually, that was my idea.”

  “Then I would have saved you from yourself.”

  Lucas came out of his bedroom with his bag. Gabe had forgotten he had to leave soon.

  “Heading out?” Brandt asked.

  Lucas nodded, pulling the keys to his rental car from his pocket. “Yeah, I’m sorry I have to leave with everything going on.”

  “It’s okay. Not much you can do anyway.”

  Lucas gave him a doubtful look, then gave Brandt a back-slapping hug.

  Gabe knew Brandt was sad to see him go. “Keep in touch, and don’t let the brass work you too hard.”

  “You got it. I’ll call you in a few days. Gabe, it was nice to meet you. Keep this one in line. He requires a firm hand.”

  Gabe shook his hand. “Will do.”

  Lucas saluted and headed out the door.

  Gabe closed his eyes. He had to focus. “Okay, I need to call the hospital and see if Karen has checked in. From what Randy described, she’s manic and delusional, believing things that aren’t true and showing signs of paranoia.”

  “Is that part of having bipolar depression?”

  “Psychosis can be, and she needs to be hospitalized immediately. She could be in danger of hurting herself. She’s already tried to commit suicide once, which puts her at greater risk. I hope what Randy said was true and she checked into the hospital. I’m going to call her doctor. If he doesn’t answer, I will call a few contacts I have at the hospital. Karen’s been there more than a few times since she became ill. You need to get some rest. Bit too much excitement for you.”

  The corners of Brandt’s lips curled. “Yes, dear.”

  Gabe snorted and went to get his phone. He paused as he passed Mikey and Maddy, still fast asleep. Maddy was curled around her pink unicorn with the rainbow horn and Mikey was flat on his back, arms stretched wide, taking up as much space as possible. His love for them could fill the ocean.

  Their real father.

  He pushed that aside. Couldn’t deal with the implications, the lies right then. He had to find their mother and make sure she was safe. The ball of anger he had to contain wasn’t going to help anyone.

  When he retrieved his phone from the coffee table, Gabe noticed he had three missed calls from Betsy. If there had only been one, he might have waited to return her call later. But three? Opening the phone app, he chose her number from the list of recent calls. As he waited for her to answer, he powered up his laptop to check his e-mail. Her voice mail picked up.

  “Hey, Bets. Just returning your call. Call me back.”

  Brandt came in from the kitchen carrying two cups of coffee and sat next to Gabe on the couch.

  “Damn, I love you.” He reached for a cup, and when he saw the light tan color indicating his creamer, his smile was even more grateful. “Did I say I love you?”

  “Not nearly enough.” Brandt pecked Gabe on the lips. “Anything yet?”

  “I was just looking for the number. Just so you know, I may have to lie a bit to get that information.”

  “A little subterfuge is often necessary to reach your objective.”

  A knock on the kitchen door interrupted them. Gabe rose and was going to answer it when the door opened. Betsy stepped inside.

  “I was just trying to call you. What’s going on?”

  The furrow in her brow, the tight thin line of her lips, her determined expression cut right through Gabe. “I have to show you something. Where’s your laptop?”

  “In the living room. What is it?” Gabe followed Betsy. Brandt stood with a smile when she entered, but that quickly faded upon seeing their faces.

  Betsy halted abruptly, her gaze on the sleeping kids. “Why’re the twins here?”

  Gabe rubbed at his forehead. “Randy dropped them off. It’s a long story.”

  “Shit.” She knelt and turned the laptop to face her. “Is Randy with Karen?”

  Gabe wasn’t sure where she was going with this as she worked on his computer.

  “Is Randy with her?” Betsy’s barking tone sent a jolt through Gabe as she repeated her question.

  “I don’t think so. They got into a huge fight, and he dropped the kids off here. Karen told him she was checking into the hospital and wanted me to watch the kids. Betsy, what the hell is wrong?” His fear was clawing up his chest and growing.

  “Do you think she’s in danger?” Brandt asked.

  “I don’t know. Gabe, look at this.” He looked over her shoulder as she pulled Karen’s Facebook page up. “She posted this around eleven this morning. I happened to get on here, and I immediately started to call you when I read this. You read it and tell me if I’m just overreacting.”

  Gabe knelt and turned the computer to face him as Betsy and Brandt looked on.

  To all of my family and friends on Facebook. What wonderful people you are, so bright and shiny each day. You all make my days a little better just knowing you’re here. Thank you. There comes a time in life when people need a change, something isn’t working right, hasn’t worked right for such a long time that there’s nothing more to do in the current situation. I’ve decided to change my situation and move forward where I am free to make my own bright light. I’m heading out and will miss you all, especially my little lumpkins. So long.

  Gabe could scarcely breathe as his hands gripped the sides of the coffee table.

  “Do you think she means she’s going into the hospital?”

  Gabe tried to shake his head.

  “Fuck!” Gabe scrambled to his feet. “I have to go to the house. I need… my keys….” He twisted and turned, searching every surface, his pockets…. Where the fuck were his keys?

  Maddy popped upright in her bed, bleary-eyed and confused. Mikey stirred but didn’t wake.

  “I’ll drive you.” Betsy headed for the door.

  “No. Brandt can’t be alone with the kids. I need you to stay.”

  “Just go with Betsy. You shouldn’t be driving. Call 911 on the way. Better to be wrong than….” Brandt let those words hang.

  Better to be wrong than right.

  “We’ll be good here until you get back. Go!” Brandt waved his hand at them, and they bolted out of the house and into the car.

  As Betsy backed out of the driveway, Gabe slammed his fist into the dash. “Fuck, I forgot my phone.”

  “Here.” Betsy handed over hers, and Gabe dialed 911. His leg bounced up and down as he waited.

  “This is 911. What’s your emergency?” the man asked.

  “This is Gabe Reynolds. I’m a mental hea
lth counselor in Westport. I have reason to believe that my ex-wife, Karen, might hurt herself, if she already hasn’t.”

  “Sir, are you with her now?”

  “No. I live outside of town. I’m going there now.”

  “Did she say she was going to hurt herself?”

  “Not directly, no. She has bipolar depression and hasn’t been doing well. She tried to commit suicide a few years ago.” Gabe ran his hand over his head, stopping to pull the strands. Betsy rounded a corner and nearly tipped her small car up on two wheels. Gabe grabbed the oh-shit bar as the car rocked.

  “What is her location, sir?”

  “Three-two-five Robin Lane in Westport. It’s a large red house with white trim.”

  “I’m entering that address in now. Does she have access to guns in the house?”

  Shit, she did. “Her husband has hunting rifles.” But she wouldn’t use one. Would she?

  “Sir, ambulance and police are already at that location at a call for an unresponsive woman in her forties.”

  Gabe dropped the phone and buried his face in his hands. What had he done?

  Chapter 25

  TIME DOESN’T stop for anyone or anything, but there were times in Gabe’s life when he’d been sure time had slowed when he wasn’t paying attention. At that moment, he was convinced time had stopped altogether. He might have believed it really had, if not for the quiet whispers and sniffs of those standing around him, the light breeze rustling the leaves of the towering trees, the flutter of the flowers draped over the coffin.

  Karen’s coffin.

  Closing his eyes, Gabe concentrated on Brandt’s strong arm wrapped around his shoulder. He focused on the heat of Brandt’s body next to his side, the warmth across his back and on his shoulder, the only parts of his body that were warm. When Gabe had kissed Karen good-bye at the funeral home, her skin had been so cold. That chill had gone straight from his lips and had settled deep inside of him. He shivered slightly, thinking he’d never be warm again despite the sun being high in the sky. A beautiful June day.