Getting back to doing this on Fridays…
Not much transpired in the last installment as it was at least 50% description of the building layout. We left off with Vivi and Ivy arriving at Vivi’s apartment, with their brief hopes of a balcony break-in dashed.
Want to catch up? You can do so HERE.
In fact, Sam was shocked when she agreed that everything seemed pretty perfect as it was. He saw how she doted on her nieces and nephews and worried that she would want her own house full of children to boss around (that last part being a direct quote from him of course).
At the end of the day though, Vivi was just too in love with her husband to share him. And she was both honest enough and conceited enough to admit this without a twinge of shame. She couldn’t be bothered with anyone else’s notions about children bringing more love to a marriage or the fact that only a very immature person would consider “sharing” to be a problem (that last part being a direct quote from Mama of course, the old busybody).
But Vivi was a realist as well as a younger sister, and she saw exactly what children brought to a marriage. And no matter how wonderful and magical they were, they did in fact take away from the parts that she liked best.
She liked waking up on the weekend and knowing that she could snuggle up to her husband’s warm body for another hour’s sleep. She liked lingering over breakfast and the morning paper, and then giving him her undivided attention as he told her what he thought about what was going on in the world. And she liked having his undivided attention while she told him that she couldn’t agree more – or explained why he couldn’t be more wrong. She liked dressing up for him and going out to wonderful restaurants. She liked going away for the weekend on a whim. And she liked knowing that she was the center of his universe – because from the first moment she laid eyes on him, he was the center of hers.
Selfish or not, she didn’t want to share their life with anyone else. And if that meant never being a mother, it was a price she was willing to pay. A price taxed with sidelong looks and whispered aspersions – but still worth it to her.
As far as she was concerned, her ostensibly “concerned” friends and family could go stuff it. She would live her life any way she wanted to. And she wanted to live with only Sam.
So no children. And now he was gone.
But she knew in her heart that she made the right decision all those years ago, and would say as much to anyone who ever implied otherwise. They may not have had a lifetime together – but she wouldn’t trade what they did have for an army of children to keep her company now.
Vivi would never be at a loss for company. Frankly – she was just too much fun. And her old friends and new admirers made frequent visits to get their fix – one of the reasons why she always kept the refrigerator stocked with treats.
So her new little friend was quickly tucked into a terry cloth robe and under a cashmere throw, then plied with a plate of petit fours and a steaming cup of hot cocoa. All of which sounded like heaven to the hostess, who joined Ivy on the couch with her own blanket and sweets.
Ivy claimed that her mother would definitely be home to make dinner, so she would try knocking on the balcony door again at five o’clock.
Since they had an hour to kill, Vivi looked for something they could both enjoy on television. The headache made cartoons (which she secretly enjoyed from time to time) impossible, but the afternoon movie just happened to be The Wizard of Oz. This appealed to both parties, and minutes after Glinda gave Dorothy her mission, the two exhausted young and less young ladies fell fast asleep.
Fingers crossed that I’ll be back with more next Friday…
Nooo…having gotten caught up last week, this post seems way too short. I don't know if I can live a week without Vivi and Ivy.
I think this is the beginning of a wonderful friendship. (Oh crap, someone's already taken that line, haven't they ;-)?)
This is great. That's not a throwaway great. I really like this, Kate. I'm looking forward to whatever adventure Vivi will be a part of next. And now I want a cup of hot cocoa….
You're such an entertaining writer, Kate. I hope your weekend is super!
Thanks SO much Kate for transitioning from lurker to commenter–and what a comment it was! you really did give me the best validation ANY bride could ask for, and yes, princess describes exactly how I felt! your daughter clearly knows her stuff–and I imagine she probably gets it from her cool mama :)
p.s. I adore the idea of doing some fiction writing each week. i'm a writer by training and keep meaning to get back to my fiction roots–this type of self-imposed structure is such a great start! go you!
Oh that description of child-free weekends sounds so enticing! I miss those days! Not that I'd change my life for anything – just saying. Sleeping in? traveling on a whim? Not so much anymore! Fabulous story Kate and can't wait to see what happens when they wake up!
Wow, Vivi and I have something in common. I can't see how I could ever share my man either. FOr soem odd reason I never really thought of it that way before.
Wonderful, Kate! Looking forward to next Friday!!
Love this fiction you're writing. Please keep it up and tell us the story. =]
Absolutely lovely. I can't wait for next Friday.
Just had a chance to catch up and am hooked. you're very talented k8 – still not sure where you find the time to write.