More trouble for Anthony

After some time had past, Anthony was really enjoying his position as chef and manager of Ye Olde Tea Shoppe. He had more time to spend with his family and even some spare time for himself to enjoy his hobbies. His marriage was on the mend and he was feeling like Monica might be feeling better as well. He never realized before they were married what an incredibly moody and easily depressed person she could be.

 

She would cry at the simple things most people would laugh at. With more time on his hands, Anthony tried to teach her to cook since he knew that this inability was a sore spot in her life, especially since Anthony was renowned chef. Unfortunately the lessons did not help and Monica felt she would never be complete as a mom and wife if she didn’t know how to cook properly. Anthony couldn’t understand why she burnt everything she touched.

 

 

 

Monica always seemed to be at her worst when she was pregnant which was quite often during the course of their short marriage. While pregnant with her third child, Monica was at her most vulnerable. One afternoon a visitor came to the door unexpectedly. Unfortunately Monica was in her last month of pregnancy and so miserable that she didn’t even bother to get dressed for the day. The visitor was Rachel, Anthony’s ex-girlfriend who had helped him get the position at the Tea Shoppe. She had been stopping by quite a bit while Anthony worked and always seemed to be around when he would be leaving for the day just so to catch him for conversation on his way to his car. She worked next door so it was quite convenient for her to always be “bumping into him”.

 

Of course Anthony invited her in while she forced a hug. He was extremely grateful to her for helping him get the new job so he obliged. Regrettably Monica just happened to be walking down the hall at this moment after being up to her elbows in dirty diapers from the twins. Needless to say she was not in the best of moods.

Standing there in her pajamas feeling insecure and quite annoyed that Anthony would let this person who she hardly knew into the house, she tried to be as hospitable as she could be. Anthony offered to take Joseph and lay him down for a nap as he could see the look on Monica’s face wasn’t too favorable at the moment. Monica invited Rachel into the kitchen to have a seat. While they waited for Anthony, Monica tried to make pleasant small talk. She also wanted to know who exactly this person was as she had seen her another time with her arms around her husband.

 

“So Rachel, do you live nearby?”

“Yes, my husband and I live about 3 blocks away.” Rachel said sweetly, hoping for Anthony’s quick return.

“It’s a wonderful neighborhood isn’t it?” Monica said happily as she thought to herself that “at least she has a husband.”

“I work at the restaurant next door to Anthony and I must say that he is an amazing chef.” She added with a smile.

“Oh is that where you know him from?” Monica asked, grateful that she didn’t have to be too direct.

“Oh no. Anthony and I have known each other for years, since high school actually.” And with an impish grin added, “He was my first boyfriend.”

Monica stiffened as she heard this last bit of information that Anthony neglected to tell her. In her hormonal state she could feel the heat rising in her face. Instant jealousy was the emotion she felt.

“Oh, really? How cute.” Without much else to say she only smiled and forced a giggle.

At this point Anthony returned to find Monica glaring at him. She immediately got up from the table to speak with him even though they were still within earshot.

 

 

“First girlfriend huh? How come you never mentioned this before?”

“Honey, it’s no big deal. It was a long time ago. Can we talk about this later?” He whispered, trying to hush their voices.

While they argued in loud whispers Rachel just sat at the table and wished that someday Anthony would come to his senses and leave his crazy wife. Then it would be simple to rekindle the flame they once had and perhaps marry.

 

When Monica was finished with Anthony she left the room and ran to her room once again in tears. Anthony wanted to follow her but realized Rachel had been sitting in the kitchen listening to the whole argument. He couldn’t help but be annoyed with her since she knew very well that Monica could get very emotional at the drop of a hat.

 

“Rachel why on earth would you tell Monica that we dated?” He asked her with an exasperated tone.

“I didn’t think she would get so upset? Anthony, I hate to say it but you have big problems. She is pretty unstable.” She answered with a look of concern.

“She’s nine months pregnant! How do you expect her to be? I need to be with her so I have to ask you to go.” He said as he hurried her to the door. “Thanks for stopping by.”

“Will I see you tomorrow? If you need to talk we can meet for lunch.” She said quickly before he closed the door.

“I don’t think so, I am going to be pretty busy.” He answered knowing full well what she was up to.