Choices Read Free

quickly change the course of my thought pattern.
    You know I often wondered why men and women were married. It seems women or wives for that matter, seemed so much more compatible for each other. They get it! The schedule that needs to be balanced and juggled, - the housework that needs to be done, the job that needs to be fulfilled, all the while answering questions like “Where is heaven?  Why is the sky blue?  Why are those two dogs doing that to each other in the park and howling?” They just get it!
    I sometimes entertained the idea of marrying a woman like Kristy . Not only is she beautiful at nearly six feet tall with her golden brown hair that she wears in an adorable cropped bob and with her statuesque model like figure 36-24-36 which she has managed to keep after five kids. She is the sweetest, kindest, most truthful woman I’ve ever known or will know for that matter. Her golden brown eyes alone could envelope you in warmth and remind you of a loving, soft hug from Mommy on a cold winter’s day. We would have a great life together. We would raise the kids, have wonderful conversations, be involved in each other’s lives, be strong and supportive for one another, and help each other around the house. We would make fabulous wives for one another. We would be in tune to each other’s moods and feelings, partly because we were both female, and partly because we were such close friends.  Gosh, some things would just go unsaid, falling under the category of female intuition. The only problem I could see was that the idea of kissing her or making love to her made me violently ill!  Damn it! I just like sex, with the opposite sex, too much to give it up for a life of comfort and convenience. Oh, the sacrifices we make as women!

Chapter Two : The Meeting
     
     
    “Well, did you get your invitation in the mail?” Kristy asked breathlessly while she juggled baby Jack around my messy kitchen.
    “Um, yeah I think it came today. I didn’t open it yet though.” I answered.
    “I’m actually looking forward to going. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen some of our old high school friends. It would be a reunion of sorts.”
    Of course Kristy would be excited about going. She is always so positive. I on the other hand had a few trepidations.
    “We could make an appointment to get our hair done and our fingernails and toes before we go . You know make it a girls day out.”
    “Thanks, but the kids have swim team practice and band practice and gymnastics. You go with Bonnie or Joni and have fun.” I sighed sadly.
    “Wait, I know that tone. When was he drunk this time? Oh, don’t answer it, I know already. Honestly, Laurel, I don’t know how you do it? How on God’s green earth do you stay so loyal! I hate seeing you like this!”
    “ I know, I know. You’re a good friend, Kristy. You’re always there for me. I never could hide from you could I? When I look at Paul, I see the man I fell in love with, the man who made me laugh and gave me beautiful children. Everything is so good when he’s healthy, like the way it was when we were in college. God, now I sound like a sappy, maudlin movie. He just loses his way, lets his inner demons take control, and shuts me out. Sometimes there are other forces at work in your life and you aren’t in control. Let’s save that discussion for another time. I don’t think I have the strength to tackle that after my conversation with him on the phone last night.” I sighed heavily.
    “Where is he this week?”
    “Chicago.”
    “O kay, enough talk about addictive husbands. Let’s enjoy this beautiful spring day in May.” Kristy was heading toward the deck in the backyard. “Let’s go see the new pool!” She suggested.
     
    In my whirlwind of swim team, gymnastics and now horse camp the days were a blur. What was that old saying…the days were endless but the months and years flew by. Oh, how true that was. I can’t believe it was the end of June, the kids were out