WAW - Very confused and devastated - pt 9

[confusedinpa]

I thought the nite out was going to be a complete bomb as the club I was suppose to meet my buddy at was closed. We wound up going to a local bar - ironically, the one that I met my wife in almost 12 years ago.

I told my buddy as we walked in. He just shook his head.

The place was pretty good, although it made us both feel very old as most of the people there were in the EARLY 20's (some I could have sworn were fake ID's). No biggie. The beer was cold and the wings were good. We talked about my relationship a little, but chatted about other things as well (racing, girls in the bar, etc.) It was a good time. When it got to midnite, decided to call it a nite.

My 7 year old called this morning at 9 we chatted for a while before he asked what time I wanted to meet to go bowling. I said I was good for any time. Then I heard my wife say something to him and he said the they were going to a store to pick up a desk first then could head out. Then he said he had an idea and asked me to hold on. I heard him ask my wife if I should go with them to help carry the desk. I didn't hear her answer but he got back on the phone a little sad and just said "Oh, never mind". I told him I know what his idea was and it was a good idea. He was still sad and didn't say anything.

Then my 3 year old got on the phone and chatted for a bit. Then my wife got on the phone and said that she will call me when she's coming back from the store so we can meet up at her apartment. I told her that I'll just pull up and I'll call so they can come down.

I got there and my boys were outside of the building. They came running when they saw my truck pull in. I thought they were going to run into the parking lot, but both stayed on the sidewalk. I got out and told them that I was really glad to see them as well as how great it was that they knew not to run into the parking lot.

My wife came out and I put on a big smile and positive attitude as I said good morning. She brought waters for us to drink and juice for the boys as we drove to the bowling alley.

As we drove, she started complaining about how her computer broke after owning it for just over 30 days (she bought it 2 days after she moved out). I just acknowleded and validated how frustrated she was. Then she shifted about how she needs to lose 5 lbs this week as she's getting really frustrated that none of her clothes fit her. I used Sandi's suggestion and gave her a big smile as I said - "I think you look really sexy in that outfit". She didn't say anyting in response, but at least she stopped complaining.

I did tell her that I was thinking about taking the boys next Friday nite to see Night at the Museum 2 - (my 3 year old loved the first one as he seen it so many times, he knows EVERY single word, literally every single word and line). She said her and the boys had just talked about going to a local theatre that we normally go to for weekend matinee's (it's a nice, kid friendly place that's very cheap, but they don't get movies until about 4-6 weeks after they come out). I just said ok, I'll just wait then (not sure if I'm going to be invited or not, but figure I'll just play it by ear).

Then the boys started talking to us about stuff as we drove. I did wind up asking her if she had any plans for lunch. She said she didnt and I told her I had a craving for a place that we had taken the boys to a while back that was a lot of fun. She said that sounded like a good idea.

We had a good time bowling. She wasn't doing very well so when it was my turn, I joked, you have to wiggle before you start, that's the trick to getting a strike. Of course, when I did it, it threw off my entire approach as I stepped over the line and slipped. She and the boys really had a good time laughing about it. I just smiled as I got up, particularly as the ball rolled into the gutter. I said ok, maybe not quite like that.

When she got up, she was still laughing and turned to me as she wiggled and asked with a smile "Like this?". She did better, no gutter ball nor slipping. I just smiled and gave her a high five.

Then my 7 year old started to do the wiggle as well. My 3 year old tried it, but wound up with similar results as me (no gutter ball as the bumpers were up), but he stepped over the line and slipped as well. Ouch. When it happended a second time with my 3 year old, he started crying about how he wanted to stop and just go home. My wife and I comforted him for a bit. I helped him bowl his next turn and then he was back in the groove (he actually broke 100 in his second game).
We bowled for about 1.5 hours (just 2 games) and we all laughed and high fived and joked around. At one point she was sitting next to me. I found that I had my hand on her back. I pulled it away. Another time, she was sitting one seat away from me when I turned to talk to her, she moved into the seat next to me, even though my arm was around that back of that chair. She even leaned back so my arm wound up resting on her back. I didn't move it that time.

As I drove to lunch, I told her that I think I'll take them bowling next Sat since my 7 year old can't do Dodgeball like he normally does at the YMCA on Sat. She said that I can let her know when we go, but most likely won't come. I just said, ok, it's up to you. I shifted topics quickly and we continued with a good time with the 4 of us at lunch. After lunch, as we drove home, my 7 year old asked if he could go home (my place) to play video games as my 3 year old took his nap. My wife said that perhaps he could ride his scooter (her place) while his brother napped. He seemed sad when he said ok. I told him that we will definitely play video games next weekend.

As we drove, my wife asked if I would be ok if they went home and I could just call her when it was time to pick them up. I said absolutely, I would love to spend the afternoon with them.

We played video games as my 3 year old napped. I told him that I was really glad when he asked mommy about going bowling together. He said that when he asked, mommy asked him if it was daddy's idea or his. He told her that it was his. I told him that it was a great idea and I was glad he came up with it. When my 3 year old was done with his nap, the 3 of us played outside.

At six I had my 7 year old call her, not that I wanted her to pick them up, but realized that it was getting close to dinner time, so I didn't want her to think I was trying to screw her out her time with the boys. The first thing my 7 year old said was it if was ok to stay at home tonite (ACK I thought). He then turned to me and said mommy said if it was ok with me. I said "Absolutely yes!".

Then I got on the phone with her and said that I would need his book bag and my 3 year old's nap stuff to take in with them tomorrow. She said that I could pick up the stuff from her place and suggested that a place to take them for dinner that she knows the boys enjoy. I asked if she wanted to join us and she said that she was just going have a salad as she really needs to lose weight. I told her that I thought she looked really sexy today, but if she wanted to join us, they would/should have salad there as well. She started talking about eating light and losing weight again. I took the hint that she didn't want to come so I just said ok, if that's what she wanted to do.

She then started to complain about how she's going to have to send in her laptop to get fixed and she was going to be without a computer for 3 weeks and blah, blah, blah. I acknowledged and validated her frustration and then said that I had to get going as it was late so I had to work out what to do about dinner.

The boys and I had dinner at home as they wanted to play outside some more. I then decided to take our Camaro Iroc Convertible to pick up the stuff from her apartment (I only put about 1000 miles on it a year). The boys were really excited to ride in it.

When we got to her place and picked up the stuff, my 7 year old gave my wife a hard time to finishing last in bowling, even my 3 year old beat her. She said that she is going to practice so she'll be ready for next time. Then the boys asked for hugs and kisses. Then my 3 year old asked for a high five as did my 7 year old. As she walked by me and said goodbye, I just said where's my high five with a smile. She smiled and gave me a high five.

The boys did a great job getting ready for bed and as I tucked them in, I told them that I had a great time today and told my 7 year old that he had a great idea and thanked him.

It was a great surprise to have the boys again. I'm a little surprised that my wife was so apt to give up another nite with the boys. Before everyone jumps in as to why she's giving up a couple of nites with the boys, NO - I still do not believe there is someone else, although I can not be 100% certain, I am pretty confident.