Rebecca, Ch. 9

As Amelia and Rebecca made their way into the kitchen, Michael and Andrew walked outside to enjoy the California summer evening.

“How have you and Rebecca been doing?” Andrew said as he poured himself a glass of wine.

“Better, though we still have a long way to go,” Michael said as he relaxed in his favorite chair on the deck. His dad offered him a glass of wine as Michael thought about how to tell his dad that Rebecca might be pregnant, “She thinks she might be pregnant and I don’t know whether to be happy or terrified. I’ve always wanted kids, but Rebecca was less than enthusiastic about it until I got in my accident. She’s more open to it now, but I don’t know if the stress of having a kid combined with me going back to work is going to be easy, and I don’t want to screw up what we’ve been working on over the last three months.”

“Have you thought about not going back to work? I mean you’ve got enough money to live comfortably and it’s not like you need to be under the stress,” Andrew said as he wondered why his youngest son would want to go back to work for a company that had treated him so poorly.

“I’ve thought about it, but I need to be working,” Michael said, “I’m only 36 and the last three months have been driving me crazy. Rebecca took away my car keys and cell phone because I kept trying to go into work. As much as I love the time with Rebecca, I need to be able to get up every morning and feel like I accomplished something with the previous day. Otherwise I just don’t see a point in getting up.”

“Maybe a change of venue is in order,” Andrew said, “Going back to work at the place that almost cost you your marriage can’t be the healthiest thing in the world. Have you thought about what we talked about last time?”

“I have dad, and to be honest, I don’t think its a good idea,” Michael said, “Rebecca loves California and coming to work for you would mean relocating to the east coast. And I had my reasons for leaving in the first place. We’re on good terms now, and I don’t want to screw that up by working together again. Remember what happened the last time?”

Before Andrew could protest Amelia and Rebecca walked out onto the patio with the salad, appetizers, lasagna and drinks. He looked over to his son and whispered that they would continue the conversation later.

“I hope you gentleman are hungry, because Rebecca has prepared a feast,” Amelia said cheerfully, “And it all looks amazing. We’ll eat out here since the weather is so nice.”

“Thank you Amelia, I really appreciate it,” Rebecca said, blushing like a school girl, “But don’t let her fool you, she did most of the work.”

Michael and Andrew exchanged perplexed glances, both wondering what had happened between their wives. The last time they had talked had turned into a screaming match between the two women, with both their husbands pulling them off each other. The change in attitude almost overshadowed the food, but both men were hungry, so they brushed it off and dug in.

Rebecca, Ch. 8

Ch. 8:

The next three months passed quickly, as Rebecca and Michael tried to get back what they once had. But something was off, and neither one of them could pinpoint what it was. It wasn’t until Michael’s parents came to visit the weekend before Michael went back to work that they got it.

“Mom, dad! It’s so good to see you,” Michael said as he walked slowly towards his parents, wincing in pain with every step, “How have you been?”

“We’ve been well,” Andrew said as he wrapped his youngest son in a bear hug. They hadn’t seen Michael since he had been drugged up in the hospital, “How are you feeling?”

“Never better. I get to go back to work on Monday, and the doctor says the heart is as good as new. Rebecca went into town to get food for dinner, so she’ll be back shortly.”

Andrew looked over his youngest son with trepidation and couldn’t help but wonder if anything had really changed between Michael and Rebecca. They said they had started counseling, but it looked as though Rebecca was pulling her usual disappearing act. Rebecca and his wife had never gotten along, and she made a habit of making herself scarce during their visits.

Amelia looked at her son and wondered whether or not he was ready to go back to work. He was still in a lot of pain and had to use a cain to get around the house. He was the youngest of her three children, but he looked to be the oldest. Years of stressful living had aged him well beyond where he should be, and she couldn’t help but wonder if that was because of the job, his wife, or both. She smiled as Michael wrapped his arm around her and led her into the house.

“What are we having for dinner, dear?” Amelia asked, “Did Rebecca remember your father and I are vegetarian?”

“Yes, mom, she did. I do believe she was running out to get vegetables of some sort. Speak of the devil.”

Hello darling,” Amelia said with a hint of skepticism in her voice, “Can I help you with dinner?”

Amelia noticed that Rebecca’s demeanor towards her had changed. It seemed more welcoming, less hostile and she couldn’t quite pinpoint why.

“I would appreciate the help,” Rebecca said, “I haven’t quite mastered that lasagna recipe you sent me and I think Michael is getting tired of eating cardboard every time I make it.”