Tim, the big day.

Within a month Gwen was pregnant and both she and Tim were as excited as any couple could be. Gwen had taken maternity leave for the last few remaining months and Tim was going to take paternity leave as soon as the baby was born. “Battle of the bands” had already found a replacement for him and everything was neatly planned out.

 Tim and Gwen were having the time of their lives. Gwen loved being pregnant and Tim ensured her that she was even more radiant than ever. They cherished every kick, every hiccup, and everyday that brought them closer to becoming parents. Tim worked on the nursery and Gwen read every baby book she could get her hands on.

The big day had finally come. Gwen was in terrible agony and it seemed as though all the joy had gone out of the experience once the pain started. Tim didn’t know what to do. He didn’t expect her to be so angry with him but he endured every bit of the labor induced wrath meant for him. At one point he found himself apologizing for ever laying a hand on her which ultimately put her in this situation. He said whatever would make her calm and did whatever she asked of him. He hated seeing her like this but did the best he could to get her through it.  

After many hours of labor their baby girl was finally born. They gave her the name Shannon Davis. She seemed to have the same dark hair and eyes as her mother but the real question was, whose facial features would she inherit?

Tim was a doting father and was there whenever she made the slightest sound. He was always holding her, rocking her and talking to her. He was so grateful to be a stay at home dad and loved every minute of it.

 

 

Once Shannon was born Gwen and Tim decided they needed a larger house. They found a beautiful home with a small guest house for Tim’s music room. He also would retreat there to paint his masterpieces. The house was significantly larger and had a pond which was Gwen’s favorite feature.

 

Of course Shannon slept much of the time so Tim spent his time painting again. He had focused so much on his music that his paint easel hadn’t seen much activity. Tim utilized his music room every day, sometimes to paint and other times to practice his music. 

 

Most evenings when Shannon was asleep Gwen would wander in and listen to Tim’s beautiful melodies. She loved spending time with him especially after a long day at work. His music soothed her weary mind and she found that listening put her in a wonderful place.

 

Before long Shannon was a toddler and life was flying by. It seemed as though Shannon would take after Gwen in all of her facial features. They had the same mouth, nose and eyes. Her skin tone was slightly lighter but you could say that she was a carbon copy of her mother.

 

Tim couldn’t have been happier. He had always thought of Gwen as the loveliest girl he had ever seen from the first day he met her. Now his daughter would be as beautiful she was.

 

It was about this time when Monica finally called Gwen for advice. She told her all that was going on and the troubles she and Anthony were facing. Gwen immediately told Tim about Monica’s desperate call and his brother’s behaviors. Gwen reassured Monica that Tim would talk to Anthony and try to help him realize the seriousness of the situation. Tim called Anthony and invited him over the very next day.

 

Tim was glad to see his brother. Life had been so hectic lately and Anthony always seemed to be too busy for bbq’s and family get togethers. It was a wonder how Tim was able to get him to come over so soon.

Of course Anthony had to initiate the obligatory U-punch me game which Tim had always hated, but always put up with. He didn’t mind a few punches in return for his brother making the visit.

 

When Gwen had come home from work she was so thrilled that Anthony was actually there that she gave him a big hug. She was quite confident that Tim would be able to talk with him about his marriage and perhaps help them him and Monica. After some small talk Tim invited Anthony to the living room to chat.

“Anthony, I asked you over to talk to you about something quite serious. Monica called Gwen very desperate for advice.” Tim began in a concerned voice in which Anthony wasn’t used to.

“What about?” Anthony answered in a very sincere unaware tone.

“Your marriage Anthony, how can you not know that there is something wrong?”

“Monica has never mentioned being unhappy.”

“Isn’t it evident? She says you are never home, so maybe you not being there is the reason you haven’t noticed.” Tim pleaded.

“I know I am gone a lot but she and the kids have everything they could want.”

“Except you Anthony. When was the last time you took Monica out? Or read a book to the kids? Life isn’t all about work, especially if you have a family.”

“Oh come on Tim! You don’t even need to work! Gwen makes enough so that you can be home with Shannon. Do you know how hard I have to work to support Monica and the kids as well as I do?”

“Yes, and I can understand the pressure you are under, but if you don’t fix your relationship with Monica you will lose her.”

“It’s not that bad.” He answered with a careless wave of the hand.

“Well, while you are playing golf, she is at home by herself so miserable that she is weighing her options.”

After a few seconds of silence Anthony blurted out his true feelings.

“I just didn’t think that she and I would ever run out of things to talk about. I come home and it is always the same stuff. How the potty training is going, Joseph’s new tooth, the bill for the repairman.” He said firmly.

“That is her life, and your family’s life. You should be interested in all that.”

“I want more Tim!” He yelled as he stormed out of the room, and left hastily.