Fighting my way out of the dark Part 5

[Holding]

How about a recording app for your phone while waiting for the VAR? Just in case..

I've got that too. I just need to remember to use it in the heat of the moment. The challenge is to activate it without being seen. She's already questioned me before about if I was recording her (when I wasn't). Makes me wonder if she's been recording me. I assume that she is.

Just a general update on my sitch: Last night the handoff for Halloween was complicated. It was raining and STBXW's plans with her family were delayed. I was flexible and pushed back my pickup time by an hour and a half to give them time once the rain stopped. By the time I wanted to pick up S10 from her, they were out in the neighborhood and she had conveniently left her phone at SIL's house "to charge". Fortunately SIL had her own phone on her, so I was able to coordinate with her. S14 decided to stay with them and not come with me and S10. But S10 and I had a good time back in our neighborhood, though it was late. I hope the rest of my life won't be like this, with antagonistic handoffs

Afterwards, STBXW came back to the house with S14 and MIL. (STBXW's knee surgery is today, so MIL is staying here to help her with recovery.) When MIL walked in, I could feel the tension - she did not hug or kiss me hello like she's always done. I still smiled and said hello. (Sandi, I'm trying to be the Fonz.)

Last night I overheard them talking and it sounded like MIL is supporting STBXW in not paying the late fees on the bills. I told her I'm still not paying half of them. It will cost me about $75, and I realize it isn't that much to keep the peace, but I'd feel like such a pushover for allowing it. So I guess this is a bluff I'm just gonna have to call. Gonna be a rough month. Still, I'll continue to pay my bills as I'm supposed to. For the bills that have my name on them, I might make a supplemental payment to get to the full amount, and then I'll just add half that into the imaginary column of money she owes me in the D settlement.

This morning I told MIL good morning, though it felt awkward. STBXW was in a rotten mood toward me. Getting the kids ready for school in the morning seems to be a competition between us now. I'll admit, it's nice in a way to see her caring for them (something she's never really done), but it feels like a slap in the face that she's doing it now, after SO MANY YEARS of not doing it (role reversal, anyone?).

I told her good luck on her operation when I left the house. She dryly said thanks.