The father-of-the-bride looked more nervous than the bride. Joe DeVries was happy his little girl had found a nice guy to marry, but he hated being the center of attention. He was one of those big strong friendly types who try to avoid the spotlight and hardly ever raise their voice. Joe had never been in a fight because he’d never run across anyone foolish enough to take a swing at him.
Joe was an experienced airline captain and trained to keep his emotions in check, especially during a crisis. Panic would only make a bad situation worse. He had learned to remain calm and look for a solution. Joe told Craig one day: “If I’m going down, I don’t want anyone to hear me shrieking like a tea kettle on the cockpit voice recorder.” Regardless of the emergency, his voice would remain calm right to the end.
This was different, however. He wasn’t in his “office” at the controls of an aircraft. He was giving away his only daughter, and this was her day. Joe did not want to mess it up, and he didn’t.
* * *
Craig and Chrissie honeymooned in The Bahamas at a palm-studded seaside resort on Paradise Island. The place was idyllic with secluded turquoise coves, pristine white sand and a swimming pool with a swim up bar.
They had an incredibly hedonistic time. They did it everywhere. They discovered they were very good at it and couldn’t get enough of it. They did it in the ocean; they did it on the beach and in the pool. They did it in the shower and on the bathroom counter. They even did it in bed. What surprised them both was, for the whole ten days, they didn’t get tired of it. They returned home, surprisingly tanned and rested. More importantly, they were even more head over heels in love and ready to begin their new life.
The early years of Craig and Chrissie’s marriage were filled with love. They easily adjusted to living together despite the occasional disagreement on minor issues and several major battles. All in all, those early years were happy ones.
Craig and Chrissie had been married for about six months when Olivia called to tell Chrissie her grandmother had passed away. Olivia was relieved her mother hadn’t suffered long, but Chrissie heard the pain in her voice. Her mother would need her love and support to get through this. Daddy can only do so much, she thought, and besides, mothers and daughters have a special bond.
Chrissie and Olivia were named as beneficiaries in the will. Several months later, Chrissie opened a letter from the law firm handling her grandmother’s affairs. She was surprised when she saw the check. “Look at this, Craig. We have more than enough here to pay off our student loans and all our debts. We will even have some left over to invest.”
Craig looked at the check. “Wow! I didn’t know Nana was so well off.”
“Neither did I.” Chrissie’s mind was racing through the possibilities. “I think we need some financial advice.” Chrissie was currently the top seller with one of the smaller real estate agencies in town. She had a natural ability for sales. She worked hard, achieved quick success and now wanted to start her own real estate office.
Craig wasn’t as fortunate. After graduation, he landed a job with a national consulting firm. His performance was exceptional, and he was well liked. Upper management had him pegged for rapid promotion. A year later his company restructured following a merger. He was downsized and looking for work. Craig was stunned but thought he would have no trouble finding another position. He banked his severance package and began the search. He cold-called every contact he had in the business, sent out resumes and even had a few interviews. No one was hiring. Or at least, they weren’t hiring him. He was frustrated.
Craig came home one evening. He was exhausted and dejected. He was two months into his unsuccessful job search and beginning to doubt his abilities and intelligence. He decided to lower his expectations. He was willing to accept anything. He wondered if Wal-Mart was hiring greeters. Chrissie was sitting at the kitchen table with a cigarette in one hand and a tall rum and coke in the other. It was an increasingly familiar scene. He softly kissed the nape of her neck. “Hi, baby,” he said. “How was your day?”
“Hi, sweetheart.” She reached up and touched his cheek. “Grab a drink. I’ve got some news.”
Craig opened a can of beer and sat down. Hope it’s good news. I don’t think I can take anymore bad news.
“I got a call today at the office from John Rogers,” Chrissie said.
“Who? Never heard of him.”
“Listen to me. This is important.”
Craig knew by Chrissie’s tone she meant it. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt.”
Chrissie told Craig she had done several real estate deals with John. He knew she was looking for an investment and told her about a small real estate agency about to come up for sale. The owners trusted John and gave him a “back-pocket” listing. They were trying to avoid MLS fees by giving a realtor a chance to sell the property before it was listed.
“The agency has done well over the years,” Chrissie said, “but the owners are old and want to retire. They have allowed the business to slide lately, and we might get a good deal.”
“What agency is it? And—can we afford it?”
Chrissie became more and more excited as she spoke. She always did when it was something she was interested in. She poured herself another drink and continued. “It’s exactly the opportunity I’ve been waiting for, Craigie.” She called him that when she wanted something. “The agency is Gladwin and Associates. They have a cute heritage building downtown in a central location. It even has lotsa parking for staff and clients. Oh, and yes—we can afford it.”
“Sounds good,” Craig said. “I have just one question.”
“What is it?”
“Would you hire me?”
“Aww, sweetheart,” she said. “This is for both of us.”
Craig smiled, but he knew the agency would, for all intents and purposes, belong to her. Nevertheless, he would be content to work at the agency and support Chrissie completely. This was the role he felt destined to play in her life. He didn’t mind.
Craig Andrews was raised right. His parents taught him marriage was a partnership for life. From their example, Craig learned a relationship could survive anything if two people truly love each other. He told his college buddies: “When you’re married—you’re married, no matter what; sickness, health, richer or poorer and all that stuff.” Those weren’t simply words to Craig. He genuinely believed it.
Chrissie was pregnant with Robbie when the deal to purchase that small real estate firm was finalized. She renamed the company Towercrest Realty. Chrissie wanted to launch her business with a new name. Craig did everything possible to help her. He obtained his real estate license and worked long hours at Towercrest.
It seemed perfectly natural for Craig to take an active role in Chrissie’s pregnancy. He attended prenatal classes with her in the evening and read every book about labor and delivery that she read. They did everything together: practiced abdominal breathing, wallpapered the nursery and toured the hospital maternity ward. Craig could hardly wait to be her birth coach during delivery. He could hardly wait to be a dad.
Robbie’s birth was not easy for Chrissie. She hadn’t anticipated the physical toll of thirty hours of labor. At first, she maintained control with abdominal breathing. As the hours passed, she experienced increasing difficulty as the contractions became stronger and closer together. Transition was so intense it almost defeated her. Craig and the case room nurse worked in unison to reassure and comfort her. Chrissie’s stubborn determination prevailed. In the end, it was all worthwhile when Chrissie held her beautiful newborn son in her arms.
Craig proved to be a great birth coach. He gave her ice chips, wet facecloths and rubbed her lower back until his hands cramped. Chrissie would sing his praises for years to come. Craig didn’t care about the accolades. He was a proud father. He had a son.
Now, with a baby at home they decide
d it was time to buy a house. Chrissie found exactly what they looking for in a new development called Botsford Downs. The brochure was titled: “Botsford Downs – A Family Place” and it was. The community appeared to be an ideal place to raise a family. The developer’s plan was marvelous having included plenty of schools, sports grounds, parks and a recreation center.
They moved in when Robbie was barely one. The house they chose was modest, but they up-graded the carpeting, fixtures and appliances. All the basic two-storeys in the development looked the same. They hoped upgrading would make theirs different. Their house did stand out. It was the only white stucco two-storey with custom black shutters and upgraded windows. The cedar shake roof and black asphalt driveway looked terrific. They did all the landscaping with the help of a plan designed by a professional. His ideas were unique and exactly what Chrissie wanted. Craig and Chrissie spent hours working on their yard. Robbie watched from his playpen as they leveled the topsoil for the lawn and planted shrubs, trees and hedges.
One Saturday, a flatbed truck delivered the sod. Even with the help of their neighbors, it took all afternoon to lay it. To thank everyone, Craig and Chrissie hosted a cookout on their driveway. The liquor and beer flowed freely. Several impromptu runs to the liquor store were made during the course of the evening. The event turned into a street party. It continued well into the wee small hours of the morning.
Well—for some it did.
CHAPTER SEVEN
POINT X
Craig and Chrissie both worked hard to make Towercrest Realty a success. Even after Robbie was born, Chrissie continued to be the driving force behind the business. Craig quickly learned the real estate business and became an accomplished salesperson. When they weren’t at Towercrest they spent their spare time on the finishing touches that make a house feel like a home.
One evening, Craig had finished the supper dishes and was in his favorite easy chair reading the newspaper. Chrissie had put Robbie to bed and was busy crocheting. She glanced over at Craig. I can’t hold it in any longer. He’s going to be so excited. Chrissie decided to tease him a little. “Sweetheart, do you think we could build an office in the basement?”
“Sure.” Craig peered out from behind his newspaper. “But we already have one, upstairs in the spare bedroom.”
Chrissie tried not to smile. “That’s going to be Heather’s room.”
“Who’s Heather?”
“Your daughter. She’ll be here sometime this spring.”
Craig jumped out of his chair, pulled Chrissie off the couch and gave her a kiss and a huge hug. He leaned back and looked into those beautiful brown eyes. “How long have you known?”
“I was pretty sure I was pregnant so I snuck over to see Dr. Wilstead today. She confirmed it. Of course, I don’t know if it’s a Heather or a Hedley, but I know we both want a baby girl.”
“I don’t care what it is, as long as it’s healthy! This is amazing! I love you so much!”
A few weeks later, Craig was in the baby’s room finishing a custom shelf unit in the closet. He heard Chrissie come in the front door and called her to come upstairs to see the finished product. Chrissie was beaming. She was always beautiful but even more so when she was pregnant. She glowed, the life inside her lit up her face. She applauded Craig’s handiwork and decided they should paint the room a pale yellow. “I think both Hedley and Heather would approve.” Chrissie giggled. Craig had never seen her happier.
Towercrest Realty had become one of the top real estate firms in the city with a reputation as an honest, hardworking company. Sales were booming, and the agency was growing in every sense of the word. They doubled their office space with a newly completed addition to the main floor. It was redecorated, and all twenty realtors had new desks and the latest telephones. They had excellent administrative and support staff. Some of the employees had been with Craig and Chrissie since the beginning and were like family.
Chrissie’s pregnancy went off without a hitch, as did her labor and delivery. She was having strong contractions when Joe and Olivia arrived to take Robbie to their place. Craig wasted no time whisking Chrissie off to the hospital. She gave birth to a baby girl within two hours of their arrival. Heather was pink, healthy and perfect. Craig held her when she was only a few minutes old. He delighted in her sweet face, her rosebud lips and her tiny hands and feet. She was the most beautiful baby he had ever seen. It was love at first sight.
Chrissie went back to work almost immediately. They hired Rita Angara as a housekeeper and nanny. Rita was from the Philippines, single and in her twenties. She moved in and quickly became a trusted member of their household. She absolutely loved both the children.
Rita soon faced a dilemma. She had learned a family secret. She wasn’t sure what to do. If she told, she could be fired—remaining silent might have tragic consequences. She had met some fellow Filipino nannies in the park, and they had become friends. She discussed her predicament with them. They all agreed she had no choice. She had to tell. Rita prayed for the courage. She was fond of Craig and believed he was a kind and loving man. Rita put her trust in him and finally told him what she had witnessed.
“Mr. Craig. I have something I need to tell you, but I don’t want to get Mrs. Chrissie in trouble.”
“What is it, Rita?”
“Please, Mr. Craig, understand, I only tell you this because I am worried about the children.”
Craig was determined to get to the bottom of this. “What about the children? What is it?”
“It’s about their safety. I’m afraid something bad will happen to them.”
Craig had a sick feeling in his stomach. His parental instincts had kicked in. If his children were in danger, he had to protect them. “The children’s safety? What about their safety?”
“Please don’t tell Mrs. about this,” Rita said.
“I promise, Rita. Chrissie will never know you told me.”
“Well Mr. Craig. I know if you say you promise not to tell Mrs., I know you won’t. I have seen Mrs. have some drinks in the morning—sometimes, and then she drives Robbie in the car.”
“Do you mean alcohol, Rita?”
“Yes, Mr. Craig.”
Chrissie normally drives Robbie to playschool, Craig thought. I can’t believe she would drink and drive, especially with him in the car. “Are you sure, Rita?”
Rita was nervous and her voice was quivering. “Absolutely sure, Mr. Craig. She puts vodka into her orange juice. I see her do that, many times. She keeps it in the kitchen cupboard. I’m only afraid she will crash with Robbie in the car. I do not wish to get Mrs. into trouble.”
“It’s okay. You did the right thing.”
Rita was relieved Craig understood. She thanked him and went to her room.
Craig remembered Olivia’s words: “If drinking is causing a problem in your life, you may have a drinking problem.” May have a problem? There is no “may” here. If Chrissie is drinking in the morning, she definitely has a problem. Craig considered calling Olivia but changed his mind. It would upset her, and I have no real proof. I’ll handle this myself.
* * *
Chrissie was aware she was drinking more than normal. She attributed it to stress at work. She vowed to cut back once this busy season was over. Chrissie had never been able to cut back before but told herself this time would be different. It wouldn’t.
It is never different until the alcoholic admits they have a problem. That’s why admitting you are powerless over alcohol is the first step of the A.A. program. It’s also the biggest step towards recovery.
Most of us, at some point in our life, meet a drinker like Chrissie; able to drink you under the table and still drive you home. She began experimenting with alcohol at age thirteen when she swiped bourbon from her father’s liquor cabinet. From the first swig, she had a higher tolerance for alcohol than her girlfriends. T
hey would be either passed out or throwing up, while she was looking for more to drink. In college, she loved to party but rarely, if ever, got drunk. She was always among the last to leave.
In the early years of their marriage, Craig and Chrissie drank socially. Like most of her fellow expectant girlfriends, Chrissie drank during her pregnancies. She enjoyed her evening cocktail after work, and wine with meals was a must. When the kids were older, Craig and Chrissie’s drinking slowly escalated. Social drinking was the norm for everyone in their circle of friends whether they gathered for neighborhood barbeques, BYOB pool parties or pizza after their kids’ soccer games.
Chrissie’s consumption had always surpassed Craig’s. He was well aware he could not keep up to her. By the time Craig was ready to leave a party, Chrissie was only getting started. They would argue, and Craig would leave. Everyone knew Craig would eventually leave without her. It was normal. Chrissie would tell her friends: “Why should I leave? He’s the one who wants to go. I don’t have to. Besides, I’m having fun.”
The next day, she and Craig would usually have a big blowout about her drinking. Most of their fights were. It was futile. Chrissie didn’t care what he thought. In fact, she was too far along the slippery slide to alcoholism to care what anyone thought.
* * *
Craig turned the house upside down searching for Chrissie’s secret stash of liquor. He looked in every hiding place imaginable. He even checked inside the light fixture in the kitchen ceiling. He secretly marked the bottles in both their bar and the kitchen cupboard. If she were sneaking drinks, he’d know right away. Craig figured he would catch her and then confront her. Hopefully, she’d see the light and stop.
The next morning, Craig kept an eye on Chrissie. Rita kept her eye on both of them, as she gave the children their breakfast. She hoped they wouldn’t fight in front of her and the children. She had grown up in an alcoholic home and knew the warning signs.
Weeds in The Garden of Love Page 5