BURROW FAMILY
The knife was dropped on the wooden board with force, she sighed tiredly, squeezed her eyes tightly, wondering if that was really real, but the crying on the second floor and the baby monitor confirmed it.
Amanda washed her hands, leaving the unfinished dinner in the kitchen and hurriedly went upstairs with her strategic spare bottle.
Only then did she realize that she might have hurt her fingers with the knife, she quickly looked at her hand and saw that there was no blood, so he was probably fine.She arrived at her youngest son's room with his little brother.
-Peter, come see what the fuss is about, you're being a good big brother. She smiled at the boy who hurried to find a toy for his little brother to try to calm down.
-Mommy, why is this boy crying so much?It was the firstborn's turn to appear, as always, complaining.
-I don't know, honey, but since you're already 9 years old, how about helping Mommy and doing some research on Google? She suggests, picking up the baby and trying to make him stop.
-He's annoying. - The boy walks away, returning to his room.
-Okay, Gunner, your brother loves you too. - She sighs, trying to make the youngest one take the bottle at once.
-Mommy, why does he always drink milk with that powder? - Gunner takes the opportunity to ask, and only then does Amanda realize that she needs to shake the bottle more since all the powder has settled at the bottom.
-Your brother is sick, and the more he drinks this, the better he gets - she tries to explain.
Dealing with everyone's curiosity has been difficult, she doesn't know how to say it.
-Ash, honey, can you get your brother's blanket for me? I think he's cold. - Amanda calls to the girl, who appeared at the bedroom door with a doll and some of her jewelry hanging from her neck and ears.
-You look so pretty, my love.- Amanda is surprised by the girl's face smeared with mascara and her expensive lipstick.
-If he were a girl, I would get him, but he's a boy, boys are silly. - She leaves, stomping her foot.
Amanda sighs. The only time everyone decides to be disobedient is when she's holding him in her arms. The older ones are jealous of the younger one, and rightly so. For over a year, they haven't talked about anything else except what Ben is feeling, what Ben needs, if Ben went to the doctor, how Ben woke up. Ever since the complications started, even before he was born, the children started to rebel.
Gunner stays quiet in his room, plays the little his father allows him, studies and is responsible for teasing everyone. On rare occasions, he manages to hug his parents and siblings and live normally. Ashley, at 7 years old, is leaving her princess phase and entering what she calls her diva era. Now the girl alternates between ripping her dolls' clothes and going to her mother's closet to try to grab something within her reach, which rarely happens, leaving only the makeup on the sink, which Amanda still doesn't know how to get to. Peter always appears when the subject is his younger brother. Amanda thought he felt some special closeness, since he was barely three years old. That is until she discovered that he was just desperately trying to shut up his younger brother, so he could go back to the comics that he doesn't understand at all. He just laughs at the pictures and then throws them away. -Gunner, can you get your brother's blanket for me? - Amanda goes to the door to make it easier for him to hear her, without taking Ben's bottle away. She knows what's going to happen.
-I can't, I'm watching a live stream - The boy shouts, irritating Amanda.
-Of course, because the live stream is more important than helping your mother cover your cold brother - She snorts tiredly.
-That's right -The boy retorts.
Ben ended up spitting out the milk, making her quickly pull the bottle away and do some juggling to make sure he didn't choke or drop the bottle.
Only then did she realize something: his skin, despite the goosebumps, was hot, which could only mean one thing: another fever.
After the chaos of the afternoon, Joe came home from training at night, when everything was under control, Peter was calmly watching TV, Ash had taken a shower and had his hair properly combed, Gunner was in a good mood, since he found a candy in the fridge, and not forgetting Ben who, after a call with the pediatrician, managed to control Amanda's fever without needing medication.
-How did they behave today, General? -Joe salutes Amanda.
-Gunner was the worst, I think you need to have a little talk with him, Ash continues to act like daddy’s little princess and Peter, thank God, I only hear his laughter when he’s watching comics or TV. - She explains, finishing collecting the children’s plates, while Gunner helps to tidy everything up.
Joe signals for her to come closer, stealing a kiss and earning a grimace from her.
-How’s Ben? He asks quietly, already aware of the commotion that occurs when someone asks about the boy.
-He has a little fever. She also speaks quietly, glancing back. Gunner is distracted, putting everything in the dishwasher.
-I’m going to take a shower and see how he’s doing. - Joe approaches to try to hug her, but Amanda is quick to pull away.
He just scratched the back of his neck, not knowing what to do. It's not the first time she's run away from him or acted harshly. He knows that everything has been difficult, but he doesn't know how to help solve everything, whether it's the children's mood, Ben's health or their marriage.
The truth is that Amanda has always been rational and practical, unlike Joe, who was too sentimental and romantic. The last time he saw his wife guided by passion and emotion was when he proposed to her and it didn't take long for them to get married.
Ben sleeps like an angel in his crib. Joe took the opportunity to gently caress his little hand.
Eating in silence has become a routine. Amanda insists that the children eat early so they can go to bed early, which gives Joe little time with them. He only spends his free time when he tries to do something with everyone. Most nights are like this, with him at an empty table, Amanda on the phone eating a salad.
-How long are you going to follow this crazy diet? He starts a conversation.
-It's healthy, I'll follow it until the nutritionist changes it. -She answers without looking at him.
-I said I just wanted to get your body back, you're already much thinner than before...Joe is cut off.
-That's your opinion.She ends the subject.
Joe simply doesn't see any way to talk to her.
-I only care if you're healthy.
-She's trained to tell me to eat things that will make me healthy, so yes. - Joe decides to change the subject.
-Did you see that the new season of Ru Paul is coming out?
-So what?She continues to ignore him.
-Well, we always watched it at night and... Joe is cut off again.
-I don’t have time for this. - She quickly gets up.
In a few minutes, she washed what was in front of her, put some things away and went upstairs completely automatically. Watching the drag show was their time to relax, laugh, cry, but do something that was definitely just theirs. But since the problems with Ben, it was yet another thing that had changed.
The next night, after a busy day, the children’s dinner is too chaotic.
-It’s your fault he’s a boy, I don’t like you. -Ash pouts and turns his face to Amanda, who takes a deep breath.
-Honey, I’m going to teach you something called biology, okay, remember that. If your brother is a boy, it’s your father’s fault. - Amanda smiles at the girl.
Ash went from angry to confused in minutes, her face changed, the girl felt betrayed by her father, in a jump she jumped out of the chair and started running and screaming around the house.
-I hate you, daddy
The phrase echoes in every corner, while she spins from one side to the other until Joe arrives and hears that.
-Why does daddy's little princess hate me? He asks the girl offended.
The girl with blond curls stamped her foot and was firm.
-Ben is a boy and it's your fault, I hate you, mommy told me everything - She says indignantly.
Joe had to hold himself back from laughing at her trying to confront him.
-Don't be like that, we can give you a little sister
-Can you? She seems to calm down.
-Yes, mommy doesn't want one -Joe finishes.
At the same time, Ashley went to Amanda who holds herself back from cursing Joe.
-Mommy, I want a little sister. Her name will be Jasmine. She has to be a redhead. The girl demands.
-That's great, honey. We have two options: we adopt or your dad finds another mother for your sister. What do you think? - Amanda responds, irritated by the subject.
Ashley blinks slowly, thinking about what she heard. Meanwhile, Joe is busy messing up Peter's hair, who is trying to finish eating.
Ashley quickly opens her mouth and starts to cry. The girl's face turns red. She tilts her head back and her mouth is wide open, intensifying her crying.
-Daughter, you don't have to cry about this - Amanda asks.
-Ben cries all the time for nothing. I have a reason. - She says with some difficulty.
Amanda gets up, going to the fridge and getting a
-Stop crying, eat some chocolate, you love chocolate - The girl slaps her hand.
-Ash, mommy was playing - Joe tries to explain, only then does Amanda realize why she is crying.
-I hate you, you're going to find us another mommy and you didn't give me a sister -She says again.
Joe sighs heavily, sitting on the floor to be closer to her.
-Ashley, your mommy was playing with you, you don't have another mommy and you can't control whether your siblings are boys or girls, we all know that Gunner would look much better in a dress and a bow - Joe jokes, earning a grimace from the older boy.
-Promise me you won't have another mommy? - She wipes her face, looking at him with fear awaiting his answer.
-I promise
But Ashley didn't believe it.
When she understood the reason for her crying, Amanda thought about divorce for the first time. That gave her two thoughts: the first was what her life would be like without Joe, and the second was how difficult it would be for them.
Joe and Amanda had to go to Ashley's room together to put her to bed, since she was still scared.
-You don't have to think about those things, you hear me? - Amanda said to the girl sitting on the bed, her eyes still red.
-Do you promise? - She asked. Amanda could hear the fear in the girl's voice.
She didn't know how to answer that, or maybe she just didn't have the strength to do so. She decided to hug her.
-I love you.Amanda kissed her forehead, and she smiled shyly.
-I took your Snow White blanket, I don't want to see Daddy's little princess crying over nothing anymore. Joe appears, opens the blanket and covers her, leaving a kiss on her cheek just as an excuse to tickle her.
He then hugs Amanda's neck, who is sitting on the edge of the bed.
-I want you to know that Daddy loves Mommy and won't leave her and she won't leave me either, because we love each other, we've known each other since Peter was old and I've always been proudly her soulmate and she's mine, soulmates don't live apart, because if they do they get so sad that they end up dying, you know? Joe questions the girl who denies it.
-So you can never be apart - The girl deduces.
-That’s right, if not, daddy will die of sadness, I love your mother so much, that’s why, daughter, don’t worry, I’ll never leave her, you hear me? Joe’s words, while he rocks her in this boat, seem to run through her mind.
-Isn’t that right, honey? He asks her.
-Yeah - Amanda agrees, a little out of it.
Ashley went to sleep peacefully, while Amanda and Joe are still confused.
-I shouldn’t have said that, she’ll keep bugging me - Amanda reminds him.
-It’ll be nice to have another girl.
-Joe, I don’t want any more children, I think we’ve had enough a long time ago, especially after Ben, I can’t bear to go through that again. Amanda is sincere, leaving her cream on the sink and looking at him.
-Okay, no problem, I just imagined it, it was really hard for all of us, I know it’s been even harder for you. He agrees.
-We all suffered equally, the children felt it, you felt it, Ben felt it - She states, she hates the narrative of being weak or showing how much it affected her regardless of the situation.
-That’s why I thought about a surrogate mother, she’ll have our DNA, but someone else will have the child - Joe replies.
Amanda stopped everything she was doing.
-You understand that I said I don’t want any more children, it’s not just that part, it involves raising the child too.
-And Ashley, she’ll grow up in a house with so many boys, with no one to play with, to keep her company, that’s horrible, even more so when there are going to be three boys, I had brothers and you did, you know how important and good it is.
-Exactly, she already has brothers, they’ll be great company for her - Amanda insists.
-I just think we can talk about it later, calmly, think about the idea, it’s just an idea.
Amanda just ignored him.
-We have a big, happy family. Another child would be welcomed and loved, I'm sure. - Just like Ben? She asks him as she leaves the bathroom. -It's just siblings' annoyance. Tell me, whether your siblings are younger or older, they've never said they hate you? - Joe asks her. -We have plenty of rooms in the house. We have space, we have time, we have money, we're young and we have love to give. What's the problem? - Joe sits down next to Amanda on the bed, making it impossible for her to lie down and ignore him. -Have you ever thought about what would happen if our marriage ended? She asks him impulsively. Joe's eyes widened. -It wouldn't be fair to them. The room quickly became agitated. -Why should I think about that? It doesn't make any sense. - He stares at her.
-This divorce thing doesn't exist, you heard me, it doesn't exist, forget what Ashley said, my love, she was just scared, there's no reason to think about it - he gave a weak smile and got up.
But the following days were strange, especially for Joe.
He woke up in the middle of the night, with her fiddling with something, he threw the blanket aside, seeing Amanda already with a bag.
-What's wrong? He sighs trying to wake up.
-Ben has a high fever, I'm going to take him to the doctor - she says, going to the door to leave the room.
Joe gets up quickly.
-Wait a minute, I'll go with you
Amanda huffs irritably, turning to her husband.
-There's no point in both of you going, if I'm already going, stay home - Amanda leaves the room slamming the door.
Joe ran his hands through his hair, not knowing what else to do. The hours passed and he couldn't sleep a wink. He went to check if the others were okay. He called Amanda to try to find out something, but the calls ended. He went to the living room, where he didn't notice what time he ended up hanging up.
In the morning, he woke up to the excitement of the children. Seeing that she had arrived, Peter went to him on the couch to give his father a little hug. Joe decided to go see Ben, who was awake and a little agitated, since he was now eight months old and learning to crawl. That's why the bedroom door had gained extra protection.
He decided to go get ready, since he had training and had no excuse not to go, but when he got to the kitchen, he decided to rethink things.
-You know, I think we should hire a nanny. It would be good to have someone who can always be around, sharing the work. If I could, you know, I would spend the day here with you, but... - He gives the idea when he sees Amanda with her eyes a little purple, probably from tiredness.
-Do you think I’m so incapable that I can’t take care of them? She takes it as a provocation.
-I think everyone needs to help to make things easier, I can see that all of this has been heavy for you and I don’t want you to be overwhelmed with any of this, I don’t know if you don’t want a babysitter, we can call my parents, your parents, I don’t think they’ll mind spending time with their grandchildren - Joe tries to fix it.
-They’re our responsibility, I can’t make other people come here, put their lives on hold, because of our decisions, that’s ridiculous - Joe realizes that the conversation isn’t going to get anywhere.
-I think the night was hectic, I’m going to take the kids to class, who wants to go to class with daddy? - He gets their attention and they quickly perk up.
-Joe, go to your training, you're going to be late, you know I take them every day - Amanda asks.
-You know I'm not late, I'll take them and go straight to training, in the meantime you stay here with Peter and Ben - Joe tries to change the routine, seeing that she's not in the best shape to drive by the tired look on her face.
Joe went upstairs, going to get his training equipment and when he came back to his surprise, they had already left.
Amanda didn't need much to realize that it really wasn't the best option to drive, right now with the sun still weak at 7 in the morning and everything too still, but luckily everyone arrived safely, she took the opportunity to stop at a coffee shop and get a coffee to try to stay awake, but it was definitely not the best idea.
They have known each other forever, their parents are friends. After so many years as inseparable friends in their teens, their neighbors, friends, uncles and brothers started saying that they would end up getting married and that in fact, they had always been in love with each other, which made them both very stressed.
They did the same thing when they were 15, they started pretending to hate each other and getting involved with other people to shut everyone up, until they were 17 and Joe said he was going to move to the capital. There was no way to put it off and just accept it. They really liked each other a lot. They didn't date for long, until they decided to get married and give in to their love.
-Well, now that the kids are getting older, you must be dying to start living your own life, right? You were so young when you decided to get married, you were only 18 - A neighbor of Joe's parents was there.
-Now you can have a nanny or put them in various complementary activities and you can have a hobby, maybe even a job, but I think that with your age and lack of experience, it will be difficult
Amanda felt the glass start to warm her hand, she just watched the lady more like a robot.
-You know, you need to live individually, like something that is only yours, he must love having total control over you, even financially, but that will not be good for your future
The words run through Amanda's already empty and silent mind, who just wanted to sleep.
-Being a trophy wife is amazing, but what comes next? Everyone always criticizes feminists, but if they get divorced, they will have a good structure to start over and normally, they do not hide completely behind the man, they usually have a voice
-Amanda dear, I think you need to start living your life and think about yourself a little" the worried tone makes her wake up.
-Thank you. She said and left in a hurry.
The conversation kept popping in her mind all day, leaving her distracted from everything. She finally began to ask herself what she likes and what she doesn't like. She doesn't know if she likes swimming, running, playing tennis, she doesn't know if she prefers comedy, cooking, horror shows, she doesn't know if she really likes the clothes in her closet or if they're just what she bought because they were appropriate for a mother.
And it was in the midst of so many thoughts and sleep that she didn't notice Peter climbing over the pool railing, she ran to the boy before he ended up hurting himself and falling, either on the floor or in the water.
-Peter, what did I say? It's to sunbathe. You two need to sunbathe, nothing more. She said harshly, returning the boy to the lounge chair.
The afternoon passed and with it the beginning of the night. Amanda began to feel something strange. She walked around the house, lost, without knowing where the feeling came from, until a flash in her mind made her forget Gunner and Ashley at school.
For the first time, Gunner preferred to stay quiet and silent. He didn't want to distract his mother from driving, not after she ran a red light and drove the wrong way.
Joe was informed of what had happened and decided to make a decision.
-Amanda, I'm going to the pharmacy. Do you need anything? He watched her but was speechless.
Since the answer in action was to crack an egg in the sink instead of in the frying pan on the stove.
Joe only needed one thing, a sleeping pill good enough to keep her out for the next few hours.
He poured it into her glass without her seeing and waited for her to drink it.
The medicine didn't take long to take effect, with Amanda passing out in the living room, he cautiously went upstairs with her in his arms and took care of the rest, including something she would hate.
She woke up the next day without knowing where she was, but for the first time in a long time, rested, she looked at the clock and got scared, but Joe tried to calm her down.
-I've already taken care of everything, I'm almost going to training, but first I need to talk to you - He asked.
Amanda just agreed, still dazed, running her hand over her face to try to truly wake up.
-Yesterday you almost crashed the car with you, Ashley and Gunner countless times, that's because I don't know what happened in the morning, if you don't want to accept help from anyone with a good heart, you're going to have to be forced
-Because I can't believe you think it's normal, to forget them at school two hours late or to drive out of control or to let a frying pan catch fire, while the food ends up in the sink, just for pride, who told you that you need to handle everything by yourself and that no one can ever help you? He questions her.
-I never said that, I had suggested a babysitter, but now we're going to do it differently, you have a week, either to talk to your parents, my parents, your brothers to come here or to choose a babysitter, if you keep putting your foot down and insisting on this madness, I'll go after the babysitter myself and make my rules with her - Amanda just listens.
-You're not taking care of anyone by doing this, you're putting everyone at risk, especially yourself. It won't kill you to let me spend the night with Ben. It also won't kill you if I take them to school sometimes. It seems like you don't like me being around them. Sometimes it seems like I'm your enemy. - Joe doesn't hide his discontent.
-I was trying to help you, but now I'm going to do it by force. I hid the car keys. You won't drive until you seem ready to do it. He warns.
-This is ridiculous. A lot happened yesterday. I'm fine now. Amanda defends herself.
-No, you're not. You need to rest your mind and body. You're not even eating because you're so determined that you need to lose too much weight. I found out that you haven't been to that nutritionist in months." Amanda is surprised.
-I don't know if you remember, but part of marriage is taking care of each other - he walks to the door.
-If you want to take a week's vacation somewhere, alone, take a friend, I don't know, go ahead, feel free, I just need you to rest and be well. He smiles as he leaves the room.
Joe and Amanda's wedding anniversary arrived and he made sure to celebrate by taking her out to dinner.
The waiter quickly grabbed a vase to decorate the table with flowers and left the menu with the two of them, Joe chattering the whole time, until Amanda had the courage to tell him everything she was feeling.
-Why didn't you tell me this before, we could have worked it out - he reminds her.
-I've been thinking a lot and I think it's good to have talked about it. Now I need some time for myself, without a shadow of a doubt, and I really think that our marriage is no longer a marriage. You know, I think we can separate and continue living in the same house, but living separately at first, so the children don't think it's so bad, and when they're older we can move out. I don't want it to be traumatic for them. Joe immediately cuts her off, surprised by what she said.
-Have you gone crazy? Are you saying you want to get a divorce on our 10th anniversary? I found out a few minutes ago what you were feeling, after I tried all kinds of approaches and only received your kicks and rudeness, and now you want me to applaud your request for divorce. Listen here, drink this wine, pull yourself together, no one here is going to get separated, they won't go through that, neither will you and I. - Joe turns the glass over, quickly filling another one and turning it over again.
-I need to find myself Joe, I need to find out what I like, what I want - He cuts me off again.
-You're in front of me talking crazy, I think you need therapy to figure that out, I think you need a spa too and a trip to calm down, you can spend a week, two, three, a month, if you want even a year getting to know the world, I'll take care of the kids, if you want to go back to see them that's fine, but we're not going to break up, there's no reason for that, I love you, you love me, you just need some time, if you want to open a store, open it, do whatever you want, it's okay, but we're not getting divorced - Joe says, visibly shaken by what he heard.
-Do you think this will help? - She doubts.
-I'll prove it will - He picks up the box with a gift for her, but stops halfway, putting his hand under his head, visibly shaken.
-Amanda, please don’t leave me, don’t kill me with the knife in our kitchen, I love you so much, I don’t know how to live without you, I don’t know how to describe how important you are to me, if I got where I am, it was because you were with me, supporting me and scolding me whenever I did something wrong on or off the field, if I don’t have you, I’m nothing, I won’t be able to live the rest of my life thinking that I lost you, don’t do this to me - Joe tries to control the tears on his face, since they are in public.
When a week passed and she hadn’t made any decision, when she arrived in Ben’s room after waking up, she came across her parents and sister.
Joe certainly didn’t want to offend her so much as to choose a nanny, but that surprised her.
The day was different, it was certainly good for Amanda, but at the same time reflective, her parents wanted to go pick up Gunner and Ashley, then buy some snacks on the way and spend some time with their grandchildren, while Amanda and Jade, her sister, were chatting with a huge tub of ice cream.
-I think our marriage is in crisis - She laments taking a good spoonful of ice cream.
-Marriage in crisis? Have you looked at Joseph? A marriage with him doesn't go into crisis - Her sister jokes.
-One day I was 18, I was excited to get married and I loved playing basketball, watching comedy series, learning French and the next day I suddenly wake up, I realize I have four children, a husband, I feel like I'm in a nightmare, I ask myself what I did in these ten years, what I really wanted, what was a dream and I see that nothing - Amanda vents.
-You need to take a vacation, go out, enjoy life a little, you have to know how to balance everything, just because you're married and have a ton of kids, doesn't mean you're dead and that's all it is, the worst kind of woman is the one who is limited to being a mother or a wife and no offense, you let yourself be limited to that Amanda agrees.
-That's always been my biggest fear, I love them, but I feel like I'm losing myself and wasting time, I could be experiencing so many things, but I preferred to stay locked up here
-The society we were born into makes us believe that this is the only good destiny for us women, you and all of us were raised to believe this, it's not your fault and you shouldn't feel guilty about wanting to experience different things
-Of course you have your day to day, but you can do something with the kids and then something with Joe and then the two of you can do something alone, it's good for each of you to have different things to do - Jade gives an idea.
-The problem is that I feel like I've lost my individuality and I don't know if I want to stay here, I don't know if I'll be able to just be myself and be comfortable with him - Amanda has some difficulty speaking.
-What do you mean? Jade's eyes widen.
-I stopped my life to do everything he wanted, I don't know if I know how to do anything beyond that, what he wants, I think I'm too weak, I should never have agreed to get married so early, I should have sorted out my life, done something I liked or at least failed trying, instead of letting everything get to this point - She laments.
-Listen here, you two really need to talk about this, but above all you need some time just for yourselves and to discover yourself, even if it means going to therapy, I'm going to stay here for a few days, Joe invited me and dad and mom too, so we'll help you, I'm sure, but don't give up, you don't need to give up your marriage to discover yourself, it can be very important for you to do this by giving you support and encouraging you - the two stand up and hug each other tightly.
The days were certainly calmer and the first thing their parents did was remind Joe and Amanda of the huge table they have, but they don't use it often. They end up sitting at the counter because it's quicker and more practical, but it keeps everyone away. The second thing was that there's no reason to have dinner separately and the third thing was how much lighter the house becomes and the children are happier when the adults aren't overwhelmed and fighting.
It seems that Amanda was able to see everything from a different perspective.
-Joe, I wanted to talk to you. I've thought about that subject. He is surprised and refuses to look at her, afraid of what she's going to say.
-What do you want to do?
-I think we need to go to couples therapy and we need to take the kids too, so they can learn to have a sense of brotherhood and see that Ben isn't to blame for everything. I think you need a day just for yourself too, just like me, we can choose a day for that. Every day is a family day and we take another day just for the two of us. I think I need an activity that I like and I need to occupy my mind with something different. It will be good for all of us. She gives a weak smile, and Joe, relieved, goes to her, hugs her tightly and throws her on the bed.
-Thank you - he says with a relieved voice, leaving a kiss on her cheek.
The two of them stayed there for a while thinking about everything, until Joe has the courage to speak.
-We need to learn to talk when something bothers us. Talking isn't fighting. We need that. It will do us a lot of good. We need to sit down and talk about the day, what we think, what we think, what we want, what one of us did that the other doesn't like. If we talk about everything, it will be okay - He takes her hand firmly.
Maybe the big change isn't necessarily taking something out of our lives, but changing our habits, and that's what Amanda is going to try.
103 notes
·
View notes