"So," Chad said, staring around the living room, "how are you?"
I looked around the room, seeing what he saw. Piles of books lined the floor by the couch. More books were visible stacked in my bedroom - on the bed, on the nightstand, on the floor. I sat on the couch in light weight cargo pants and a tank. The kitchen sink was piled with dishes. The kids sat among their own piles of books.
"Fine. Why?"
He raised his eyebrows and walked into the kitchen, loading the dishwasher.
"You don't have to do that," I called to him.
"It's driving me crazy."
"It's not your house," I reminded him gently.
"I know." He continued to empty the sink into the dishwasher. Feeling guilty I stood up and walked into the kitchen, putting away the mason jars of dried fruit the kids and I had been snacking on.
"Take twenty out of my wallet and order pizza for you and the kids," Chad said, as he lined up the glasses in the top rack.
"It's fine. We're having a smorgasbord tonight."
"Right."
"It's too hot to cook," I said.
"How many have you read?"
I glanced away, guilty. "Fifteen."
"How long?"
"A week or so," I confessed.
"And before that?"
"Maybe ten," I mumbled, noticing the pink polish on my right big toe nail needed a touch up.
"You okay?"
I nodded.
He sighed.
"You don't have to take care of me," I said gently. "That's not your job anymore. I can take care of myself just fine."
"I know."
"The kids are fine."
He nodded.
"Thanks for stopping by though."
"Yeah." I knew he wanted to say more. Even after a year apart, he still knows me and what makes me tick. And he knows when my house is filled with books, when I start chain reading, picking up one book as soon as I finish another, I'm stressed beyond my ability to cope.
Some people drink.
Some people run.
Some people smoke.
I read.
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11 hours ago
10 comments:
It's not the worst vice I've ever heard of, but I wish you weren't feeling the need to employ it. xo
I'm with Angela. Though, I can understand losing yourself in a story when the world burns. At least you're passing on your love of books to your kids. I'd say that's a strong positive. :>
To escape into a book, heaven. May you find serenity any where you need to! And if its through drinking wine, pour me a glass, I'm on my way.
It is amazing how quickly something that is good for us and turn into something that is not good for us. May reading soon be only something you do for enjoyment.
Mandy, it's been forever since I visited your blog. I love your writing. You are such a storyteller! Even with the ordinary. Take lots of breaths and play and be silly with your kids. Loads of hugs, kisses and cuddles from the kids help too. Reminds you of what makes sense. Love you!
Thanks, my friend.
You get it. Completely.
At some point, we'll meet, drink wine, and be merry. Eating something yummy may also be on the list.
That's a great spin to put on it.
Not the worst, but certainly the most educational. :)
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