On An Awkward and Upsetting Evening

Hey Ragers and Ragettes!!  I have that Friday feeling!!  It’s a bleak, grey day here in St Helens.  But I am not letting the weather get me down.  I am rocking a pair of skinny jeans, a floral tie strap cami and a white cardigan.  My shoes are brown wooden platform and tan leather sandals finished off with my purple and tan Fendi bag.  Fabulous!

Well, yesterday was an interesting day at work.  I finished and went to spinning class.  Brad was instructing the class and there were only 2 people in it.  Me and an old guy.  During the class Brad kept coming over and putting the resistance up on my bike.   So by the end my face was purple and I was seriously wheezing!!  I stumbled off the bike and made my way to the locker room and on the way out Brad said to me, great job in the class Betty!  Rest up tomorrow!  I smiled and said thanks!  I walked to my car feeling proud and drove to Simon’s parent’s as we were going to meet with them for dinner.

I bought from my favourite vintage dress seller 2 dresses, one for me and I found one that Simon’s mum would like.  I smiled as I parked my little convertible thinking that she was going to love the dress that I bought for her.  Simon’s car was in the driveway.

I got out of the car and Simon’s dad was at the door.  He gave me a big cuddle.  I smiled and kissed him on the cheek.  I walked into Simon’s parent’s beautiful house still smiling.  I walked out into the garden and Simon was playing with the dogs adn Simon’s mum was sitting at the table and drinking a glass of wine.

Beeettttttyyyyy!!  She slurred.  Simon looked at me with a look of horror, shame and embarrassment. 

She stumbled over to me and gave me a huge hug.  I put my smile back on and presented her with the dress.

Ooooooooo!!!  I looove it Beeetttyyyy, my beautiful girl!  She gave me a sloppy kiss on my cheek.  Drink, my darling?  She asked.

I looked at Simon....I have never seen him look like this before.  The look was a cross between sadness, fear and pure hate.

I looked at his mum with my same smile and said, no thank you.  Could I have some water please?

Are you sure you don’t want a drinkie? She asked.

No I am sure.  She stumbled off to the kitchen and Simon’s dad came over and sat down with us.  He had a few to drink too but he wasn’t as paralytic as Simon’s mum.  Simon and his dad started talking business.

We were discussing our French/Peruvian customer.  We discussed how we did well and that we have a customer on board in Cyprus.  His mum came back with a new glass of wine for her and a glass of sparkling water with some lime for me.  As we chatted him mum would butt in and interrupt by talking to me. 

Ohhh Betty!  I got my nails done.  I could smell the alcohol on her breath.  I wanted the same colour as you but I didn’t think that you wanted me to copy yours.  Mine is called plum sorbet. 

Lovely, mum I said.  She put her arm around me and held my hand.  You’re my gorgeous girl Betty.  I love you. 

Then the conversation started to get heated.  Simon’s dad was saying that he wanted to take the task of scanning the Royal Mail shipments off of Simon because he thinks that he can do it as he works, which made sense to me.  Simon said that it was ok he could handle it as he uses that time to think.  But his dad kept pushing.  And pushing.  His mum got up and went for yet another glass of wine.  Then the conversation went to my job and my role.  The argument went heated. 

I did the one thing that I could do to not make the awkwardness stick.  I messaged Suzanne.  “Simon and his dad having an argument his mum is pissed drunk....awkward!!!”

Suzanne messaged back instantly, “Oh wow...you don’t wanna be in the middle.  Suggest you might have left your straightener on this morning?.....”

Just as I was going to mention that, Simon’s mum stumbled, and I mean stumbled back and said,  I want to be paid.  I think that £50 a week so that your dad and I can go out for a meal and some drinks would be ok.

Simon saw red.  He had an agreement with his parents that he wouldn’t pay them for tax purposes.  He does take care of them.  He bought them a Range Rover, he pays for holidays and the dogs’ medical bills. They both agreed this.  His mum quit her job to help him and got a massive pension.  His parents are more than ok for money.  They live in a 5 bedroom detached house! 

Simon exploded and I froze.

Ragers and Ragettes.  Over 10 year ago, I was in a relationship that was not just bad, it was a nightmare.  This ex used to beat me.  He put cigarettes out on my body, he beat me with belts, his fists, he kicked me, spat on me, and humiliated me.  When he would raise his voice or his temper would flare, I would instinctively get smaller to try and shield my body from the blows.  The scars that are on my hips, legs, and back are testament to what he did to me.

So when Simon slammed his fist on the table, I gripped his mum’s hand tighter, closed my eyes and each time Simon’s hand hit the table, I could feel the blows rain down on my body from my ex.  Simon started shouting my breathing sped up.  I felt my throat closing up.  Please don’t hit me went through my head. 

Let’s get something straight, Ragers and Ragettes.  Simon would categorically never, ever lay a hand on me.  Ever.  He wouldn’t verbally abuse me or assault me in anyway.  Simon has been the perfect gentleman.  A loving, good man.

But that thought just went through my head.  Simon’s mum started to cry.  I still didn’t know what to do.  Simon’s dad and Simon kept arguing and I felt so small, so scared, so helpless.  Simon’s mum got up to check on the dinner and I messaged Suzanne in a panic telling her what I was feeling. Suzanne then got panicked too.  I just wanted to get up and leave. 

When Simon’s mum got back, the mood changed.  She had refilled her glass yet again and slurred, Betty I got my nails painted...I wanted the colour that you have on but I got this one...it’s called...erm....

Plum Sorbet, I finished for her. 

Simon’s dad served up a lovely dish of meat kebabs and rice.  Nice and healthy. 

Simon’s mum said, Betty, we know that you are trying to be healthy so we made this for you.  And some fruit.  His mum then looked at me and said, oh you are losing weight.  I can tell here....she grabbed my breasts then slid her hands down to under them.  As I was in my workout gear I was wearing a sports bra and a lycra vest top. 

I was mortified.  Simon’s eyes brimmed with tears.  We continued to eat and Simon’s dad brought out dessert, some fresh fruit and I made a fuss over it, trying to neutralise the atmosphere. 

We finished dessert and Simon got up.  Come on, Betty, we best be going he said.

We started to walk out to the car and Simon’s mum grabbed me and said oh when you lose weight we are going to go shopping and for cocktails.  I smiled and said, yes mum.  We will have a lovely time. 

We got to my car and Simon’s mum grabbed Simon and kissed his head and said, my beautiful boy!!  She then grabbed me and kissed me on the cheek and said, my beautiful girl!! 

Simon’s dad gave me a hug and we finally got away.

On the way back to our home, we were silent the whole way.  Tears started to stream down Simon’s face.  I didn’t know what to say so I said timidly, Babe, if you want to talk about it, I am here for you.

He looked at me and said, thank you, my angel.

We got into the flat and he burst into tears.  I wrapped my arms around him and held him.  I soothed him the best I could.  He just cried.  I quickly messaged Suzanne and told her that I was ok and that Simon needed me.   He calmed down and put his Playstation on.

I went and got a shower.  I wanted to wash the night off of me.  I burst into tears.  I cried for Simon.  I cried out of sheer humiliation.  I cried because I didn’t want to remember those painful times that happened 10 years ago. 

I washed my face and tried to compose myself.

I got out of the shower, got into my pajamas and sat on the settee next to Simon.  He wrapped his arms around me and I rested my head on his chest.  We watched some TV and had an early night.

I tried to instigate sex but he stopped me.  He looked at me and said, Betty, hold me.  So I did.  All night.

Ragers and Ragettes.  I don’t know what I can possibly say.  Simon is so strong.  He’s my hero.  He can fix everything.  How do I fix his situation?  What do I do?

Having been with 1 alcoholic, previously I know what can happen but this is different.  It’s Simon’s parents.  This is hell on earth.  It’s hard to stay strong when you feel so helpless and to see the man I love reduced to tears by the people that are supposed to make him feel safe and loved.

Sigh, so today I am trying to get back to normalcy.  Simon looks like his happy normal self.  This is a problem that won’t go away.  It’s going to be a case of damage limitation going forward.

So I look forward to the weekend, God it has been a long week! 

Have a safe and great weekend Ragers and Ragettes!

Lots of Love,

The Fabulous Betty Rage xxxxxxxxxxxxxx