Page 19 of You Were Invited
Something terrible stirred in Annie’s gut.
“Hell no, don’t tell him where you are!” Serene Hallowbrew said, fists on her hips. "Boy doesn’t deserve to act like a knight in shining armor when he keeps getting too smashed to stay on his white steed.”
“Annie, you can’t leave. Come home. We can talk–”
“I getting off the phone now,” Annie mumbled, staring into space. “We’re done.”
“Wait, An—!”
She ended the call. Two seconds later, he was already texting her.
I’m scared I’m losing you. I think this is one big misunderstanding. You can continue down this path alone, or we can have an amazing life together. Luv you. (sent at 6:44 pm)
She felt dizzy as a sob escaped her. She’d been upset these last few days, but not bawl-your-eyes-out-like-a-toddler upset. Maybe her heart just hadn’t caught up with her brain. Taking off her glasses, she wiped her face before she texted Molly.
I broke up with him. Officially. He’s putting up a fight but I'm so done. (sentat 7:04 pm)
Molly replied after a few minutes.
Not surprised. He’s allowed to be upset. You are too. He's bothering you? (sent at 7:07 pm)
A bit (sent at 7:07 pm)
A lot actually (sent at 7:07 pm)
Let me or Peter know if you need anything. (sent at 7:08 pm)
In her heart she knew she’d be forever sensitized to anyone drinking, but it wasn’t up to her to police their behavior and stop their fun. She’d grown up with someone in the thralls of drunkenness. They hadn’t.
A memory from half a lifetime ago resurfaced.
“Love yourself,” Mom said out of the blue, more miserable than usual. “Men will always put their vices first.”Two weeks later, Mom had run away from home.
More memories followed like a flood. Little snippets that ran together…
“I didn’t think much of his drinking. At first… Things don’t work themselves out… I wish the happy times with your dad lasted longer… Women who stay with an abuser can be too stupid for their own good… You have to let go and run… Run if a man ever treats you like your dad treats me…”
Furious, with tears rolling down her cheeks, sheshot Chris a text.
It’s the parties! It’s all your drinking. It’s a lot, and it’s escalating to a point I’m uncomfortable with. I think you’re an alcoholic. I can’t be around someone like that. You should know that. I’m not coming home. We really are done. (sent at 7:14 pm)
Shaking, she watched the text-dot bounce dance of doom.
What? You don’t even come to my parties half the time. Don’t be judgmental of what i do with my free time. How could you fucking say that tome. Of course it looks like a lot u never drnk. I knew u hated it but r u really calling me an alcoohlic now???! That’s messed up. I willing to do whatever it takes to get u to come home, but that really hurts. I was considering couple’s counseling. I think it would help us both. (sent at 7:25 pm)
I feel like my observations are sound. I'm not going to counseling with you. I'm sorry. (sent at 7:30 pm)
U r letting your childhood dictate to much. It's like you're brainwashed. AndI thought you knew me better. You're overreacting. Sorry I'm not mr perfect. (sent at 7:33 pm)
What a mess.Blood drained from her face. She just wanted this to be over. Her hands shook and she could hardly type out her reply.
I’ll talk to you later. I’m sorry. (sent at 7:33 pm)
Annie lost track of time while she stared into space. Thankfully, Chris had the sense to shut up. She took one of the deepest breaths she’d taken in what felt like ages, triggering a fresh batch of tears to erupt from her puffy eyes.
What could she do more if he was blind to how things were? Nothing.
"It's like you're brainwashed..."
