Gary and Libby; Take Two

“Do you think he’ll like it?” “Im sure he’ll love it Gary.” I reassure for the umpteenth time since half past 6 this morning as we sit cross legged in the lounge staring at the box of a childs play car set, complete, of course, with a firenegine with working lights and a siren that i am sure will make us both regret buying such a toy for a three year old very quickly. “You know what hes like though, he’ll be bored within five minutes. Dont be disheartened when he toddles off will you?”  I mumble, hauling myself onto my feet, limbs stiff from pregnancy, yet worsened by being prematurely dragged out of bed to set up Ethans presents. Gary scrambles to his feet quickly to help me, one arm around my waist as if he were assaisting an elderly woman across a busy road. I roll my eyes. “Im not an invalid you know?” Im presented with his shy smile, sleep mused and ungelled strands of hair flop over his forehead. “You know i worry.” “Hmm.” I agree, slipping free from the protective ho...

"And he just stopped calling so frequently when he was away, and-and i thought it was odd- well, i suppose i knew really, i always had an inkling, you know!?" I nod, smiling as politely as i can muster at nine forty-five on a Monday morning, having been up since four with a teething toddler and only one mug of coffee since. I fight back a yawn, as Mrs Watts unloads the burdens of a collapsing marriage behind a handful of Kleenex, dabbing appropriately at her streaking mascara. Mrs Watts sniffles, pulling the tissues from in front of her mouth, only to wave it in the air instead. "Im so sorry; im being silly i know.. Its just- it came as such a shock; i just didn't expect to find the two of them together like that! And to think; in our bed as well!" And then shes nose deep in the tissues once more, wailing silently, head in her hands. I wait a couple of moments before i clear my throat. "Mrs Watts?" I urge quietly, feeling awful but conscience of thi...