Seven months later, guests were still streaming in to see their child. The last seven months had been so chaotic, with tears of joy, exhaustion, and more chaos, that it was sometimes hard to remember their lies before the child. The visitors that evening were a couple they had known for a few years. The guy was Jack’s college friend.
Jack’s friends and his fiancé checked out something on his phone and then turned to Jack and Amber.
“Do you guys have a Valentine’s plan this year?”
“When is Valentine’s?” Jack asked. They all laughed.
“You clearly have none. I didn’t know you’re part of the group that doesn’t celebrate the day,” said the friend.
“Romance was something I knew in another life,” muttered Jack.
He was barely audible, but his friend heard him and sensed there was more to the comment. As Amber and the friend’s wife talked, the friend asked for Jack’s help with something outside.
“Where are we going to?” Jack asked his friend.
“Nowhere. You look like you need a drive or something,” he replied.
“Man! I love my child, but I hope you’re not planning on having children any time soon,” Jack said. It looked like he needed someone to vent to.
“Why do you say that?” Asked his friend.
“Amber and I were inseparable. I had the perfect marriage, but now it feels like living with a roommate I don’t like,” said Jack.
“Are you guys arguing? Sex?” Asked the friend.
“Sex?” Jack laughed uncontrollably.
The friend looked sorry for asking.
“That’s big stuff. We barely talk to each other if it’s not about diaper duty, baby supplies, family coming and household responsibilities. Even then, it’s a good day if we don’t yell at each other about any of those things,” said Jack.
“I didn’t know it was that bad. I’m sorry,” said his friend.
“I’m so tired. I want my wife back,” said Jack.
Meanwhile, inside the house, Amber was also talking to the fiancé. The baby had finally slept, and Amber went to the kitchen to prepare dinner.
“Come, let me help you. Take a break,” said Jack’s friend’s fiancé.
“Force of habit. I have to take advantage of the baby sleeping to do the rest of the chores,” said Amber.
“That must be exhausting,” she replied.
“You have no idea. Meanwhile, Jack gets to sleep, interacts with other adults, and goes on with his life like nothing has changed,” said Amber.
“Doesn’t he help with the household chores?” The fiancé asked.
Amber paused to answer that question. She had opened her mouth but had a change of thought mid-sentence.
“Actually, now that you mention it, he does help, but he first asks me a million questions, which makes it feel like I still did the chore.”
“Have you talked to him about it?” She asked Amber.
“All we do is fight. I am avoiding conversations that might lead to arguments,” said Amber.
“Obviously, I don’t know how having a child affects a couple because I’m not there yet, but maybe try telling him how you feel. You guys were such a happy couple. I’m sure it’s still inside there somewhere,” she said.
They went on to have a wonderful conversation as the fiancé helped Amber cook and tidy up the kitchen. When Jack and his friend got back, they found them laughing.
“I haven’t heard that sound in this house in a long time,” said Jack with a smile, showing nostalgia.
His friend’s fiance rubbed his arm, acknowledging his situation. The couple visiting asked to leave shortly after. On their way out, they shared a Valentine’s Day event link and asked Jack and Amber to think about it.
With the child asleep and no chores needing immediate attention, Jack and Amber sat in awkward silence.
“That was nice,” said Jack eventually.
“I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t tired,” said Amber.
“Are you saying I don’t help you?” Asked Jack defensively.
“You ask me what to do and how to do it, and there are a bunch of other questions while doing it. I might as well do it myself,” said Amber.
“Give me an example,” said Jack.
“I ask you to take out the trash, but I still have to remind you to do it because you often miss the garbage collection day. I also have to give you step-by-step instructions about feeding the child and such,” said Amber bitterly.
“I don’t remember the garbage day. You also know more about the child than I do,” said Jack.
“How do I remember? I use a reminder. Jack, I have also learned how to care for this child. I wasn’t born with that knowledge. I try different approaches to see what works,” said Amber.
“I miss us so much, Amber. We’re always fighting, or you’re too tired,” said Jack.
“How would I not be exhausted after all I have to do in a day around here?” Asked Amber.
“I asked you if we should get help,” said Jack.
“I’m already taking a break from work. How would it look if I had house help?” Amber asked him.
Jack went closer to her and hugged her. “Anything to bring back happiness to this house,” said Jack.
They fell asleep trying to watch a movie and were awakened by their wailing child.
“I’ve got it,” said Jack.
Amber went to the kitchen to warm the food.
“I said, I got it,” said Jack.
“I know. It’s just faster if you do one thing and I do the other. Want to feed him?” Amber asked Jack.
Later, as they went to bed, Jack asked Amber whether she wanted to make Valentine’s plans.
They looked at the event link their friends had sent.
“A movie under the stars sounds like a good idea,” said Amber.
“In that case, will you be my Valentine?” Jack asked, mimicking a marriage proposal.
Amber blushed, and they teased each other. Jack leaned in to kiss Amber. It got heated for a moment, but Amber pulled back.
“What’s wrong?” Jack asked her.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin the moment,” said Amber.
“Please talk to me,” said Jack as he held her closer.
“I don’t know if this makes sense, but it doesn’t feel like my body. I feel like a cow whose only purpose is to provide milk,” said Amber.
“Then you’re my cow,” said Jack.
Amber turned to look at him, and they laughed.
“It sounded more romantic in my head,” said Jack.
“Did it?” Amber teased him.
“We’ll figure it out a step at a time,” Jack told Amber as they snuggled.
The following day, Amber embarked on finding help with the house chores. They were able to find help just in time to attend to their Valentine’s plan. Although Amber slept through the movie, Jack was glad she did it with a smile. They finally found a way back to each other.
Here are more stories for you to check out
Valentine’s Day Unveils Their Clashing Love Languages—Do You Really Love Me?
Valentine’s Dinner Surprise: Your Betrayal Is Served!
I Found Out He Was Cheating On Me On Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day Redemption: The One Where A New Love Crept Up On Her
Her Friends’ Valentine’s Day Was Ruined By Mind Reading Games
She Was Tired Of Being A Single Parent – One Day Things Boiled Over And She Told Off Her Husband
They Showed A United Front To The Public But Behind Closed Doors, Their Marriage Was Falling Apart
