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Helen acts more like a wife and mother, but something hides behind her exterior

 

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Kevin spent the next morning at home trying to get some rest before he had to pick the girls and Stacy’s friend up from school. Sleep was not coming easily, however and he had to give up after about two hours. He shaved, showered and put together a light breakfast before he sat down at his computer to try to work on his latest web site. 

While he was trying to concentrate on the online material he was reading, sleep overtook him and finally was able to get some sleep. His nap was suddenly interrupted by the sound of front door opening and the sound of footsteps in the front hallway. Kevin got up from his easy chair and walked to the sound of the footsteps.

            As he approached the hallway, his wife entered the room from the opposite direction. The sudden meeting startled the both of them.

            "You're home?" Helen said with a voice that showed genuine surprise.

           "Of course I am. You knew I was off today."

            He could tell from the look of her clothes that she was just now coming in from the night before.

            "Laura stayed with the girls last night.”

            "Be sure to thank her for me", Helen said as she brushed past Kevin and into the bedroom. Kevin followed her to try to get an explanation for her actions.

            "You should have called me or the girls if you knew you weren't going to be here.”

            "I wouldn't have to if you would just take a normal job", Helen protested. "The hours you work are just ridiculous."

            "Leave the job out of this for once", Kevin pleaded. "Let's deal with yesterday. You weren't here and you made no provision to take care of our girls. Now what is going on?"

            "I’ve taken on extra assignments at to make up for the money you don't bring in because of your pitiful paychecks," she attacked. "You don't bring home enough to even pay for half the bills since you left Houston."

            "That's not it and you know it", Kevin countered. "I'm never more than a phone call away from you and you never called to let me know what was going on. You could have called the girls to let them know you were going to be late, or you could have called Laura to come and sit with them for a little while. A phone call is all that I ask and I don't think that is too much."

            "I thought I left a message on the machine. I guess it didn't go through." 

            She watched Kevin's face for some softening, but failed to see anything she could capitalize upon. She had seen this look on his face before and she knew he was determined to get to the bottom of this situation right now.  Kevin stared into Helen's eyes and knew that a fight was definitely brewing. The cool exterior she was so accustomed to keeping was beginning to crack under his pressure. After a very long and tense silence, Kevin saw the protective facade fade away completely.

            "I'm sorry I forgot to call last night", Helen confessed and lied. "Things were very hectic at the station and I just could not get away to even try to make a call home. We have a new production specialist and he is really shaking things up a lot. It has been very rough on the staff and we have to make a lot of changes to conform to his style."

      "That shouldn't mean your family has to suffer through it with you. I think I understand job stress better than most and the girls deserve better than what they got from you last night."

            "I know", she said in a sad voice. "Listen, I've got to get back to the station and I really need to shower and change."

            "Try not to forget to call next time. Kimberly called me at work to ask permission to order pizza for supper."

            The last statement had the desired effect. It let Helen know that he was in control and that the girls would have access to him whenever they needed him. Kimberly had always been the one she felt would stay by her side and defend her position and the fact that Kimberly had turned to Kevin because of something she neglected struck a nerve that she tried very hard to hide. Instead of showing her hurt, she turned a little seductive to try to cover her feelings.

            "It won't happen again. I promise.....you know of anyone here who would like to give a very tired woman a back rub in a hot shower?"

            Kevin studied the expression in her eyes as she turned into the seductress and remembered the temptation he had experienced with Joyce the day before. This could help reduce the tension between them, but sex was not something Kevin took lightly. Helen slipped one shoulder out of her dress as she approached Kevin and kissed him softly on the lips.

            "I promise", she whispered, "This will be worth your wait."

            Kevin weakened his guard and let her lead him into the shower where they experienced the art of love making that had been missing from Kevin's life for some time.

            After a steaming shower, they looked about the bathroom at the tangle of wet clothing scattered on the floor.

            "What will the maid think?"

            "That we've had a huge leak in the plumbing", Kevin teased. "I'll take care of this before she comes in."

            "I bet you will. Kevin, I hate to eat and run but I really have to go back to the station."

           "Dry your hair?”  

            "It's been a while; you think you can remember how I like this done?"

            "I'll never forget", Kevin said as he started to gently towel Helen's long black hair. Kevin could not help but admire his wife in several ways, despite all of the problems of late. She had managed to work her way up through the ranks at the local news station and was now the evening co-anchor. She also had a morning talk show on the talk radio station. Her schedule was busy and sometimes very hectic, but she had managed to balance career and motherhood very well until the past couple of years. She had earned her doctorate degree in 17th century English literature and had written a book on women in journalism in the 90's. She was very well paid for her efforts and before Kevin had left Houston Fire Department they had lived a pretty good life. Kevin knew that his departure from the city would mean some belt tightening, but he felt the move and change was necessary for his emotional survival. Helen had initially agreed to the change and they began to cut back some of the luxuries they had afforded themselves.

            Items such as full time maid service was cut to one day per week and the lavish parties for Helen's Opera Society were cut back from once a month to twice a year. Kevin thought about these changes as he slowly dried his wife's hair.

            "Penny for your thoughts.”

            "You'll waste your penny", Kevin replied.

            "Oh, you were thinking about something. You always drift off in some area of thought when I get you to dry my hair. That's how you came up with your full body immobilizer, remember?"

            "I remember. I was just thinking about the girls. You know they both want to go to this gymnastics meet this Saturday? It is a sub regional for Stacy and she’s set on making the Junior Olympic team."

            "Can we afford that and what about Stacy’s ankle? I know she pushed herself to come back so fast. Are we sure it has healed.”

            "Money's no problem, but Stacy was afraid you wouldn't let both of them go for some reason. Her ankle is stronger than ever. I told her I didn't think you would mind, but she was still worried about it."

            "It's okay with me as long as Stacy’s ankle is okay and if you have the time to take them. I'm working the event from the station, so I can't be there to watch."

            "That should be no problem. Just the fact you gave them permission will mean a lot to both of them. Say, when did you start doing sporting events?"

            "That is one of the things this new production specialist decided. He decided that we need to have a female sports reporter and that the face should be very well known to all of Houston. I'd better finish getting dressed and get back to the studio. We're doing a follow up on one of your calls tonight. You might want to tape it."

            "Thanks, but can you tell me which call?"

            "Surprise", Helen said as she disappeared into the dressing area.

            Kevin got up, finished dressing and picked up the clothes they had scattered over the floors of the bedroom and bathroom. Helen emerged from the dressing area freshly dressed in a red blazer and black skirt. She was wearing a scarf as a blouse to compensate for the heat of the studio lighting.

            "I'll be in early tonight. We pre-recorded most of the evening show right after I went off the air this morning."

            "The girls have gymnastics until 8:00. I'll be at the gym with them when you get home."

             "Want to meet somewhere for dinner?"

            If the answer was no, she would plan another meeting with her new producer. Kevin studied her eyes for a moment, trying to decide which way she really wanted him to answer that question.

            "We'd better not", he replied. "The girls will be too tired and they have school tomorrow. We'll pass for tonight."

            "Okay", she said, hoping her relief did not show in her voice. "I may have dinner with Samantha so I may be late after all."

            "We'll be here.” He wondered how much longer he would be able to say that and mean it. As badly as he hated to admit it, Laura was right about his marriage. It was in serious trouble and Kevin was beginning to hurt as he thought about the prospects of having his two daughters caught in the middle of a divorce. As a reinforcement of his thoughts, Helen left the house without a kiss. Kevin could remember times when he had been late to classes and work because their parting kisses had led to some early morning lovemaking sessions.   Those days were long past and Kevin knew he was going to have to face the reality that his marriage was crumbling. The telephone interrupted Kevin's thoughts as he tried to get himself together after the chilling thoughts he had just experienced. A familiar voice greeted him as he answered the phone.

            "Hello"

            "Kevin, this is Joyce. Have I called at a bad time?"

            Her timing was actually perfect Kevin thought to himself.

            "As a matter of fact, no. I was just looking for a reason to take a break from doing nothing."

            "Good because I just wanted to talk to you again about this promotion."

            "I hope you aren't having second thoughts."

            "Oh no, I just wanted to be sure that you still wanted me to take the next shift off. I don't have the comp time or vacation time for it."

            "Don't worry about charged time off. You have this shift coming to you. Take the time off and do something with your family this Friday night."

            "Okay, if you are sure about this, then I’m okay with it too. Thanks again Kevin.”

            Even though her conversation with Kevin was over, she was searching for a reason to stay on the phone with him. Kevin could feel that Joyce had something else to say and he was almost afraid of what that might be.

            "Joyce", he began, but she cut him off before he could get any farther.

            "I know", she confessed. "That hug yesterday was out of character for you. Maybe I was looking for some warmth or something. I'm not sure. I really enjoy hugging and touching. It gives me a sense of security."

            "I understand, and don't think that I don't like the feel of a warm hug and embrace. It's just a little complicated for me right now. We are very close due to the job and all of the things we have been through together. I do have feelings, but I have to remain totally objective right now. I can't allow anything to interfere with the decisions I have to make at work. I hope you understand what I'm trying to say."

            "I understand, I think. I just want you to know that I'm here for you when you need someone to talk to. I know what you must be facing at home right now. I've been there, remember?"

            "I remember and I don't think I could ever forget that after all we've faced."

            "Just remember me when you need someone, okay?"

            "You're at the top of my list", he promised. "I'll talk to you later, okay?"

             "Okay, bye", Joyce said as she hung up. 

            She knew that Kevin would try not to say the words "Good-bye", so she hung up first to save him the trouble of finding other words to express that thought.

            As Kevin placed the receiver in the cradle, he let his mind dwell on the things that Joyce had said to him in the past few days. They had indeed grown very close since her last divorce and she seemed to be trying very hard to dig deeper into Kevin's private life.  The prospect was not all that undesirable, but Kevin hated the other prospect, which would have to be faced if Joyce did in fact enter into his life.

            He placed those thoughts aside once again and let himself take a short nap before his daughters got home from school. The after school routine was pretty predictable whenever a gymnastics competition was in the near future. Stacy would have all of her homework done before she came home and would spend at least thirty minutes warming up and stretching in front of her mirrored wall.

            Kimberly would mimic her older sister's moves until Stacy would run her out of the room. Kimberly would always complain about her sister abusing her and by then it was time to go to the gym for two hours of practice on the different pieces of equipment. 

            They would then go home where Stacy would relax in the spa before going to bed. Today, the routine changed up a bit. Kevin picked the girls up from school and Stacy’s friend Nevada came along with them. Nevada was a polite boy with dark hair and an athletic build. 

            This afternoon though, rather than go home, they went to the karate center for an afternoon lesson. They tried to work out together at least a couple times a month. The girls were about a belt apart, but this was fun stuff for them.

            Sarah greeted them at the door and bowed formally to Kevin. Even though he was out of his gi and a lower belt, she always bowed to show her respect for him.

            “Why did she bow to you?” Nevada asked. He was a 2^nd brown, and still no one bowed to him unless it was before a skill or competition. 

            “Dad saved her life a few years ago” Kimberly chirped. “She was a jumper.”

            “You’re kidding. She’s a 2^nd degree black belt!” 

            It just seemed incredible to him that one of his instructors could have been ready to end it all by jumping.

            “She’s not kidding you. This man saved me from being a grease spot. He changed my whole life. He won’t take one bit of credit for it. He says he was just doing his job.”

            “Wow” Nevada turned to Kevin and offered a bow of respect. “I just thought you drove an ambulance.”

           Sarah led the aerobic portion of the class and turned the self defense over to Kevin. The aerobic workout was designed to strengthen muscles and help with coordination. Nevada was also into karate and to Kevin’s surprise, was a member of same club. 

            It was a bit funny to watch Stacy and Nevada team up as partners for the self defense moves. No matter how hard he tried, Nevada was no match for Stacy’s quickness. As they finished the workout, Nevada was soaked with sweat. Kevin wondered if this kid would ever show up around Stacy again. She had shown him up in each skill, but that was the competitiveness in her. She would not back down from any challenge.

           The next stop was home. Nevada asked permission to shower before they went to the gymnastics training and the girls started to stretch out and get ready for tonight.   

           Nevada was impressed by the gym. The version of gymnastics as seen on televised sports makes it all seem so structured and neat. The gym was much different. Girls and boys were on multiple pieces of equipment, music was playing in different areas and multiple coaches were working with various age groups as they arrived. 

            Shannon pulled Kevin aside as the girls put their gear in their lockers. This was a three hour workout session to prepare them for this weekend’s competition.

            “I want to offer Kimberly Danielle’s spot on the team, not the alternate spot she has now. I want her in the rotation.” she told Kevin. “The team needs her and I think she deserves this chance.”

            “Wow! That would be a two level jump for her. She’s never competed at that level. She will have to step up.”

            “I’m giving her easy routines on bars and floor, but she really shines on vault and beam. That’s where losing Danielle hurt us the most. She may not place very high unless she does the bars and floor perfect, but she can get noticed this time. It will get her on the radar for 2010 at the least.”

            “I trust your judgment on this. Kimberly is a good athlete, so if you can get her motivated this fast, I say let her go for it.”

            “Great! Expect a lot of excitement when we announce this!”

            There was a lot of excitement in the gym when the top six were introduced to the rest of the gymnasts that night. Kimberly was in the number six position to round out the school’s team. Stacy was the new number one and Dana was number three for the squad. Melanie, Markie and Jennifer filled in the other spots on the team, but only Stacy, Dana and Kimberly were available to compete in the sub-regional that weekend. A cheerleading competition and choir trip coincided with the other three gymnasts and they had chosen their other activities.

            The hot tub was a welcome relief from the day’s stress. The girls relaxed quickly and were almost asleep before they hit their beds.

     The next day was Kevin's day to instruct beginners at the Karate school, a job he enjoyed and handled rather well. They had two groups come in during the lunch hour. Kevin and Sarah alternated working with the weapons and beginners. He spent the rest of his free time doing some overdue maintenance at the house. These were tasks he knew his wife would never notice, unless they went undone. The night’s routine repeated itself, except for the presence of Helen at the gym. 

This surprised Kevin a lot since Helen had said she would have dinner with one of the production assistants, but since Kimberly had called her and begged her to come to watch her floor routine tonight Helen showed up for their practice. Both of the girls were impressive and the coaches were very pleased with the workouts. Stacy and Kimberly were both sweating pretty heavily by the time they were through, but Helen actually hugged them both before she offered to let them ride home with her. Stacy took Dad’s ride instead of her Mom’s, but Kimberly was ready for some mothering. 

It was a good night for them all. Kevin ordered pizza for delivery while they were on the way home and that night, the four of them sat in the spa and ate pizza and relaxed until the girls began to show their fatigue. For the first time in a couple of weeks, Kevin and Helen actually slept in the same bed.